Chapter 1: Class Representative
Chiko neatly folds up the envelope containing the results of the recent placement tests that took place a week ago. With a satisfied grin, he stuffs it into his coat pocket as he walks down the hallway. His younger sister, Rinko, was with him just a moment ago but not until he saw her off to Class 2-A's classroom.
He is in a very good mood, gleefully swinging his school bag with his right arm, humming the tune of the song his sister was blasting in the car before they arrived in school— he kept dissing the K-pop genre that his sister seems to be very obsessed about but secretly, he finds the songs pretty catchy. Being prideful though, the last thing he wants is his sister gloating to him about the times he criticized the songs. Currently, he's humming 'TT' by Twice.
He abruptly stops, his azure eyes gleaming in anticipation. Chiko is now in front of one of the three worst classrooms in Fumizuki Academy, second year F class. He spots the chipped wooden sign that is just holding on with just one chain— the other chain broken, making the sign hang down unattractively.
He checks his silver wristwatch and sees that he still has a few minutes left. He decides to get himself a drink from the vending machines before going to class like he always does.
After taking the can of sweet tea from the machine, he pulls the drink open and takes a huge swig from it, letting the sweet cold tea run down his throat. Chiko then hears an ear-piercing squeal, making him look up in interest. Fortunately, there are not that much students loitering at that time since everyone is now in the classrooms with just one remaining minute before class.
Chiko's ears and the side of his mouth perked up in amusement. The boy decides to be a bit late on the first day just to witness the scene— He is in F-class after all, rules tend to be a bit loose around these parts.
"Onee-samaaaa!"
Chiko recognizes the owners of the voices. One of them will be his classmate this school year, the previous year's infamous German transfer student, Shimada Minami. And the other girl is Shimizu Miharu from last year's Class 1-C. According to his sources, she is deeply obsessed with Minami because of the statement that the German said. While it turned majority of the students off, it had the opposite effect on Miharu— it made her heart race, as she quoted it.
He then proceeds downstairs to begin his 'film watching' with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Once he reached the bottom of the stairs, he starts walking around, looking for a place with a good view of the chase that is currently happening. He is basing it on the footsteps made by the two students in question. But as he is doing so, his eyes widen when he sees the magenta-haired teen running toward him as she is looking over her shoulder. Chiko didn't have the time to avoid her so she collides right unto his chest, knocking the can of cold tea right off his hand and made it spill on the back of her blazer.
Chiko, having some training in taekwando, maintained his balance while Minami toppled on the floor. He blinks at her to recover from his slight shock. "Waah— that will be hard to wash." He comments as he sees the girl's blazer dripping.
"I can't believe you. Shouldn't you apologize first about my coat since that's the normal etiquette?" she says as she looks up to him from the floor.
"But I haven't received my apology from being bumped yet." He shots back as he looks down on her with a smile. "But I guess it's also partly my fault for standing here like a fool right? Sorry 'bout that." he gives a quick bow.
He wasn't planning to make direct contact with the cast as it is just a movie for him. 'But this could be interesting too, joining the cast and all.'
"...Fine, that's good enough. Sorry for bumping you." Minami replies. Currently on the floor, she strips the black blazer off wordlessly. She squeezed the beverage off her coat unto the floor thinking, 'The janitor will pass by in a minute or two anyway.' As she is busy drying her soaked blazer, she takes the chance to observe him. The boy is a little taller than an average Japanese teenager. But what really catches her attentions is his short, fluffy hair with the color of the snow. It reminds her of one of her stuffed bunnies at home.
Now that she thinks about it, she knows this person, he is very well-known in Fumizuki. He is known primarily as a brainiac that tops most of the rankings nationwide, plus he's the set successor for the largest Toy company in Japan, Takatoku inc. Plus despite first year of high school in Fumizuki being allotted for training in preparation for ESBs in second-year onwards, his class is already actively participating in the battles— and he won most of it.
But despite all that, he is more infamous as she is. He is known for his sadistic tendencies in the battlefield and he doesn't hesitate to sacrifice one of his own to win— his own classmates are pretty much scared of him. His outward friendliness is really contrasted in the way he conduct his battles, so he loses many of his "friends" during ESBs. They keep being friendly with him out of fear.
