Equivalent Exchange.
The universe is governed by such a system. Regardless of what’s on either side of the scale, whether it be conceptual or physical, it didn’t matter. If the universe deemed it an equivalent exchange, anything can be created or destroyed.
That was what we learnt from the Ideal Human Project.
I guess this school was an attempt to exploit that concept.
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Several days passed.
“I see that you’ve found a way to get some points, Akira.”
Sumire was sitting on my table as per usual; this time, it seemed that she was applying nail polish or something—I guess she wasn’t trying that hard to optimise her tapping anymore. Her phone sat beside her, all devoid of touch. I had just returned the 250,000 points to her that she lent to me.
“I just had to deal with some issues.”
“It’s always nice to get a reward from them, isn’t it?”
“I guess so.”
I looked down at my phone. There was something I needed to see.
[Affinity Minion]
Inventory: 1x Affinity Tokens, 1043x Battery (Accessory)
[Base]: 1x Affinity Token per month
Upon using an [Affinity Token], there is a very small chance that your {Personal Ability} will evolve. Every student can only use the Affinity Tokens they produce, no one else’s.
(Max 1 per person)
I guess my investment finally brought in some return. I didn’t know the exact chance for the evolution of my {Personal Ability}, but just from the description, I wouldn’t bet on it.
I {consumed} the [Affinity Token].
[Affinity Token]
Evolution Failed
You have been given 20,000 points.
Try again.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Oh well, I expected something like that. Regardless, even the 20,000 points were enough to somewhat justify the investment.
“What are you doing, Akira?”
“Just looking at my phone.”
“Did you see the new special exam?”
I opened the EXAM portal.
Lifeline Special Exam
For 24 hours, violence will be permitted throughout the school grounds. You may use your abilities against other students without consequence. However, damage to school property will still be punished. Killing is also strictly not permitted and will result in an instant expulsion.
All injuries can be restored by making your way to the medical department. By entering the medical department, you are forfeiting the special exam. If you lose consciousness at any point due to injuries, you will immediately be expelled.
To pass this exam, simply survive the 24 hours without forfeiting.
If you forfeit the special exam at any point, you will lose 2,000,000 points.
The exam will begin tomorrow morning.
I looked over at Sumire.
“This certainly is something.”
“What’s your plan, Akira? Is there anyone you want to expel from the school?”
“Not particularly.”
“Ah, I figured.”
I stretched my arms a little and looked at the mirror.
“But do I feel that there are several people who might use this as an opportunity to try to expel me.”
Sumire got up and made her way to my fridge. As the door opened, it was actually the first time that I noticed that my entire bottom section had been filled with bottles of Calypso Sweat. Like a weird concoction made for the base of a cauldron or someone with an addiction, it uncomfortably blocked out an entire area of my fridge.
I don’t even know when she put them all in there.
“I didn’t realise you liked them that much, Sumire.”
She grabbed one out and threw it toward me.
The icy cold condensation dripped onto my hands. There was a refreshing coldness just from it seeping into my palm. I guess it just goes to show how good our fridges were.
“Try one, you might notice something familiar.”
I unscrewed the lid and took a sip.
It was rather nice.
It tasted very similar to one of the drinks we were given during the Ideal Human Project. We had a vitamin drink that they fed to us every morning—it tasted somewhat like medicine, slightly bitter.
I guess Sumire still held onto her tastes from back then.
I didn’t find this any more enjoyable than water.
“It is somewhat familiar.”
“So, do you like it, Akira?”
“It’s okay.”
Sumire sighed a little.
“I thought it’d bring back some memories for you,” she laughed.
“Also, when did you put all of those into my fridge?”
“Don’t worry about it. They’re for both of us.”
That wasn’t what I was worried about. Although I didn’t exactly need all the fridge space, it wasn’t that much of a hassle.
I had a look at the nutrition label of the drink.
“It’s got sodium and vitamins, although it doesn’t have as much as our old drink, Akira.”
I put it down on the table.
I might have some every once in a while.
“Anyways, I’ll be staying in your room tonight,” she walked back over to my table and sat right on top of it, “strength in numbers, isn’t that right?”
“Are we working together?”
“Why not? There’s not much benefit in me trying to kill you, is there?”
“It’s not that. You’ll get dragged into stuff if you’re around me.”
“Don’t worry, that’s the fun part, isn’t it?”
If you say so, I guess.
I opened my SHOP app.
SHOP - Minions
…
[Bee Minion] - 50,000 points
[Battery Minion] - 350,000 points
*
… [Unlock More] - 32 Stars
I decided to get another Battery Minion. It was slightly better value and buying individual [Recharge Minions]—but only when time wasn’t accounted for since the time required to save up 350,000 points would make [Recharge Minions] better value.
I also purchased a few more [Star Minions].
FIELDS
[Wood Minion] x1
[Poultry Minion] x1
[Star Minion] x40
[Lesser Bank Minion] x5
[Bee Minion] x4
[Battery Minion] x2
[Affinity Minion] x1
All the [Star Minions] should be producing their next {Stars} within the next few days.