Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e

Description

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Kōdo Ikusei Senior High School, a leading prestigious school with state-of-the-art facilities where nearly 100% of students go on to university or find employment. The students there have the freedom to wear any hairstyle and bring any personal effects they desire. Kōdo Ikusei is a paradise-like school, but the truth is that only the most superior of students receive favorable treatment.

The protagonist Kiyotaka Ayanokōji is a student of D-class, which is where the school dumps its “inferior” students in order to ridicule them. For a certain reason, Kiyotaka was careless on his entrance examination, and was put in D-class. After meeting Suzune Horikita and Kikyō Kushida, two other students in his class, Kiyotaka’s situation begins to change.

Note:- Even though Volume 0 is the prequel of this series, it is advised to read till Year 2 Volume 8 beforehand to avoid getting spoiled (which is precisely the reason why it was released after Y2 V8).

Anime:-
Season 1: Volume 1 to 3 + Volume 4.5
Season 2: Volume 4 to 7 + Volume 7.5

Associated Names
One entry per line
Classroom of the Elite (COTE)
Welcome to the Classroom of the Supreme Ability Doctrine
You-Zitsu
Youjitsu
Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e
ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Boku no Bungeibu ni B*tch ga Irunante Arienai (2)
Jaku-chara Tomozaki-kun (2)
Ordinary I and Extraordinary Them (2)
Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu‎ (2)
To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN) (2)
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatte Iru (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. enjoyed my time
  2. ALLJP+
  3. anime adapted
  4. Anime 2024
  5. Hyper fixation? Definitely.

Latest Release

Date Group Release
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c6 part0
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c5 part0
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c4 part0
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c3 part3
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c3 part2
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c3 part1
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c3 part0
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c2 part6
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c2 part5
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c2 part4
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c2 part3
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c2 part2
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c2 part1
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c2 part0
11/17/21 LazyPlebsTL v16c1 part4
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Review
60 Reviews


denverdrage
denverdrage
Jun 20, 2017
Status: v11
Update: It has come to my attention that the English translation was done by multiple translators. One of them, Onehallyu is clearly a machine translation and even plagiarizing the works of other translators without even giving credits. I'll recommend avoiding their translations as their translation of volume 3 is very very bad and v9 is a badly edited copy from TLanon and ConfusedTLs which introduces several mistakes in the process.

This is a short review for up to volume 11, or more like my impression of it.

For those who expected BakaTest,... more>> this may be a nice novel to read if you wanted more. The premise of a school where they compete for the top position is pretty standard, but the thing that makes it more interesting is how they compete. They get points for outstanding achievements at school which they can use to buy stuff with. The plot is pretty interesting and shows how our MC and his class are tackling the tests and challenges the school throws at every class. They compete with the other classes in an almost zero-sum game and the mind-games they have between each other are fairly entertaining to read.

I am very glad that not only the MC gets development, but other students also get their time to shine. The rivalry between them are some of the more entertaining parts of this series. I can absolutely recommend this series for those willing to dive into a story of the underdogs overcoming trials, mind games, betrayals, blackmailing, lies, love, friendship, rivalries, and growing up. With a main character who isn't what he seems to be. <<less
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reas
reas
Sep 29, 2017
Status: --
I couldn't recommend this novel enough. It's truly a good read, and the plot is so intense. Don't be fooled with the laid back atmosphere of the first few volumes, I can only say, Ayanokouji is definitely not the type of guy you think he is.
Spoiler

Everything is within his plan, yes, EVERYTHING. And everyone is just dancing in the palm of his hands. Btw, he's never been dragged around by Horikita, ever.

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Queen of Sheba
Queen of She
Sep 07, 2019
Status: v2
It's a subtle novel. Not for everyone - apparently, there's a hidden plot deep inside (protagonist being a manipulative mastermind attempting to be 'average'). But that's the problem, all we readers see is the forced conformity, and aneurysm from the childish thought processes. The setting attempts to be Machiavellian, but it's so Japanese that the actual output - the actual product - ends up being... barely digestible.
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KaliYuga
KaliYuga
Oct 01, 2020
Status: --
Spoiler

