For the very first time in this school, despite the fact that I was paired up with criminals in my class, I felt genuine fear.

Our eyes looked at each other and I knew for a fact that it was him. I quickly caught a full glance of his full figure and he had similar blonde hair to my own. Furthermore, he had a full white uniform with an additional blazer; unlike the rest of the students who have very linear simple uniforms. This level of complexity in his uniform alongside his golden cape on his back alerted me that this person, in this school, was, without a doubt, unlike the rest.

"Yukishiro, who is it?"

With trails of glacial cold in her words, Yuka-sensei straight-up demanded me if I were to know who this person is; to which I replied appropritely.

However; I couldn't because he answered in my place and in addition to that he took a step inside the classroom while analyzing every corner of the classroom with his eyesight.

"The name's Percy Phoenix and I am here on my own will. And I will be troubling you."

In hope of getting Percy out of this room, I attempted to drive him away immediately.

"Um... Are you sure you are in the right classroom? This is block F..."

Everyone kept looking at me; who was still holding the door with my shaky right hand. I was unable to control myself because I wanted Percy out of this classroom as soon as possible.

Nonetheless, he ignored me and directed himself towards Yuka-sensei, who still had to speak.

In other words, my endeavor had failed miserably as Percy was fully strolling over the classroom. I closed the door with a defeated expression...

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight... Hm, what?! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight...? Hey, teach, where are all your students at? Do they boycott this often?"

"They are under my responsibility."

"A student of this school is under the school's responsibility; not the teacher's responsibility... It's a common misconception. You are only responsible for the student if it's in your classroom. In other words, you are currently responsible for eight students; the ones here present."

Percy was constantly switching looks between us all while standing on top of the tip of Gale's table. Undoubtedly, he was extremely carefree and had a brutal lack of manners.

I dared not to strike a conversation or even talk; thus I closed the door and went back to my seat.

Alas, Yuka-sensei answered Percy with the truth.

"Percy was it...? Well, here is the thing, the school is not responsible for this class."

"......Give me a second, I need to make a call..."

Perhaps it was Yuka-sensei's words or something else, but Percy quickly got out of the classroom and returned thirty seconds later.

Then, when he did, he looked at every single one of us far more cautiously and had a mean glare on his eyes.

"I get the gist. Nevertheless, where are your students, and why are you allowing them to boycott like this? I am aware one of your students is in critical condition and her absence is justified but the others though? Not quite. Plus, where are the boys at? Did my gender go extinct or something around here? What the hell!"

To this, Yuka-sensei took a deep breath and answered concretely. She is showing a lot of respect towards Percy despite Percy showing nothing but disrespect.

....? Why?

Does being a student council member mean that you can have superior authority over the school? No, wait, that's a flawed theory. In the first place, Yuka-sensei is a teacher in this school but not under the principal's guidance. It's the program itself that is partial. Maybe that's why...?

"The three missing students are in their dorm; however, I would like you to not go there."

"Declined. They are getting expelled. I will be back here once I am done."

...Huh...?

No way...

Percy is just walking away from Yuka-sensei and is going straight to the door. There is no doubt here. He is serious.

He is going to expel Ikkiri, Akimiyashika, and Hinagiku just because they are skipping classes.

"The principal won't allow it, Percy!"

In response to these words, Percy stopped his walk and turned around towards Yuka-sensei; with a mad expression on his face.

"Now, why? I have the power to do so and it will happen."

"Students from this program can't be expelled by the principal unless they have accumulated a certain number of warnings first."

"Under whose authority?"

"The principal's."

In pure disbelief, Percy's face looked as if it was about to fall off.

This was also news to me, but I somewhat suspected it. We can't be expelled by Percy; essentially.

But... Something tells me that being confident about this immunity thing will backfire.

"The principal... Why... would he--- Sigh... Okay...! They will get three warnings for each at the very least."

......!!!

"Isn't that a bit too unreasonable?"

"Wrong, teach. They deserve it. Give me their names so I can file in the reports to the boss himself."

Relentlessly, Percy adjoined his back to the wall right next to the front door and pulled out a mini notebook from his pocket along with a pen, and looked ready to write down the names.

Yet Yuka-sensei started to show a bit of reluctance and attempted to reason with Percy; who was absolutely furious.

