Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 (Light Novel) Vol. 7

ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ 2年生編 [Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e 2nd Year] (Novel) #7

by Syougo Kinugasa, Tomoseshunsaku (Illustrator)

The cutthroat school drama light novels that inspired a manga adaptation and a spin-off series starring fan-favorite character Horikita Suzune (both also from Seven Seas)–and don’t miss the anime!

As Ayanokouji and his classmates begin their second year at the Advanced Nurturing High School, they’re greeted by a fresh gauntlet of exams and a fresh batch of rather unique first-year students. They’ll have to get to know each other quickly, because the first special exam pairs the first-years with the second-years on a written test—with only the second-years facing expulsion if their team performs poorly! Worse yet? It seems one of the new first-years is also from the White Room. Can Ayanokouji avoid expulsion while sussing out the identity of this hidden foe?

Genres: Light Novel, Fiction, Mystery, Manga

486 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2022

About the author

Associated Names:
* Syougo Kinugasa / Shōgo Kinugasa (English)
* 衣笠彰梧 (Japanese)

Reviews

[Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't expect to see so many characters in maid outfits even though it was announced a while ago.

This volume felt like a mix of fan service (maid outfits, newfound romantic feelings, etc.) and actually getting another chance of seeing Ayanokouji fight against the first year students as the special exam which was all about Ayanokouji came back up. Even though I usually express either dislike or neutral opinions about fan service, this time around it didn't really feel like fan service (at least if one keeps out the drawings which showed not official maid outfits but more revealing ones, also called 'french'). Also, this time the more revealing clothing had a good reason plotwise and wasn't just there to please the reader's fantasy, which made me like it this time around more (+ it wasn't exaggerated). Another reason why I enjoyed it was that I got the chance to see a certain character in a maid outfit which I never expected to see in this series (I'm talking about the coloured image at the beginning of the volume).

Now this volume also hyped me up for the upcoming ones as it seems like the special exam exclusively for the first year students to expell Ayanokouji is going to come back up. Unfortunately a certain event triggered me to feel a bit unsatisfied with how the special exam for the first year students is going to develop, but at the same time I'm glad that this certain event occurred. Maybe, now there is more room for Ishigami to appear. I'm still not sure if I should like or dislike him as he barely reveals anything about himself, but my curiosity wants him to be more part of the story. After all, if he becomes a bit more important for the story the readers would get to know him better which makes him even more appealing than he already is with his mysterious aura.

A lot of moments felt extremely random, especially chapter eight were some unexpected things happened and another and another and I was really wondering what was going on 'cause it was so random. That made the whole situation feel hilarious, even though I think it was meant to be more serious. On top of that Himeno and Kanzaki (the two characters on the cover) also had some childish argument which also seemed for me rather funny and perhaps even cute 'cause they matched their vibes perfectly. I mean, the way they both looked at eachother in the drawing? There is totally something going on between these two in the near future.
(+ The way it was worded it sounded like Ayanokouji and Karuizawa also got more intimate in this volume, which I did not expect)

As always, Ayanokouji is an unreliable narrator but unless like the previous volumes the mystery of most things were pretty much solved as the plans of Ayanokouji were revealed sooner or later in this volume. I'm glad that it was revealed finally as some of these things started to become forgettable if they stayed secret for the reader any longer.

We also got to see Hiyori again, which was missing in the previous volume as Ayanokouji wasn't able to find her in the library. By saying 'see' I actually mean it as we are blessed once more with a drawing of her! I know she isn't that much important for the story but I enjoy the vibe Ayanokouji has with her and in general that there are also quiet individuals in this book series without them being overly clumsy or shy.

Sudou and Onodera interact with eachother more and more since the last volume. My favourite scene was how Sudou grabbed Onodera's leg as it reminded me of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (I mean when Yashiro met Shijima for the first time and she grabbed her legs too, being fascinated how chunky they are). But except that unusual moment, Sudou and Onodera continue to get along well with each other. Due to the previous volume hinting that Sudou might fall in love with Onodera over time and stop falling for Horikita I'm interestingly watching these two characters and how their relationship develops in the future.

