Cote: Elite in Action

Unity in Adversity

I remembered something Kayden once mentioned. According to him, Sakayanagi-san was someone who was always full of herself. She didn't see others as equals but as mere pawns on her chessboard, pieces she could manipulate at her convenience. I reflected on this, and honestly, that way of thinking seemed unpleasant to me. Every person has dreams, aspirations, and unique talents. Reducing someone to a disposable tool seemed not only insensitive but cruel.

Although I understand that some people seek to benefit from the relationships they build, treating others as something that can be discarded at any moment is something I simply can't accept. That mindset, that excessive arrogance, would, as Kayden said, be the cause of her downfall.

Without much time to rest, the screen lit up again, announcing the next event: English Test. This challenge required eight students to participate. My mind had already started evaluating potential candidates as the rules appeared on the screen.

Among those selected, the first name that came to mind was Chihiro-san. Her command of English was incredible, and it was no coincidence: her mother was a teacher of the subject in middle school, and since childhood, Chihiro had grown up in an environment where learning the language was part of her daily life. Another name I chose was Sayo-chan. Thanks to her friendship with Chihiro, both had studied together for years, making them the perfect duo in this subject. Finally, I considered Kobashi-san, who also had a natural talent for learning languages. These three were our best assets in this area.

After confirming their participation, I selected the other five members to complete the team. While they might not be as outstanding as the first three, each had strengths that could contribute to the team.

As I watched them prepare, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride. Every decision I made as a leader was a gamble, and though nerves were present, I had full confidence in them. This test would be more challenging, as it required precision, speed, and a deep understanding of the language. However, with Chihiro, Sayo, and Kobashi leading the charge, I knew our chances of success were high.

The entire class remained silent as our representatives walked toward the designated area. While the atmosphere was tense, mutual support was palpable in the air. This was more than just a simple competition; it was a test of our strength as a team.

Waiting for the results would be another long battle against time, but as I watched the screens showing my classmates working with determination, one thing was certain: we were ready to fight for every point.

...

The exam began quickly, and from the screens, I could observe my classmates in action. Their movements were confident, their eyes fixed on the answer sheets. There was something reassuring about their attitude; there didn't seem to be any nervousness, only determination. From this distant spot, there wasn't much I could do but watch and trust them, but that trust was solid. I knew their abilities, and I was certain this event wouldn't be an insurmountable obstacle.

Our preparation had not been in vain. Thanks to the study system implemented in the class, each of them had managed to overcome their weaknesses and strengthen their strong points. Group sessions, mandatory schedules, and a mindset of mutual support had become our routine. No one was left behind, and that collective effort now shone through with every answer my classmates wrote on the exam.

On the other hand, I couldn't help but compare our dynamic to that of Sakayanagi-san's class. In her group, individualism reigned. Her classmates seemed more like chess pieces than people, each fulfilling a specific role under her orders but without genuine collective support. That difference was fundamental. While we worked as a united team, they simply followed instructions, and the result of this philosophy would soon become evident.

Forty minutes later, the scoreboard spoke for itself. The screen displayed the final result: another victory for Class A. Three consecutive wins. A wave of satisfaction swept through me as I saw those numbers. It was impossible not to feel proud, not only because of the result but because of the effort everyone had put in to get here.

My classmates, though far away, reflected the same joy I felt. Their smiles were a testament to their hard work and the reward they were finally reaping. Even from a distance, I could feel the positive energy they radiated.

My eyes then turned to Sakayanagi-san. As expected, her expression didn't change. That light, almost indifferent smile remained unaltered, as if these losses didn't affect her at all. But I knew that calm demeanor was deceptive. Did she truly not care about these three consecutive losses? Or was she simply calculating her next move? Either way, that excessive self-confidence could end up being her greatest weakness.

However, I couldn't get too distracted by her. The competition was far from over, and the scoreboard wasn't a reason to relax. I knew there would be more challenges ahead and that Sakayanagi-san wouldn't give up easily.

The screen lit up again shortly after, announcing the next event. My gaze shifted once more to the cameras focusing on my team. Their expressions showed focus, but also an unyielding determination. No matter what the next challenge was, I was certain they would give it their all.

The feeling of triumph was sweet, but what comforted me the most was knowing that this success wasn't the result of just one individual effort, but of collective teamwork. This was only the beginning.