The library was originally meant to be a quiet place for students to study, but now it had turned into a battleground for class conflicts.
At first, it seemed like just an internal dispute within D class, but with the arrival of C class students, the conflict escalated. Some even seemed to be deliberately stirring the pot.
Hikigaya understood Ishizaki and Yamashita's motives. After all, D class was even "trashier" than them. Anyone would want to step on them. The reason was simple—deep down, C class knew they weren't as good as the top classes. They were at the bottom of the hierarchy, looked down upon by others, and that frustration made them want to prove themselves.
D class was the perfect scapegoat. By trampling over D class, C class could boost their confidence and showcase their strength. Ryuen even ordered his classmates to provoke students from A and B classes, possibly to ignite that aggressive nature within C class and use it as a way to close the gap with the top classes.
"D class really is like a stray dog on the side of the road. Anyone passing by can kick them."
Hikigaya wasn't sure whether to be angry or just laugh. After all, they brought this upon themselves.
But with Katsuragi from A class suddenly stepping in, the whole situation changed. What started as a conflict between D and C class was now taking on a new direction. Katsuragi's timely intervention instantly reinforced A class's image as "righteous, outstanding, and truly deserving of their top-class status." More importantly, Katsuragi himself had solidified his personal image in the minds of all the students. That was probably his real goal.
Because of this library incident, everyone would remember Katsuragi's role. Over time, they would naturally associate his image with A class, reinforcing the subconscious belief that A class was the best—and that Katsuragi Kohei embodied that excellence.
Thanks to the information Hikigaya had gathered from Haruno, he knew that once this kind of impression took root, the power dynamics within A class might shift. Katsuragi could gain an even greater advantage, possibly even securing a decisive victory in the long run.
"What a perfect two-in-one strategy."
Hikigaya couldn't help but admire this student named Katsuragi Kohei. Not only did he damage the reputation of the other classes, but he also built up his own authority at the same time.
"You bastard! Say that again!"
"Who the hell are you?! You wanna get punched?!"
Sudou, Ishizaki, and Yamashita—just moments ago at each other's throats—now turned their fury toward Katsuragi... or rather, toward his foolish teammate, Totsuka.
Katsuragi himself was highly capable, but unfortunately, he was stuck with a terrible teammate—Totsuka Yahiko. Ever since school started, this guy had been following Katsuragi around like a shadow, his most loyal supporter.
Because of Katsuragi's natural aura of authority, the status advantage of being an A class student, and his morally superior stance, Sudou and Ishizaki had already been thoroughly suppressed. By all logic, the library incident should have ended there, with Katsuragi walking away with a massive boost in reputation.
But then, Totsuka had to open his mouth.
His comment reignited Sudou and Ishizaki's fury. He could have just stayed quiet, or even just watched how things played out. But instead, he put on that smug, arrogant face and mocked them.
Even an uncle might tolerate that—but an auntie wouldn't!
And because of that single line from Totsuka, Sudou and Ishizaki actually set aside their differences and teamed up against Katsuragi.
Now the situation had become even more unpredictable.
Totsuka was caught off guard when Sudou and Ishizaki suddenly confronted him. He instinctively took a few steps back, only to hear Ishizaki and Yamashita burst into laughter.
His face burned with embarrassment. He had actually been startled by people he considered "trash." And with everyone around watching, his anger flared up instantly.
"How dare you losers from Class C and D defy me, an elite from Class A?!"
Totsuka's expression twisted with rage, but his arrogant attitude only made more people resent him.
Compared to Katsuragi, though, he was far weaker—both in presence and ability to control the situation. It was Katsuragi who had actually taken charge, but Totsuka spoke as if it was all thanks to him.
"Using your Class A status as a weapon? That's a terrible move."
Hikigaya shook his head.
"Huh? Why's that?"
A sudden voice came from behind him. Turning around, Hikigaya saw Kamuro raising an eyebrow at him. She then nodded toward Hiyori beside her, casually acknowledging her presence.
Hikigaya hadn't planned to explain, but with both Kamuro and Hiyori staring at him, he had no choice. Silently cursing himself, he forced out an answer.
"Class A represents the highest status in this school, but for us first-years who just started, it doesn't carry any real weight yet. Instead of intimidating others, it just makes them dislike you."
"People naturally resist authority. I'd bet that in our grade—whether it's Class B, Class C, or even our own Class D—many students already have strong opinions about Class A being 'the best.' Some might even hold grudges against them."
Hikigaya spoke in a serious tone. "That's because we haven't yet felt the 'real gap' between us."
"Tch. But last month's class points already showed the difference, didn't they?"
Kamuro clearly disagreed with his argument.
Hikigaya didn't argue back. Instead, he continued along her line of thought.
"True. But 'fear' is built through repeated victories. It's only been a month since high school started. Do you think any of us actually fear them yet?"
Kamuro fell silent at that.
"So that's why when Katsuragi scolded Ishizaki and Yamashita earlier, he based it on social rules and morality rather than using his Class A status to lecture them?"
Hiyori seemed to grasp the idea, then smiled. "Hikigaya-kun, you're really sharp."
Hikigaya kept a straight face, trying his best not to look smug.
Kamuro, seeing his reaction, scoffed.
Totsuka's mistake was obvious. Trying to use his Class A status to pressure others was a terrible move. He was leagues behind Katsuragi in skill.
Hikigaya recalled Haruno once mentioning that when the student council was recruiting new members, Totsuka was the first to be eliminated. Looking at him now, the president's decision made perfect sense.
As the conflict between Totsuka, Sudou, and Ishizaki grew more intense, Hikigaya pressed his fingers against his forehead. He knew he had to step in before things got worse. He hated the idea of standing out in front of so many people, but as a student council member, he had a duty to handle situations like this.
Just as he was about to act, a girl with long pink hair appeared, bringing the standoff to an abrupt halt.
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