Amasawa was also back in action for this volume, but a bit more different than I expected. I know that Amasawa uses her flirty demeanor to manipulate others, especially to distract them of how Amasawa actually feels in certain situations, but this time around she choose a different tactic and I'm honestly preferring this one, mainly 'cause I'm on Ibuki's side: It's better to show one's true self than hiding it and acting all innocent and kind. By the way, Amasawa wasn't the only one who acted a bit different and perhaps 'out of character' in this volume. I could analyse how efficient all of these behaviour changes were and how it influenced the plot, but since I'm striving of posting only spoiler free reviews I will not include it here.

When I was reaching the end of this volume I, in all honesty, felt second-hand embarrassment from certain actions by a student that I never expected to act in such a low tier-ranking way and it was truly hard to read any further as I was so baffled of what was going on (as I previously mentioned, many parts in this book felt totally random and sometimes thereof weird or funny). Unfortunately, unless other moments were the randomness was funny, I felt true dissatisfaction by how that character behaved and reacted.

Overall, this volume might let me feel many things, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I enjoyed it like some other volumes by this series. I did like the plot of this volume but characterwise I felt sometimes treated unfair and as if the author just searched for a reason to destroy characters that used to be important for the plot previously (or they were really loosing importance). Since I don't know what the plans are for the next volumes I can't say if it was a wise decision of making some characters shine in a bad light, but I know for sure that this volume felt really off in general as it wasn't taking much things seriously than it did in the other volumes which made the entire atmosphere of this volume a lot different.
Anyway, the plot was still nice to read about as the reader wasn't stuck in an endless loop or the like and the pace was medium to fast which made it easy to follow along. The ending was satisfying for many different reasons and I also was relieved to see that some tension and issues were able to be resolved for this volume (as this means the readers will soon be presented new obstacles, which I'm looking forward to).

StoryGraph review + content warnings

[سلمى · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was such a fun but fast read. It flew by with just 200 pages, making it the shortest one in the second-year arc so far, if I recall correctly. Despite its brevity, it packed a lot of progress, with several interesting actions and events. So many things happened that it's hard to believe it's just 200 pages!

Overall, this volume was rather satisfying compared to the previous two volumes.

Some spoilers ahead:

As I mentioned, a lot happened, much of it unexpected, which is the main reason I love these light novels. They always outsmart the reader. The writing and characters are so deep (most of them, at least), and they're very relatable!

The last thing I expected was the expulsion of Amazawa and Yagami. To be honest, I was hoping for more action from both of them. I think it could've been much better if their stories lasted longer, especially with Yagami. I really wanted him to face off against Ayanakoji, either in an exam or in a real fight. As for Amazawa, I feel like I don't fully understand her yet and her actions remain a mystery. But it seems this is the end of their presence in the story.

Then there's Nagumo. I hope interesting things will happen with his character. His actions were a surprising turn, very unexpected. Kiyo is finally showing interest in him and seems to want to either fight or use him, which I find intriguing, though it felt a bit too easy for him to accept.

On another note, Hasabe and Akito returning to the class was delightful.

Ibuki's scenes never fail to make me laugh. I didn't expect to like her character as much as I do now. She's the most human character, at least from my point of view.

Most of the questions were answered here, which made us readers very happy. It now feels like we're moving towards the next climax, possibly the end of the second semester and the start of the third.

What I love about this volume is how much we learned about the protagonist Kiyotaka. His real goal behind his actions is to create his elite class by helping every student and pushing them in the right way. It's just awesome.

There's also a mysterious character who calls Kiyo from time to time. It's exciting to think about who this could be and what developments will come from it.

The plan for the festival, which involves cooperating with Ryuun in a new way, was fascinating. They appear to be at odds, but it's all part of the plan to make it seem that way.

Ichinose's class ending up in Class D is sad, and Class B is very close to Class A, just about 300 points away.

The strange part was Kiyo helping Kanzaki with his class business. I didn't quite get it, but we'll see how it unfolds.

