Later, Horikita Manabu shared more valuable information with Yukio. For instance, the 20 million private points could not only allow a student to transfer classes but also offset an expulsion penalty.
However, these weren't direct uses of private points but rather indirect ones. To transfer classes, a student would need to purchase a "transfer ticket," while offsetting expulsion required purchasing "protection points."
Both items were non-transferable and exclusive to the individual. When Yukio expressed confusion about why the system was set up in such a convoluted way—why not just allow students to use the points directly for the respective services?—Horikita explained that even he didn't know. It was part of the S-System's original design, unchangeable, and its purpose remained a mystery. Even as the outgoing student council president, he couldn't decipher the rationale behind this complexity.
"Alright, go prepare yourself. The day after tomorrow is the succession ceremony."
The AN High School auditorium would host the student council handover ceremony, open to enthusiastic participation from all three grade levels. Typically, this event had little to do with first-year students. Even if a particularly talented first-year student had joined the student council, they wouldn't play a central role in the succession. But this time was different—with Yukio in the mix.
His classmates in Yukio's class were overjoyed. An otherwise mundane ceremony had suddenly become a source of excitement, with eager anticipation in their eyes.
As students filed into the auditorium, adorned with red velvet drapes, and took their seats by grade and class, whispers filled the air.
"This is great! Thanks to this ceremony, we get to skip two classes today—what a win!"
"Did you hear? President Horikita intends to appoint Yukio-san from the first year as the new student council president."
"Of course! With Nagumo gone, who else in the student council is fit for the position except Yukio-san?"
"Exactly! Third-years like Horikita Manabu and Tachibana are about to retire. Among the second-years, there's only Kiriyama, but he doesn't measure up. He even lost to a first-year, Ichika, during the special exam. Yukio-san's the obvious choice."
Amid the various discussions, Tachibana stepped onto the stage as the host of the ceremony. She began with a formal address, presenting a PowerPoint on the big screen that detailed Horikita Manabu's accomplishments during his tenure.
Following this, she invited Horikita to deliver his retirement speech. True to his famously cold and efficient demeanor, Horikita took the stage and addressed the crowd with a succinct message:
"Thank you all for your trust and support."
And that was it. His words were brief, but they perfectly encapsulated his style, which left the upperclassmen nodding in admiration. "As expected of Horikita Manabu," they thought. His approach was simple, direct, and incredibly efficient—even for something as ceremonious as stepping down as student council president.
After Horikita returned to his seat, Tachibana couldn't resist adding her personal touch:
"President Horikita Manabu! These past two years have been incredibly, incredibly challenging for you."
"Perhaps many of you don't know, but President Horikita has, on numerous occasions during special exams, fought tirelessly on our behalf. He worked to revise exam rules that were disadvantageous to us students, often standing his ground against the school administration."
"In my eyes, President Horikita will always be the best president ever!"
The school faculty in attendance merely chuckled, not refuting Tachibana's praise. Advocacy for students was, after all, a core responsibility of the student council. While the council sometimes created extra work for the administration, everything ultimately aligned with the school's goal of nurturing talent. The faculty appreciated the occasional challenges that arose.
The upperclassmen applauded enthusiastically, showing their appreciation for Horikita's hard work and sending him off with heartfelt acknowledgment known only to them.
However, among the first-year students, there was less understanding of Horikita's achievements over the past two years. Consequently, their applause was noticeably absent. That is, except for a curious sight in Class 1-D—Horikita Suzune clapping on her own, drawing some surprised glances.
Finally, Tachibana moved forward with the agenda:
"Now, let us welcome the new student council president, Yoritaka Yukio from Class 1-A, to deliver his inaugural address."
The shift in Tachibana's tone amused Yukio. Her passionate delivery when speaking about Horikita contrasted sharply with the more perfunctory manner she adopted for his introduction.
Unbothered, Yukio confidently approached the small lectern in the auditorium. Without a trace of nervousness, he casually flipped the microphone switch and began:
"I'm honored to take on the role of student council president."
"I'll keep it straightforward, aiming to emulate President Horikita's high-efficiency approach," Yukio began, his tone steady and commanding. "Next, I'll announce some changes to the student council positions under my leadership."
"First, for the position of Vice President, currently vacant, I have decided to promote Honami Ichinose, previously in charge of miscellaneous duties within the council, to Vice President."
The announcement brought a mix of emotions on stage. Kiryuin, standing off to the side, looked somewhat melancholy, while Ichinose's expression was one of surprise and delight.
Ichinose hadn't anticipated Yukio making such a declaration at the inauguration ceremony. Her mind raced back to the end of summer vacation at the poolside. At that time, Yukio had jokingly mentioned kicking out Nagumo and appointing her as Vice President. She had dismissed it as playful banter, but now, he had fulfilled the promise made by the pool.
Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she gazed at Yukio, standing confidently before the entire student body, exuding an air of authority. She instinctively pressed a hand to her chest, as if to steady her heart, which felt like it might leap out of her body.
"In addition," Yukio continued, "the position of Vice President has traditionally been held by two individuals. Ryuen, how about lending a hand?"
The entire auditorium fell into stunned silence at the unexpected invitation. It was rare for a formal speech at such a prestigious event to deviate from the prepared script, let alone include an interactive question aimed at an audience member. But Yukio had done just that, casting the spotlight on Ryuen Kakeru.
Ryuen himself was caught off guard. He hadn't expected to be called out so casually in front of everyone.
Meanwhile, in the seats occupied by Yukio's class, excitement was brewing. Those seated near Ryuen were already nudging him enthusiastically.
"Ryuen-san! This is a spot President Yukio saved just for you!"
"If you join, the student council will practically be our class's private club! Ryuen-san, help us out and secure more funding for the track team!"
"Track team? You guys already have the whole field and a lounge! What do you need extra funding for? Ryuen-san, ignore them and prioritize the cooking club! If you do, we'll handle all of President Yukio's and your meals from now on!"
"Tsk." Ryuen ignored the chatter of his classmates, lifting his gaze to the stage where Yukio stood illuminated by the spotlight.
With a cocky smirk, Ryuen ran a hand through his purple-dyed bangs and called out, "Tch, don't underestimate me, Yukio."