Near the end of the semester, Css B’s cssroom—

  "The school never gives out benefits for no reason. Just like the so-called ‘100% employment rate’ before enrollment and the 100,000 points we received at the start of the term—there’s always a catch. That’s why I believe this ‘vacation’ to the southern isnd that Hoshinomiya-sensei mentioned must have a deeper purpose. There’s even a possibility that it could cause a major shift in css points."

  Standing at the podium, Ichinose Honami confidently shared her analysis.

  "I see!"

  "As expected of Ichinose!"

  "A special exam that could drastically affect css points, huh…"

  …

  The Css B students nodded in agreement, supporting her reasoning.

  Uesugi Gen, however, merely cpped with a bnk expression.

  Wow. Amazing. You figured out that the school is holding a special exam.

  No sh*t!

  And then what? Now that you’ve realized this, shouldn’t you be using this intel to your advantage?

  Like, I don’t know, maybe investigating further to expand our lead?

  Uesugi sighed in disappointment as he stared at Ichinose.

  Then again…

  It wasn’t just her. Even Ryūen must have sensed something was off.

  Ever since he took that massive loss st time, he had been constantly sending Css C students to harass Css B. He even made repeated compints to the school, leaving Ichinose completely baffled.

  But after Uesugi personally demonstrated a textbook case of "Who dares bring charges against me?" in front of Ryūen, leaving him fuming yet helpless—Ryūen stopped pursuing that route.

  Instead, he shifted his approach.

  Lately, the frequency of Css C’s harassment had noticeably decreased.

  The only logical expnation was that he had something more important to focus on than just getting back at Uesugi.

  Despite his outward bravado, Ryūen was the type who—when faced with real challenges—stepped up himself rather than leaving things to his subordinates.

  Even if he got beaten bck and blue, he’d act like nothing happened and keep pushing forward.

  So, the fact that he had pulled back his forces could only mean one thing—

  He was preparing to go all in for this special exam.

  And as for Css A…

  Uesugi stroked his chin thoughtfully.

  They had been watching from the sidelines all this time, yet they still hadn’t made a move.

  Was it because they had yet to settle on a leader and thus couldn’t make strategic decisions?

  Given Sakayanagi’s questionable physical condition, it was unlikely she’d be participating much in this special exam.

  That meant Css A’s main leader this time would likely be Katsuragi Kōhei, the ever-cautious strategist.

  Lastly, there was Css D—with Horikita Suzune and that mystery box, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.

  Bit by bit, the bigger picture of this special exam was forming in Uesugi’s mind.

  Css C and D weren’t immediate threats.

  Even with a special exam, the school wouldn’t suddenly award enough points for a lower-ranked css to leapfrog an upper-ranked one.

  The real battle would be between Css A and Css B.

  And given the current gap in css points, this exam would determine everything.

  The problem was—this year’s Css A was a mess.

  Unlike Uesugi and Ichinose, who could cooperate as dual leaders, their top two were completely incompatible.

  It was a power struggle where one of them had to fall.

  Which meant… there was a lot of room to py.

  Considering that Sakayanagi Arisu had been leaking Katsuragi’s intel to him through Kamuro, it was crystal clear—

  Her personal ambitions outweighed Css A’s collective interests.

  Well, well…

  Sakayanagi wants to take down Katsuragi.

  I want to take down Css A under Katsuragi’s leadership.

  What a convenient coincidence…

  Uesugi pulled out his phone, found Kamuro Masumi’s LINE, and sent her a friend request.

  Then, he waited.

  You’ll help me, won’t you… Phantom Thief-chan?

  ---

  Meanwhile…

  It had been almost two months since Uesugi lent Horikita Suzune those private points.

  Which meant—

  Css B’s secret stash had been quietly growing again.

  Uesugi recalled the number he had glimpsed on Ichinose’s phone st time.

  His fingers itched with temptation.

  They say money changes people…

  (serious expression) And that applies to women, too.

  There was no way that much private wealth should be sitting in Ichinose’s account unattended.

  For its own safety, it should be transferred into his pockets instead.

  What?

  You’re asking if I might change because of money?

  Uesugi scoffed.

  Don’t worry.

  There’s no risk of money corrupting me.

  Because I was already rotten to begin with.

  With his decision made, Uesugi took action.

  He walked up to the podium, gently nudging Ichinose aside.

  As she looked at him in confusion, he began his performance.

  "Cssmates, Ichinose is absolutely right. I’ve received confirmation through the student council—this vacation trip will indeed include a special exam. The impact on css points could be as high as 300 points."

  The entire css snapped to attention.

  300 points.

  Enough to surpass Css A in one shot and leave them in the dust.

  Shibata immediately raised his hand, excitedly asking,

  "Then, Uesugi—do you know what the actual test is?"

  Before Uesugi could reply, Kanzaki cut in with a cold, logical response.

  "Shibata, that’s impossible. Even as the student council’s vice president, Uesugi wouldn’t have access to such bance-breaking intel."

  The css nodded in agreement.

  That made sense.

  It would be too unfair if he knew the exam details in advance.

  But then—

  Uesugi solemnly decred,

  "No. There is a way to find out."

  He scanned the room before dropping the bombshell—

  "My secret informant—a certain generous uppercssman—told me he could sell us the general scope of the special exam… for 3 million private points."

  Gasps filled the room.

  "Someone actually has that kind of intel?!"

  Himeno Yuki frowned in suspicion.

  "Just who is this uppercssman you’re talking about? How could he have access to such cssified information? Wait…"

  A realization hit her.

  If not even Uesugi could access it, but this guy could…

  There was only one person in the school who fit that description.

  Ichinose’s expression also grew uneasy.

  "Uesugi-kun… this wouldn’t be against school regutions, would it?"

  "No," Uesugi stated firmly.

  "If the school cims that ‘points can buy anything,’ then it makes no sense to say we can’t buy exam intel. All I did was use my position to negotiate a discount."

  Kanzaki nodded.

  "That makes sense. If it’s within the rules, then there’s no reason not to take advantage of it."

  The css agreed unanimously.

  Spending 3 million private points for a shot at 300 css points?

  An insane deal.

  Then, from the side, Shibata mused,

  "Still… I didn’t think Horikita-senpai would do something like this. I always thought he was the righteous, strict type."

  Uesugi immediately jumped in, nodding solemnly.

  "Right? I used to think he was a straight-ced guy too… until I found out he was secretly having a workpce romance with his secretary."

  "Wait, seriously?!"

  Css B erupted with excitement.

  "You won’t believe what I heard, but listen up…"

  ---

  T/N: heh 3million all to his pocket