Classroom of the Elite (Light Novel) Vol. 11.5

ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ [Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e] (Novel) #11.5

by Syougo Kinugasa, Tomoseshunsaku (Illustrator)

Despite the school’s tampering, Class C made it through the special exam without anyone being expelled. Now, they face the final event of their first year—the graduation ceremony. Horikita struggles to decide what to say to her brother before he leaves, while Ayanokouji puts in motion his plan to deal with Tsukishiro, seeking allies in the form of the other homeroom instructors. Meanwhile, his classmates’ suspicions about him grow—including one girl who might be getting a little too fascinated by him.

Genres: Light Novel, Fiction, School, Manga, Mystery, Drama, Audiobook

435 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2019

About the author

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

Reviews

[Mika (Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first year is since the last volume coming to an end, but with this extra volume we get some more moments before the school semester ends. I'm personally very excited to read about the year 2 book series as the anime wasn't able to adopt them yet so this would be a new experience for me now too.

Some scenes in this volume were (as far as I remember) not adapted into the anime, so it felt very odd reading them and slowly realising that I experience them for the first time. Though it's an extra volume I saw myself drawn to the whole Tsukishiro incident that continued in this volume. Sakayanagi was also seen for a certain chapter so I definitely feel satisfied with ending this book like this.

Another thing I liked to see once more which was confirmed now finally is that Horikita did indeed have a great character development and that from this volume forward she will be able to show her true abilities and potential now that she has stopped chasing after her brother.

The ending of this volume was definitely in the anime since it was something major and contributing to the plot and I still remember, since the anime version didn't have any room to actually understand how Ayanokouji thinks, made me think that this ending was real. Gladly, I know better now and his true intentions and motives behind his actions and feel relieved to have my mind at ease knowing what he will do next.

I'm glad that I chose to read the light novel and I can now say with certainty that the light novel is much better than the anime. The anime needs to improve more and shouldn't rush that much. To be honest, the anime might even have longer episodes or even a longer season to have everything from the light novel covered without having to make three or even more season for one single school year of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. The light novel is definitely better, not only does it make you understand Ayanokouji more and also see him in a different light since the anime failed to show his true personality but you also read about stuff that the anime wasn't covering. If you watched the anime and think of starting the light novel: Read it, it's the best decision you can make.

StoryGraph review

[kii · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me about a month of reading this because uni has been hectic.

I like the depth that this volume provides to the previous installment. It’s spring break and a lot of groundwork is now being set for Kiyotaka’s second year—with Ryuuen back in the picture, Class B in danger, Matsushita being suspicious, and the birth of a new couple—I’m already excited for 2nd year. I’m most intrigued by the Acting Director’s proposal of enrolling another White Room product as a freshman. Hm, interesting indeed.

Sadly, I will be taking a break from COTE for a while. I won’t be reading anything about their 2nd year until all installments have been released. I’m sorry but waiting is not something I could do—especially since I have a goldfish for a memory. I like binge-reading things.

[HardLight · Rating 5 out of 5]

11.5
I haven't really spoken on a certain event happening before now, but few volumes ago, we learned who the director of the school is, it's Sakayanagi's dad and we learn he's very meritocratic, he would allow his daughter to wash out if she wasn't good enough, she's just a genius that is too on top of her current game for that to happen though, see a while back Poppyanagi was ousted from his position and a WHITE ROOM AGENT was put in his place, and he's trying everything to get Kiyotaka expelled and failing repeatedly.

well it's at this - after the events of the end of year exams that he's at his wits end, and we get snippets. Gonna be White Room Agents in the school from now on and something that will continue on for a while.
Oh and Kei and Kiyotaka officially start dating.
I cannot tell you how long I've wanted this to be a thing, the constant nervous worry from both of them over "does he/she like me?" is so damn cute that I just loved that confession by Kiyotaka, then the hug at the end, OH GOD that's so good. Shame it sort of begins a set of dominos falling after this.

11.75
I had to stop reading this small interlude when the phone call scene happened, I was laughing way too hard and too long for it. I mean I know WHY he did that but I'd never do that, you learn pretty quickly not to do that and his face planting into the wall so hard is hilarious to me.
Meanwhile, a knife slips in between my ribs because of the oncoming heartbreak.

