After school, Class B was preparing for training. Hikigaya packed his schoolbag and was about to leave the classroom when a male classmate called out to him with a slightly teasing tone.
"Hikigaya, another girl is looking for you."
"What's going on?"
"But this time, it's Horikita-san from Class D."
"Oh, I see. Thanks."
Hikigaya quickly grabbed his schoolbag and left the classroom. He clearly remembered that the arrogant girl still owed him money. Even without a signed contract, Horikita Suzune was someone who would keep her word. As expected.
Thinking about the points he was about to receive, Hikigaya walked over to the girl radiating a cold aura, feeling a bit excited.
"You should know why I'm looking for you."
Horikita Suzune crossed her arms, her sharp gaze almost making Hikigaya feel like he'd done something wrong.
Whatever, this is just how she is.
"Yeah."
Hikigaya couldn't hide his excitement. "Come on, pay up."
"Before that, you should have something to say, right?" Horikita's beautiful eyes turned icy. "Why did you block me? Or should I assume you're giving up on the money?"
Crap. He'd completely forgotten about that.
Right, the school distributed personal points yesterday. Horikita Suzune must've tried to contact him then but couldn't reach him. So, now she was here to confront him.
"Ha-ha-ha, how could I forget something so important?" Hikigaya laughed dryly. Who in their right mind would give up money?
"Forget it. Take out your phone."
Hikigaya obediently pulled out his phone and re-added Horikita's contact. Soon, he received a transfer of 10,450 points.
As expected from Horikita Suzune. The promised 50% was accurate, down to the last point.
"This is a one-time thing. If you try to blackmail me again, I'll assume you've given up on the agreement and don't want the money. Understand?"
"Yes...understood."
As usual, it felt like he was the one owing money. Watching Horikita's slender back as she left, Hikigaya made sure to keep her contact information safe. After all, who would refuse easy money?
"Hikigaya, what did Horikita-san want with you?"
"It's nothing. Just paying back what she owed me."
"Was that the reward for your advice during the uninhabited island exam?"
"That's right."
Judging by Kanzaki and the others' reactions, Hikigaya could tell Ichinose had already explained the situation. But they didn't seem to care. After all, Class D's progress didn't affect Class B's performance.
Using personal skills to earn personal points was nothing to be ashamed of.
"Then, what about the girl from yesterday?" one of the boys from Class B asked.
"Uh... Probably?" Hikigaya scratched his head. It took him a moment to remember that Sakura Airi owed him 20,000 points. She probably wanted to pay him back yesterday, but when he suddenly called her name, she ran away in panic.
Calling someone by their first name in Sakurajima implies a certain level of closeness. No wonder she got spooked.
Thinking about it, Hikigaya sighed. He might as well forget about the money. Unlike Horikita's case, which was a proper transaction, Sakura Airi's debt was something he had nearly forgotten.
Keyaki Mall - Outside a Supermarket
Hikigaya had changed into a blue uniform and hat, with his work badge facing inward on his chest. He unfolded a small table and set up some chairs outside the store. His lifeless, dead-fish eyes matched his appearance of a worn-out young worker.
"Uh... You're kind of bothering me here," the store clerk said with an awkward expression.
"It's fine." Hikigaya confidently placed dozens of copies of Sword Volume 18 on the table. "You're not responsible for this. Just mind your business. I'll take all the blame if something goes wrong."
Hearing that, the clerk returned to the store with some relief. He had taken this job for its simplicity and comfort. If someone else was taking responsibility, why bother getting involved?
As the evening approached, students finishing club activities or preparing for the upcoming sports festival started leaving the school grounds and headed to the shopping center.
A boy who had just walked out of the convenience store glanced at the light novels stacked on the table with a puzzled expression.
"Is this the latest volume of Sword? Why is it being sold outside the store?"
"Well, there's no room inside. Do you want to buy one? You can pay me directly," Hikigaya said, lowering the brim of his hat and speaking in a low voice.
"Uh, sure. How much?"
"Six hundred points."
"Huh? I thought Volume 17 was only five hundred points. Did the price go up?" The boy looked confused.
"It did. I heard Kirito Maki accepted a new girl's confession, so sales were great. They raised the price by a hundred points," Hikigaya explained.
"Well, I guess that makes sense. Give me one."
Hikigaya completed the transaction and watched the boy leave. The clerk inside the store shook his head while secretly observing the scene.
"Are all students this daring? This kid's gonna be a scammer when he grows up." The clerk muttered and returned to work, deciding not to interfere.
Outside, Hikigaya's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Sword is truly a popular series! Within two hours, he had already sold hundreds of copies. It wouldn't be long before he broke even and started making a profit.
Maybe he should start setting up a stall here after school every day. Find a product where he could control the supply, and monopolize the market. That was a reliable way to reach 20 million points.
"Hey, what are you doing here?"
Hikigaya flinched at the familiar voice. Juke stood before him, munching on hash browns while staring at him expressionlessly.
"What's wrong, dear customer?" Hikigaya replied nervously, lowering his hat even further.
"Hikigaya, what are you even doing?" Juke asked, utterly confused.
"Shhh!" Hikigaya quickly motioned for her to lower her voice. "I'm selling books. Please keep your voice down."
Juke picked up a copy of Sword Volume 18 and frowned. "Why are you selling these here?"
"It's... a club activity," Hikigaya said, struggling to keep his voice steady.
"Uh-huh. Right." Juke laughed at the ridiculous excuse. "Seriously? You went this far to make money?"
"Yes." Hikigaya nodded, deciding it was best to play along. After all, who in their right mind would turn down the chance to earn easy points?
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