"Onee-sama! Where are you~?" a singsong voice comes from Miharu, startling Minami and snapping out of her thoughts.
Chiko takes this chance to open his mouth. "Want a deal?"
"Deal?" she asks dubiously.
Chiko offers his hand to help her up and she takes it. He instantly pulls her behind the stairs in a flash. "Yes, sort of like a business." He says as they see a shade of orange in the corner of their eyes, making the German shiver. "I can help you with this situation. For a price of course."
"Huh? Anyone knows better than asking help from y—"
"Oh no, she's coming." He cuts her off as Miharu is indeed nearing their hiding spot. "I wonder what happens if she catches us. Can you tell me?"
"Horrible." Minami shudders, remembering that time when she almost lost her purity in the empty classroom. If it wasn't for the teacher she would have been… nah, she didn't want to think about it. "Fine, help me out."
"Very well." He thrusts his hand into his trouser pocket and feels around for a few seconds. "Crap, I'm out of change. Do you have any spare change, Shimada-san?"
"Wait a minute…" she feels in her skirt pocket. "There! Here." She hands him a five yen coin.
"Thanks." Chiko nods in contentment.
"…Surely that's not your pay?"
"Please refrain from making jokes early in the morning, Shimada-san." He smiles at her and turns his head to the other girl.
Chiko squints his eyes at the orange haired predator. Of course, he knows more about Shimizu. He knew that she scored a 'D' in the placement tests. Their current location is the first floor of the right wing of Fumizuki Academy.
"We're really blessed to be here, do you know that?"
"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
Chiko's smile slowly turns into a smirk as he searches the hallway with his eyes. He holds the coin between his thumb and forefinger and narrows his eyes on a particular door behind Miharu. He gently draws his hand back and soundlessly released the coin. The piece of metal whizzes past Miharu's neck, making her jump back in surprise. It hit the wooden door loudly.
"Eh?"
Before Miharu had a chance to check as to where the coin came from, the door swings open, revealing the Japanese History teacher, Takeuchi Yumiko. "What was that noise?"
"O-Ohh uhm.."
"Shimizu-san? What was that?" She asked once more.
"It's just, um, I just—"
Ms. Takeuchi sighs. "So much for that. Come in, you're late." She scolds and pulls the unwilling student into the classroom of Class D.
"B-But! I have some business—"
"Are you saying that there is something more important? State it."
She proudly puffs her chest out. "Hmph! I'm chasing the love of my lif—"
"Inside. Now." Ms. Takeuchi cuts her off in irritation.
The door of the classroom closes, making Minami sigh in relief as she slides her back down the wall. "Thanks, you saved me."
"My services are always impeccable. But, of course, such good services doesn't go unpaid."
Minami sighs. "If it's money that you need—"
"I have no need for that." He quickly cut off.
"…Then what do you want?"
Chiko smiles wryly. "Your utmost loyalty and obedience, Shimada-san."
"Obedience? Loyalty? Y-You're not proposing me to be your personal slave…?" She frowns.
"Just relax, it's nothing as vile as that. I'm your Class Representative this year, Chiko. Nice to meet you, Shimada Minami-san." He smiles as he gives a brief bow. "Now I wouldn't be a good leader if one of my subordinates gets sick." Chiko discards his coat and offers it to the dumbfounded girl.
Minami blinked. Once. Twice. And then she frowns.
"…Huh? You do realize I'm in Class F."
"Indeed. As I am."
"You're joking. It's impossible for you to be—"
He cuts her off by swiftly taking out his results from his pocket, which has a big fat 'F' on the front. "As you can see. Let's go, we're five minutes late." He hands her his coat as replacement for her soaked one and goes on his way.
"W-Wait up!" Minami quickly takes off her soaked coat and puts on Chiko's coat, which appears quite loose on her, especially on the shoulders.
They reach the front of the classroom, in which Minami's face wrinkles in disgust at the dirty Japanese-styled door. Chiko on the other hand, didn't waste any moment before sliding the door open.
The teacher, a young blond in his mid-20's wearing a green crisp suit sighs at the sight of them.