[Buo · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I see "I concealed my presence and followed him" one more time I'm going to kill someone.
There is a lot of dumb Kiyo monologue in this one. The author is desperately trying to portray him as a robot who's learning emotions for the first time, but he's miserably failing and it's coming off very forced. Especially for someone as smart as kiyotaka, this doesn't feel natural at all.
But hey. He asks Kei out. Even though he went all "she's my book into romance, and once I finish reading her I'll toss her out, maybe"
very cringy, right?

[Xerxes Break · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally it was over, the only light novel I got hooked on and bothered reading

[jarne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished the first year. Ayanokoji seemed to be a little full of himself in this one, but I guess he really is that good. I like that we got to learn more about the White Room. It's a really interesting part of the story and I hope we get to learn even more about it. This volume really generated some hype for what's to come in the second year, so I'll have to start that soon!

[Romy Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! The couple I liked finally got together

[YamHainHum · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this volume, we witness the growth of Ayanokoji and his friends over the past year, and most notably, Ayanokoji's long-awaited love confession. I eagerly anticipate the next volume.

[Zaheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring break first year. T2 book

[Emily Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started off a bit slow, which made me want to rate it 4 stars, but then the Horikita sibling reconciliation happened and how could I not rate it 5 stars after that???

Suzune's goodbye to her brother Manabu was so...emotional. More emotional than I thought it was going to be. The small detail of her cutting off her hair was so good as well. I honestly think she looks better with short hair. And the reason why she did it...to prove to her brother that she wasn't going to follow in his shadow anymore. Ah. That tiny detail made their tearful goodbye all the more impactful.

I'm glad there was another scene with Hirata and Ayanokouji. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions here, but is Hirata possibly gay? Is that why he said he hasn't really liked any of the girls? Or is just really just that he isn't ready for a relationship yet? Either way, I wouldn't be surprised if he is gay...because it's already been confirmed that Koenji is bisexual. Plus, Hirata kept looking at Ayanokouji a lot...and even Ayanokouji suspected that Hirata wanted to say something else to him...

Anyway, although I'm glad Ayanokouji and Kei ended up together, I suspect that Kei will end up being Ayanokouji's first kiss, first love, and probably his first teenage heartbreak (heartbreak in general, really). I don't think they will be endgame. Right now, I have a feeling that he'll ultimately end up with Ichinose...or quite possibly, Suzune. There has been some foreshadowing for that...including Manabu giving Ayanokouji permission to love his sister. Maybe it's a stretch, but as much as I like Kei, I don't think her and Ayanokouji will last forever. I can see him going for Ichinose later...and maybe his soulmate will end up being Suzune.

In other news, I was blindsided when Kanzaki from class B showed up again. I had high hopes for him, but I had started to believe he wasn't anything more than Ichinose's friend. I honestly didn't expect him to be so bold...he outright threatened Ryuuen. More than that, I think I was right before when I started suspecting there's more to him than meets the eye...I'm looking forward to seeing more of him.

Ike and Shinohara...I was deeply rooting for them. But, of course, Ayanokouji and Hiyori eavesdropping on them ruined the perfect moment for Ike to confess his feelings. Ugh, I was so frustrated. Still am. But I'm holding out hope that they'll eventually become a couple.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 11.5 of Youkoso Jitsuryoku consists of extra content that the writer was unable to fit in volume 11 before the end of the first year part of Youkoso Jitsuryoku (it still is the same length as a regular novel). Despite the fact of it being extra content it still was interesting and very important to the story. We got to see Horikita’s older brother graduate and the transformation of Horikita by cutting her hair and finally speaking to her older brother after so long. We also got to see romance develop between Ayanokouji and Karuizawa because Ayanokouji asked her out and they began to date. This was pretty surprising to me, but I was rather happy for Ayanokouji (even if he says it’s to experiment with love). This was a sweet novel and you can’t just skip it because it’s called 11.5

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

These ".5" volumes are absolutely necessary. This is probably my favorite volume in the series, several arcs get resolved in a wonderful way. The first year of COTE was written almost perfectly, great pacing, interesting characters, and good world building. The only real complaints I have would be nitpicks, anyone who is a fan of light novels owes it to themselves to read this series.

