"Good work today, Neries-san. Now that you’ve actually tried the training, how did it feel to you?"
"Ah, well... I'm not sure I can say for certain yet. I’ve only just begun, after all..."
"That is true. However, if you keep this up, your strength will surely grow. Let’s do our best together."
Neries offered a silent word of thanks to Misery for naturally bringing up the day's events.
Part of it was their similar stature, but Neries found that the monotone voice she had been hearing since last night was strangely soothing. As she settled into the warmth, Misery spoke again.
"Trying something new is always a challenge. I’ve been through it myself, so I understand how you feel."
"You did mention that you changed your fighting style too, Misery-san."
"I did. It was difficult, but I am who I am today because of that choice. Even during the trial and error, I found that my past experiences still had value. I believe yours will serve you well too, Neries-san."
"My past experiences..."
Neries took a moment to reflect. Looking back, she realized she had actually learned quite a bit during her time with Cyan. She had acquired a variety of support magic and learned the basics of party communication. There was no denying she had gained technical skills.
The problem was that she had blindly followed Cyan’s orders, never once considering how to apply those skills on her own. Realizing that this lack of independence was her greatest flaw, Neries leaned back against the edge of the tub and let out a soft sigh.
"You're right... The techniques I’ve picked up and the things I need to improve on—it's all useful, in its own way."
"I’m glad to see you’ve regained enough positivity to realize that. Truly," Misery said with a faint, encouraging smile.
Neries felt her cheeks flush slightly. Between Misery and Peewee, she realized she was blessed with good friends. Her thoughts were interrupted when Misery asked a sudden question.
"By the way... have you decided on a partner for the practical exam yet?"
"Ah... I haven't really thought about it. I’m not even sure who I should ask..."
The practical exam required Neries to nominate one partner to face the challenge by her side. It was a choice that would shape her future, but Neries had been so preoccupied with her training today that she hadn't even begun to compile a list of candidates.
She assumed asking one of the people already helping her train would be the logical choice, but Misery was quick to offer a specific suggestion.
"In that case, Master Yugo would be the best choice. He is the strongest among us, after all."
"Yugo-san... Yes, I suppose he would be..."
Having faced Yugo as a mock enemy earlier that day, Neries understood his strength all too well. His versatility was staggering; with his various armors and the skill to wield them, he could adapt to any situation. He was the ultimate insurance policy. If she added her support magic to his overwhelming power, they would be an unstoppable duo.
And yet, Neries hesitated.
Yugo was strong—perhaps too strong. If he did all the work, would she really be contributing anything? Wouldn't she just be swapping one person to lean on for another? As she fretted over the thought of moving from Cyan’s shadow to Yugo’s, Misery offered a final piece of advice.
"I understand your concern. If you’re worried, the best thing to do is talk it over with Master Yugo or your friends. They will definitely be there to support you."
"...You're right. It’s better to talk it out than to worry about it all by myself."
She wasn't alone anymore. Unlike the days she spent locked away in her room, she was surrounded by allies now. Feeling a fresh wave of optimism, Neries turned to Misery with a proposal of her own.
"Misery-san, if I manage to pass the exam, would you like to form a party together? That is... if it wouldn't be a bother for you."
"It wouldn't be a bother at all. In fact, I think our groups would be a perfect match."
"You're already in a party, aren't you? Is it really okay?"
"It’s no problem. My current party only has two members, and we’re both frontliners. We’ve been looking for someone who can provide support from the rear."
"Then it really is a perfect fit! My group has plenty of rearguards, so having two frontliners join us would make everything so much more stable!"
The two girls continued to chat, their voices bright with excitement. They looked up at the ceiling together, already imagining the life that awaited them once the exams were over.
"I’m going to give it my all," Neries declared. "I want to keep our promise."
"I’ll be cheering for you, however I can."
Neries smiled at Misery’s voice—it was still flat, but now she could clearly hear the warmth beneath the surface. As she realized how much more hopeful she felt compared to only yesterday, she felt a playful surge of joy. Her heart was "bouncing" with excitement now, every bit as much as Anhel and the others had earlier.