"I suppose you're Shimada Minami-san and Erizawa Chiko-kun, am I right?" he asks in an irritated manner. "I have been informed that Himeji-san will be late because of her monthly checkup. But have you anything to say about your conduct toda—"
But at that moment, the door opens once more, cutting him off mid-sentence. Inside comes a brunette. His first reaction is to look around the classroom in horror as he probably saw the other classrooms prior his arrival. Chiko takes this chance to inspect the room as well.
Walls surrounding the classroom are covered with cracked, dirty white paint and smudged ink caused by a poor attempt to erase the graffiti. Above the room are spiderwebs adorning the corners of the ceiling, too high for anyone to remove without using a ladder, and in the west if you are facing the old and chipped blackboard lies the large window which is allowing the chilly spring wind flow into the room, freezing the students who are unfortunate enough to be sitting close to the window.
The students are sitting on small cushions that has barely any filling, and the filth on the exterior will make you wonder when it was last washed, in front of each of the dirty cushions are small and old tea tables, which are roughly the same height as the tables used by pre-school kids. They didn't look too sturdy and looked like they would collapse anytime soon, so that is why…
"A 350-yen super glue." Chiko mutters to himself as he spots the large bottle of cheap glue which is probably what everyone would be sharing until it finishes. "I doubt that would even hold." He says skeptically.
The teacher clears his throat. "Akihisa. Are you aware of the time?" he frowns.
"Ah! Yuta-nii!"
"Shiino-sensei." The teacher corrects. "The three of you will conduct their introductions here in front, Erizawa-kun will be the last as he is the Representative of this class, clear? Yoshii-kun, you start."
"Uh.. erm… Hello! I'm Yoshii Akihisa! I'm sixteen years old but I will turn seventeen in two months! Please look forward to it! Plus, feel free to approach me!" He yells out his intro with a wink at the last part, making the students cringe. But he is unaware of the other's revulsion and smiles proudly at himself as he thought that he made a pretty good intro.
"You make take your seat." Shiino gives him permission. After Akihisa sits down, he motions his hand toward the German. "Proceed."
"Umm, let's see…" Minami rubs her chin.
"Wait!" Another student stands up.
"Do you have something to inquire, Sugawa-kun?" Shiino asks. "And next time, I advise you to raise your hand before speaking."
Sugawa didn't show any sign of listening to the teacher, much to the latter's disappointment. Instead, the student is busy looking in between Minami, who is wearing a male school coat and Chiko, who is coatless and is just in his longsleeved dress shirt. "Execution! This is blasphemy! Giving your coat to a girl gives a great plus in their affection points and thus shall not be allowed! Brothers! Death to the intruder!"
"Yeah!" Several boys yell in unison, each taking out a black cloth of some sort from their bags.
"Sugawa Ryou." Shiino says with a glare, his blue eyes narrowing. "I believe I didn't give you all a permission to speak."
"Shut up! Death to the intruder!"
"Yea- awgh!"
One student got hit with a chalk square on the forehead.
"Respect-" He throws another one at Sugawa, who despite tried to dodge, still got hit and now falls back on the floor. "-is fundamental, even packs of animals know of it."
Sakamoto Yuuji, who is previously sleeping, is now at full attention. He witnessed the scene and is wary that he would be next if he keeps on sleeping.
"Anyway, sorry for the interruption. Go ahead, Shimada-san." Shiino orders.
"O-Oh, okay. Uhm. I'm Shimada Minami, I have been a student in Germany for all my life until I got transferred here in Fumizuki last year so I'm still a bit weak in reading Kanji. So hence, this is the results of my exam. By the way, in my stay here in Japan, I totally enjoyed watching pro-wrestling and going to Kisaragi Park to collect their plushies. So I believe that I'll get to enjoy more things in my stay here for another two years."
Akihisa gulps at the mention of 'wrestling.' It seems that he had a bad experience with Minami regarding the sport.
"That's all." Minami bows.
"Good, you may sit down." Shiino says and Minami sits on her designated seat. A couple of knocks comes upon the door, gaining everyone's attention. "It's open." Shiino says and the door slides open .
A series of 'oohs' and 'aahs' came from the boys when they see the person. It was last year's overall top 3, Himeji Mizuki. Her silky bubblegum colored hair combined with a beautiful face and body are all it takes to get the boys hyped.