[Asjad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very enjoyed it, how Ayanokouji's relations developed so intimate with other protagonists.

[Da · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart!! I'm so happy for them

And now the new battle is about to begin! I'm so excited

[Mithun Sarker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classroom of the Elite Vol. 11.5
By Syougo Kinugasa

Well, well, among all the 0.5 volumes, this one is by far the most important one. The progression is superb in this. The stories and the greater narrative were magnificent. Once I started reading this volume, I couldn't leave it without finishing it thoroughly.

The character arc between Ayanokoji and Ichinose is an interesting perspective that I would love to read more. The character of Ichinose is so wholehearted. Seeing her down was kinda sad. Though the coldness of Ayanokoji is a force to be reckon with. On the other hand, Hiyori's time was short, but I did enjoy that. She's quite underrated.

The graduation of the third year was good. To be frank, it felt a bit too stretched out. Sure, Manabu is great and all, but the latter and other parts of the volume were more exciting for me. Still did get enough insights from the conversation.

I'm super excited about the bet between Horikita and Ayanokoji. The next test is gonna be awesome. Plus, the Snake finally came out of hibernation after quite a long time.

Matsushita's story was quite good. This adds flare to the light novel. A much needed one indeed. Her character does some have similarities between Ayanokoji. In fact, her perception was quite good, and I would love to see more of her in the future.

And now the main event, for the thing I read it. IT FINALLY HAPPENED. AYANOKEI is official! For now, at least, it is. Honestly, this is the ship I'm rooting for, so yeah.

9/10

[Viszed (II) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final de la tercera temporada en el anime y último volumen del 1er año; este volumen extra tiene un gran nivel, me encanto la reunión de Ayanokouji con Chabashira-sensei, Mashima-sensei y Sakayanagi, toda la informacón que le revelaron a ellos fue emocionante, asi como la cualición que prepara Ayanokouji para enfrentar al Director interino.

La graduación de Horihita Manabu, quien siento que es de las pocas personas que se han ganado el respeto de Ayanokouji; me emociono cuando Manabu le dijo que memorizara su número telefonico, para asi poder contactarlo si lo necesitaba al graduarse, y aunque Ayanokouji piense que esa sera la última vez que lo vera, ya que volvera a la Sala Blanco luego de graduarse, pienso que esa escena se dio por algo y ojala se vuelvan a reecontrar en el futuro.

Y la cereza del pastel, lo que más me emociono y no se porque no lo vi venir, fue la relación de novios entre Ayanokouji y Kei, es una experiencia, como el mismo narra, que no pudo aprender en Sala Balnca y espero que logre tener sentimientos por Kei en el futuro.

[Shiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright it was more or less a more of a chill volume focused on growth and change in the students and Preparations for year 2. honestly im super excited for year 2 because i watched the anime before this and read many things so i basically knew everything about year 1 but even though i still do know many things about year 2 its much more limited. I liked Horikita siblings meeting and suzunes growth and im looking foward for more. I do know she will continue to grow considerably and im all for it. It also looks like ayanokojis abilities are getting more recognized. But still the rest of his class is oblivious which sometimes bafles me. Ayanokojis school life will get much harder with the new students and tsukishiro but its definitely going to be exciting. And we have a new relationship. Even though Ayanokoji doesnt feel a thing for Kei its still pretty interesting to see and im honestly very intrigued on how it will growth considering Ayanokoji.

[Sarul Sakulthong · Rating 5 out of 5]