"You don't have to---"

"I said NAMES!"

His shout echoed so loud that I am beyond positive it was heard outside of the block.

I expected Yuka-sensei to stand up for herself here but the fact that she didn't confirm something. She has no power over the students that aren't from this program...

In other words, she is completely defenseless right now.

"...Rikishima Ikkiri. Izayoi Akimiyashika. Mayabashi Hinagiku. Happy?"

"No. The boys' names. Every single one of them."

"I'm afraid they aren't skipping classes."

Midst writing down the individuals' names, for about three whole seconds, Percy looked towards Yuka-sensei with wide-open eyes.

I am starting to feel fear towards his behavior... It's very irrational and although we can't be expelled via Percy's methods, it's damn obvious he is going to do something about it.

"Woman, what the hell? Do I look like I'm in the mood for jok-"

Out of sheer bravery, Lus stood up for Yuka-sensei quickly and spoke in her turn.

"They are not here. They've gone out to an inhabited island to have their exam. If you'd like evidence I would suggest you check with the person you just called moments ago."

Though she spoke so fluently, she did not feel any fear whatsoever despite possibly being the target of Percy's rage.

"A moment, please."

Once again, Percy exited the classroom and made the call.

Swiftly after a complete minute, he came back and adjoined his back against the wall.

Then, he spoke; stretching and reaching out his right arm while doing so.

"Unbelievable, but it will do."

He looked to be done here so I was hoping he would go away now.

After all, he was countered every time. Furthermore, what else could he have here to look for? I just don't see why the hell Percy is here in the first place...

"Alright, onto the main business."

....!? He wasn't here primarily based on their absences only?!

"Teach, I will be stealing your girls' attention for quite a while, so I will have to demand you suspend your plans for the next upcoming hour. I am acting on the principal's will and have the authority to do so. Would you like to appeal here or are we clear?"

"I will stay here. Do not disrespect my students please..."

"Hmpf."

Feeling in absolute control, Percy took one empty table and its chair. Then, he took it to the podium, as if he were our teacher.

Subsequently, after taking a seat, he emerged deeply onto the table's surface; only showing his front skull and eyes. His mouth was completely hidden beneath the desk; it was as if he was playing peek-a-boo...

Ultimately, he started to speak, but he didn't elevate his posture whatsoever; which made his voice ten times deeper than usual because it was being blocked by the table's front.

"I know what you people are thinking. It surely is: "I am safe because this guy can't expel me now that Yuka-sensei told me so!"..."

None of us would dare to speak a word because we surely must've thought about this once or twice; if not more.

"You're wrong. Very wrong. So wrong. The basis for that reasoning lies in the protection of the program. But there's a way around it..."

Our attention was being swept and drained by Percy mercilessly as he kept on delivering staggering verbal knives to our throats.

"The fact that you are students of this school but are under a program that's partial to this school surely means that the principal has accepted it. Whatever happens to you; is the program's responsibility. Unless a merge happens."

....................What the hell is Percy talking about.........!?

This is bad, I am this close to starting tapping my feet right into the ground, as my usual habit goes.

Right next to my side, even Shizuku is looking at me back and forth, wondering where this is going.

"Teach, would you be kind enough to explain to your beloved students what a merge is?"

We all instantly looked at Yuka-sensei; who was showing a very frail image.

Therefore, our fear started to show expansion. Not even Lus who was composed thus far was fully composed.

"...A merge is the equivalent of a student from this program being endorsed into the school."

"Now! I know what you are all thinking! How does that actually differ from the current situation, you may ask? You see, not-so-bright creatures, you are not accepted students in this school. Why? Because none of you technically enrolled in this school. You are enrolled in the program. The environment is the school; sure, but that's about it."

Hold on, what the hell?! So all this time we weren't enrolled in this school?! Wait, but still, what difference does that even make?

Such doubt of mine was clearly answered very fast by Percy; who looked as if he saw through every single one of us.

"There's this method for enrollment. Nonetheless, it's too late. You'd have to wait a full year. Plus, the conditions to enter this school are ridiculously high. After all, you need to have extremely good academics alongside other essential factors. Let me take a wild guess, none of you had to go through all that I've mentioned?"

None of us spoke which caused Percy to take our silence for a yes.