"Perfect timing, Himeji-san. You may introduce yourself."
Himeji is busy staring at Chiko in fear, but she shakes it off and looks upon her classmates. "U-Um, I'm sorry for being late! I'm Himeji Mizuki. Nice to meet you all."
A student raises his hand to ask a question, In which Shiino gives a satisfied smile. "Yes? What is it, Tanaka-kun?"
"…Why are you here?" he suddenly asks Himeji. Although it is a pretty rude question in a normal perspective, it is a question that almost everyone in the room wants to ask. The same actually goes for Chiko, but everyone is too intimidated by him to actually say anything, so it is like ignoring an elephant in the room.
"I-I collapsed in the middle of the test."
"Ahhh.." everyone chorused in a 'that-makes-sense' tone.
"Thank you, you may take your seat." Shiino says and tells Himeji her seat number. "And finally, Representative, Erizawa-kun who got seventy-nine on the test, please introdu—" he is cut off with his phone ringing in his pocket. "Oh excuse me, I have to take this call. Erizawa-kun, please take charge for a moment." He instructs before picking up the call as he walks outside. "Akira, I'm in the middle of class…"
The door is shut and only students are left in the classroom.
"Wait a minute Chiko." Yuuji says from the back.
"What is it, Yuuji?" Chiko asks with a smile.
"Your score is seventy-nine, correct?"
"Precisely."
"The passing grade to get into Class D is eighty."
"Yes, that is correct. But where are you getting at?"
"Your score is too exact on the highest failing grade man. It's creepy." He deadpans. "Did you purposely get that score to ensure your position as a Representative?"
Chiko pauses for a bit as he stared into Yuuji's red eyes before he bursts out in laughter. "You've really got an imagination, Yuuji!"
"Don't me. I know you." Yuuji rolls his eyes.
"Well… who knows?" Chiko chuckles with a shrug. "Anyway, I'm Erizawa Chiko hailing from 1-A. I'm glad that I got the chance to become a representative again." He smiles. "Well that's besides the point. Today, I just want to propose the idea of an ESB."
….
ESB, 'Exam Summoning Battle.'
Class F; GPA – Around 40s
Class A; GPA – Around 800s
Note: A student's HP and ATK is based on their scores. If you imagine a 40 vs 800…
"Impossible." Sugawa says. "Don't make us fight futile battles Erizawa."
"Have you seen Class A's classroom?" Chiko asks.
"I took a glance…"
"I saw it!" Akihisa raises his hand.
"What did you see, Yoshii?"
"It was so… awesome! They have a giant TV in the front! Everyone also has laptops! And.. and.. and a FRIDGE! A freaking fridge!" Akihisa enthusiastically narrates in envy.
Everyone gulps with the sound of it.
"That's not all." Chiko interjects. "Back then, we also had a personal air conditioner in which we control with a remote. It could also be heater if it's winter time. So imagine not being bothered by the climate at all."
Chiko looks pleased as he sees envy forming in their eyes.
"Plus we do not need such things as 'cleaning duty' after school because unlike the other classrooms, our room gets thoroughly cleaned by the janitors, sometimes, the classroom even gets rearranged if we place a request in the suggestion box."
"Damn." Yuuji says under his breath.
"Plus, we get served tea and cakes in tea time, which is small ten-minute break in the afternoon which the other classes do not get. You could save a cake for a girl that is the target of your affection!" Chiko says the last part cheerfully.
"Ooohhhhh!" Everyone roars in enthusiasm. They began chattering on the other wonderful possibilities that comes with getting those special treatments.
Chiko raises his right hand up to silence them, and with his overflowing superior aura, they did. "So, do you want those privileges?"
"Of course!"
"But…" one student says.
"What is it, Mishima-kun?" Chiko asks.
Mishima appears to be a bit startled that the representative knows his name, but he shakes his head. "Don't you think it's too ambitious? It may be possible with you or Himeji-san but—"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Lacking of self-confidence of anyone under me is a sin." He says cunningly. "Plus, about this classroom, are you satisfied with just this?"
"W-Well…"
"Plus, did you know that Himeji-chan is sickly?" Chiko asks, knowing that Mishima has a huge crush on the pinkette.
