"But Axel-kun," Asakura interjected, trying to de-escalate. "If it's so bad, why did you give them the Pactio cards?"
I took a deep breath to settle my irritation. "Because the contract is already done. The damage is settled. Giving them the cards allows for a mana supply in an emergency. It's a last-resort insurance policy to keep them slightly safer."
"Then it's not all bad—" Asakura began.
I silenced her with a glare. To me, this was the worst possible move. It forced a permanent life change on people who weren't ready for it.
"I'll be reporting this to the Headmaster," I said. "I'll leave it to him to decide your punishment."
"No!" Negi cried.
"You're his master, Negi. You won't escape the fallout. I just hope this doesn't count as a total failure of your mission."
Negi slumped, looking utterly defeated. I knew he was the "son of a hero" and likely wouldn't be expelled, but he needed to understand the weight of his negligence.
"Time doesn't flow backward," I said, picking up an empty soda can someone had left by a vending machine. "Focus on the mission. Earn enough points to offset this mess. ...And Negi, Chamo, Asakura?"
I held their gaze as I slowly crushed the aluminum can in my fist. My grip strength was enough to tear through Mecha plating; the can didn't stand a chance. It screeched and crumpled into a tiny, unrecognizable ball of metal.
"This is your final warning. There won't be a next time. Am I clear?"
The two humans and one ermine nodded frantically, their faces ashen.
"But seriously, why is my Artifact a paper fan?" Asuna grumbled, staring at the Harisen in her hand. She seemed to be choosing to ignore the depressed trio nearby.
"Probably because you lack the skill to manifest its true form," I remarked.
"Lack skill?"
"Yeah. Even Chizuru can only use three of her Artifact's seven abilities because she isn't practiced enough."
Asuna took a deep breath. "Adeat!"
She summoned the fan again, looking at it with a pout. "Still a fan. I mean, if it's like the Class Rep's weapon, maybe it can turn into a sword or something eventually..."
A short distance away, Asakura was attempting to comfort Negi. I wanted to ask her if she really thought she had the right to play the comforter after starting the fire, but we had a busy day ahead of us. I decided to let it slide. For now.
Status Window
Name: Axel Almar
Level: 38
PP: 625
Melee: 262 | Ranged: 282 | Skill: 272 | Defense: 272 | Evade: 302 | Hit: 322
SP: 462
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (Consumes SP to buff Slime performance)
Growth Type: All-Rounder / Special
Terrain: Air: S | Ground: S | Water: S | Space: S
Spirit Commands:
Accel (SP 4)
Effort (SP 8)
Focus (SP 16)
Direct Hit (SP 30)
Awaken (SP 32)
Love (SP 48)
Skills: EXP Up, SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9, SP Regen, Concentration), Psychodriver Lv.10, Attacker, Gunfight Lv.9, Infight Lv.9, Morale Limit Break, Geass (Grey), Magic (Fire), Magic (Shadow), Magic (Summon), Dark Magic, ???
Kills: 376
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