035 I’ve Got to Get Even Stronger

"Weiss, here you go."

"Ah."

"Lord Weiss, here you go."

"A-Ah."

"Weiss, here you go."

"Calm down! I’ve still got some in my mouth!"

"In that case, shall I feed you... mouth-to-mouth?"

"That is very much not what I meant!"

Nobless Academy, my private room.

Between the massive point increase and my achievements in the Tag Tournament, my living quarters were now fairly palatial. High-end furniture, a bed positioned under a skylight—hell, I even had ornamental plants.

Despite the luxury, I was currently horizontal, looking every bit the invalid.

Cynthia and Lilith were taking turns shoving Berry Berry Fruit—renowned for its healing properties—into my face. The taste wasn't bad, but the sheer pace of the delivery was relentless.

Besides, my body still felt like it had been run over by a carriage. Repeatedly. The dragon’s mana apparently possessed a potency equivalent to a curse; I’d pushed myself well past my physical breaking point.

However, thanks to the dual protection of my Dark Magic and Light Magic, I was regaining my strength by the day. According to the doctor, my recovery speed was "utterly impossible."

Once I could finally speak without choking on fruit, I asked about the one thing that had been gnawing at me.

Cynthia and Allen had been paired together. Even in that vast, sprawling forest, he had managed to find me and swoop in for the rescue without a second’s delay.

Could a coincidence like that actually happen?

"—He just suddenly started running?" I asked.

"Yes. It was as if he’d been struck by some terrible premonition," Cynthia replied. "I thought for sure he’d sensed a monster... I’m so sorry, Weiss. I was the one by his side, yet I failed to notice the danger you were in."

"Don't worry about it. It's fine."

Hmm... I remember Allen mentioned something about Shari consulting him after I told her to withdraw. So, he had a bad feeling and followed his gut?

Even so, the timing was just too perfect. It felt like there was something more going on behind the scenes, but I decided to let it slide for now.

"Also..."

"What is it, Weiss?"

I had one more question. No, actually, this was the big one. Now, don't get me wrong—I was thrilled that Cynthia was my fiancée. But she’d just spent three days alone with Allen.

I needed to know... what she thought of him.

Sure, she’d told me she loved me at the climax of the battle, but now that my head had cooled, the anxiety was creeping back in. I knew the original story of those two far too well, and it was messing with my head.

"...Nothing... happened between you and Allen... right?"

"What do you mean?" Cynthia tilted her head, looking genuinely confused.

"...You know. Just wondering if anything, uh, unusual occurred."

"I don't follow. Allen and I are merely classmates. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less."

"I-I see. Right."

Good grief, I’m being pathetic. I should have just asked her straight out.

But this was proof: the future was changing. My actions were forging a new path. It was exactly as Teacher Milk had said.

"Lady Cynthia, Lord Weiss is acting jeal—"

"Hey, Lilith! Don't finish that sentence!"

"Y-Yes! It was nothing! Mochi-mochi!"

"Eh? What’s a 'Mochi-mochi'?"

At times like this, Cynthia’s natural airheadedness was a total lifesaver.

Knock, knock, knock.

A visitor?

"Enter."

The door opened to reveal Shari. Her usual bright, bubbly expression was nowhere to be found. She looked worried, and more than a little guilty.

Back then, right before the chaos, she’d been trying to tell me something.

"Cynthia, Lilith. Could you give us the room?"

"...Understood. Let us go, Lilith-san."

The two of them left without a word of protest. They really were too kind.

I’d been told that after I lost consciousness, I’d been brought back to Nobless Academy. Apparently, Teacher Milk had carried me back on her shoulders. I really wish I’d been awake for that—talk about a missed experience.

In the aftermath, it seemed my father had lodged a direct appeal with the Academy Director. Not that the old man was an idiot; he’d signed a waiver saying he wouldn't complain about the training, so he couldn't use the cliff-fall against them. The real issue was the dragon.