"Bingo. However, every student from this class is a mighty exception. You can enroll at any time and become a full-fledged student of this school! You'll still be in the same block regardless. So, how about it? Does anyone want it? Hey, do you want it?"

Percy stopped being submerged into the desk's surface and pointed at Gale, who was in front of him.

"....Pass."

"Alright, blondie number 1! How about it?"

"Not interested..."

Kanawari was obviously mad by Percy's behavior but she played it out well by not being mad. The first one to get mad here will be his prime target in the future and if we are expelled then that could very well mean execution which is legal in our damn country!

"Short bangs!"

"No!"

Suddenly, Shizuku spoke extremely aggressively towards Percy and I started to feel anxiety just in case he had taken that far too personally. I even hoped he would move on but he did take it personally.

"The gal! Give me your name and reason for not joining."

"My name is Shizuku... And I won't join in because I like this program more!"

"Interesting. You, mean eyes! The answer, now!"

By mean eyes, he was referring to Tateyana, who was not too far from him.

"WH--- Erm, no.... I like this program too!"

She clearly wanted to snap at him.

"Red Ribbon!"

"No."

Sana spoke so fast and secure that it almost looked as if she was rejecting Percy's confession.

"Pink Hair!"

"The name is Lus."

"So what?"

"So call me by my name. Or does a member of the student council not have manners?"

"Do you realize who you are speaking to?"

"A selfish egotistical tyrant who likes to expel others because his ego is bigger than his d---"

"AHHHHHHH!!! YOU CAN'T, LUS!"

Panicking everywhere possible, Kanawari was swinging her arms which made all attention go to her just so Lus could not finish that unholy sentence.

In the meantime, Yuka-sensei spoke to Percy who looked to be having fun. The smirk on his face means that he is purposedly messing with us completely aware that we can't do anything about it...

"Her answer is no... Please stop this meaningless interrogation and go straight to the point, you already know the answer."

"The hell, woman, let me have fun. Tsk. Alright, fine! Now that I know that none of you want to join the school respectively, I will inform you that you couldn't, either way! Hahaha!!"

Like a true asshole, he started to roll on the floor; clearly for every one of us to see and bask on with eyes of disgust.

Unfortunately, he regained his posture extremely quickly and went back to his seat.

"Normally... That is. Your teacher is mean, by the way. I mean, you are their head-teacher, correct?"

"I am not. I was, though."

"And you didn't tell them when you were the head-teacher? Why?"

We were all puzzled as we couldn't figure out what the hell Percy and Yuka-sensei were talking about.

Regardless, Yuka-sensei kept her silence towards Percy's questionnaire which caused him to speak the truth.

"You mighty creatures are for sale."

"That's... a very inappropriate way of putting it..."

I think we were all outraged at this, but I kept my cool; unlike Tateyana and some others who couldn't help themselves...

"What the hell do you mean by that?!"

"Silence! I am speaking, a member of the student council! Don't you dare speak on my turn!"

To this, Tateyana cowered, though reluctant. Percy showed literally no mercy to her with his remorseless words.

Yuka-sensei looked towards her giving her the message to stand down for now.

"As I've said, you are all for sale and that goes for the other ones too. All it takes is the principal's authority. Nonetheless, he gave each student council member a condition. That being: each member can only buy one student into our school. I was very vague but essentially, due to our school's rigid standards, even the principal agreed that it would be fine to allow such unfortunate individuals to enroll in this school. However..."

What the hell is this...

"However, there is a price tag to the individual. I may not know every individual's sentence here, but the price tag is based on their jail sentence. I believe it's multiplied by ten or something. It's a LOT of money. It's ridiculous to even consider buying one of you, because, if someone were to do that, they would be: A- Giving a lot of money. B- Giving you the chance to enroll which wouldn't make much of a difference on the surface. C- Selling your own money for a criminal."

Thus far; I do not understand what Percy is trying to achieve here.

Earlier, I created that whole setup just so Percy could show up and I would work on focusing his attention on someone else but me, but he wasn't there. I've been thinking as to why he wouldn't be there and the thought of him seeing through my plan is terrifying. Yet he hasn't done anything in regard to what happened. He first came here because he wanted to... check those who were skipping class?

It doesn't seem like it... It's as if he just got caught up in a mood swing and delayed his real objective...

