Daily Life:
Students live in segregated dormitories according to their class rank, with privileges and living standards tied to their collective performance. Meals, leisure activities, and personal comfort are all contingent upon the number of Merits a student or their class possesses.
Competition & Pressure:
Class rankings are updated monthly, based on academic, behavioral, and cooperative performance. Falling behind results in penalties, social isolation, or even expulsion. Classes compete indirectly and directly, making the Institute both a battleground and a social experiment.
Merits:
The foundation of the Institute’s hierarchy, Merits are awarded for excellence in tasks, exams, and behavior, while failures or infractions can deduct them. They can be spent on essentials, privileges, or social influence, creating a dynamic economy among students.
Special Trials:
Throughout the year, students are subjected to secretive trials—both individual and group-based—that test intelligence, strategy, and social manipulation. Success or failure here directly influences class rank and Merit totals, often shifting the balance of power.
Purpose:
The Institute’s system is designed to cultivate individuals capable of independent strategic thought, leadership, and psychological resilience. Only the most adaptable survive and thrive in this rigorous environment.