Chapter 154: Changes

Once the partners were officially decided, everyone was overflowing with motivation. Training, idle chatter, and even eating meals together became a much more common sight.

The reason for the sudden hustle was simple: there was an exam with a massive amount of points on the line looming ahead. Simply pairing up wasn't enough; aiming for a solid goal was the only way to see real results.

In the Original Story, you could choose your own partner. Back then, Cynthia was the one with the best compatibility. To me, the player, it had all seemed like a bit of fun; I didn't have much in the way of personal feelings about it.

Well, in the fanfiction world, there were plenty of same-sex pairings lined up as well. I’m pretty sure "Duke x Allen" or "Allen x Duke" used to trend quite a bit. Ugh, I really don’t want to picture that.

A new atmosphere permeated the cafeteria. It was like we were all Lowerclassmen eating together for the first time again—a messy whirlwind of conflicting emotions. These were the kinds of precious experiences you could never truly appreciate in the Original Story.

But we—meaning us—were in the same boat. It wasn't Cynthia who sat down across from me; it was Shari.

"Weiss, do you ever eat anything else?"

"Yeah, well, this is my favorite."

"And you’re one to talk. You only ever eat that one thing."

"Because it’s yummy!"

I was having my usual small-bowl set meal with fruit, while Shari was tackling a plate of pasta-like noodles. A short distance away, Cynthia and Allen were talking. I probably could’ve heard them if I focused, but I had no intention of doing that. Shari, however, was staring right at them.

"If you’re that worried about them, why don’t you just go over there?"

"Huh?! N-No! It’s nothing like that!"

"...I’m not saying I don’t understand how you feel. But if you’re the type to lose the exam over something like this, I won't forgive you."

"I wouldn’t—"

"What exactly is your goal here?"

I was probably being harsh, but I’m the type of guy who says what needs to be said. After hearing that, Shari fell silent and started eating her pasta—actually, she started devouring it—without letting her gaze wander once.

"Hmph. Good."

"I—I know, okay?!"

Good grief. I don’t exactly hate how quickly she can flip that switch.

"After school, we’re training in the city area. I know you’re tired, but—"

"Of course! I’ll be there!"

"Heh."

Later, after school, I dragged my exhausted body toward City Area B, only to find Shari already deep into magic training. Watching her, I couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked. While Meryl handled the Four Great Elements with great dexterity, Shari had the power of a Spirit imbued into her spells, making her look even more radiant.

The effect was staggering. If Shari spent 1 point of Mana, she got the output of about 10. That’s why her traps packed such a ridiculous punch. Since the Demon Race invasion, she had grown even stronger, and she was only going to keep growing.

"You’re late."

Shari’s voice came from behind me. I looked forward and saw another Shari standing there. No—she was using magic.

"...Mimicry Magic? No, it’s a composite with Illusion Magic, isn't it?"

"Well, nobody's going to fall for it if I just stand there like a statue forever, right?"

"Heh. You're a genius. ...What? Why the surprised look?"

"I mean... that might actually be the first time you’ve ever praised me, Weiss."

"I acknowledge your talent more than anyone. If I didn't, I wouldn’t have asked you to be my partner."

In the Original Story, Shari dies. I don't even know how far her growth will go now. But the magic she’s using is clearly an anomaly. I only know that because I know the Original Story. Shari is definitely going to be the one to punch a hole through the Demon Race.

"What’s wrong? Are you running a fever?"

Shari’s face was bright red. I reached out and pressed my hand against her forehead.

"Managing your health is important. ...You don't seem to have a temperature, though."

"Wha—wha—"

"Wha-wha-what?"

"It's nothing!"

Shari looked down, hiding her face. Hmm. I don't really get it, but mana usage is tied to the psyche. Maybe it just takes that much concentration.

"Shari, tell me more about Spirits today. I want to deepen my understanding."

"Okay. Actually, there's something I want to try. Is that cool?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"I was thinking that if we combined your magic with my traps, we could do something really interesting."

"Heh. Sounds good. Let's get to it."

From then on, we went through constant trial and error. We didn't just practice; we discussed Magic Formulas and put every one of our ideas into words. Magic is imagery; a Magic Formula is knowledge. But to actually manifest it, something beyond logic has to take over—an inexplicable power. That is magic. You can't master everything just by having high Mana. That’s what makes it so... profound.

"Hey, Weiss... did you used to like me?"

"Where did that come from?"

"I mean, we used to fight so much, but then you risked your life to save me."

"Don't get the wrong idea. It's because you're useful."

"Hmph. You know, sometimes you act like... like you know the future or something."

"Who knows. Though that would be pretty great."

"Hey, Weiss, I have a request. Next time we have a day off, do you want to go out?"

"Go where?"

"Hehe, it's a secret."

"I don't have time to play around—"

Shari cut me off by pressing her index finger against my lips.

"I know that. It's not for play."

"Good grief. Then just say so from the start."

"Ehehe."