เล่มนี้ให้อารมณ์แบบ Slice of life ตามประสาเล่ม .5 ไม่ได้มีการชิงไหวชิงพริบดุเดือดเหมือนเล่มหลัก เหตุการณ์อยู่ในช่วงพิธีจบการศึกษาอำลาพี่ๆปี 3 (ม.6) และปิดเทอมปี 1 แม้เนื้อเรื่องหลักจะไม่ได้เดินมากมาย แต่ก็ได้เห็นแง่มุมอื่นๆของตัวละครนอกห้องเรียน ได้เห็นผลลัพธ์การเติบโตของหลายๆตัวละครตลอด 1 ปีที่ผ่านมา ยิ่งอ่านยิ่งผูกพันกับพวกเขา เล่มนี้หลากหลายอารมณ์พอสมควร ทั้งความเหงาของการจากลา ความเศร้า ความหวัง แอบมีตลกขำขันบ้างเป็นบางฉาก และหนักอึ้ง (เมื่อนึกถึงสิ่งคิโยทากะจะต้องเจอในปี 2) ยิ่งอ่านผมยิ่งรู้สึกว่าตัวละครคิโยทากะน่าสงสาร ในความอัจฉริยะเขาต้องสูญเสียอะไรไปหลายอย่าง เขาจะมีวันได้ใช้ชีวิตแบบเด็กทั่วๆไปตามที่หวังไว้ไหมนะ ได้แต่รอลุ้นต่อไป และที่ผมชอบสุดคือบทท้ายๆเล่ม หวานเจี๊ยบ

[Kristin ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I was confident when it comes to psychological warfare" ... Okay girlie.

Year one is officially over!

And what a year it has been. We have new allies and enemies, gone trough many schemes and finally gotten a good grasp of how this school system works and what they have to do and give up to be able to reach Class A.

I think this was a very interesting point to end year 1 at. Leading with many new plot points to be picked up in the second year while leaving a satisfying ending. It also feels resonable in length. I mean it is long ... But that's how life feels when ur in high school. So realistic?

Looking forward to year two and see what they will get up to this time around.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Color me surprised. What might have been considered a side light novel actually turned out to be a major turning point, a moment of both reflection, determination, change of attitude, and some major plot changes.

In other words, it's a fitting capstone and plot pusher--so much so that I consider this to be essential reading for the series.

Lots of great surprises. Lots of reveals. Love it.




Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.

Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

Arctunn.com

[purplegrape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow my favorite novel yet even though there was no exam nor mystery. I am disappointed that we will be seeing less of Manabu. The scene between the Horikita siblings made me tear up. Ayanokoji asking K out left me blushing. I'm very interested in Year 2.

I hereby revoke any complaint I made about the narrator's voice. It is ummm 🙈 a highlight of this series. Ayanokoji, Ryuuen, and Manabu especially. It will be a struggle to ration my consumption of this series but I shall persevere 🫡

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished year 1, and getting to see the confession, and relationship I've been looking forward to for a while begin.

Now with all the anime material covered, I'm really looking toward the uncharted territory of year 2. I'm interested in seeing how Ayanokoji handles everything that comes his way whether it be the tests, special exams, the acting director, or the new incoming students. And I especially look forward to his growth, and his relationship with Kei, and the ayanokoji group.

[Yessenia Andaverde · Rating 4 out of 5]

By its lenght this should have been book 12 but the contents are more of an extended epilogue of book 12. I must admit there were parts were I was just waiting for the end so I could start the next book. Mostly when the author wrote the same scene in different points of view. This happened multiple times. However, that ending made me laugh so much! Totally worth it.

[Elisha Reads For U · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a bittersweet ending!

Although this was filler it was nice to see the horikita siblings say goodbye 😭. Ayanokoji comforts suzenne...uh his own way. Honami is still quietly struggling and second guessing herself. Ayanokoji confesses to kei (cute but wrong girl man). And we see ayanokoji finding his purpose which was nice to see.

Christian content: none.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ayanokoji and his bisexual harem: the novel. especially the stuff with horikita manabu. i'm still like THERE IS NO HETEROSEXUAL EXPLANATION FOR THESE TWO??? seriously one of the gayest "straight" things i've ever read. excited to start year 2 so i can *eventually* engage with fandom content.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this volume; even though it was a filler volume, there was a lot of quality character development, closure, and set up for their second year. I enjoyed it significantly more than v11 and feel like year two will have a more refreshing take going forward!

[Nghĩa Nguyễn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

[Gabriel d'Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

E por fim foi um ótimo fechamento pra essa primeira parte da historia. Ansioso pra ver onde isso vai parar.

[IMalwareI · Rating 5 out of 5]

English

[Francisco Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

i ship. but albert is of course best girl/boy