255 Entreaty

City Area B.

It was after school, and mana was whipping through the building at breakneck speeds.

"Cynthia, Lilith! Here he comes!" I shouted.

"Yes!"

"Understood!"

The next second, Allen came crashing through the window. Unlike before, his movements were almost impossible to predict. He’d started using Eva’s Invisible Hand to make sharp, right-angle turns mid-air.

I could use my Magic Eye, but if I can’t win without it, I’m in serious trouble.

As he charged me head-on, Shari and Duke appeared from both sides. Their Coordination was on a whole different level now.

"Hyaaah!"

"We’re taking it this time!"

But we weren't just sitting ducks. Cynthia and Lilith reacted instantly, throwing up a Shield and an Ice Shield as they braced for the impact. Neither Allen nor I looked away from each other.

"—One-Hit Kill."

I tossed it out as a greeting in place of a hello. Allen twisted mid-air to evade, used Flight Magic to throw off my timing, and then swung his sword down with everything he had.

Normally, I would have parried it. But this time... I daringly chose not to dodge.

A fraction of a second later, the Inviolable Domain (Barrier) flared to life right above my forehead. Cutting the flesh to sever the bone. I was trying to master the high-risk techniques that Neil and Priscilla used.

I thrust my sword forward in a counter-attack, but to my absolute shock, Allen deployed a Shield without a single word. That was Coco’s trick—no-chant casting.

"Ha! You're getting better at monkeying our moves every day!" I taunted.

"You're dead wrong if you think you'll always have the upper hand, Weiss!" Allen barked back.

His mana was incomparable to what it used to be. He must have been training like a literal madman. His growth rate was frankly terrifying; perhaps he’d picked up a few secrets during his coaching with Eva. Regardless, I wasn't about to lose.

"—Shut up, Allen!"

I prepared a point-blank strike with zero holding back. I was ready to let him have it when—

『Everyone, pause for a moment. —Fansent-kun, I found the group searching for the Artifact’s location.』

Cecil’s voice echoed out of nowhere. Looking up, I saw her standing on the roof of the building. Everyone cut their mana and stood frozen in place.

"...Artifact?" Duke muttered, his voice carrying through the quiet.

Why are you telling them too?! Ah, I see... Damn you, Cecil.

Every head turned toward me, brows furrowed in suspicion. I’d planned to handle this mission solo, but I hadn't expected the reveal to happen at this specific timing.

Seriously, Noblesse? Is this some kind of "plot armor" forcing things along?

Most of the Upperclassmen and Lowerclassmen were away for the Exchange Meeting. Teacher Milk was gone, too. And Cynthia... Cynthia was burning a hole through me with a cold, judgmental stare.

I’d meant to tell them, really! I was just... a little late. She’d always insisted on taking the safest possible path, so there was no way I could keep things secret now. Cecil, did you calculate this from the start?

...Phew.

"Um... would you guys mind... helping me out a bit?"

After I managed to squeeze the words out, the tension broke, and their expressions finally softened into smiles.