His real objective lies beyond this.

"I've mentioned it's ridiculous and I wouldn't even think about doing it. But, your teacher just got one of you screwed up. And it's big time!"

Once again, our anxiety was stretched out... Especially Yuka-sensei's.

"...What are you planning, Percy...?!"

"Why so hostile? I am just going to show some hospitality. Yes, that's right! You've guessed it!"

Although he said that and got up from his seat and started to walk through the lines in-between the tables whilst clapping, we didn't exactly have a concrete idea of what he was referring to, until he fully spoke his mind.

"I am willing to pay the price."

His words spoke terror to us because we now knew what he was after...!!!

His whole aim upon discovering that we couldn't be expelled by his methods was shifted towards a method that would allow our expulsion! However, there is just one thing that I am not understanding here...

"Once again, I know what you are all thinking! I can read your minds quite easily. After all, you are predictable to the core!"

It would not be an exaggeration to say that I want Percy's body broken in the worst way possible that there is.

Amidst his strolling, he passed through my desk and our eyes crossed momentarily; we each upheld an intense glare fight lasting two seconds.

"Get this though, I can only buy one. I have the money, alright. I admit it, I am rich! Still, only one. That sucks. It goes without saying but I like expelling others who are in the wrong. And given your status, you all fit that quota. HOWEVER! Only one. Ladies, this is tough. Tough times call for what...? Oh, that's right... Desperate measures!"

Doing a full round and ultimately spinning right into his table seat in the podium, Percy got to the conclusion that we were all waiting for.

"One of you is getting bought by yours truly. Yes, one of you, against your own will, because none of you wanted to enroll! I was lying when I said that you couldn't because I clearly could enroll one of you. And then, the moment I would get your consent, I would rightfully expel you as you would become merged with the school."

Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.

Wait.

WAIT!

Wait a goddamn second. Is he just going to expel one of us at random?! No, that can't be right! He only expels those who he deems is wrong... No, wait! He already told us that we fill that quota! But it's so illogical though! No, he wouldn't do something like this, right?!

Anea told me that Percy wasn't a bad person unless you were a bad person and to expel someone by status alone doesn't seem to fit the bill...

What the hell is he planning...?

"Time to get the ball rolling, sisters! I've heard the news! A girl from this classroom got stabbed in the abdomen very deeply! The knife is nowhere to be seen though. And accordingly, the suspect of this action was fully investigated and no knife was caught. Ain't that just pretty convenient though? It's like it was an act committed in the act of impulse...!"

I don't have to worry about the knife.

My knife can be dismembered as the blade is partial to the knife itself, therefore all I had to do was to clean the blade and it was as good as new. There aren't many knives like that so that's why it comes in handy.

"An act of impulse. Righhhtttt. That's all bullshit. I know! If I were to commit an act of impulse where I would stab someone else; should I be a student, then I... would go to class like usual instead of skipping out like the rest. Because if I were to go to class, I would not be too suspectable. And with that said, I hereby declare all of you suspects!"

..........!!!!

"What is the meaning of this exactly?"

"Chillax, teach! It's super obvious! It's one thing to spread a rumor about tyranny in class and the other one to claim that the same person upholding that said tyranny stabbed a classmate with a knife! It's ludicrous! And so, the mastermind here failed to realize something. Mhm, what? Are you curious?"

.......

Why the hell am I so nervous.... I am starting to not want to hear what this prick has to say anymore.......

Nevertheless, I can't be this nervous. If Percy is after me, then I will have to destroy him.

"You have slowly isolated more and more members who aren't the actual culprits. You are leaving yourself to get caught..."

.....!!

No, but that's---

Crap, this guy is not a joke. Anea was not kidding and neither was Carol when she said that Percy was a genius when it comes to getting you expelled...!!! Why did I underestimate this prick?! I thought that the student council was just a joke, but this is....

INTERESTING!

"I'm issuing my path of action. I will buy the culprit of the two events that have happened most recently! The first event being the fake organization of baseless rumors of the tyranny of slaves! That is beyond ridiculous and it will not be OVERLOOKED. Second event being; the incident this morning! Under my own judgment, it was not Rikishima Ikkiri who stabbed Kitsuya Arkalee!"

