Scene: Chaldea's Training Grounds – Evening
The air is crisp, the silence only interrupted by the rhythmic click of a gun being checked. Der Freischütz sits on a bench, absently turning a bullet between her gloved fingers, deep in thought.
Master takes a deep breath, approaching with a small, neatly wrapped box.
(→ "Der Freischütz, I have something for you.")
She glances up, her ever-watchful eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
Der Freischütz: "...For me?"
Master nods, holding the box out.
(→ "It's Valentine's, so I thought I'd give you some chocolates.")
Der Freischütz stares at the gift, silent. The bullet in her hand stills.
For a long moment, she doesn't take it. Then, slowly, hesitantly, she reaches out, her fingers brushing against Master's as she accepts it.
Der Freischütz: "...This is unexpected. I didn't think... someone would give me anything."
Her tone is neutral, but the faintest shade of pink creeps along her cheeks. She quickly turns her head, staring down at the box as if analyzing it.
Master watches her carefully.
(→ "You seem surprised. Did you really think no one would give you chocolates?")
Der Freischütz: "It's not that. I just... don't know what to do with this."
She sighs, shaking her head.
Der Freischütz: "I know how the day works. Gifts given, affections exchanged. I've seen it from a distance before... but it's never involved me."
She sets the box on her lap, her fingers lightly tracing the edges.
(→ "Well, now it does. You're part of Chaldea, and more importantly, you're someone I wanted to give this to.")
Her fingers tighten slightly around the box.
Der Freischütz: "You say that so easily…"
She exhales sharply, then—before she can overthink—reaches into the folds of her coat and pulls out a small, dark-colored pouch.
Der Freischütz: "...Here. Take this."
Master blinks, taking the pouch.
(→ "What's this?")
Der Freischütz: "A return gift. You gave me something, so… I figured I should do the same."
Her eyes dart away for the first time, and she clears her throat.
Der Freischütz: "It's not much. Just... something personal."
Master carefully opens the pouch, revealing a single bullet, gleaming under the light.
(→ "A bullet?")
She nods, her voice quieter than usual.
Der Freischütz: "Not just any bullet. It's one I crafted myself. It's engraved."
Master tilts it slightly, noticing the inscription along the casing.
(→ "'For the one who altered fate'...")
Der Freischütz: "...You altered mine, in a way. A small shift in trajectory changes everything, after all."
She finally looks back at Master, her usual serious expression wavering with something softer—shyness, perhaps?
Der Freischütz: "Don't misunderstand. It's not enchanted, not cursed. Just chocolate and craftsmanship. But... bullets have weight. Just like words. Just like this moments. Keep it."
Master smiles, gently closing their fingers around the gift.
(→ "I will. Thank you, Freischütz.")
Her blush deepens, and she clicks her tongue.
Der Freischütz: "...Tch. This is ridiculous."
(→ "What is?")
Der Freischütz: "You. Making me say things like this."
She sighs, rubbing the back of her neck.
Der Freischütz: "...Just eat your chocolate already."
Master chuckles, unwrapping the box as Der Freischütz watches, her lips pressing into a tight line.
(→ "Would you like to try one?")
She hesitates.
Der Freischütz: "...Fine. Just one."
She takes a small piece, eyeing it warily before biting into it.
Der Freischütz: "...Hnn. Sweet."
(→ "You don't like it?")
She shakes her head.
Der Freischütz: "No. It's good. Just… unexpected."
A pause. Then, barely audible:
Der Freischütz: "Thank you, Master."
---
Craft Essence: "A Bullet's Trajectory"
Stats: ATK +500 / HP +250
Effect: Increase critical damage by 10% and gain 3 critical stars per turn when Der Freischütz is in the party.
Description:
A single, engraved chocolate bullet, carefully handcrafted and given with hesitation. A token of acknowledgment from the one whose aim never falters. The weight of it lingers in your hand, like an unspoken promise.
"A shift in trajectory changes everything."