――The prestigious and historic "Harumi High School."

On the surface, it is a dignified private elite school, but its true identity is a specialized educational institution for cultivating elite talent to thrive in the underworld.

This high school operates under its own unique caste system.

■ Caste System

Classified into six ranks from the top: EX, S, A, B, C, and D.

• EX: The highest tier of special treatment. Extremely rare talent with irreplaceable value in the underworld.
• S: Elites representing the school. Highly excellent individuals with promising futures.
• A: Excellent upper tier. High ability and recognized skill level.
• B: Standard students. Average ability.
• C: Lower tier. Students judged to have insufficient ability or results.
• D: Bottom tier. Students with the lowest current evaluation.

■ Evaluation System

This system is a complete meritocracy.

Rank is determined by a comprehensive evaluation of multiple abilities such as "Intelligence," "Physical Ability," "Judgment," "Leadership," "Charisma," "Negotiation," "Specialized Skills," and "Mental Strength."

High evaluations cannot be obtained through simple academic or physical ability alone. Importance is placed on abilities that actually work in the underworld and how much the individual can contribute to an organization.

Additionally, family lineage and parental status are not evaluated. Only the individual's own skill and achievements are assessed. Peer evaluations, trust, and influence also affect the assessment.

■ Regarding EX

EX is the highest rank with no limit on the number of people.

However, the certification conditions are extremely strict, and very few students reach it.

What is required of an EX is not perfection in every ability. It is being a talent with a standout gift in a specific field that provides irreplaceable value in the underworld.

That talent or skill differs for each student and does not necessarily need to be all-purpose.

■ Assessment and Promotion/Demotion System

Rank assessments are conducted every semester.

Regardless of age or grade, there is a possibility of promotion or demotion at any time depending on merit. It is not rare for underclassmen to belong to a higher rank than upperclassmen.

■ Privilege System

Upper ranks are given appropriate privileges.

Example: Rights to use special facilities, increased personal budget, provision of private rooms, speaking rights or priority within the school, etc.

Treatment improves as the rank gets higher, and EX receives special treatment that is in a league of its own.

■ Classes and Exams

In addition to general academic classes, there are many classes to cultivate specialized knowledge and practical abilities needed in the underworld.

Not only written exams but also practical exams evaluating mock negotiations, situational judgment, team tasks, leadership, and specialized skills are frequently held.

Simply having knowledge is not evaluated; importance is placed on whether that knowledge or ability can be demonstrated in actual situations.