Goddamn it! I want to intervene so badly but I just can't! I can't look suspectable; not much more at least!

"All you eight are the prime suspects and here is the ball: If by the end of the month the culprit does not turn herself in; I, along with other seven members of the student council, will buy every single one of you and... EXPEL ALL OF YOU!"

"No way! That's unfair!"

"Silence, wench! I do not wish to hear your stupid reasoning!"

Yet again, Tateyana attempted to argue, but in vain. It went without saying that this was bad news...

Or not.

I know how hard it is to think clearly without being nervous right now, but the moment my brain clicked on the factor...

If I can make Sana spill everything she knows about Omega and put her in a position where she will be expelled then I profit! Plus, in this scenario, the culprit will have to turn herself in, but there are ways to manipulate that...

"Hold it. This is all too unreasonable. Why should all have to suffer due to the actions of one person only? It is not fair."

"Did you not just hear what I said to her, pinky?"

"I did. That's why I would like to propose a fairer suggestion. If you aren't too much of a coward to accept, that is."

Lus is insane. She is getting expelled! Whatever! If she's the one that he buys then I'm safe, so feel free to trash talk Percy all you want!

"This is the second time you've insulted me! Apologize!"

"Apologize for being mean to Kana and I will apologize to you."

"I wasn't mean so I won't."

"Yes, you were. She did nothing to you and you've called her by your offensive nickname. I'm being kind to the point of excluding the fact that you've done that with the rest. If you're not apologizing, then we aren't getting anywhere here."

"Lus..."

Kanawari was beyond shocked that Lus was going out of her way to defend her against Percy.

To this, Percy began to vent his anger to Yuka-sensei next to him.

"This is outrageous! Is she retarded or something?!"

"I am talking to you! If you are talking to someone, you don't take your eyes off someone else!"

She is seriously going through with this... I will admire her bravery, but her stupidity is off the charts.

To go out of your way just because your friend has been insulted like this is very stupid.

"You absolute moron, do you realize what it means to go against the law?"

"You're not the law, Percy. Law is fair. And you are not."

In response, Percy started to move out from his chair fairly quickly towards the entrance; where Lus was.

Then, as get got to her desk, he slammed his right hand onto the surface of her desk and spoke what he had in mind.

"I am fair. You're out of your mind if you believe I'm taking orders from a petty criminal like you who has no right to say those words. You hypocrite!"

"I am aware of that. But what you did was wrong and you will apologize to Kana."

"I don't think you get the part where I've indirectly not given you my consent in this "apology" wish of yours. It's not happening! Hell, you look pretty gutsy to me. Maybe I'll buy you instead and expel you afterward? Did you think about that? Huh?"

I expected Lus to finally crumble and realize the meaningless endeavor of her words thus far, but she did the exact opposite of that.

With an unknown level of fearlessness in her eyes, she didn't hesitate in shutting Percy down as she got up from her chair to meet Percy's height.

"I don't mind if you "buy" me and then expel me. However, that's only if you get on your knees and apologize to Kana and everyone here for your disrespect this far!"

"What....!? On my knees?!"

"I wasn't going to suggest getting on your knees but it's the only way that you can possibly make up for what you've done this far."

"You....!!!"

I have never met someone so stupidly prideful who would go this far just because her friend got insulted.

If Percy decides to buy her and expel her then she deserves it. Hell, I want him to do it because that way he won't be able to potentially buy me and then... expel me!

There's no way I can have that! Come on, what the hell are you waiting for, Percy?! Just do it!

Why are you standing there laughing right now?!

"Hahaha! I see now."

"..."

Lus simply remained in silence as she saw Percy leaving her desk only to go back to the podium...

While on his way, he whispered something that we could all hear, though very little to no noise was emitted.

"I am starting to understand how she got Liyuga's attention..:"

In addition to praising Lus for her efforts, he clapped, though not in her direction.

Ultimately, he got on his seat with his legs across the table; fully extended.

"I will not apologize still."

"Then---"

"HOWEVER! I'll grant your suggestion. Speak your mind, Lus."

For the first time ever, Percy called Lus by her name.

Perhaps this was a sign of respect yet Lus showed no hesitation in speaking her mind in regards to her suggestion.

Although this meant abandoning the whole "apology" thing.