[Julian Menck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started slower than expected, but in the end so much happened c: very nice

[Mithun Sarker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If it meant having an effective way to win, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider even deceiving my own allies,"

Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 Vol. 7
By Syougo Kinugasa.

The cultural festival is finally here! Well, this volume was much better than the previous aka the sports festival. Unlike the previous volume, this volume was more enjoyable and funny. Also IBUKI'S THE BEST.

The whole cultural festival was very enjoyable. Though we only had the maid cafe scenes, they still felt wonderful. The chabashira sensei part was kinda funny. Ayanokoji managed a maid cafe with his skills in calligraphy and piano.

The climax was something that I didn't expect. I liked how the whole thing played out, but it is also kinda wasted potential. The expulsion was a bit too fast, though I did enjoy reading the part, and the breakdown of Yagami was interesting to read. Still, him being expelled felt a bit wasted as he was the only one who kept actively attacking. I'm excited to see Nagumo vs. Ayanokoji, but I doubt it will be much entertaining.

A good thing is that Haruka and Akito are back. It was honestly a good part of the volume. The development felt good.

The revolution in Honami's class was interesting. Kanzaki seems to have started a revolution, but will it work or not is up for debates. It was odd at the same time not since Ayanokoji wants to see a developed Honami.

8/10

[Kristin ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the series, even though it was a little slow in the beginning with the preparations for the cultural festival the ending really gave.

Love too see more about the white room and the other students from there, and of course to see A pull absolutely all the strings possible from the shadows. To get a well deserved win.

I really like Horiktas character development, she's one of the characters that have grown the most in the series and I can also see the potential now that A had been talking about.

Many threds wrapped up neatly, test in best the A group 3 and sad that we did not get too de Kei as a maid. Hope she will be more present on the next one.

[Andyyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ayanokoji being ayanokoji again
cultural festival edition

[slugbiscuit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maid cafe showdown at the Cultural Festival. This was a great volume that closed out some lingering threads.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Culture Festival Arc >>>

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what bugs me about this series is the core plot could easily be summarised in a few sentences, with the rest being sort of interpersonal fluff. Like, sure, there's a lot of just back and forth over specific details about setting up for the Cultural Festival, and how each class is competing over this or that, which floor of what building they want to rent for what feature, etc., but most of that amounts to little here, since at least two of the classes just said "whatever" to the competitive aspect and just focused on making a fun experience for the visitors and other students.* They even sort of glossed over the carnival-style booth with rigged cork guns (what Ayanokouji is shooting one-handed on the back cover, which would be TERRIBLE practice with a real gun).

I mean, I don't know how much time I expected the book to go into detail with all of these booths, but I'm not sure I even caught which class ran the carnie booth, and Sakayanagi's class's booth was only barely discussed, since it was one of the sort of throwaway booths (that nevertheless took 4th place out of 12 due to shenanigans). I did have the issue that came up on comments on the anime, about having to open up the wiki for each episode to remember who all the side characters are. Problem with that is wikis are only as complete as fans' contributions, and the vast majority of them are picked at, at best, so it's difficult to find a lot of details I'm looking for except for extremely simple searches like, "Who is Hasebe, again?" (The "Kiyopon" girl, oh yeah...)

I do like the little slice-of-life segments where the characters are just interacting with each other like average, non-"ridiculously cruel tests that result in someone's expulsion on the regular" school students, but sometimes it feels like those parts just drag down the story. It's a precarious balance, getting the ideal amount of normal life to "psychological/physical challenge" for these. At least I AM still able to finish one volume in about a day of uninterrupted reading, a testament to the lightness of "light novels."

*Yes, the students were not allowed to spend money on their own/each other's booths per the rules of the "special exam," but they WERE allowed to have and attend the "pre-opening" festival.

[Krish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my review of this volume on mal website, just copy and pasted.


