COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

May 26th, Friday—Midterm Exam Day.

This was the moment that would evaluate how much knowledge the students had retained over the past two months since enrollment. The midterms consisted of five subjects: Social Studies and Japanese in the morning, followed by Chemistry, Mathematics, and English in the afternoon.

Once all five exams were completed, the students would enjoy a two-day weekend, with the official results set to be announced on Monday.

The exams ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., testing not only the students' academic progress but also their concentration and endurance.

As the first exam bell rang, Hoshinomiya Chie entered Class 1-A's classroom, all eyes immediately locking onto her and the stack of test papers in her hands.

Unlike her usual playful and stylish appearance, today, the young teacher appeared far more reserved. With a stern expression, she started distributing the test papers from the front row to the back, emphasizing exam regulations as she did so.

"No talking during the exam. Absolutely no cheating.

If I catch anyone breaking the rules, the consequences will be severe. I expect everyone in my class to take this test seriously."

"Now then, the first midterm exam… begins!"

The moment she finished speaking, every student immediately flipped over their test papers.

Having spent the entire previous day memorizing last year's midterm, no one rushed to write down their answers. Instead, they carefully scanned the questions and their arrangement.

The more they looked, the more their confidence soared.

Because—this exam was identical to the one they had memorized.

This meant one thing: their scores were guaranteed.

Around the room, the students of Class 1-A began to relax, some even smiling subtly. If the first test was identical, it was highly likely that the rest would be as well.

Hikaru quickly scanned through his own test paper, feeling a sense of relief.

Looks like that 15,000 private points were well spent.

Once this exam ended, the next major milestone would be the class evaluation scores on June 1st. Only then would he know whether this midterm had a direct impact on class points.

Beside him, Ichinose naturally came to the same realization. Keeping a composed expression, she took a brief glance at Hikaru's profile before diving into her answers with full focus.

---

In the Year 1-B classroom…

Dressed in a suit, Tomonari Mashima stood at the podium, watching over his students as they tackled their exams.

As their homeroom teacher, he had no doubts about their academic ability.

His main concern was the division within the class.

Over the past two months, Sakayanagi's faction and Katsuragi's faction had completely split the class into two opposing groups, creating an obvious divide.

This was something he could not interfere with. After all, autonomy was one of the school's fundamental principles.

But as their teacher, Mashima couldn't help but worry—if the division grew too severe, it would ultimately harm the class's overall strength in future battles.

His gaze first landed on Katsuragi Kōhei.

The bald-headed student sat with a perfect posture, diligently working through his exam with a steady, methodical approach.

Calm and composed, Katsuragi naturally attracted loyal followers. Having served as a class representative in middle school, he was an ideal leader—yet his greatest opponent was none other than the girl sitting on the other side of the room.

Mashima then shifted his attention to Sakayanagi Arisu.

With her silver hair and frail frame, she sat with an effortless grace. But unlike the others, there was no trace of tension or urgency on her face.

For her, this exam was nothing more than a trivial pastime.

Brilliant beyond measure and possessing a sharp intellect, Sakayanagi's capabilities ran deep.

Mashima had his own suspicions as to why the school had assigned her to Class A originally. After all, her surname matched that of the school's chairman.

These two students—both undeniably outstanding—had now become rivals in a power struggle for control over Class B.

Mashima could only shake his head in resignation.

Perhaps this was inevitable fate.

There was nothing more he could do. He could only let them settle it themselves.

---

Inside the Year 1-C classroom…

After distributing the test papers, Chabashira Sae remained at the podium, her cold gaze sweeping across her students.

Despite acquiring inside knowledge about the school's hidden rules, many of their old bad habits remained unchanged.

Whispering. Passing notes.

Some were still showing up late or leaving early.

Chabashira, though outwardly indifferent, was deeply frustrated.

She had taught several generations of Class D students before, and none had ever shown a real chance of breaking into the upper ranks.

But this year… a few promising individuals had caught her attention.

Her eyes first landed on Horikita Suzune.

The black-haired girl sat upright, swiftly working through her answers at an impressive speed.

Her intelligence was undeniable. But… her personality flaws were another story.

Even if her academic ability was top-tier, her cold and dismissive attitude toward her classmates was a major issue.

For Suzune to truly lead the class, she would need to grow in more ways than one.

Then, there was Hirata Yōsuke.

Handsome and popular, he had been selected as the class representative by an overwhelming majority.

Yet, Chabashira was disappointed in him.

Although he had successfully organized study groups and motivated his peers, his personality was too soft.

Someone incapable of withstanding pressure could never truly lead.

Her gaze continued moving, briefly passing Kushida Kikyo, Koenji Rokusuke, and finally settling on the boy sitting near the window—Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.

Rumors had reached her ears—his entrance exam scores were precisely 50 across all subjects.

Not a point more, not a point less.

Since enrolling, he had kept an incredibly low profile.

He seemed to be merely going with the flow… yet at the same time, there was a sense of deliberation to his actions.

Was he someone she could use?

Chabashira wasn't sure yet.

Her thoughts drifted to Hoshinomiya, her fellow teacher.

Unlike Chabashira's own strict demeanor, Hoshinomiya was always cheerful and energetic.

And whenever she spoke to Chabashira, one name kept coming up—

Hashima Hikaru.

"My most promising student!"

On the very first day of school, he had figured out the school's deeper mechanics and immediately requested to purchase information.

Because of him, the administration had openly provided rule-related rewards, helping Class A secure an early lead.

That had been Chabashira's greatest regret.

And yet, Hoshinomiya had secured that advantage so effortlessly.

Could this class… produce a student like Hashima Hikaru?

As she looked around the room, watching some students struggle to even focus on their test papers, she felt little hope.

---

In the Year 1-D classroom…

Wearing his glasses, Sakagami Kazuma gloomily handed out the test papers before standing at the podium to proctor the exam.

His mood had been terrible ever since the school's disciplinary review of the violence incident.

Because of Ryūen Kakeru's orders, Komiya and Ishizaki had been suspended for one month.

Though they were allowed to sit for today's midterms, their punishment would resume afterward.

And with Ryūen's previous blunders, Class D's evaluation points had dropped drastically.

Even if everyone passed the midterms, their overall score wouldn't improve much by June 1st.

Sakagami first observed the short-haired girl at the front—the class's elected leader.

She had done her best, organizing study groups and exam strategies.

But… it still wasn't enough.

His gaze then shifted to Ryūen Kakeru, who sat at his desk, calmly analyzing his test paper.

Sakagami still believed in Ryūen's potential.

Though his schemes had failed before, if he could come up with another plan to disrupt the other classes, Sakagami wouldn't hesitate to support him.

For now, he could only wait and see.

For both teachers and students, today was going to be a long, grueling test.

And in this crucial battle, no one wanted to be the loser.

~~~

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