"!" This fact seems to get Mishima's attention.
"Do you intend to let her stay with the classroom in this condition? I didn't think you were that cold, Mishima."
Mishima stands up. "LET'S GET A BETTER CLASSROOM Y'ALL!" he yells and then looks at Himeji with a cool expression. "Don't worry Himeji-san, we'll win for you." He says in determination.
Himeji waves her hands frantically in front of her. "N-No, you don't have to—"
"That's the spirit, Mishima." Chiko claps his hands.
The simple-headed boys begins panicking as well. They are making a ruckus on how they shall be making the pearl of the class happy.
"N-No, I'm just fine! Really!"
As if on cue, the strong gust of wind from outside blows a cloud of dust from the floor unto Himeji, who happened to be seated near the window, she begins coughing due to the dust, making the effect even better than Chiko hoped for.
"We need better facilities!"
"Yeah! Stop discriminating us with grades!"
It's not her fault she's here! This system is unfair!" that yell is from Akihisa.
Chiko, satisfied with the result, opens his mouth. "Of course you all know what to do to get decent facilities."
"WAR!"
His azure eyes twinkled. "Exactly. We will fight our way up to 3-A."
Everyone grew silent at the mention of 3-A. The top class in the whole school, led by none other than Hagiwara Shinji, the Class Rep who defeated Chiko's class last year.
"3-A?! Impossible! Let's keep the battle in our own grade level!"
"Are you nuts?!"
"Even your class lost to Hagiwara Shinji last year right?!"
"Calm down, we have our own assets as well." He says, running his hand through his snow hair. "Tsuchiya-san, please pause your peeking under Himeji-san's skirt first and come here."
Himeji blushes and bashfully adjusts her skirt. While Kouta gets a collection of glares from his classmates.
Kouta, despite being caught red-handed, shakes his head wildly. "N-No, I wasn't…" He gets up and everyone sees on his right cheek vivid tatami marks, enough evidence that he was indeed peeking under her skirt.
"Sneaking in the dark corners, hanging upside-down on a tree, good control of his presence. You've heard of the title 'Voyeur', no?"
"Voyeur?!" the whole class begins chattering about Kouta.
However, Kouta keeps shaking his head in attempt to deny everything. The Voyeur is famous in the underground world of Fumizuki Academy. He is the provider of certain photos that high school boys buy at a price, consequently, the Voyeur will never reveal himself to avoid getting caught by the authorities, so constant denial is needed.
"E-Excuse me, isn't it rude to call someone a voyeur?" Himeji asks in shaky voice.
"Don't worry, it's a title of respect." Chiko says. Making Himeji's eyebrows crease in disbelief. "Isn't it?" he asks the class.
"Yeah!"
"Voyeur is my hero!"
"I want to be your underling!"
Chiko nods at the positive replies and turns back to Himeji. "As you can see, Himeji-chan, Tsuchiya here is treated with utmost respect." Chiko reassures her.
"U-Uhm… E-Erizawa-inchou." Himeji says in a low voice.
"Hm?" he goes closer.
She takes a deep breath and glares at him. "A-After class, I want to talk to you."
He tilts his head. "Sure. You don't need to look so scary though. Loosen up, a smile suits your beauty better." Chiko gives her a brief pat in the head. "Next! Of course you know of Himeji-san, don't you?"
"Of course!" The whole class booms.
"And Yuuji. He's the top of the top students back in the day. Oi, I'll use that brain of yours for something, better study up." He smiles sweetly at his friend who just rolled his red eyes at him.
"Shut up shithead, I hate the spotlight move along." Yuuji says as he throws a crumpled paper at Chiko, in which the boy catches neatly.
"Oh come on, a little recognition won't hurt you, asshat." Chiko replies and tosses the paper ball cleanly into the small trashbin near the blackboard. "Oh, and how could I forget? We have the Punishment Bearer with us."
The class slowly grows silent. The Punishment Bearer has a bad reputation as the lowest of the lowest idiot. The Bearer will be personally linked to his Summoned Being so he can feel what the being is feeling (so just imagine the pain of being stabbed by a sword of another being). The user can also get tired when the HP is low.
