First published as a light novel in 2015, the psychological thriller series Classroom of the Elite enjoyed overwhelming success and was quickly adapted into a manga a year later. Even though the anime adaptation was put on halt for five years, the manga and light novels have continued their serialization.
Studio Lerche produced Season 1 of the Classroom of the Elite anime in 2017, but the series' lack of domestic success resulted in a lengthy hiatus. However, the wait is coming to an end with confirmation of a second season, much to fans' delight. With such a long break, it's understandable if some have forgotten the events that occurred during Season 1. Here are the most important points to remember, along with what to expect when Season 2 arrives.
Classroom of the Elite follows Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, a teenage student entering a highly prestigious school that promises to produce only the best results. The school follows a merit-based system, wherein allowances are provided through points that can be used to purchase virtually everything they may want or need. Despite being placed in Class D, where the lowest-ranked students are put, Ayanokouji actually possesses extraordinary intellect. However, he refuses to stand out and prefers to manipulate events from the shadows, an act he executed on multiple occasions in Season 1.
Ayanokouji first showed Classroom of the Elite fans a glimpse of his secret intelligence -- although forced -- when his classmate Suzune Horikita asks him to convince three of their lowest-standing classmates to attend a group study. He used Kikyou Kushida, the popular class idol, and her charms to convince the three boys.
The intelligent Horikita also fell into Ayanokouji's schemes as he guided her into making a convincing plot to get another classmate off the hook from expulsion. However, his strategic prowess shone brightest during Season 1's Deserted Island Special Test, where he tricked the other classes into guessing incorrectly and allowed Class D to finish the exam on top.
Season 2 of Classroom of the Elite will begin with Volume 4 of the light novel, which covers the "Cruise Ship Special Test" Arc. Ayanokouji excels at observing other people's behavior and subtly manipulating them to do his bidding. By doing this, he not only achieves his goal but also manages to remain on the sideline by pinning the credits to someone else. Although he, Horikita and Kushida are the story's mainstays, Season 2 will spotlight other side characters during various arcs, including their classmates Kanji Ike, Yosuke Hirata and Kei Karuizawa.
Classroom of the Elite Season 1 left fans with more questions than answers. There were glimpses and pieces of Ayanokouji's past as well as his father's attempts to expel him from the school, yet his backstory and reasons for enrolling in this competitive school remain a mystery. He is also yet to publicize his true ability, and most of Class D was left unexplored. With Season 2 officially confirmed, fans can once again hope to finally receive answers to these questions and much more.