"I will get you to apologize one day, but that can come another time. Is that fine with you, Kana...?"

Kanawari didn't seem to know how to reply at first but she flashed a gigantic smirk in response alongside a positive nod.

Upon that, Lus continued with her suggestion.

"Percy, I would like to suggest a battle between you and me only."

"A one-on-one? Against me?"

Instead of being offended, Percy took this seriously as he questioned Lus with those two questions.

"That's correct. We will be predicting results, is that fine with you?"

"No, it's not. Explain."

Percy's worries are justified since Lus did not specify whatsoever what she has in mind.

"Ok. So, you see the missing pieces of this classroom; otherwise known as the boys?"

"Yes. Are you saying we are going to predict the outcome of their exam?"

"Not the outcome, but the results. But first, a little explanation. This program has begun in January and it's now April. Failing one of the crucial special exams three times is the maximum limit. Exceeding that will get you expelled from this program which has its consequences. And so, many of the boys are in danger of being expelled as we speak."

I still don't understand what exactly is her aim here: if it's to base this competition on their results or the boys who will be expelled due to failing the exam...

Nonetheless, why did Lus propose a solo battle if her aim here is to turn Percy's tyrannical suggestion into a fair battle? Wouldn't it make more sense to involve all of us?

"So the ones who get the expelled calls right, wins?"

"Simple, right?"

"Yes, it's simple. But I'll have to decline. You have a clear edge here as you know your class more than I do yours. I don't fight losing battles. We are still going with my endeavor."

In the end, it didn't work.

The moment Percy realized he was at disadvantage here he just backed off.

If it was this obvious then why did Lus do it regardless? So stupid...

"You gravely misunderstood something, Percy."

"Hm??"

"We are still going with your endeavor; all I proposed was a secondary competition, nothing more."

Unable to process her true aim here, we all looked at her for a long time until Lus decided to explain her full aim.

She felt more than happy to explain it to us rather than stress about it.

"There was no reason to exclude your endeavor, Percy. You are the student council's member. I wouldn't dare to attempt to change your mind. Instead, I am proposing a secondary competition."

"But what's the point if it's not going to change the outcome of my own? We would just be battling for ego at that point. I can't do something that pointless."

Lus laughed at this mildly though not bordering over the line of disrespect.

"Haha... Forgive me here, but... You also misunderstood something, Percy. The aim of this secondary competition is to have a competition that has the same conclusive weight as yours. In other words, should I win my competition and should you win yours, we will have a neutral result."

............

This is bad... Lus is essentially opposing the expulsion factor here. Although there are good parts to her words, I wanted someone here to get expelled.

"........"

Percy placed his right hand on his chin and thought this through for a great total of fifteen seconds. Then, he administered his overall thoughts on this matter.

"I will agree to this only if you agree to this one condition..."

"...Say the condition."

More conditions?! This is ridiculous! But we don't have much of a choice here, do we?!

"Should you lose your battle, in addition to all of you being expelled, all of the boys will be charged for tax evasion as their crime; thus they will be equally expelled. In other words, should you lose, YOU LOSE EVERYTHING!"

"That's fine with me."

WHAT?!

She is willing to take everyone down with her should she lose?! She's insane!

Apart from the majority of us being split from terror and paranoia, Percy's eyes widened as he couldn't believe the amount of confidence behind Lus's words.

"You... are something else. Very well, we have a deal then. Here is how it's going to go down for the first competition. I will spend one hour every day here in this classroom until the end of the month and in that time, the culprit will be free to turn herself over. If not, then you already know what happens by the end of the month. As for our little competition, Lus, I will use everything to my disposal. How do you propose we establish the results?"

"Every day, we write down our gambles. Essentially, in a paper, the names of the boys who will fail the exam will be written down. It has to be every day because we don't know exactly when they will arrive. Is that fine with you?"

"Fine. You are aware of the consequences of losing, right? Everyone will blame you, should you fail."

"I don't care."

"You're priceless! Very well, Lus! It is on!"

As the climax had come to a close end, Percy looked ready to leave as he put his long stretched legs covered by his white jeans back.

However, before Phoenix left the room, he glanced upon Lus one more time and said his last words before ultimately closing the door with a force that would be heard throughout the entire block.

"Your performance better match your confidence."