Chapter 4: Introduction
Ding-Dong-Ding-Dong.
The school bell rang, signaling the start of homeroom.
The door slid open, and a woman dressed in a sharp suit walked in. She had long, jet-black hair tied back in a ponytail and an air of strict professionalism.
She placed her hands on the podium and scanned the room with sharp eyes.
"My name is Sae Chabashira. I am the homeroom teacher of Class D, and I teach Japanese History. I look forward to working with you for the next three years."
The woman's words were concise, just like her personality.
Chabashira scanned the students below the podium, her expression unreadable. She spoke in a serious tone:
"Next, I will explain the school's system. Please listen carefully."
Hearing the shift in her voice, the students, who had been whispering among themselves, quieted down. They stared at the woman with curious eyes.
"This school operates on the S-System. Your student ID cards contain Personal Points, which can be used for all expenses on campus. One point is equivalent to one Yen."
"Points?"
The students were taken aback. They quickly pulled out their phones and ID terminals to check their balances.
"Whoa..."
"Is this real?"
Seeing the string of numbers on their screens, the students gasped in shock.
[Balance: 100,000 Points]
A high school student receiving 100,000 yen (approx. $900 USD) in pocket money for a single month? This school wasn't just rich; it was insane!
"Personal points will be distributed on the first of each month," Chabashira continued, her voice cutting through the excitement. "You can transfer points to others, but you cannot use violence or threats to extort them. The school monitors these transactions closely."
She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping over the class, lingering for a fraction of a second on the unruly students in the back row.
"Since there are no questions, I wish you a pleasant school life."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the classroom. She arrived quickly, dropped a bombshell, and left just as fast.
[Class 1-D]
Hiroshi Kirito looked down at the 100,000 on his phone screen and nodded in deep satisfaction.
100,000 points...
I wonder if this school has a luxury spa? Or maybe a high-end PC cafe?
If they have services like that, then I, the Prince of Leisure, will definitely have to indulge myself tonight.
Thinking of this, a greedy, hedonistic grin spread across Kirito's face.
Horikita Suzune, who was packing her bag next to him, noticed Kirito's undisguised expression of greed. She frowned, looking at him with absolute contempt.
Disgusting, her eyes seemed to say.
Just as the class began to dissolve into chaos, a voice rang out.
"Everyone, can I have a moment?"
A boy with a sunny appearance and a refreshing smile stood up. He addressed the students who were still excitedly discussing their points.
"We're going to be classmates for the next three years. Why don't we all introduce ourselves? That way, we can become friends and integrate as a group more quickly."
"Yes, I agree!"
A cute girl with short, beige-colored hair was the first to raise her hand high. It was the girl from the bus—Kikyo Kushida.
With two charismatic people taking the lead, the atmosphere in the class shifted. The other students naturally fell in line.
"Okay, let me start!" The sunny boy smiled kindly.
"My name is Yosuke Hirata. My hobby is playing soccer, and my goal is to join the national team. I hope we can all get along!"
He bowed with perfect humility.
With his outstanding looks and gentle demeanor, Hirata immediately captured the hearts of the girls in the class. He was the definition of a "Rajuu"—a normie living a fulfilling life.
"Next up is me! My name is Kikyo Kushida, and I want to be friends with everyone here!"
Kushida stood up, put her hands behind her back, and tilted her head shyly.
The boys in the class practically melted. In their hearts, half of them had already decided to deduce their future marriage plans with her.
As the introductions continued down the rows, Kirito nervously clenched his hands under the desk.
Introductions? In front of everyone?
This is torture for a socially anxious person like me!
Finally, it was the turn of a boy with red hair and a delinquent vibe.
Bang!
He slammed his fist on the table and shouted angrily:
"I can't be bothered with this crap! You guys look like a bunch of elementary school kids holding hands!"
"Huh?" Hirata looked confused.
"My name is Ken Sudo. Don't talk to me."
After snarling his introduction, Sudo kicked his chair back and walked out of the classroom, ignoring the stunned reactions of his classmates.
Inspired by his rebellion, a few other students who looked like delinquents stood up and walked out without a word.
Kirito glanced at Horikita beside him. She was also packing her books, clearly having no intention of participating in this "friends-making" game.
Wait... if they're leaving, I can leave too!
I'm just a nobody. No one cares if I introduce myself or not!
With this thought in mind, Kirito grabbed his schoolbag and prepared to slip away in the confusion.
He made it to the aisle. He was three steps away from freedom.
[Ding! Event detected. The Life Choice System is at your service.]
Kirito's foot froze in mid-air. He stood there, paralyzed, like a statue.
Why?! Why does this stupid system love causing trouble right when I'm about to escape?!
Horikita, who was walking behind him toward the door, stopped.
"Move," she said coldly.
seeing Kirito standing there, trembling like a leaf in a hurricane, she frowned.
What is this guy doing now?
As she stepped around him, she noticed his face was covered in cold sweat, and his eyes were glistening with what looked like tears of humiliation.
He really is a broken human being, she thought, walking past him.
[You must make a choice to proceed:]
[Option 1: The Tyrant]
Walk up to the podium, slam the blackboard three times to get attention, and declare in your most arrogant tone: "My name is Hiroshi Kirito, and I am your King! Anyone who dares to disobey my orders will be executed!"
[Option 2: The Narcissist]
Walk gracefully to the podium, sit on top of the teacher's desk, cross your legs, and flip your hair. Make a heart shape with your hands and whisper seductively: "Hello everyone. I am the Love Master, Kirito. My only hobby is... loving all of you. Mwah~" (Note: You must blow a kiss to the class).
[Option 3: The Chuunibyou (Delusional Teen)]
Handstand on the podium. While upside down, shout: "I have traveled from the Galaxy of Darkness! I am one of the Ancient Gods, the Time-Stopper, Kirito! My seal is broken!" Then, freeze for 3 seconds and scream: "TIME STOP!"
[You have 60 seconds.]
[60]
[59]
...
Kirito wanted to cry.
This damn system! It has a grudge against me!
Every single option was a guaranteed one-way ticket to social death. If he did any of these, his high school life was over on Day 1.
He looked at the door. Horikita had already left. Sudo had left.
I can't escape.
If he didn't choose, the penalty might be actual death.
Screw it!
"Idiot System! I choose Option 3!" Kirito screamed internally, tears streaming down his face.
(To be Continued)