Not a fan of the novel. Passive main character and shitty pseudo-philosophy to excuse his passiveness. Okay, wow, cool, you can manipulate a bunch of teenagers in a school. What's the f*cking point? Lmao. If he's such a cunning, scheming, manipulative guy, why the f*ck is he wasting his time on a f*cking school. Why would you even start in the worst class? For plot progression, no other real reason. This is a literal self insert of a idiot author trying to write a "smart" character. You see the usual "I'm a lowkey genius.." type of monologues. "If I just put a little effort in.." "Haha, all in my scheme.." "I don't care about anything.." well, that's cool, but what's the point? What is his goal? I didn't read far enough ahead to see if he even had a goal, because even if he did, it would simply be something the author made up to justify his baby-tier "manipulation." lol. If he was in a world where there were other smart people besides him, he definitely wouldn't have succeeded. Sure, his disinterested personality is a bit interesting, but the author doesn't know what he wants. Why talk all philosophical and justify your own viewpoints to the reader instead of just saying "This is how I am, I don't care if you like it or not." because that would be less cringy than trying to use philosophy to justify your actions. I enjoy Evil and Cunning MCs a lot, but this MC is "cunning" without a real purpose. He's not a villain either. From the way the five star reviews hyped up all the scheming the MC does I thought it'd be thought out, logical, methodical, and calculative. Instead, it seems like it just comes naturally and he reacts to it.

Another thing I hate about JP novels. The MCs are mostly reactive. Sure, you can have a bunch of monologues about how cool the MC thinks he is or how he's just "using" everyone, but that doesn't change the fact he's passive to an extent where we don't even see his supposed "uncaring" attitude. Wow bro, you can emotionally manipulate a f*cking girl teen. So cool. So? What's your goal in doing this? What's the point? If you're so disinterested in everything, why manipulate them? Wow, he killed people in his past? No f*cking way. So badass and tragic. Lmao.

Here's what I would do to make this better, giving the setting and plot

1. Make other characters smart. I would make the other characters as smart as the main character. Sure, the other characters aren't really brain dead, but they're idiots for sure. The "schemes" are nothing more than parlor tricks compared to novels such as Reverend Insanity, LoTM, and other intellectual works.

2. Make a less passive main character. I enjoy monologues, but it gets boring to a point. Sure, he thinks he's cool, uncaring, and manipulative, then act on it lol. It's just a boring, bland plot in my opinion. The main character has potential but he's simply too reactive. The author is a self insert, so he needs a reactive protagonist in order to "relive" his own highschool life through his own works. It's a typical "I'm such a genius bro I swear, if I just put in effort.." cringe story. You know how you ask some people about their highschool GPA or grades and their like "Lol, I never cared about work, so my GPA was low. But if I put in effort.."? Pretty much the MC. Talks about how smart he is but never shows active plotting, only the results, which is boring as f*ck.

3. Less philosophy. If he was in a cultivation world where he needed to be strong to even survive, I would agree with the philosophy he's using. But he's in a f*cking school. What in the actual f*ck is the point of plotting in a school. It makes no sense and is there for no other reason than the own authors wish fulfillment. It would have been much better if he wrote the MC scheming in politics or something. But the author isn't smart and is only capable of writing schemes against people who are very dumb or young, so he can never write politics.

Summary: Classical JP novel. A dumb author trying to write a smart character by mix mashing a few "ruthless" philosophies in the most cringy way possible. Author constantly jacking off how cunning, ruthless, and uncaring the MC is, without actually showing him actively plotting. It's a bland story all together and the five star ratings are for people who have never read any other novels besides tr*sh, beta, JP lns. If you want a story about a real cunning and ruthless protag, this isn't for you. Saying "well actually I was just using you" to a high school girl is cringy and pointless, not ruthless. Pure wish fulfillment, author was probably bullied. If the MC was really ruthless, he'd just kill the people in his way and stop his parlor tricks. Read if you're dumb and looking for a dumb story.

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faiktheintelligent
faiktheintel
Feb 10, 2019
Status: v10
This is seriously one of my favorite novels. It's amazing.

You may be turned off after reading some of the negative reviews, but the series really picks up after the anime ends (i.e. Volume 4 onwards)

The author always manages to keep the plot interesting, and the story is very well written. All the characters are memorable in some way and they serve a part in the story.

If you like mindgames, and a badass protagonist, this series will not fail to disappoint you. Ayanokoji is one of the best MC's imo,... more>> and the author keeps you hyped for every volume.

This novel is definitely worth a read. <<less
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Nitpicking Reader
Nitpicking R
Dec 24, 2018
Status: v3 epilogue 2
Deserves a 3.8

This story is for teens. I would've liked it if I was young and didn't know many better novels.

The MC is too passive, the world they're living isn't real and there're some illogical things just for plot sake.

... more>>
Spoiler

Like they were messed up by their teacher at first (not in a direct way but indirectly like hiding things from the class or not being clear using forgetting as excuses or some other bs) then she later asks the MC to lead the class to the top because of her unfulfilled dream as being in the same class smh

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Also I've read some 5stars reviews and thought it would be an interesting story, though it's interesting but not that much to my liking.

