CHAPTER 27: STUDY GROUP

Chapter 27: Study Group

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"Hey, Arios," Greg said, stopping him on his way to the academy’s main building.

"What is it, Greg?" Arios asked.

"It’s nothing big," Greg replied. "It’s just that there are only three days left until the test, and thanks to you, my combat skills have never been better."

"No need for the compliment," Arios said.

"Do you have any idea how the study groups will be formed?" Greg asked.

Arios already knew from the anime that Elisa’s study groups would be composed of four people each. He remembered each group would have two students who scored above 60 on the test and two who scored below. While he couldn’t recall the exact placement of everyone, he knew Kyousuke would be in a group with Rain Blake, Javier, and one of his harem members, Sophie.

"Considering there are 41 people in our class, I’m sure Elisa will group us in fours, and one group will obviously have an odd number," Arios replied to Greg’s earlier question.

"That much is obvious," Greg said. "I’m asking about how the groups of four will be composed. Will one person tutor three, or three tutor one? It all depends on how well we do on the placement tests."

If the test scores align with the anime’s original plot, then it would be two tutoring two, Arios thought.

"It’s almost seven. We’d better head to class," Greg said.

Arios gave a slight nod and followed him to the classroom. The day was uneventful. The homeroom teacher, Mrs. Sarah, taught a few courses on civic law before leading a discussion on the importance of study groups. She then pulled out a batch of white papers—which were undoubtedly their placement tests—and handed them to Elisa. Some students protested the fact that Elisa would get to see everyone’s scores, but Arios wasn’t worried. He knew her better than anyone from binge watching the anime, that caring about some misfits’ scores was the last thing Elisa would do.

"I just handed your placement test scores to your class representative, Elisa," Mrs. Sarah said. "After I dismiss you, she will use the opportunity to discuss her plans for forming study groups."

In the anime, study groups were crucial for most students’ success in the academic portion of the upcoming mid-semester test. Arios recalled that the academic portion accounted for 60% of the overall test score, while the combat portion made up the remaining 40%.

With Mrs. Sarah’s dismissal, a hush fell over the classroom. Elisa Ravencroft, with her usual stoic expression, walked to the front of the class. She held the batch of white papers and placed them neatly on the desk. Her gaze swept over the students, a silent need for attention.

"As Mrs. Sarah mentioned, I have your placement test scores," Elisa began, her voice calm and clear. "I’ve had the chance to look over the first ten papers. Out of those, five students scored above 55, and five scored below. This small sample size gives me confidence that a two-tutor, two-tutee group model is the most effective approach for us."

A low murmur rippled through the class. Whispers about who would be in which group and who would be tutoring whom filled the air. Greg leaned over to Arios. "Two and two. I guess that’s fair. What do you think?"

Arios simply shrugged Greg. Those were the exact same words from the anime and they played repeat in Arios’s mind. The most effective method is a two-tutor, two-tutee system where the two who scored higher would assist the two who scored lower.

Elisa’s plan was exactly as he remembered, a logical approach to maximizing their class’s overall performance.

"The study group list will be posted before our next class," Elisa continued, her voice cutting through the chatter. "Each group will have two students with a strong grasp of the material and two who need improvement. This system is designed to benefit everyone."

A student near the back, a boy with a messy brown named Ryder, raised his hand. "Elisa, what about those of us who did extremely poor? Wouldn’t it be better to have an even split of high and low scores in a group of four?"

Elisa’s eyes narrowed slightly. "While I understand your concern, my method is based on data and logic. The more balanced the group, the better the overall outcome. My focus is on the class as a whole, not just one or two individuals." Her answer was a typical response, cold and pragmatic, leaving no room for emotional appeals.

Another student, a girl named Sofia, chimed in. "What about the odd number? You know there are 41 of us. How would you handle the last group?"

"The final group will be five," Elisa answered, "consisting of the usual two high-scoring students and one extra low-scoring student. The two tutors will have to work together to ensure the three tutee understands the material."

As Elisa laid out her plan, Kyousuke, who was sitting a few rows behind of Arios, remained silent. He just watched, a thoughtful expression on his face. Arios did the same. Neither of them had any reason to voice their opinions. Kyousuke was likely observing Elisa’s leadership skills, while Arios knew what was coming. The study groups were a critical plot point, and Kyousuke priority was to ensure he was in a group that would allow him to maintain a low profile.

"Remember, there are only three days left until the mid-semester test," Elisa stated, her tone turning more serious. "The academic portion comes first, accounting for sixty percent of your final grade. The combat portion is worth the remaining forty percent. This test is crucial for your future here at the academy."

Her next words sent a shiver through some of the less confident students. "And remember, as per the test rules, the student with the lowest overall score will be expelled."

A wave of panic swept through the room. Whispers turned into louder exclamations of worry and fear.

A student said from the back. "That will never seem fair to me. Why are the stakes even this high!"

"The academy made it clear during our orientation," Elisa responded, her voice unwavering. "This is a meritocracy. Only the strong survive. If you have a problem with that, you should have chosen a different academy."

She looked at Kyousuke, as if expecting a reaction. Kyousuke remained impassive, his expression unreadable. He knew this was just the beginning. The pressure would only mount from here. For him, the only thing that mattered was that he keeps his promise to her, to help her reach Class A.

As Elisa prepared to leave the front of the class, she added one final point. "If you have any questions or concerns, you can speak with me privately. But I suggest you focus your energy on studying. Your futures depend on it." She then walked back to her desk, leaving the classroom in a state of agitated silence.

Arios watched her, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. She was just as he remembered: intelligent, ruthless, and utterly dedicated to achieving her goals, no matter the cost. His goal, however, was much simpler: Outshine the living hell out of the protagonist— Kyousuke, starting with making his plan to get Greg expelled implode on him.