As the m light filled the sky, Hikaru pleted his daily training routine.

  Today marked the 29th day of his Athletic Booster, meaning tomorrow the effects would wear off. However, by then, his Physical Ability stat would have permaly increased from 3 to 4.

  After a shower, Hikaru donned his school uniform and made his way to Css B.

  Despite being early, the was already filled with students—everyone had arrived ahead of time.

  Today was the annou of the new css rankings, and naturally, everyone was feeling anxious.

  Additionally, this m, the new Private Points for the month would be distributed.

  Most students had spent nearly all their points from the previous month, making this an important moment.

  ---

  "Good m, Hikaru-kun!"

  "M, Hikaru-kun."

  As one of Css B's key figures, Hikaru was greeted by many cssmates upoering the room.

  Smiling, he returned each greeting before deg it was best to say a few words.

  "I'm sure everyone is looking forward to today's annou regarding the css rankings."

  "Of course! We've all been w so hard—I hope we finally rise to Css A," said Ando Sayo, her eyes filled with anticipation.

  "What do you think, Hikaru-kun? Do we have a real ce at promotion?"

  "In the end, all poiions are managed by the school administration, so I 't say for sure," Hikaru replied, his gaze sweeping across his cssmates.

  "But I believe the school aowledges effort. No matter the oute, we'll wait for Hoshinomiya-sensei's annou."

  "That's true… Even if we tried our best, the school's monit system records everything. If anyone made a mistake—even uionally—it would still be deducted."

  The 's surveilnce cameras had a wide field of view, ensuring that every a was under scrutiny.

  Even if students fot their mistakes, the recs wouldn't.

  After Hikaru returo his seat, Iose leaned in beside him.

  "Hikaru-kun… do you really think we'll make it to Css A today?"

  Her delicate features carried a hint of nervousness, revealing her uainty about the upis.

  "Haha, Iose-san, don't be too tense," Hikaru chuckled softly, reassuring her.

  "This is just the first month. Even if we don't get promoted this time, there will still be plenty of ces iure. Don't pressure yourself too much."

  "You've been doing great so far. Everyorusts you."

  "Mm… I know."

  Iose gazed at Hikaru, notig that—despite his words—he, too, was a little nervous.

  After all, this was a crucial moment.

  Then, in an ued and bold move—

  Iose gently reached for his hand uhe desk.

  Their fingers iwined naturally.

  "?"

  Hikaru turned his head, looking at her flushed face.

  "Hikaru-kun… just let me be a little selfish," she murmured.

  "I'm really nervht now… so, you lend me some of your strength?"

  Her ears were pletely red.

  The moment she grabbed his hand, embarrassment overwhelmed her.

  "..."

  "…Alright. sidering how many meals you've treated me to, I suppose I should repay you somehow."

  Hikaru uood her feelings.

  Besides, he was just as curious about the css rankings.

  Thus, he didn't let go of her soft, warm hand.

  Sitting side by side, their hands gently csped together, they could almost hear each other's heartbeat.

  After ten mihe homeroom teacher, Hoshinomiya Chie, finally ehe room.

  Today, she seemed even more radiant than usual, as if she had takera care with her appearance.

  "Good m, everyone! A new month has begun—I'm sure you're all excited for today."

  Her words immediately caused excitement to ripple through the room.

  "Of course! Hoshinomiya-sensei, stop keeping us in suspense! You know what we're all waiting for!"

  "Yeah, hurry up and tell us already!"

  "I'm dying here! Just say it!!"

  "Haha, alright, alright," Hoshinomiya giggled.

  "The's reveal the updated rankings!"

  Without any more dey, she turo the bckboard and quickly wrote down the css standings.

  First-Year Css Rankings:

  Css A - 980 CP

  Css B - 1010 CP

  Css C - 480 CP

  Css D - 530 CP

  "!!"

  "WHAT?!"

  "Wait… does that mean—"

  The moment the new rankings were dispyed, shod exhiration spread throughout the .

  Everyone uood what this meant.

  As long as a lower-ranked css surpassed another css in Css Points, they would automatically be promoted.

  "WE DID IT!!"

  Shibata shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice eg through the room.

  Instantly, the entire css erupted in cheers and celebration.

  Joy spread throughout the as students high-fived, hugged, and shouted in triumph.

  Seated at their desks, still holding hands, Hikaru and Iose exged a meaningful gnce.

  Iose's face softened into a bright, relieved smile, while Hikaru finally rexed.

  He hadn't expected them to reach Css A in just one month.

  It was likely thanks to the 100 Css Points bonus from the saking this victory possible.

  "We did it, Hikaru-kun! We really made it to Css A!"

  Iose's eyes sparkled as she gazed at him.

  "Yeah. Everyone's hard work finally paid off. It's a great result."

  Hikaru gnced down at their interlocked hands.

  Notig his gaze, Iose suddenly tensed, immediately releasing his hand.

  "Hehehe, this is amazing! We have to work even harder to maintain our rank!"

  "Yeah… But don't fet, Iose-san—there's still a lot to do today."

  Hikaru tapped his phone as a reminder.

  Realization dawned on Iose's face.

  "ht! The Private Points are being distributed today!"

  As the css representative, Iose had the responsibility of colleg the agreed-upon tributions.

  Hoshinomiya watched her cheering students, feeling genuinely happy.

  After all, this was her first time witnessing a promotion so early in the school year.

  And the credit for this achievement?

  Her gaze settled on Hikaru.

  Seated in the middle of the css, chatting with Iose, he was undoubtedly the stro pie the board.

  "With him leading the way, Css B is bound to achieve eveer things."

  However, ohing still bothered her—

  That woman's css also ranked up.

  The thought alone made her stomach .

  "Whatever. My css will keep her beh us. Forever."

  With a smirk, she turned back to her students.

  "Alright, everyone! Check your Private Points—they should have been deposited!"

  "Ah! Right, I almost fot!"

  "Whoa! 101,000 Private Points?! That's even more than st month!"

  "Don't fet, everyohis is all thanks to Hikaru-kun and Iose-san! Now, let's proceed with our pn!"

  The fund colle was about to begin.

  For Css A, this was only the beginning.

  ~~~

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