Intermission: Loop Number XXX

I’d finally made it to the intermediate class, but honestly? I was getting a little sick of seeing the same damn faces every day.

There was Allen, the idiotically straightforward hero type; Cynthia, the girl who refused to leave his side; and Duke, whose brain was made of nothing but pure, unadulterated muscle.

"Allen, you haven't forgotten anything today, have you?"

"Ah... sorry, Cynthia."

"Honestly, please be careful!"

"God damn it! Why don't I have a fiancé!?"

Every single time, they flirted right in front of me without ever getting bored of it. Get a room.

Suddenly, someone slapped me on the back. I didn't even have to look.

"Morning, Weiss!"

"Yeah."

"Still as cold as ever, I see."

"Being sleepy in the morning is a universal right."

"Fufu, maybe so."

Shari was there, wearing her usual grin.

Saving her had been a complete accident, but I never expected her to get so attached to me. She’s basically a stray cat.

"W-Weiss-kun, good morning."

"Yeah."

Just as I was thinking that, another one appeared: Carta. She was supposed to have dropped out by now. I’d complained to some bullies on a whim, and for some reason, she’d gotten the idea that I was "saving" her. Ever since then, she wouldn't stop talking to me.

Well, silver lining: she’s the one teaching me Flight Magic.

"The weather’s too nice for school. Maybe I'll ditch today."

"You can't! We have a test today."

"I don't care about that. There's no point in taking it."

"There you go saying that again."

"But Weiss-kun really does get perfect scores every time. It’s amazing."

"Oh, I know the type," Shari chimed in. "He’s the guy who says he didn't study at all but stayed up all night desperately cramming."

They could say whatever they wanted. It wasn't "cramming"—it was basically just cheating. From my perspective, a "pop quiz" was just a "scheduled exam with a funny name." Besides, I already knew there wasn't actually going to be one today.

"Come on, let's go, let's go!"

"Hey, Shari, stop touching me."

We headed up the stairs to the far left. I opened the door to the usual classroom to find Olynn and Tura already inside.

"Olynn, look! I brought Pippin's favorite food!"

"Wait, really!? Ah, it's Allen-kun!"

"Sir Allen! You're looking as dashing as ever today!"

"Thank you. You two are as close as ever, I see."

Tsk. Every single time, they have the exact same conversation.

In the corner, a guy with glasses was fiddling with some game pieces by himself. Cecil Antwerp. That guy never spoke. Seriously, I have no idea what’s going on in that head of his.

"Good morning, class. Regarding the test scheduled for today—it’s been cancelled."

Right on cue, Chloe walked in and dropped the bombshell. Well, a bombshell to everyone else. I already knew the script.

"Last night, the Demon Race launched an attack near the ball in the Ostrava Royal Capital. Princess Sophia... she’s passed away."

On the Day of the Great Full Moon, Princess Sophia dies. I’d tried to save her—God knows how many times—but it never worked.

The classroom erupted into a panicked buzz. The air turned heavy with fear. They were terrified of the Demon Race.

Idiots. Those guys are just small fry compared to the Demon King. Compared to "Him."

"As a precaution, Noblesse will be closed. Those who wish to may return home, but you must be accompanied by an A-rank or higher Adventurer guard. Classes will resume as soon as we track the movements of the Demon Race, but we expect it to take several days."

With that, class was dismissed.

Princess Sophia was cruelly slaughtered inside her carriage. No matter what I tried, I couldn't change it. It... it just can't be helped.

I headed out to the courtyard and found the usual pair of slackers.

"Yo, seniors."

"Hm? Oh, Weiss. Are you actually studying for once?"

"Classes are cancelled. Eleanor, they're as huge as always, aren't they?"

"Eh?! W-what are you talking about!?"

"Boobs. We’re talking about boobs," Sierra interjected. "Weiss is such a creep."

"E-Eeee!?"

Good grief, she was as innocent as ever. It was pathetic, really—imagine failing a year because you rushed to help Allen in a pinch. They were strong, but these sisters refused to hone their talent. What a waste.

"Sierra, do you have any idea where Eva went?"

"No clue. She hasn't been in contact with anyone since she withdrew, right?"

"I-I don't know either."

"I see."

If Eva had stayed, things might have been a little different this time. I wanted to find her and make her an ally, but that was looking like a lost cause.

I left them behind and headed for a specific rooftop in City Area B to sleep. This was the one spot that actually felt good. When I finally blinked my eyes open, my head was resting on someone's lap.

"Good morning, Weiss."

"Shari... are you actually a stalker?"

"I mean, you're always right here."

"I guess."

The sky was the same blue as always. It was beautiful, no matter how many times I saw it. I knew what was coming. Someone was going to die. I’d grown stronger than the last loop, but I still didn't know how it would end. Who could I protect? Who would be left alive?

"Hey, Shari."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Don't die. No matter what."

"...Where is this coming from?"

"Just promise me."

"Yes, yes, I won't die~"

"I only need one 'yes.'"

"Ye—s."

Hmph.

I’m going to win this time. Just you wait, you piece of shit Demon King.

Right then, I heard voices. Allen, Cynthia, and Duke were training despite the chaos. Honestly, those muscle-heads never quit.

"Fuaaa... I guess it’s time for some exercise."

I sat up and looked down at Allen from the edge of the roof.

"Honestly, stop messing with them," Shari teased. "Allen might enjoy the challenge, but Cynthia-san is going to get pissed again."

"Hah, that’s the best part."

I stepped off the ledge. A soft gust of wind caught me, suspending my body in mid-air.

Every time I fly, I can't help but feel that thrill. It never gets old.

I leveled my hand at Allen, letting my mana surge to the surface.

"Three-on-one seems about fair, don't you think?"

In an instant, I released a wave of energy the size of Carta's Mana Cannon. Allen noticed it just in time and readied his sword, while Cynthia intercepted the blast with an Ice Shield.

"Hey, Weiss! Are you trying to kill us?!" Duke roared, his usual meathead self making a scene.

"Yeah, that was the idea."

The only thing I can do for you is drive you harder.

So, get strong. And—don't die.

This time... this time, I’ll definitely do something about it. Please, just don't die.

"It's a post-nap warm-up," I shouted down. "Don't hold back! Come at me!"