A Grudge Over Fruit is a Terrifying Thing

Shari and I spent the entirety of the second night on the move.

The goal was to clean up the remaining small fry, of course, but more importantly, it was to ensure no one would be left to get in our way on the final day.

「Solish Arilas: First Elimination. Nameplate transferred to Weiss Fancent.」

I let out a heavy sigh and took a moment to steady the flow of my mana.

"We’re likely trailing in points. But come the final day, we’ll track down Duke and Lilith, then Allen and Cynthia, and take them all out. That’s how we win."

"Understood," Shari replied. "Duke seems like he’s actually taking things seriously this time, doesn't he?"

"Yeah. But I’m looking forward to it."

I have almost no memory of ever fighting that guy properly. Even back during the Battle Royale, I was occupied with Allen while Shari was the one who went up against Duke.

Duke and Lilith had absolutely crushed a team of four opponents.

When I think about the 'awakened' Lilith, her pure combat prowess might actually exceed my own. Not that I have any intention of losing, of course.

The morning sun began to crest over the horizon, and we finally allowed ourselves to sit down among the tangled roots of a massive forest tree.

"Get some sleep, Shari. I'll keep watch."

"Huh? But Weiss, you haven't slept a wink—"

"I’ve spent my life training for this. I’m not like you. Now shut up and sleep."

"…Fine, fine. I’ll gratefully take you up on that, then."

With those words, Shari scooted over next to me and rested her head on my shoulder with a soft thud.

"What are you doing?" I grunted.

"This way it’s easier to move if something happens, right? Don't go getting any funny ideas."

"As if I would ever—"

"Goodnight."

…Sheesh. This girl is something else.

The Final Day—Morning.

"Mm… Wei…ss…"

"Are you awake? It’s time to move."

"Nn… okay, I’ll take over the watch—wait, you didn’t sleep?"

"I’m still fine."

"Seriously, you push yourself way too hard."

Shari rubbed her bleary eyes and gave me a small smile. At the start of all this, she’d detested the very sight of me, but we’d managed to reach a point where we worked together with a decent sense of distance.

Whenever I look at her, I can’t help but think back to the 'Original Story.' On one hand, I’m proud of myself for changing the future, but on the other, the thought that there might be irresistible fates—like what happened with Tucker—constantly flickers in the back of my mind.

"…Wait, what is that?"

Just as we were about to set off, Shari pulled something incredible out of her bag.

It was a Melo-Melon.

It was tucked into a small, partitioned box, and the sweet, heavenly scent of its juice was already wafting through the air.

"W-Where did you get that!?" I stammered.

"Hehehe. I found it earlier and secretly tucked it away. I figured something like this would be a better energy boost on the final day. Honestly, I wanted it to be a surprise for when you woke up, but since you didn't sleep…"

"…This is… this is the best thing ever."

I couldn't suppress the surge of excitement; my heart hammered against my ribs. To my exhausted body, this was the ultimate reward.

We didn't have forks. We didn't have aprons. It might be an insult to the dignity of the Melo-Melon, but I’ll just have to eat it with my bare hands.

But right then—

「Urias Bold: First Elimination. Nameplate transferred to Allen.」

…….

A moment later, I heard the distinct sound of an explosion. It wasn't far away. It was the unmistakable crackle of mana bursting.

Shit. That protagonist bastard.

"Weiss, hurry up and eat it!" Shari urged.

"…No. That would be disrespectful to the Melo-Melon. Shari, hide it over there. We’ll make it our victory prize after I’ve crushed every single one of them."

"Eh? But we could just eat it real quick—"

"We’re going. But listen: apply Concealment Magic to it. Then, put a ward on it so monsters don't eat it. I want you to meticulously layer a Defense Formula over it, too. And finally, set an alarm and commit the location to memory so we don't forget it!"

"What am I, your mother?"

With my insides boiling more violently than they ever had in my entire life, I set off to track Allen.

I’ll tear him limb from limb with my own bare hands.

"W-Weiss, you’re actually scary right now…"