Takuma-san spoke with a fearless smile.
I felt a chill, like an ominous wind gusting from right in front of me.
Goosebumps prickled across my skin. I was being made painfully aware of just how insignificant I was.
There was no other word for this sensation but "presence."
I was being overwhelmed by Takuma-san’s staggering presence.
"However, Itsuki-kun, if you’re serious about aiming for an executive position in our company, you really should build up more of a track record while you’re still a student. As you are now, you wouldn't even be allowed in the ring."
Takuma-san rested a finger against his chin, lost in thought.
The oppressive weight from a moment ago had vanished.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down my cheek and fell to the ground.
"Ideally, you'd join the student council. But since they place such heavy emphasis on family lineage, in your case, there's a risk your true status would be exposed before your abilities could even be assessed... and then, you'd also have to win the Management Game."
"The Management Game...?"
"It’s a bit of an unusual subject. As for the specifics... I think I’ll leave those for you to discover on your own."
I tilted my head, confused by the unfamiliar term, and Takuma-san offered a faint smile.
"You likely aren't aware, but at Kikou Academy, the second semester of the second year is when the real work begins."
A few days later, the true weight of Takuma-san’s words would be made clear to me.
The second semester of the second year—the halfway point of high school life.
Kikou Academy had arrived at a season of major events.