I read this volume in like 3 days.
(see royalmlt for the volume) even though this was a mlt I really injoyed it. This is the most fun I had in second year volume since Y2V01 and Y2V03. This wraps up the white room student storyline beautifully. These 8(including 4.5) volume are same for white room student arc (In second year) as the first 8 volume of fisrt year was for ryuuen. I was not really able to really enjoy Y2V04-V06 because it mlt translation and not really good. But even though it was mlt I loved this volume.
While the Y2V04 just made the story feel like shounen manga(just adding fight scenes just to distract the viewers from bad writing), this volume takes the best aspect of the whole series and takes it back to its roots,which is Mind game and psychology. It's good that They competed the yagami plotline before it dragged on and gave us a satisfying ending.
The epilogue was good except For the tsubaki conversation with aayanakoji which was really confusing and made no sence. I think this wraps up the whole new 1st year plotline and we will not see much of 1st year from now on. Now only manabu and sakayanagi (& maybe ryuuen)
are the only one remaining to fight aayanakoji. I purposely didn't add housen,because he is just not needed anymore, he should have been just expelled, it really feels weird when defeated character just show up no reason and just start taking to the guy who beat him.
I am so happy that nanase didn't make a appearance once to just say "good morning aayanakoji Senpai" it's just plane annoying.
And I will just end this with the words said by the one and only sensei.

“When I went back to the staff room, my pictures were on the desks of teachers everywhere. That's not all. I wonder how many teachers I've been accosted by in the short time I've been there, how many stories about my maid's uniform, how many embarrassments I've suffered. For the time being, I sincerely wish to be a shellfish.”

btw, 9/10 volume, really enjoyed it.

[Viszed (II) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volumen que gira en torno al Festival Cultural, esta vez Ayanokouji no acepto la oferta del director Sakayanagi de ausentarse, puesto que si huye cada vez que hay un evento similar, no cumpliria su objetivo de vivir plenamente su etapa escolar.

Aunque al principio me sorprendio que Ryuuen haya traicionado el acuerdo de coperación entre su clase con la de Horikita, esta vez pude intuir que podria ser un plan para hacer caer en error a Sakayanagi y le acerte, porque al final se devela que todo fue una estrategia sugerida por Ayanokouji, consiguiendo de esa manera posicionarse en el 1er y 2do puesto, consolidando a la clase de Horikita como la nueva Clase B.

Un secuas de la Habitación Blanca logro acercarse a Ayanokouji, pero no pudo ver su rostro, le entrego una nota donde lo instaban a abandonar, cosa que obviamente él no iba hacer; lo que me sorprende es porque no lo llevan a la fuerza, incluso si hay testigos, ahí hay algo sospechoso.

El fin de Yagami, el estudiante de la Habitación Blanca, me dio pena que la final se diera cuenta que Ayanokouji no se tomo la molestia de enfrentarlo directamente; esa escena con la llegada de los adultos de la sala blanca fue sorprendente, como Ayanokouji logro acorralarlo, claro esta con la ayuda de Nagumo, a quién prometio un enfrentamiento acambio.

Es idea mia o Hiyori también cayo rendida a los encantos de Ayanokouji.

Me encnatan las escenas de cita entre Kei y Ayanokouji.

La resolución del conflicto con Hanabe también fue buena, lo unico que la intervención de Kushida, aunque acertada en un principio, fue irrelebante al final, ya que Ayanokouji habia hecho su investigación y tenia todo calculado, solo que decidio dejar brillar Kushida.

[Shiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting volume. Things happened. I am quite suprised how Sakura Airi is taking her expulsion so well. She is actually quite mentally strong im rooting for her change even if we will most likely never see it. And how Yagami got expelled? That was crazy. Ayanokojis plan was so "loose" meaning if yagami didnt do some unnecessary things he wouldnt fall for it which was intetesting. Though im sure he would come up with something else. And the plan itself was crazy. But im wondering if Yagami just remained calm it would have been fine no? I mean everyone was suspicious of him but that would be it. Suspicion and he wouldn’t get expelled. Though maybe im not seeing something and it must have been difficult for him after such mental pressure and hatred. Though i quite like Yagami as a character so its a shame. On another note Horikitas class got first place and they are still class B and they have 966 point. They are literally closer to class A than to class C. Though i suspect they will fall down a little or something big will happen as Ayanokoji hinted at it.

