In fact, I can add unlimited points

When this was pointed out, Ayanokoji Atsuomi ultimately remained silent.

He looked at his son, who had changed somewhat, his eyes filled with an unfathomable emotion.

"...Why would an individual like you do something so out of line? You should have known from the beginning that learning things you don't need is pointless."

The greatest masterpiece bluntly states: "That's because of an insatiable thirst for knowledge and my desire to decide my own path, simply because that's what I think."

Then this statement was met with unsparing criticism—

"How boring! There is no better option in the world than the path I have prepared. You will surpass me sooner or later and become the one who changes this country. Why don't you understand that?"

"That's just your opinion."

"Looks like there really is no room for negotiation."

"Yes, I agree."

At this point in the conversation, there is simply no acceptable compromise.

"The White Room is back in operation. This time it's a perfect plan that won't be hindered, and I've made enough preparations to catch up."

"Does this mean that a lot of people will inherit your will? Why are you still fixated on me?"

"The plan has indeed restarted and is progressing smoothly, but we haven't yet found someone as exceptional as you."

That's ridiculous! An institution that claims to create elites comparable to natural geniuses through education would say something so contrary to its principles.

As the only successful sample of the White Room, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji certainly could not accept being forcibly taken back for such a reason.

The conflict between the two escalated, and just as they were about to part on bad terms, a knock on the door outside the reception area broke the commotion.

"Sorry to bother you."

After that sound came, the door slowly opened, and then Shun Aragaki, who had already finished eating the gossip, walked in with Chairman Kanda.

"It's been a long time, Mr. Ayanokoji."

Since they were all from the same circle, Kanda naturally couldn't possibly not know this opponent who was competing against Advanced Breeding.

"...It's Kanda. I was quite surprised when I heard that Sakayanagi was suspended and you took over. I didn't expect it to be true."

Faced with an unexpected visitor, Atsuomi Ayanokoji's expression became even more serious.

"My position as chairman is actually only acting. Sakayanagi has other more important matters to attend to, so he entrusted me to take charge of the power of advanced breeding during this period."

"This child must be your child, Mr. Ayanokouji. I never imagined he would grow up so fast."

Director Kanda smiled and then beckoned to Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, who was standing next to him.

"Hello, our conversation is over, so I'm going back now."

“Oh, is that so? That’s fine then. I just came out to say hello and, by the way, introduce a student to Mr. Ayanokouji that he would probably like.”

After Kanda finished speaking, Shun Aragaki pursed his lips but still took a step forward.

At that moment, it was as if a seal had been broken; the boy's presence expanded continuously, and he instantly became the center of the world, his aura overwhelming.

"Shun Aragaki, the heir of the Aragaki family, should normally be the last insurmountable obstacle in front of Ayanokouji, assuming everything goes smoothly for you."

At least in the minds of many in Sakurajima's upper class, this is the truth.

After all, Shun Aragaki himself knew that his main goal in coming to the Advanced Training Program was to obtain Source Power.

But to others, this was a collaboration between the forces represented by the Aragaki family and the Onishima faction—

The newly appointed Prime Minister of Oni Island needs more support to govern, so the Aragaki family sent their heir to a higher education institution to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate.

In return, he will gain the full support of the Oni Island faction after graduation.

If nothing unexpected happens, Shun Aragaki will naturally become the head of government of his generation if he just follows the established path.

In other words, if Ayanokoji Atsuomi wanted his son to rise to power, he would have to get past him no matter what.

296. New students of the next academic year, Gokō Ruri; the handover ceremony between the old and new students.

After meeting with Ayanokoji Atsuomi and declaring his stance, Aragaki Shun paid no attention to the other's unpleasant expression and simply turned and left the reception room.

The tale of filial piety between the mastermind and the gigolo who had gone ashore was over, and there was nothing more to gossip about. Of course, the young man wouldn't waste any more time here.

After all, he wasn't interested in this ruthless politician, nor did he care about the significance of the so-called White Room he created, or how much trouble it stirred up in Sakurajima's high society.

In short, as long as you don't get in his way, everything will be fine.

But if anyone dares to stand in his way for some nonsensical reason, he'll just kill them. They're not worth his attention anyway.

However, only someone like Shun Aragaki, who has cheat codes, has the confidence to disregard the other party.

In fact, in this magic-free world where power and wealth define strength, that man could be considered a figure quite close to the pinnacle of a nation. Even those at the level of highly developed councilors were very wary of him.

Therefore, after Ayanokoji Atsuomi left the school, Chairman Kanda sent him a special email to prepare Aragaki Shun for the changes to come.

The email was somewhat vague, but it was clear that Kanda was implying that his position as acting chairman would not last long and that Ayanokoji Atsuomi would likely send someone to take over the position before the next batch of freshmen enrolled.