Apparently, there was a war brewing in the north, and that particular dragon pair had fled a forest caught in the crossfire. Now that I thought about it, I vaguely recalled an event like that in the game, but I’d had no idea they were roosting in that particular forest.

My father’s argument was perfectly reasonable: the Academy needed to be ten times—no, twenty times—more careful in the future. Though, from what I heard, his "reasonable argument" involved a lot more shouting and intimidation than he’d admit to.

I kind of wish I could’ve seen him go off.

"So, Shari. What’s on your mind?"

"Um... well... Weiss, I’m sorry. I’ve been misunderstanding you this entire time. I just believed the rumors and... everything. Truly... I was wrong about you."

No, you weren't wrong. I’m the one who changed. The rumors were actually 100% true.

"I wondered what you were going to say, and it turns out to be such a worthless apology?" I scoffed.

"Eh...?"

"The only reason I saved you is because you’re useful. You know as well as I do that monsters are becoming more active across the globe. Unlike Allen, I’m not interested in some 'equal society' pipe dream. What do you think happens when monsters destroy a nation and a tidal wave of refugees comes flooding over the borders? War. Inevitable war. When that happens, your enchantment magic will be vital. Consider this a debt. One day, I’ll come to collect."

In the original game, Allen was the catalyst for Weiss Fancent’s ruin, but the one who actually dealt the killing blow was the Demon King. Eventually, a Calamity would strike this world. When that time came, Shari would be an indispensable asset.

Noblesse Oblige had many branching paths, but the ending was always the same. That fact felt almost immutable. That’s exactly why I was fighting so desperately to resist it.

Right now, this was just another milestone.

Shari let out a soft laugh, looking as though a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Yeah, that look suits you way better than the moping.

"I understand. Thank you, Weiss."

"Hmph. Anyway... how’s Allen?"

"Oh? Are you curious about him?"

"Hah?"

She giggled. Good grief, what was so funny?

"If you mean 'is he alive,' then yes. But he’s basically a zombie right now. Just like you, he overused his power. Duke is currently looking after him."

"Two guys comforting each other, huh?"

"That’s right. ...Are you jealous?"

"Don't be stupid. I don't swing that way. If you’ve got time to talk, do you want to sit here and feed me fruit, too?"

"I’ll pass."

"Figures."

I had no idea how Shari would act moving forward. This was the biggest plot divergence I’d caused yet. Whether it would turn out for better or worse, I didn't care. Seeing "unreleased scenes" like this was the ultimate fan privilege.

Speaking of which...

"Hey, Carta. How long are you going to lurk out there?"

"Hi-Hiee?! I-I’m so sorry!"

I’d known she was behind the door for a while. She’d probably come to visit me, realized I was talking to Shari, and got stuck in social limbo.

"If you have business, come in. Shari, tell Allen this: I’m going to expose the truth behind his Gift."

"...I’ll tell him. Honestly, you two really do acknowledge each other, don't you?"

"What? Acknowledge him?"

"Never mind. See you later, Weiss. I really am grateful. But if we ever have to fight again, don't expect me to hold back."

"I’d expect nothing less."

Allen had been about to say it—Gift. I’d never heard of such a thing in the game. Rescuing me from a cliff, dodging dragon fire... his feats were beyond human. But that was fine. I’d save the mystery for later.

"E-Excuse me!"

Carta scurried in, looking like a startled rabbit. In her hands, she clutched a massive... wait, is that a Melo-Melon?!

If I recalled correctly, it was an incredibly rare, high-value fruit. The original game's lore described it as the pinnacle of flavor. It had been a legendary topic on fan forums—everyone wondered what it actually tasted like. I’d always wanted to try one.

Is this girl a literal goddess?

"I-I’m sorry. I just wanted to see how you were feeling, Weiss-kun."

"I’m getting there. By the way, your Flight Magic really saved my neck. But I can tell it’s a nightmare to master. Teach me how to do it once I’m back on my feet."

