Chereads / The nuclear test (Rough draft) / Chapter 84 - Armament difficulties

Chapter 84 - Armament difficulties

I went to get my jacket at the dorms so I arrived here after everybody else. Though I did arrive earlier than usual, what exactly am I going to do? Going near them and hearing gossip is annoying and I don't really have much to do. I guess I'll just lay down and do nothing. I lay down on the floor and put the hoodie over my head...

...When was the last time I had some downtime like this... Usually, I am at the library, at the training facility, receiving classes or just sleeping. It's been long since I last just took a breather. I mean, it's only been a little over a week and three days since I got here...

Well, that's how I like to be anyways, I'd rather not have any- A presence splits from the group and walks towards me. This girl, what does she want now?... Well, I'll humor her.

"Is something wrong Vanessa."

"You didn't even move and you were able to tell it was me? It's like nothing can sneak up on you."

She takes a seat near where I am laying down. I can feel the stares from the group far away.

"Believe what you want, so, what exactly do you want?"

"Nothing, just came over since I was slightly bored."

"What do you mean? You're one of the centers of the class right? I'm sure there's plenty of people who would talk to you whether you want to or not, there's almost no way for you to get bored. You definitely have a reason."

"Why are you so perceptive?!"

"No reason, so what is it?"

"It's just that... I can't explain it very well."

I sigh, I do roughly have an idea of why she just suddenly decided to move here to talk to me though.

"What I said yesterday is weighing on your mind."

"...Yes, every time I see Allen say or do something... I don't know, it doesn't feel right. I like him, but after thinking what you said and what Allen has done so far, I'm not sure how to act. It feels very awkward to be around him"

Shouldn't she be telling this to a friend rather than me? It was kind of my fault that got her thinking like this but I'm sure she has people to confide in.

"Alright, so what does it have to do with me?"

"What do you mean?! You-"

"Quiet down, unless you want the whole class to hear."

"...You were the one who made me doubt Allen in the first place."

"Yes, however, I'm neither your friend nor someone close to you. It's fine if you try talking it out with me since I caused this but know that I barely know you and you barely know me. There are only two ways in which you will be able to clear this doubt. The first would be to clearly observe Allen's movements and how he reacts and the second would be to confide with a friend.

"...It's weird to hear from someone that 'wants to be left alone, talk about 'talking it out with friends.'"

....I chuckle. I guess that's true, isn't it? I'm not one to talk, am I?

"I guess you are right," I say as I stand up and dust myself off.

(Vanessa)

I sense the teacher coming from far away.

"Alright, everyone. Class is starting." (Teacher)

I start walking towards the teacher and Vanessa follows right after me. With those words, everybody headed down to the arena, and we started thinking of our own armaments.

I need to focus on creating an armament that works for me. Fire armament huh, I can't picture anything but something offensive but what exactly should it be? I guess I'll just focus on making the armament-

A feel headache followed by a loss in strength... how long was I focusing for? I open my eyes...shit. That was some backlash, it really hurt. I don't know how long was I focusing for but everybody in class is still here... I'll try once again. I close my eyes and focus on the armament, again a backlash reaction to it. I fall to the ground... Ah shit.

"Luis, you're done...Though, I'm a little curious about something. Follow me, I want to ask you something." (Ms. Higgins)

"Alright."

I follow behind her... is that what backlash feels like when you're pulling out your armament? That really hurt my head and I felt my strength zap from me. Shit! Looks like getting the second armament won't be as easy as I thought it would be...

We arrive at the staircase that leads to the arena's stands and she stops.

"Are you trying to pull a fast one on me?"

"...What do you mean?"

"Why did you suddenly change the armament you want to manifest?"

She can tell that?... Wait, I shouldn't focus on that fact. So I have to give a valid reason as to why I changed armaments, and quick.

"Healing magic is boring, so I just wanted to try fire magic out."

"Really now, I didn't judge for the type to go for the more 'fun' option but rather for the more practical option. So now, tell me what the actual reason is."

She's right about that I guess...I sigh, that's another command, isn't it? Well, it was going to get found out sooner or later.

"I already manifested my healing armament."

"Really now, show me!"

I'd rather not, it will actually end up draining me and last time I used it I ended up exploding blood vessels and muscles. I mean, it was because of the ability but still... Actually, following that would harm me no?

"No."

"...You do realize that's a command right. You will receive a mark if you don't"

"I know."

She stares at me for a while and I stare back. Is he waiting for something to happen?

"...You don't feel any pain right now?"

"Why would I?"

"... I see, so my command will hurt you. Tell me the specific reason as to why it will hurt you."

This woman really knows how to exploit the system. Almost no questions and mostly statements. Well, I'll answer.

"The armament is too powerful for me so the burden is too great for me to bear."

"... You don't seem to be lying... I understand, sorry for doubting you."

"Oh...um...sure."

That caught me off guard, she apologized...

"Anyways, you're already done so don't try manifesting it again. I will tell you something in advanced though. Elemental affinity plays into whether you can manifest an armament easily or not. However, the fact that you already have an armament will make it harder to manifest the next one. That's all, go take a rest."

She walks away. Well, that was somewhat weird and unexpected... I sigh, looks like taking out the fire armament will definitely be difficult.