This is quite outrageous information, making one wonder if the other side is playing an April Fool's joke.

After all, let alone Ayanokouji Atsuomi, even his former superior, Councilor Naoe, was still just a defeated opponent of the person behind Advanced Education.

Even if a mere white glove has made extensive connections with high-ranking figures through the White Room and seized part of the power of his faction while Naoe Jinnosuke was old and critically ill, what right does he have to interfere with the position of chairman of the Advanced Education Council?

This school is the foundation of the Oni Island faction's political achievements in coming to power. The position of chairman of the board has always been reserved for the most loyal of the Oni Island prime minister's inner circle. Now, however, Ayanokoji Atsuomi is interfering at will... If the entire Oni Island faction has not lost their minds, then there is only a deal going on behind the scenes to explain it.

In short, the political struggles have spread to the High Education Institute, a school that trains high school students through a simulated society, in an almost childish manner.

This is absolutely outrageous!

However, for Shun Aragaki, this was undoubtedly a good thing—as the attention from the upper echelons of society continued to increase, the source energy of the entire country would converge towards advanced cultivation, and the source energy that Shun Aragaki could gain from completing various small achievements would also increase.

Well, this doesn't seem like bad news.

He, however, is starting to look forward to the next batch of freshmen.

After all, according to Chairman Kanda's hint, Atsuomi Ayanokoji will not only send someone to take over the position of acting chairman, but will also place people among the new students.

If nothing unexpected happens, the people sent from the other side should be the so-called members of the White Room from different periods.

These are the experimental works that come closest to success, following the greatest masterpiece.

Hmm... it seems like there's nothing to look forward to...

Rather than relying on these guys who might be as expressionless as Ayanokouji, he'd rather look forward to Ruri Gokou.

After all, the black cat is only one year younger than him. Next school year, it will be the time for him to graduate from junior high school and go on to high school.

According to the arrangements made when she went home for summer vacation, her family would probably take the opportunity to send her to intensive care...

.........

Two days later, on December 20th, the school began holding a ceremony to mark the handover between the old and new student councils.

Under the arrangement of their class advisors, all the students gathered in the gymnasium, looking at the members of the two student councils on the stage with complicated expressions.

Normally, large-scale events involving student council elections are usually unrelated to most first-year students.

But who could blame them when Shun Aragaki emerged in this year's class, causing the student council president position to skip directly to the second year?

As a result, the influence of the first-year students in the student council far surpasses that of the second-year students, not to mention the third-year students who have all withdrawn.

All the first-year students except for Class B were filled with anticipation, eager to see what changes Shun Aragaki's rise to power would bring to the school.

"Now, let's welcome Chairman Horikita to give his final remarks."

As the emcee began speaking, Horikita Manabu slowly moved toward the microphone that had been prepared on the stage.

"Having led the student union for almost two years, I feel both proud and very grateful. Thank you everyone."

That was it, just a single sentence.

After this rather brief greeting, the former president quietly stepped back and returned to his original position decisively.

This prompted older students who knew him to remark that this was truly Horikita Manabu's style; even his last speech as the student council president of Advanced Education was so efficient.

Despite the complaints, the necessary procedures still had to be followed. As the emcee warmed up the audience, thunderous applause erupted from below.

"President Horikita, thank you for your hard work all this time. Next, please welcome the new student council president, Shun Aragaki from Class 1-A. Aragaki-kun, please give your acceptance speech."

Upon hearing his name called, Shun Aragaki was naturally not intimidated. He confidently strode forward and stood in front of the microphone.

Looking around, from his position, he could easily see all the students in the three grades of Advanced Education. Even ordinary teachers and class advisors had to stand below the stage to listen to him speak.

Without a doubt, this is the status that a student council president holds. At least during their term, their power and influence over students are no less than that of a highly trained school leader.

Being able to reasonably modify school rules, participate in the arrangement of special exams, and monitor and adjudicate disputes between students, to some extent, can be considered as stepping into the threshold of rule-makers, being both an athlete and a half-referee.

The school's deliberate delegation of such exaggerated authority is probably intended to cultivate a group of management talents and allow student council members to adapt to their respective positions in advance.

"I am Shun Aragaki from Class A, first year. You all should know me. First of all, I would like to express my respect to President Horikita and thank you for your enthusiastic guidance during your time working in the student council."

As is customary, Aragaki Shun first expressed his respect to the former chairman to demonstrate the harmony of this handover.

Then, he looked again at the many students and teachers below the stage.

"I'm very happy to take over as student council president! I won't waste any more time on useless nonsense. I think everyone should be more concerned about the changes that the new student council may bring to the competition between classes in the school."