[The Real Gio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume molto criptico. Il festival culturale è svolto molto bene e la strategia usata dalle classi di Suzune e Ryuen è interessante anche se nulla di incredibilmente geniale. Durante ciò, il protagonista ordisce una fittissima trama che porterà all’espulsione di uno studente. Questa trama però verrà svelata solo verso la fine. Durante tutto il volume infatti il lettore si troverà perso in vari dialoghi in cui si intratterrà il protagonista per portare avanti questa trama. Ciò fa in modo di dare al lettore un vago senso di smarrimento che viene risolto magistralmente nell’ultimo frangente del volume. Inoltre il dialogo fra il protagonista e Haruka è molto ben fatto e conclude la sottotrama causata dal volume 5. In conclusione un ottimo volume che getta le basi per i prossimi.

[Conticinium · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un volumen bastante disfrutable y entretenido, sin embargo a mi parecer se desperdicia un poco el potencial de Yagami como personaje, si bien se fue descubriendo que no solo era una persona enviada por la sala blanca, Yagami parecía estar construyendo en las sombras alguna forma de hacer frente a Ayano en los últimos volúmenes, su desenlace no parece estar a la altura del mejor de la sala blanca de su generación y en pareciendo un personaje irrelevante al cual no era necesario hacer frente. Por otro lado esto hace ver aún más abrumador la diferencia de habilidad de Ayanokouji ¿Podremos ver alguna vez a Ayanokouji en problemas? Hasta ahora parece muy difícil, aún sin tener un rival digno para el, sigue enganchando COTE volumen tras volumen.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author says in the postscript year 2 has reached a climax. We get a lot of time with other characters from other classes particularly former class B now class D and seemingly put a close to controversies involving Airi and Haruka, Kushida and her relation to the class going forward, Nagumo vs Ayano, and Yagami relating to the second island incidents. Also Ayano and Kei spend their first night together.

[H2anaschalew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book never fails to deliver!!! i was pretty upset by previous one it was bland and kinda boring. But now i realize that it was made intentionally, so that it can make this one stand out better. I love Ayanokoji, admire horikta, pity ichinose, wary of sakayanagi, amazed at ruyeen, shocked by yagami. I look forward to the next book and hope for yet another good plot.😊

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of this was for sure a highlight. All of the questions from the uninhabited island exam were answered. I also loved that Horikita and Ryuen were actually working together but tricked the other classes by making it seem like the maid cafe idea was leaked by accident. Anyone who goes after Ayan is a fool. Rip Yagamid

[Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of the most twisty volumes yet. not sure i fully understand everything that went down, but lots of loose ends from the island exam, sports festival, and cultural festival all came to a really interesting head. i'm so sad i'm only 2 volumes away from being caught up on this series. what a ride it's been

[Maharzan Manishh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to see much more from the GOAT . His abilities and skills are being exposed time after time to all others . Some nuisance being removed. Really interesting how it all turned out.
Great Volume. Can't wait for the another one.

[Edson Junior · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why did Yagami attack those students? This volume tries to make it seem like Ayanokoji is extremely smart, but Yagami made a big mistake.The Author just made him commit an act without reason or justification just to be expelled in the future.

[GustaBot · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I've read it with MLT)

[Omi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the entire cultural festival arc and the part with yagami (even though he didn’t get to face off kiyotaka directly). The volume was entertaining and amusing as always ❤️

[Arwa Khalil · Rating 3 out of 5]

أحداث مشتعلة، لا جديد في تقدم القصة.

[WiLL · Rating 5 out of 5]

No me esperaba para nada lo de la expulsión de Yagami

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars

[Tiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found myself bored right up until the second half of the novel where things started to pick up.

[Omexmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - Pqp Yagami mijado pelo Godkoji vtnc kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk o Ayanokoji acabou com o mano sem nem olhar na cara dele

[Swastik · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a bit of a let down compared to previous volumes, and also things that ayanokoji does is a bit far fetched.

[AB · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 probably.

This series is just getting more and more stale as it goes along.

[Dredogg · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. But not GREAT.
3/5
6/10