351: I’d Lost Sight (Allen)

“I don’t mind, but why don’t you sign a waiver first? You know, promising not to complain even if you end up dead.”

“I don’t need... anything like that.”

I drew my Ancient Magic Sword. This wasn’t going to be a mock battle; I wanted to trade blows with Weiss for real.

Maybe it was just my imagination, but for a split second, I thought I saw the corner of his mouth twitch into a smile.

I leveled my sword, gauging the distance between us.

How was he able to fight on par with the teachers? He’s strong, sure, but the gap between us shouldn’t be that massive. And how can he just... move on like this? I have to know.

Everyone had fought their hearts out. Some were still reeling from the shock, while others were desperately trying to convince themselves that the result couldn't be helped. I was definitely in the latter camp.

“—Come at me, Allen.”

I couldn't take his provocation a second longer. I charged straight at him.

I was actually glad to see he was using his Magic Eye.

He evaded my opening strike with infuriating grace, but I immediately threw up a Shield to protect myself. Since I was using a Copy of Lady Cynthia’s ice, this thing was several times sturdier than a normal one.

“Underhanded as always, you damn copycat monkey.”

“—Yeah, maybe I am!”

After that, we threw everything we had at each other. There was no holding back.

We didn't land any fatal blows, but blades grazed skin and blood started to flow. If the teachers caught us doing this, we’d probably be expelled on the spot.

And yet, just moving my body felt... good. It meant I didn't have to think.

Eventually, Weiss’s blade came to a halt just inches from my eyes.

I'm dead. Or I would be, if this were a real battlefield.

Before Weiss could even get a word out, I did something that surprised even me: I laughed.

Weiss’s eyes went wide. Heh. I didn't know he could actually make a face like that.

“Have you finally lost your mind?”

“Maybe. I just realized I’ve been a total idiot.”

“About what?”

“Somewhere along the line, I started thinking that strength was everything. But it’s not. Combat is just a means to an end. No matter how strong you are, it’s all meaningless if you can't achieve what you’re actually aiming for. That’s why I realized it's way too early for me to be sitting around grieving.”

I don't actually want to be the world's Strongest. Somewhere along the way, I’d lost sight of who I was.

I don't have time to be depressed anymore.