Part 1

The same day, after all the classes had ended

Chabashira instructed the class to send the commander, whoever that may be, out into the hallway as soon as possible and left the classroom.

Hirata was the first person to stand up from their seat.

Erm The events Well be discuss-

One of the girls, Nishimura, hurriedly tried to call out to him.

However, her words didnt seem to get through, as he just quietly left the classroom.

Hirata-kun

Nishimura and many other students were taken back by the intense dejected atmosphere surrounding Hirata.

The only exception to this was Kenji, who was casually looking at his phone as if he hadnt noticed anything at all.

Im going to the bathroom for a bit. Ill be right back!

The one to say this was none other than Mei-Yu Wang, a student that everyone called Mii-chan.

Although she said she was going to the bathroom, she had probably gone to chase after Hirata instead.

Since hes not being useful, I guess Ill have to do it after all.

Horikita took the initiative and began preparing to go up the teachers podium.

Sorry, but Ill leave this to you. I have my duties as the commander to deal with.

Yeah. Head to the multipurpose room to decide which class were going up against. If youre given the choice, choose Class D.

I know. Just dont expect too much out of me.

I got up from my seat and left the classroom.

As the one who had taken on the responsibilities of the commander, I walked out into the hallway.

So its you this time, Ayanokji. Who on earth is the commander?

With an exasperated sigh, Chabashira looked in the direction Hirata and Mii-chan had gone off to.

Its me. Im the commander.

Oh?

Together, the two of us headed off to the special building.

Isnt the special building a bit far when were just selecting our opponents?

Well also be going over the details on how youll be managing things on the day of the exam.

There was barely anybody around as we arrived at the special building, so the sound of our footsteps was notably louder than usual.

You went through so much to get your hands on a protection point, only to be forced to become the commander. How unlucky.

I wasnt forced. I volunteered for the position myself.

Chahashira stopped walking for a moment.

You did?

Is there something wrong with that?

I thought you hated attracting unnecessary attention?

Chabashira questioned.

The only difference was whether or not they forced me into it.

I see. Youre saying that in either case, you werent in much of a position where you could turn it down.

At the end of the day, the students who had won a protection point were much more likely to become the commander.

If they refused, they would be only one safe from expulsion.

In which case, would they choose to be pushed off a cliff? Or would they choose to jump off on their own terms instead?

Whatever happened aside, by becoming the commander, youve taken on a huge responsibility. If you cut any corners, Class C will be the one to pay the price.

Since there was nobody around to hear her, Chabashira spoke boldly.

Are you threatening me?

As I turned to face her, she let show a slight grin.

Youre free to think whatever you want. However, Ill definitely be looking forward to it, Ayanokji. Because now, after everything thats happened, Ill finally be able to see what youre really made of.

Her heart set on reaching Class A, Chabashira seemed like she had great expectations of me moving forward.

Theres no guarantee Ill win.

Is that so? Sorry, but I, for one, cant possibly imagine that youd lose.

After that, the two of us didnt say very much else as we made our way to the multipurpose room.