"Eh? Ah, u-un! Oh, wait... I mean, yes! Sir!"

"Whatever works for you."

"I-I understand! Well then, see you later, Weiss-kun!"

Carta turned to flee, still clutching the Melo-Melon to her chest.

"Hey! Where are you going with that?"

"Eh? W-Well, I thought I should head back."

"...And... what about the, uh... the fruit? Is that not for me?"

"The fru...it? Oh! This?! R-Right... I’m so sorry! Teacher Milk said she wanted some, so I had my family send one over."

"Is your family a farm? A Melo-Melon farm?"

"Eh? Well, not exactly a farm, but it is one of our businesses."

Damn it... the game never mentioned that. And why is she flaunting it in front of me?! You don't show a rare fruit to a sick person unless you plan on sharing!

If I acted like my usual spoiled self, would she give it to me? But it was Teacher Milk’s snack. She’d kill me. She’d literally end my life.

I can see it now. "Hey, Weiss. There are lines you don't cross. Die."

A devil whispered in my ear. I don't want to die. But I really, really want that melon.

"...If we cut it in half, she probably won't even notice, right? It’s so big she’d never know the difference."

"Eh? Weiss-kun, do you want to eat it?"

"...No. I simply wish to... perform a quality check."

"Hmm. But Teacher Milk will be so angry..."

"That’s why I said half! We just have to not get caught!"

"So, you do want to eat it? If Weiss-kun says, 'I want to eat it!' then I might consider it..."

Is she an airhead? Or is she playing me? I couldn't read her face at all. Of course I want to eat it! Can't she tell from my vibe? God, dealing with insensitive people is such a chore.

"I... I want to ea—"

"Weiss, how’s the recovery coming?"

The door was kicked open—literally—by Teacher Milk. This was my private room, but apparently, she didn't believe in doorknobs. More importantly... did she hear me?

"H-Hi-Hiee?! I-I’m doing great, ma’am!"

My voice cracked, sounding like a startled flute. Carta gave a polite bow and then turned to me.

"Okay, Weiss-kun. I’ll cut it in half for you."

"H-Huh?"

"You said you wanted to eat the Melo-Melon, right?"

"What’s this, Weiss? Isn't that the melon I ordered?" Teacher Milk asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Ah, well, yes, but Weiss-kun said he really wanted to eat half of it."

"Wait, no! I didn't—!"

Carta! Why would you throw me under the carriage like that?!

"Fufu, I’m joking," Carta chirped. "This was for Weiss-kun from the start."

"Eh? What?"

"I set the whole thing up," Teacher Milk added with a smirk. "I’ve watched you eat enough times to know you have a massive weakness for fruit. I figured you’d try to wheedle some out of her eventually."

"...That’s cruel."

Cruel. Heartless. Cold-blooded.

"Call it my way of cheering you on. Carta, let me handle the knife. Give it here. Weiss, I’ll even give you an 'aaahn.'"

"Eh? Ah, yes! Teacher, how bold!"

Wait, seriously? THE Teacher Milk? Like a scene from a drama where someone peels apples in a hospital room?

"Now then, I suppose pulverized is the easiest way for you to digest it."

Teacher Milk produced a club from nowhere. She looked ready to smash the melon like a piñata—but she stopped the swing a hair’s breadth from the rind. The sheer wind pressure from the strike split the fruit perfectly in half.

Airy Slash—Teacher Milk’s signature move.

"Weiss, open up."

"Eh? Ah, yes."

"It’s delicious, Weiss-kun!"

"Ah... ahh... mmm."

I accepted the fruit into my mouth, half-convinced I was being filmed for a prank show. Teacher Milk was giving me an "aaahn." This definitely wasn't in the original game.

The greatest alteration. The ultimate unreleased scene. If this were in a fan disk, sales would triple, guaranteed.

And most importantly... the Melo-Melon was incredible.

