The Irregular At Elite High School's
Chapter 5 Impostor

[Courtesy of Kitagawa Mio]

Competition is something that builds a person. That is, because there is competition, someone will continue to improve and continue to try to be better than his rivals. Looks like it might be a good thing. But what happens if in every competition we are always the losing side? Must be stifling, right? Especially when the person we have to compete with is our own brother. Believe me, it's really stifling.

I have an older brother who can be said to be perfect from all fields. He is a genius in academics, athletic in sports, talented in the arts and also wise in every decision-making. It was like seeing a superhuman.

I want to be like a sister too. But whatever the power is. no matter how hard I try I can't be as smart, seatletic and as talented as that. It was like asking a sparrow to fly like an eagle. No, it's not just flying. More precisely it might actually be the eagle itself.

Born to the same parents and raised in the same way, there shouldn't be anything so different from me and my brother. That's how our parents argued that I who always had trouble following in his footsteps began to be treated a little differently.

There are times when they don't care how hard I try. Those words of disappointment still come out mercilessly, like a torrential rain flashing down on you on a cold night. It was certainly stifling, but I still wanted to put in a little more effort. Well, just a little bit more before I'm gonna really give up.

***

Out of the ten questions chosen by the 'J' team there was only one whose answer I doubted. But who would have thought, just because of that one matter alone I should be at one rank below Daemon.

How disappointing. What would follow in the footsteps of my brother? Defeating people like Daemons alone cannot. Even though I was now immersed in disappointment, I still tried to continue my duties as team leader of 'J'.

After assigning one person the lowest score, we arrived at the end of the test. After Takahashi Kenta, the person with the lowest points was dropped out. Daemons seem to be dropping out Shunsaku Tomo, a quiet man who has a level below me.

I was actually hoping that someone like Daemon should drop out. But let it be, my first priority right now is to save myself.

"The guess from the 'J' team was stated wrong."

The announcement made everyone flinch. Well, it was very surprising because I myself was actually also convinced that Takahashi Kenta was the one with the lowest points.

But strange. Instead of sad or upset that dominate, I actually feel more happy to hear it. If a team fails to guess the child with the lowest points, the one who will drop out is actually the child with the highest points.

In other words, it is the Daemon position that is now threatened.

Seeing this situation made me realize that we had come back to the starting line. Who is the child with the lowest and highest grades, that we have no definite answer.

'Why can't Takahashi?'

"Please look at the screen."

Not yet I had time to think, a screen in front of the room lit up and displayed the ten names of the 'J' team members along with the numbers that were next to their names.

My hair immediately goosebumps when I see the lowest point listed on the screen. This horrifying feeling that appeared I never thought I would feel it also from someone other than brother.

"Well, the results of this test I will read. The lowest value holder on the 'J' team is Shunsaku Tomo with zero value. As a result of the 'J' team being wrong in guessing, the child who will be dropped out is the highest value holder on the 'J' team, namely Daemon Ryoma."

"No-Zero points?!"

"Well, isn't he third out of ten?"

"Yes, there's no way he's got zero."

People began to assume, but no one really dared to ask Shunsaku directly, except for the Daemon. He got up from his seat and approached Shunsaku.

"You were intentional?!"

The voice that came out of his mouth sounded like a roar filled with anger. Despite receiving it in front of his face straight away, Shunsaku still remained in his composure.

"Your exam was deliberately zero, but in the last ten questions you tried to work so that we could cheat, right?!"

"Sorry, I'm too stupid to not understand what you mean."

The emotions of Daemon seemed to culminate hearing that answer. His hands clenched tightly, about to throw a punch at Shunsaku's face. At that moment, suddenly the examination supervisor had been behind Daemon while clutching his hand.

"People who already have no interest in this exam, please leave the room in an orderly manner."

Speak politely to the supervisor while letting go of his grip.

"Bad! You don't know who I am?!"

"I don't care. If you still want to mess up, then there's no mercy."

After the Daemon is dropped out does not mean all this is done. Based on the rules.if we guess wrong, not only the person with the highest points will be doped out, but also one more person who will be determined by the lowest point holder.

While everyone was staring at Shunsaku, I resigned because I knew the possibility of him choosing me was very high. It was natural because other than Daemons, the highest score holder was me. So getting rid of that heavy opponent was certainly a priority for anyone in this school.

"Shunsaku Tomo, please mention the one name you want to drop out."

Everyone looked tense and held their breath. Ah, if it's true here that I failed, it seems like I will give up on following in brother's footsteps. The main reason I tried to be accepted into this school was also simply because.. It's right here.

"Kakahashi Kenta."

Takahashi who was once relieved now immediately panicked back."

"Why do I have to be again?"

"It's just natural."

Shunsaku replied coldly.

"In the ten questions exam you were at the last level. Likewise, in the previous fifty-question exam you were only one rank above me. Is there a reason you deserve to graduate compared to the others?"

"But.is it not better to drop out people who are smarter than me? Like Kitagawa, he could be your arch-rival."

My ears were hot as soon as my name was called. He could have taken refuge using my name. If this is the case, before Shunsaku changes his mind I also have to defend myself.

"Shunsaku"

"Kitagawa was the last person I wanted to drop out."

My heart stopped hearing that. Last man? That sounds like something special. What the fuck? Suddenly speaking like that with a serious face. Then I can't control my expression.

"alright. The decision of Shunsaku Tomo for the next child to be dropped out is, Takahashi Kenta."

The exam supervisor locks Shunsaku's answer and declares that Takahashi is the one who dropped out. This is how it ends.. This exam is completely finished.

The people who passed cheered with excitement. I was happy, but also tired at the same time. Naturally, not only in the written exam just now we have to squeeze the brain, but also in this discussion session.

"For the graduating participants please return to the hall. Then for Shunsaku Tomo, please follow me."

"Shunsayo!"

I chased after him who left the room with the exam supervisor.

"Kittagawa? Aren't you being sent to the hall?"

"I knew..But before that, I want to make that one"

"What did you say?"

Aahs.. Why at a time like this did I lose my speaking ability? Just saying thank you is hard.

"Ma-Father.. You didn't choose me to make it in the drop out."

Finally the word came out of my mouth. It was a relief, but why was it so awkward. Is this the first time I've ever wanted to thank someone?

While thinking I noticed Shunsaku's facial expression did not change in the slightest. He just nodded slowly and then turned around again to walk after the examinee.

What kind of person is he really? If I think about it, the zero he got was probably planned in the first place. No need to read the problem, just empty the answer sheet and anyone will definitely get zero.

The key is during the discussion. If there was a moment where he could prove that he was smart enough, it would be enough to outwit everyone.

Realizing that made me feel doubtful at once. He is ranked third below me from the ten test of the matter.. Is that also a trick?

'Shunsaku Tomo's. What kind of person is he really?'

***