This is the kind of story that's better as anime than a manga or novel. <<less
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Ersat
Ersat
Sep 07, 2020
Status: --
Meet Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e, one of the most overrated novels in the history of modern Japanese literature.

If you watched the anime, you could hear people complaining about changes. Yes, the anime changed a lot of things. Fortunately.

From the very beginning of this abomination of writing you see an artificial pattern full of edgyness and childish monologues that actually are the author's personal thoughts. The soul and heart of the story went away to let the failed attempt at misanthropy and Machiavellianism thrive on the reader's thoughts,... more>> who like a baby can only ask himself "is it me or is this novel just dumb?". The author is constantly in the phase of teenage cynicism and scepticism towards everything around; he wanted to write a cool character that creates his own way in life, instead he wrote an illogical, moronic character that could never exist in the real life.

This is the problem of this novel: illogical, dumb writing. When you create scenes or characters, you create life, you create something real that your readers can imagine and befriend. Here, instead, we see the absolute state of badly created world. It's not just the pacing and characters, but also artificial dialogues, that are written like a teenager's first attempt at writing. The most perfect example is right in the first part of the first chapter, when the main character looks at the female lead (who's obviously a beautiful girl that feels like taken straight from the novel Oregairu under a different name) and the most horrible dialogue with simply ret*rded and unnatural acting and artificially long sentences begins.

A failed attempt at cynicism and Machiavellianism. Unnatural, illogical characters. Dumb dialogues. No soul, no heart - only the author's circus, which dances around the reader, laughing at his terrible book preferences, because right now he is reading a book created by a hack who has no idea what he writes. <<less
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slik
slik
Sep 28, 2021
Status: v15
This series gives the illusion of being interesting. Don't get me wrong, the author is fairly skilled in writing and creates a compelling tense atmosphere from the beginning till the end.

There's just one problem I have with it, every single arc, the author builds up expectations on how the arc is going to end but consistently gives a bland underwhelming resolution, we're consistently hounded about how excellent the MC is but he has not even once done anything even remotely impressive. I followed volume after volume hoping for a change... more>> but here I give up.

That said apart from the disappointing ends it's really a compelling read, feel free to give it a try.

Also, thanks to the TLs for the amazing job. <<less
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Rurumson
Rurumson
Apr 08, 2020
Status: v11.5
Okay, so first things first.

The whole series is so good that I can't believe there are some bad reviews about it, although I can respect that it might not be other people's taste.

The intelligence in the execution of the story is something that will make you applaud, and the psychological battle in the story is so intense. If that's your cup of tea, feel free to drink it.

... more>> SO WHAT MORE DOES THIS STORY HAVE?

  • Mystery
  • Manipulative Characters
  • Romance (slight romance?)
  • Violence (Yep, Fight scenes)
  • Competition (Class battles)
  • How to make relationships (well... relationships include the good and bad)
  • Psychological Problems
  • Drama and Betrayal
  • Lots of Quotations from books (You'll see some classic literature quoted)
I started from the anime but I read the lightnovel from the start, thinking that maybe there are some bits that the anime and manga had skipped. If you're from the anime/manga (manga's latest translated chap is 29), you can start at Volume 4 and rest assured that you haven't missed important stuff. Although I will say that the manga had depicted a more accurate happenings in the light novel, when compared to the anime. It can be noted that the anime's art style were clearly based from the novel illustrations, whilst the manga has its own art style. The novel illustrations are gorgeous btw. Truly beautiful.

I also just wanna say that Ayanokōji Kiyotaka is the MAN. He's too amazing tbh. <<less
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Ranobeeater
Ranobeeater
Jul 07, 2019
Status: v10c3
    • Plot/Story- this is probably the best part of this novel as it get intresting by each volume, there is always suspens and thrill, also the rules of every test are vivid and descriptive. (5/5)
    • Protagonist- Cool and badass and unlike many protagonist he proves it, not simply smart cause author said that which happens in many other novels. (4.5/5).
    • Character development- Good, each important character have their own story, reason. (4.5/5)
    • Writing style and translation- Both are excellent (confused translation). (5/5).
    • Illustration- good (4/5).
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Renaxan
Renaxan
Dec 28, 2018
Status: v9 epilogue
Have you already read Baka To Test novel? If you have, you can imagine this is serious and epic version of it than comedy like Baka to Test. This is currently one of top 3 novel I have ever read. I wouldnt biased this review, i'll give honest impression about this.

