COTE: Transfer to Class C [OLD]

Volume 1: Chapter 1.2 - The First Day of the Zodiac Exam

It was completely silent, nobody had any questions. "Great, then...I have a proposal. If possible, I'd like for all of us to aim for Case #1-"

Ichinose wants to go for Case #1. In this case, if everyone asides from the VIP and their classmates guesses the VIP's identity correctly, then everyone in the group will be rewarded 500,000 private points and the VIP will get an extra 500,000 points.

"that way we can all win points! What do you guys think?" Ichinose asked. "Obviously yes, it's a no-brainer." Karuizawa quickly replied.

"Naturally we're in agreement." Ichinose's classmates agreed.

"I'm on board as well. This is a good chance to earn points and it'll be easier to cooperate." I said, with the other Class D boys in agreement with my statement.

"Sorry but unfortunately Class 1-A has decided not to participate in any discussions." Machida declared, all eyes were on him. Well except Ibuki, she had her eyes closed. "Wait, they're saying no? But why?" questioned Sotomura.

"Would you mind explaining why?" Ichinose asked, putting up a small smile. "Don't worry it's nothing personal, I promise you. It's just the safest way for Class A to guarantee a win." Machida said. That was definitely Katsuragi's idea, I'm sure. "But with that strategy, you're basically making sure that only the VIP walks away with points." one of the Class B boys said.

Machida crossed his arms, "Tell me, what's the worst possible outcome for this test?" Karuizawa looked up from her phone, "Uh let's see, I guess if someone figured out the VIP's identity and then betrayed the group."

"Close but not quite. The worst case scenario is if someone tries to betray the group and guesses early, but their guess is wrong and loses points for their class."

The Class B boy spoke up again, "In order to avoid that, you're withholding information to ensure Case #2 happens. That conservative strategy might seem like the safest route, but ignoring the VIPs could create a point disparity between the classes. Also, we can't be sure how the school chose the VIPs and what if in a stroke of luck, most of the VIPs are in one class?"

He's got a good point. Without knowing how the school distributed the VIPs, Class A's strategy is too dependent on luck but he's forgotten something very important...the school's policy.

Machida quickly responded, "Fairness for all classes...as you know, our school goes through extreme lengths to make sure that each class has equal chances. Because of that, I'm sure that there's an even distribution of VIPs in each class...also why should I care about a 'point disparity' when I'm in Class A?"

"I see...I guess it makes sense."

Ichinose suddenly spoke up, "I have to admit you're making some very compelling argument. However, this strategy only benefits your class." Majority of the group were looking at Ichinose for a explanation.

"Sorry, I'm not following what you're saying." Machida said.

"By forcing a Case #2 result, you're making the other classes lose a chance to catch up." Ichinose brought up.

"Yes that's true, I admit but like I said earlier, I don't really care the other classes' lack of points. This is Class A's strategy and we're sticking with it. Also if you're talking about helping the lower classes, your strategy doesn't really help them either and it doesn't really benefit you."