"This is the best..."

The philosophy of Nobless Academy was the carrot and the stick. This had to be the world’s corrective force at work. Good things follow the bad. It was an immutable law of the universe.

Honestly... thank God for the carrot.

"Can... can I have another bite?"

"Sure. Try not to spill it."

"Ba-bus-kun, look at you eating like a big boy!"

Just for today, I’ll accept being 'Ba-bus' instead of Weiss.

Still, Carta was definitely making fun of me. And I wasn't "eating like a big boy."

As soon as I was healed, I was going back to the grind. I was going to get stronger. I’d learn more magic, and eventually, I’d surpass Teacher Milk’s swordsmanship. I wanted to reach a level where I could actually hold my own against someone like Eva Avery.

To prepare for the coming Demon King, I had to keep my eyes fixed forward.

---

Second-year dormitory, Eva Avery’s private suite.

Her room was three times the size of Weiss’s and cluttered with expensive paintings. Any art collector would have killed for a single piece from her walls, but to Eva, these were just remnants of a hobby she’d already grown bored with. Once she committed to something, she pursued it with terrifying focus.

Eva Avery had become the strongest simply because she’d aimed for the top of the world. Nobless Academy was just a pit stop—and a tedious one at that. Fighting, monsters, dragons... it was all just child’s play to her.

Boring. Boring. Boring.

—Until Weiss appeared.

"Fufufu... fufufu."

Lying on her bed in a silk negligee, Eva was staring intensely at a magic photograph. It captured Weiss and Allen, battered and unconscious after their battle with the dragon. Both were shirtless, covered in blood, and—most importantly to her—perfectly framed.

Looking at the photo, Eva was visibly flushed.

"Ah, it’s wonderful. Truly magnificent. To think the Academy was hiding such a delicious combination..."

Eva Avery held the highest point total in the history of Nobless Academy. Yet, right before being promoted to S-rank, she’d started skipping classes to intentionally tank her score. Her reason was simple: she wanted to stay in this comfortable dormitory as long as possible.

She was likely the only person in history capable of such a feat. But even so, she’d been getting bored. She’d been considering dropping out to go on a vacation in the south when she met Weiss.

Weiss: overflowing with ambition, noble, and more greedy than anyone she’d ever met.

And Allen: overflowing with passion, straightforward, and a paragon of justice.

The pairing of these two—who seemed like polar opposites yet felt so similar—had become her ultimate source of "inspiration."

"Ah... it’s so goooood."

Eva had zero interest in the opposite sex. Her only interest lay in the "intimate entanglement" of men. She’d almost left the school because there weren't any good pairings to watch.

But Allen and Weiss changed everything. If even one of them had been missing, she wouldn't have been this excited. If Weiss had remained the lazy degenerate he was in the "original" timeline, she never would have reached this point.

It was Weiss’s effort—his unyielding conviction—that had captured her heart.

Currently, she was agonizing over the most important question: Weiss x Allen? Or Allen x Weiss? Who was the "attacker" and who was the "receiver"?

Every desire Eva had ever had had eventually come true, even things that others deemed impossible. Life was finally fun again.

But...

"Hmm... being too friendly isn't really my taste."

She wanted to see them feud. She wanted them to hurl insults, for their mutual loathing to reach a fever pitch—and then for them to be forced together.

Eva Avery was, to put it bluntly, a high-tier pervert.

"What should I do? Maybe I’ll stir the pot a little. I really do want to see them fight..."

The fact that this was the single greatest "plot alteration" of all was something that Allen—and certainly Weiss—didn't know yet.

---

[Important Notice]

I’ve started a new series! Title: They Called Me "Useless" and Kicked Me Off the Front Lines? Fine. I’ll Live However I Want and Find a Cute Wife. Wait, What Do You Mean Other Countries Call Me the "Raging Berserker"?

I’ve entered it into the Kakuyomu Con 10, so please check it out!