Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XI: Spider Web

Horikita opened her mouth but hesitated. "That's—"

"You're physically capable, I'll give you that. From your swimming alone, it's clear you're one of the most capable girls in the class. But Sudou's athletic abilities far surpass yours. Ike, meanwhile, is better at reading people and communicating. If the test were a group discussion, Ike might outperform you. Does that make you incompetent? No. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. That's what it means to be human." I leaned back a little, letting the words settle. "To be human is to be unequal. To be equal is to be a monster."

Horikita's frustration was palpable, but she shot back, "This is all just armchair speculation."

"Think back to what Chabashira-sensei said in the guidance room. She asked, 'Who exactly decided that smart people are categorically superior?' That's a clue. It suggests that academic ability alone doesn't determine the rankings in this school." My voice returned to its typical bored tone.

Horikita glanced around, likely searching for a way out of this conversation, but I cut her off before she could escape.

"You said you wouldn't regret abandoning Sudou and the others, but you would. You'd feel it if they were expelled."

She looked directly at me now, searching for something in my expression. I could tell she still didn't fully grasp the reality of our situation.

"You're unusually talkative today," she remarked, her voice quieter now. "It's strange, coming from someone who likes to avoid trouble."

"You're probably right," I replied, shrugging. "But sometimes trouble finds me."

"It's frustrating, but I have to admit, you've convinced me. I'll concede this point. However," she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly, "I still don't understand you. What do you want? What is this school to you? Why did you work so hard to convince me?"

I gave her a small, almost imperceptible smile. "I see. So that's what you're wondering." I muttered to myself, more amused than I let on.

"If someone lacks persuasiveness, they won't be able to make others believe in their cunning theories," Horikita said, her voice sharp. She was clearly looking for the real reason behind my efforts to persuade her about Sudou and the others.

"Cut the crap. I want to know the real reason. Is it for points? To rise up, even by one class level? Or is it to save your friends?" Her eyes were narrowed in suspicion, waiting for me to slip up.

"Because I want to know what a person with true merit looks like. What is equality? Not only that, I want to observe human nature, to see how people react to different situations." I wasn't lying, but I wasn't telling her the whole truth, either.

"Merit, equality..." she repeated, confusion creeping into her tone. She couldn't fully grasp my reasoning, which was fine by me.

"I came to this school to find answers to those questions," I added, the words flowing out without much thought. I hadn't meant to say that much, but it was too late to take them back.

"There's no way you could fool me into believing you, Ayanokouji-kun," she replied, but something in her expression hinted at doubt, as if part of her was starting to believe I was sincere, despite her own instincts.

After a brief pause, Horikita extended her hand. "I'll look after Sudou-kun and the others, but for my own sake. I'll make sure they don't get left behind, but only as a strategic means of securing an advantage for our future. Okay?"

"Don't worry. I never thought you'd do it any other way. That's just like you, Horikita," I responded with a faint smile.

"We've come to an arrangement, then," she said, sealing the deal.

I took her hand, the weight of the moment hanging between us. She might think she'd won this round, but in reality, I had laid the groundwork for something larger. My influence over her would only grow, subtle at first, but ever-expanding, like a spider's web. With Horikita now under my influence, alongside Kushida, I had two useful tools. A part of me realized I'd need to recruit a male student soon, or this might start looking like something else entirely. Not that I was interested in forming a harem—far from it. The idea was ridiculous, and I certainly wasn't delusional enough to believe Horikita or Kushida would ever catch feelings for me.

As far as I knew, I wasn't schizophrenic.

"Could you let me go now?" Horikita's voice brought me back to the present.

"Oh, sorry." I released my grip, letting her hand fall back to her side.

With that, the elevator doors closed, leaving me alone in the lobby. The faint hum of the machinery was the only sound that accompanied me, fading into silence as Horikita disappeared from view.

I stood there for a moment, reflecting on the exchange. It had gone well—perhaps even better than expected. Horikita had agreed to my proposal, even if she thought it was for her own gain. But the truth was, I had set the pieces in motion, and soon, she'd be moving according to my will. Not that she'd ever realize it.

This school was filled with opportunities, and I had only just begun to tap into them. With both Horikita and Kushida unknowingly serving my goals, it was only a matter of time before I expanded my influence further.

I took a deep breath, my eyes lingering on the quiet, empty lobby. This was just the beginning. Now to see what the future holds.

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Author: Well, that's another chapter complete, i'm kinda following the cannon LN, but it's still different enough to be something else. I hope it's not to boring, but it should get pretty interesting later. Thanks for reading and i hope you have a great day or night, depending on where you are. See ya! 

word count: 4555

date posted: 6 oct 2024