Ryuzaki POV
It's currently nighttime as I see many stars dazzling in the sky. Quite beautiful. It's currently 10:39 PM and most of us in Class S are already sleeping while some are still awake. Of course, one of them was Ayanokouji, now's the time to finally get to work.
"Ayanokouji"
"Ohh it's you Ryuzaki" he said
"I want to talk to you, somewhere private" I said
"Why?"
"Just follow me" I said as we both walked to the farthest part of the ship. We went to the front of the deck of the ship where there were not many people there.
"Here is fine" I said
"So, what did you want to talk about?" he asked
Ayanokouji POV
I don't know what his intentions are, but something tells me he's up to something.
"Ohh nothing much I just want to make sure you're doing okay" he said
"Let me ask you something? what do you think about this school?" I asked
Some of my classmates from Class S are quite open about their goals and what they think about the school, but I've never asked or even have a one-on-one talk with Ryuzaki before. I've seen him smile, laugh, and whatever. But I don't think I've seen him enjoy himself. I wouldn't say that he's like me, but he treats everything like a business. As if he's more focused on whatever work he's doing.
"Well, this school is...unique per say. As far as effectiveness goes, however. The school is quite flawed despite the living standards here." he said
"I mean think about it, why live in a make-believe utopia where nothing goes wrong, and everyone enjoys their lives. But if you are under a flawed system where you are judged by merit, what happens then? For a school that boasts a 100% employment and college entry rate, then why does this school have many reported expulsions? Why give them this opportunity if the school is also willing to eject students from their future careers. What do you think?"
I was expecting a short answer but what he said was pretty comprehensive.
"Yes, I do agree that this school system is flawed. It is not system where students are free to prove themselves despite having not having any talent in academics and other factors. It is a selective system which is judged through the ideals of meritocracy. They claim that they're building future leaders of Japan, but the school chooses to get rid of students so easily if they don't reach those standards" I answered
"Well then I have another question then....."
"Do you think humans are equal?"
Wait where have I heard this question before?
"The answer is clearly no" I replied
"You are correct, but do you believe that an ordinary human can become something more given the right environment? such as creating a genius" My mind was somewhat cracked from hearing that question. Somethings up but I don't know what it is yet. This kind question is a basis for the ideology that was thought to me throughout my entire life. This feels too specific of a question
"Depending on the environment. I think that if you are a born genius, it's due to how the person develops on their own as for "creating a genius", if you mean by a made genius, then it's possible for a "normal" individual to undergo an environment where they can potentially surpass a natural genius in the right circumstances" I replied
"I see, that was quite insightful, Ayanokouji, but tell me which one are you?" he asked with a blank tone. He's really trying to analyze me, trying to learn how I tick. Just what is he after?
"That depends, it is sometimes difficult to tell from another person's perspective."
"Quite the vague answer there but I guess it's fine, anyways it was nice talking to you Ayanokouji" he said as he walks away.
Why would he ask such strange questions, these things that only men of the highest level of thinking can only question. Ryuzaki, what exactly is your intention?
Back to Ryuzaki POV
I was given a vague answer but clearly, he knows more than he's letting on. But either way I need more answers from him if I want to find Professor Ayanokouji. Until I stumbled upon someone familiar. It was Shinomiya Kaguya, looks like she's all by her lonesome and I don't see Shirogane or anyone in sight. I actually do have some questions for here as well since I recently found out about some recent evidence from my partner about a potential connection with her family and "that man". I approached Kaguya who was looking out the sea.
"Pardon your peace Ms. Shinomiya" I greeted her
"Oh! hey Ryuzaki-kun, I didn't know you were there. What are you doing here?"
"Just a late-night strolling, that's all" I replied
"I see, so what is that you want?" she asked
"Tell me something? you come from one of the strongest conglomerates in all of Japan, correct?"
"Yes, my family is quite powerful and influential. We are also privileged to study at the highest standard."
"I see, but let me ask you this? Do you think it's possible to turn an ordinary person into a genius given the right environment?" I asked
"Huh? what do you mean?" she asked, understandable that she would be confused.
"You come from a family with born geniuses correct, and your family achieved great things due to implanting these ideals of success even at an early age, right?"
"Hold on, how come you know about this?" she asked
"Well, let me tell you something about even you don't know about your family"
"And what might that be"
"You're the first person I will talk about a little secret since you might need this information if you want to keep your family safe from "him""
"Who are you talking about?"
"Just how familiar is the name Ayanokouji to you?"
"What do you mean? isn't he the name of our classmate"
"Yes, but secretly I managed to observe everyone's facial expression during our first day of introductions and I noticed that when Ayanokouji introduced himself, you had a look which hinted a bit of shock, why is that? Are you familiar with him or are you more familiar with the surname?"
"I-I don't know what you mean?" she sounds a bit nervous; it seems that you are hiding something.
"Answer the question"
"But...." I gave her my normal look which made her uncomfortable, but I need answers.
"Alright, I guess I have no choice. Actually, I am familiar with the name Ayanokouji. I know about that name because my parents once knew about "that man"" So she knows him too, interesting.
"I think when I was little, my parents who were geniuses themselves met this man before. Just seeing him made me shiver, it was the first time I felt fear in my life. He invited my parents to show them his experiments. If I remember correctly, he mentioned that he wanted opinions from one of the best geniuses in Japan to check out his experiments in the White Room. I didn't know what this "White Room" is, but my parents were interested and went with him. I was left alone at the time, confused on what is going on. When my parents came back after 2 days, they told me about this man named Ayanokouji who created an experiment that can artificially give children enhanced intelligence and strength. I didn't know what kind of experiment that was at the time but as decided to join them this time. I was shocked. The place these children were, was in a white room of sorts where they were answering questions. "That man" explained that they were given tests that was university level. I couldn't believe what I heard; these children were forced to answer questions that only college student is capable of answering. It was horrible as the children look like they are suffering not just the difficulty of the test but their physical state as well. I don't know what to say about this, but his experiment was inhumane. My parents were interested in the experiment at first but when they saw the reality of it, they too were terrified. My family wanted to report him to the authorities, but he said that if they did, something bad will happen to us and my parents had to keep themselves quiet in fear of something bad might happen. My family knew from there that he was powerful himself and even if we try doing something about it, he might destroy our business."
"And that's why I knew about that last name, I really didn't know "that man" had a son. Which is why I was shocked to even hear that name again" She explained
This was quite insightful, and it makes sense that given how influential her family is, it is bound to attract some other powerful people. Unfortunately, it ended up being "him".
"Well thanks for the information" I said before leaving
"Wait!" she shouted as I stopped
"How do you know all of this and why are you telling me all of this?"
"Let's say I have some reliable sources and because I want to stop that man, just like you mentioned about those inhumane experiments. I plan on exposing that to the authorities, but I need more evidence that's why I asked Ayanokouji and even you since given my research you have a connection with that man"
"I see but just who are you some kind of detective?"
I was silent for a few seconds before answering her
"Yes, I am in fact."
"Wait so I'm guessing you came to this school because of him?"
"Exactly"
"Then who are you really Ryuzaki-kun?"
"Actually, Ryuzaki is just a cover name, but I'll tell you my real name, but you must not talk about my name to another soul got it?" I said as i gazed at her
"Ummm yes"
I went closer and whispered to her ear
"I'm L"