General :

Something really amazing I could say. Story is about ayanokouji, the MC who entering Kodo ikusei school who implemented caste system, and MC got into worst class, the D class. What I could say, since baka to test, I... more>> tho this concept wouldnt more to me but im wrong. The main object of this story are how MC are supposed helping horikita raising this D class into A class, which is worst class in the school.

MC who seems as such lazy-ass character who got dragged at earlier chapter actually isnt like that, folks. Give it to volume 7 and see if you could say same.

Character :

This is something I really like about this novel. Despite have a lot character, they're not forgettable.. Or the novel force you to remember because they have their each role on this novel. Each character have their advantage and weakness, and each volume of this novel certainly arc based on character, and how MC solve and give his thought+action to it. However there's some character I couldnt see their weakness and way of they thinking and make readers curious about it. That's the strong point of this novel.

Spoiler

Even until volume 9 no one know what is MC and koenji weakness, even myself as reader. I could predict others weakness like sakayanagi but for those two, I cant think any.

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Plot :

Unique, I must say. The plot is arround activity of student and school rules about it (you could say "test"). The plot really unpredictable, even if does, the reason arent shallow. Each volume is strongly connected to each others, and the pace is reasonable. Dont open this if you didnt want to see major spoiler.

Spoiler

MC actually kind of prodigy. He has no visible weakness, even to readers. He act low and like of servant of horikita, in truth he doesnt. He use horikita as his shield to conceal his presence as the real one who control the D class (which later become C). He's never yield and succumb to anyone, and even use their weakness as his pawn to collect and control information. In later chapter, MC even show his physical superiority and beat some people who is in his way to make them realized they are dancing in his palm. MC isnt really want to become A class, actually his teacher kinda lied to him so he's forced to do so. For relationship, I couldnt see anyone would become MC couple, and forget about horikita and kushida potential. Actually, in latest chapter he even make some amazing character kind of fall to him and he doesnt feel any.

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Anime to Novel :

There's anime adaptation to this. If you want continue from anime, start from volume 4. Anime adaptation does good in represent of this novel like cut some useless filler, and describe the character very well. So its fine if you want to continue from volume 4 from anime rather from start. The novel itself just have more detailed information about plot but anime does cover the main point of volume 1-3 so yeah, do as you like.

Overall :

The plot is so clean that make me as reader 100% believe some plot hole didnt exist, just foreshadowing things that would answered in future volume. The character, not some forgetable mobs and they really have a role on this novel. And for enjoyment, I could rate this novel 5 easily because those above reasons. <<less
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Aria
Aria
Jan 20, 2018
Status: v3c1
So we have an inferior class filled with inferior students in which "inferior" is derived from overall assessment (intelligence + personality + physical ability + etc)

Because of that, enjoy a story filled with characters who are short-sighted, egoistical, socially incompetent, and other "inferior" personality traits...
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ZONGO
ZONGO
Mar 18, 2017
Status: v1c6 part2
I'm still only at the beginning of the novel but it seems to be interesting. I would prefer to give it 3.5 stars but that's not really possible. It is fairly easy going with something bubbling underneath.
Spoiler

The MC does not have much of a personality but it seems that he is trying to be as neutral as possible. There seems to be some circumstances behind his past that we had not been privy to yet. There is also a plot point with Horikita whose brother is the student council president. The classes are ranked by merit and not just academics.

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Overall the novel is not very intense but has an intriguing concept. Give it a chance if your looking to get into something without a big commitment.
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B2j
B2j
Nov 06, 2017
Status: --
From what I can see from the anime, it’s a version of BakaTest but more of a darker undertone. It’s a similar class ranking and school rivalry but points are as people have said, granted based on merits, behaviors, and grades. In what lies rivalry though, is a mix of lies, threats, manipulation, and violence. It’s a big mind game, or more precise a mystery game. The characters are not who they appeared to be, thematically meaning that everyone has another side. Everyone has their own dreams, purpose, and ambitions... more>> but they mix together to accomplish the same goal, essentially being reaching the A class. The main character is as op as he can be but his personality is a wonder. Nobody knows what he really is thinking. He has a mysterious past and mysterious abilities. His outward appearance and attitude is the opposite of his capabilities. In the entire anime of 12 episodes, on the very last minute of the last episode, there was only one single quote that I felt like it came from the heart. Search up on his character fandom wiki and it’ll show up. That quote thoroughly destroyed a lot of the assumptions to be had about him. It was a signal of realization. So I look forward for 2nd season. When I finished the anime, I immediately ran to the novel to start reading because it seems like this sh*t is the one I’m looking for. <<less
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DeLeon
DeLeon
Jul 15, 2020
Status: v13c3 intro
I just simply love this book.

