COTE- The best detective has to study???

Chapter 12: Horikita Manipulates the Best Detective and the Perfect Human

Ayanokoji: "You have a dangerous weapon in your hand."

Ranpo: "Hey! I'm here too... What gives you the right to talk on the side without including me?"

Ayanokoji: "Sorry 😐"

Horikita: "Is there something you want, Edogawa-Kun?"

Ranpo: *nodding while cleaning his mouth* "Yeah, I have something. I want a chocolate bar and two ice creams."

Horikita's expression changed to a pained one, but she nodded slowly.

Ayanokoji: "You're definitely scary. Is there some kind of trap?"

Seeing how Horikita invited us to eat with her, I can't help but feel suspicious. But food is food. I always have the option of using my "Ultra Deduction," but if I do that, she might get mad and take the food away.

Horikita: "If we always doubt everyone's true intentions, human society doesn't function, right?"

Ayanokoji: "Well, that's true, but..."

Ranpo: "I guess you're right..."

I followed Horikita to the cafeteria, thinking solely about free food. Horikita bought the sweets, found a seat, and sat down with me.

Ayanokoji: "Well, then, itadakimasu?"

Ranpo: "Itadakimasu!!!"

Horikita looked at Ayanokoji with a stern expression, while I devoured everything voraciously.

Horikita: "What's wrong, Ayanokouji-kun? Why aren't you eating?"

Ayanokoji: "Oh." 😐

It's scary. There's definitely a trap somewhere. There's no way this is free. But at this point, there's no turning back... I lost (Horikita with food > Fyodor and Dazai).

Horikita: "It's sudden, but please listen to me."

Ayanokoji: "I have a bad feeling about this."

While thinking about getting up and running away, Horikita grabbed my hand and Ayanokoji's.

Horikita: "I'll say it again. Won't you listen to me?"

Ayano/Ranpo: "Ugh..."

Horikita: "From Chabashira-sensei's council and your explanation, Edogawa-Kun, the number of infractions during class has certainly decreased. It wouldn't be wrong to say that more than half of the reason for the reduction in our points has been eliminated."

Ayanokoji: "Yes, that's true. However, it wasn't a particularly difficult problem to solve."

Horikita: "Now, the next thing we have to do is improve our scores on the exams that are coming up in two weeks. As you anticipated, Edogawa-Kun, Hirata decided to create study groups."

Ranpo: *nodding as he stands up and stretches* "That's right. Even last night, Hirata came to my room and asked me to take charge of a group."

Ayanokoji: "Isn't that Hirata's

group?"

Ranpo: "Exactly, Emotionless-Kun, but Hirata wanted to be able to get closer to the rest of the class."

Ayanokoji: *looking slightly hurt* "I guess that makes sense."

Horikita: "Originally, I couldn't even imagine getting a failing score. However, it's true that there are students in the world who inevitably fail their exams."

Ayanokoji: "Are you talking about Sudou and his friends? I see, as ruthless as ever."

Horikita: "I'm just telling the truth... I'm a little relieved because Hirata decided to start a study group. However, Sudou-kun, Ike-kun, and Yamauchi-kun didn't join, did they? I still feel uneasy."

Ayanokoji: "Oh, those guys. They're not on good terms with Hirata. They wouldn't participate."

Horikita: "In other words, these guys will probably fail. And in order to reach Class A, we have to avoid getting negative points and focus on earning positive ones, right? I also believe that there's a high chance that good exam results are related to earning positive points."

Ranpo: *getting up and stretching* "Ah, I think that's enough. If you ever need the help of a 'Super Detective,' don't hesitate to call me... Bye!"

Ayanokoji: "Goodbye..."

Horikita: "I suppose there's nothing we can do..."

---

Right now, I have some options to ensure that I pass this exam without expulsions, but I could also use this as an opportunity to gauge the class's abilities. But it's worth it if I end up causing more problems for innocent people like my classmates.

I think a part of me just wants everyone, regardless of their class, to graduate into Class A.