But the summoned being, unlike other students' beings, can physically touch objects in the battlefield. But this ability is given just so the Punishment Bearer can do odd jobs for the teachers such as carrying gym equipments or cleaning up the storage room.
So being a Punishment Bearer is basically a living hell if you have low grades which is the initial HP and ATK. If he can't fight back, he will feel the pain in battle. And not only in ESBs does he suffer, he is also a slave of the faculty of Fumizuki Academy.
"Uhm. You didn't have to bring that up!" Akihisa says, his face red.
"Man, I've always wanted a Punishment Bearer in my team." Chiko says. "The tactical advantage of the Summoned Being being able to touch physical objects is really good."
"Really?" Akihisa chest swells up in pride.
"Of course. Summoned Beings are really strong so you could make a nearby table a weapon if you wish."
"Ohh. That's true." Akihisa nods with a huge smile.
"Plus, you never know, if you stick by me, I might be able to lift that curse from you."
"Y-You mean it?"
"I may lie frequently, but I'm totally serious about this." Chiko reassures, his eyes sincere.
"Ha, can't believe it, he's really serious Akihisa." Yuuji confirms as he is sitting beside him.
"You can tell?" Akihisa asks.
"Of course, I've known that guy for almost ten years." Yuuji replies.
"I get really embarrassed when you go all sentimental man, stop it." Chiko calls from the podium.
"You? Embarrassed over this? Get real."
Chiko pretends not to hear a thing. "Haha anyway, what's next… Hideyoshi, that girlish charm and superb acting skills is very handy."
"Calling it girlish charm is a bit… I don't think you can use it much in an ESB."
"Hm.. Maybe I can negotiate Yuuko to…" Chiko mumbles to himself as rubs his chin. "Anyway! I know you're really good in Classical Lit. and Traditional Japanese. You'll be a good asset."
"I heard the first part, Chiko-kun." Hideyoshi sweatdrops.
Again, he ignores the statement. "And of course, Ms. Germany, Shimada-san."
"What?"
"Nothing, I just felt like calling your name."
"And here I was expecting you to praise me." She rolls her eyes.
"I know you have the brains but your Japanese literacy is in the way so I'll personally tutor you, verstehen?"
"…Verstanden." She sighs. "I'm plenty good in math though, so you can count on me."
"Sure, I know that."
"…Were we classmates?"
"I believe not, I just know okay? Of course, I also know about your huge crush on Yos-"
"I think you're running your mouth too much Inchou. You don't want any casualties during the first day, no?" she asks, her mouth twitching as she forces a smile as she cracks her knuckles.
"…Of course not. Whoo, we actually have a whole lot of assets here in 2-F. Sugawa Ryou, leader of the FFF Inquisition, excels in English but is lazy to study. Nakamise Kenji, part of the baseball team, Hirose Nakano, sings in random cafés every night, excels in Music, Jinchou Isuki excels in mainly History…"
Chiko went on and on, mentioning every name of the several students of Class F, their jaws dropping as he says everything clearly and precisely. From they're full names to their skill sets.
After fifteen minutes, everyone is dumbfounded. "How did you know all that?!"
Chiko chuckles and places his phone back in his pocket. "Connections. I looked up my classmates before going to school you see.
"So you did get into Class-F purposely!" Everyone accuses. "Plus, how did you even remember all those?"
"Photographic memory." He says casually as he taps his head. "Pretty handy I guess. And me getting here deliberately is not that big of a deal, seriously."
"It's amazing how he can say all those like it's nothing…" Hideyoshi sweatdrops once again.
"Look, just trust me. I will redeem this class."
A/N: So that's the first chapter of Redemption. The story will be really different from the very easygoing plot of the original BakaTest plot, the comedy will still be there, although it will be toned down a bit.
In Redemption, there will be four main additions in the cast. There's Erizawa Chiko of course, and then Erizawa Rinko, his little sister by just ten months, then Shiino Yuta, the young strict homeroom teacher of 2-F, and Hagiwara Shinji, the Class Rep of Class 3-A.
That's all, If you have any other questions and comments just type it in the reviews. And if you really like to be updated with this and want to see more, please follow and favorite this fic. So until next time.
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Note: This chapter may still be edited in the future.