Upon hearing this, unsurprisingly, all the students present, regardless of grade or class, held their breath, creating a solemn atmosphere.

With only one semester left in the third grade, and less than half a year until the final outcome, the students of Class B in the third grade, who had been relentlessly targeting Horikita Manabu's class, were naturally afraid that Aragaki Shun would take sides during his tenure.

The most stressed class for second-year students is the former Nan Yun class, which has already fallen to Class D. Since the other three classes in the same year all have students serving in the student council, they may be targeted until graduation.

Needless to say, the final year of first grade was a different story. Katsuragi Kohei, Totsuka Yahiko, and others in Class B felt an overwhelming pressure and saw no hope of turning the tide.

As if satisfied with the solemn atmosphere, Shun Aragaki smiled slightly.

"First of all, I would like to state the principles that I intend to uphold during my tenure as student council president."

The newly elected student council president slightly raised his hand, signaling all the students in the audience to focus their attention.

In short: Class competition should be given equal importance to individual ability.

His deep voice resonated throughout the stadium through the loudspeakers, like a pebble thrown into still water, creating unseen yet surging ripples.

"In modern society, there is no victory without teamwork; this is common sense. But please don't forget—"

The young man changed the subject abruptly, speaking with an air of confidence and charisma that drew everyone's attention.

“Any team is made up of many individuals. They may be at the grassroots level, or they may be key members or even leaders, but no matter what their position is, they should have enough ability to hold their position.”

"When virtue does not match position, disaster will surely follow. If a large number of individuals with weak personal abilities are promoted by a few and fill positions without merit, even the largest group will be hollowed out and become a castle on sand."

This is a point that Shun Aragaki has been emphasizing in class since he enrolled—only those with sufficient ability can sit in the corresponding position.

Therefore, the first goal he set for the students in Class A was to continuously improve their own qualities so that they could achieve their dreams entirely on their own without needing school recommendations.

At that time, you can simply treat the school's recommendation as a pure help and a platform to build connections, and you will have the opportunity to achieve a fulfilling life.

"To put it bluntly, a significant portion of the students in the Advanced Education program will graduate from Class A. They consider this their sole goal after coming here, believing that as long as they can get a school recommendation, they will become winners in life. So they don't care if they have to resort to any means or make any sacrifices, as long as they can be promoted to Class A."

The blatant exposure of the dark side hidden beneath the school's glamorous exterior caused many students in the audience to change color, and the faculty and staff were also astonished.

That's really bold of you!

Although these things are common knowledge within the school, it's rather undignified to put them on the table directly.

Aragaki Shun was naturally unconcerned about this strange atmosphere; the boy simply continued speaking:

"Of course, I have no intention of blaming everyone for their competitiveness. This is the core purpose of the school, and it is normal for it to have developed to this point. Moreover, the benefits promised by the school are indeed significant opportunities for many students to realize their dreams and transcend social classes."

"The key point is that it's meaningless to advance to Class A just by scheming and backstabbing. In the end, we will only study at the Advanced Education Institute for three years. The things the school promises are rewards for those with ability. They can act as a booster to help you fly higher, but how much of an effect they have depends on the user's own ability."

After a pause, Shun Aragaki, disregarding whether the students agreed with his statement, went straight to the matters the student council would be promoting next—

"The past competition model, ostensibly focused on teamwork, actually had its share of cases where a leader or a small core group of students could advance to Class A. As a result, under the school's class division system, there were always students in each class who relied on luck and reaped the benefits without putting in any effort."

"Therefore, during my tenure as student council president, I will inevitably negotiate with the school to demand that while maintaining class competition, we strengthen the assessment of each student's individual hard skills. If they do not meet the corresponding quality requirements, even if they are carried to Class A by the top students in their class, they may still fail in the assessment and be punished accordingly or even expelled."

These words caused an uproar among the students in the audience, but the students in Class A of the first year, who were already used to it, remained calm.

"Wait, is President Aragaki saying that the difficulty of the individual ability assessment will be increased? Doesn't that mean our situation has become even more dangerous?"

In classes C and D of all three grades, some students were drooling. For these guys who only thought about giving up and just getting through each day, their biggest worry was the punishment of being expelled from school during the special exam.

In the past, schools emphasized collective punishment within the class. Even if a terrible student like Haruki Yamauchi or Kanji Ike made a mistake, the entire class would be punished. This was undoubtedly the biggest benefit for the lower-achieving students in each class, because in this way, their classmates would not easily give up on them.

But now, what's with Aragaki Shun specifying the reward and punishment rules for the assessment down to the individual level?

Of course, many top students also supported this change and cheered for it.

"It should have been done long ago. Those bad apples who never learn and only care about their own happiness without caring about the fate of the class, if it weren't for the class evaluation score, I would have kicked them out countless times."