The plot and characters are simply mad, and superb. I love Kiyotaka and the idea of him and Kie together in a relationship; though I simply have to see how he grows emotionally with her by his side.

I stumbled upon book 1 while in search of books to keep me occupied during this period of limited activities and honestly, I have not been able to put it down ever since. It's almost like an addiction LOL.

I just simply want to thank and congratulate the... more>> translating team on their beautiful work and the initiative taken to bring this book to us English readers including the just released volume 13 i.e. Volume 2 of the second year. Hope the complete translation will be done soon, I am simply to excited to sit still and wait.

Please, to other readers who love this book series, I will love a site or something where I can leave a review regarding the book for the author/his editorial team as well as to keep up to date on the latest releases.

Thanks alot. <<less
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HamletJr
HamletJr
Dec 11, 2020
Status: v14 intro
13 volumes strong, this series is honestly so entertaining. I have to give credit to the author for somehow thinking up a new way for our MC to bamboozle both the other characters and me myself. A huge thanks as well to the translator for producing a very well made translation of this work. This might not be everybody's cup of tea, but this is definitely up my alley. It revolves around high school life in an eccentric school, with the students themselves having quirky personalities. It starts all nice... more>> and fluffy on the first couple volumes, but please keep reading to get you mind blown (at least mine was). Stick around until at least volume 3. All I can say is, Tsubasa best waifu <<less
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Xiao Ninger
Xiao Ninger
Aug 01, 2020
Status: v13 prologue
The best slice of life and school life novel that I have ever read, the MC is not like other Japanese MC of school life he is intelligent not allowed to be walked on by women and he makes the logical decision. One of the novels that made me love the Novel with overlord and Dungeon defense they will always have a place in my heart.
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Alec157
Alec157
Aug 18, 2017
Status: v2c3
Great read if you like school life anime, haven't seen any romance yet tho ??. The start may be sloppy and cliche but if you tag along long enough the story should hook you and you'll want to read it to the end. Most characters get great development in due time so don't decide your opinion of someone before you ve seen everything about them.

Warning: if you just want to read a cliche school novel dont read this.
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Maverick88
Maverick88
May 01, 2019
Status: v10 epilogue
This novel is so great!

Trust me, The character description is very detail, so even u can remember mobs character

The conflict very unpredictable, which make u curious what happen next

The antagonist is clever in different way, so will not boring even the conflict was similar (Class rival)

Heroines is very attractive (ilustration) and different personality each other

The side story so good either, this point is my preference

So far i've been complete read vol 10, and wait next volume on June I guess.

Hope u will enjoy this novel like me.
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ixiv
ixiv
Dec 11, 2019
Status: v9
A written work about characters interacting in a school with an unusual system is surely not a new premise. Take Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, a Light Novel whose genres are mainly comedy and romance. MC starts off in the lowest class caste available, 1-F, and struggles to make ends meet because of how clear the discrimination is made. Thus, together with his classmates he sets off to a school life determined to make their condition better by concocting strategies and challenging higher-caste classes.

Enough of that, Classroom of the Elite... more>> adopts a familiar approach to that of the previously mentioned light novel. The story mainly takes place in an enormous school backed by government with its own currency system that determines the class' castes. The MC we are all familiar with, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, starts off as a student in the lowest-caste class possible, 1-D, and aims to lead a normal high-school life. At first, he appears as a normal student scoring exactly 50 across all subjects and having mediocre, if not normal, interpersonal skills. Naturally, readers would expect slice of life, and perhaps, romance genres, but turns out the school allows students to live in misery and, at worst case, to be expelled from the school if they don't do well enough in school.

Each volume depicts exactly one arc from introduction to (most) outcome, so it is easy to read even for those who seldom read light novels. The chronological writing of events is linear and flashbacks are mostly told in the epilogue or regular chapters when they are needed to proceed the story which make the story easy to follow.

All the characters are well-written. Each of them plays his role well and so far there is no major inconsistency of their actions toward their personalities. All questionable or mysterious actions of a particular character are explained thoroughly in latter parts in order to advance the story.

Spoiler

Later, it is revealed the Ayanokouji has superior academic, physical, and mental capabilities but they are not by any mean used as a plot armor. Romantic interests do not show up in early volumes so I can assure this light novel is devoid of cliche developments we find in some romance light novels.

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The tags speak for the light novel. So far I have not felt a single boring moment reading this work. If you come from the anime, you can start from volume 4 but light novels have tendencies to explain the character's way of thinking thoroughly, so have you ever noticed something is not explained properly in the adaptation, feel free to read from the first volume. This light novel is worth every second you spend to read. <<less
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