CHAPTER 815: CHAPTER 126 - FRIENDS (2)

We stared at her for a second, and I mean, really stared, then Rose and I turned to look at each other, blinking dumbly as if we were still trying to process the words that just came out of Gabrielle’s mouth.

Then, out of nowhere, laughter burst out of both of us, echoing around like we’d been holding it in forever.

"W‑What is it? Why are you two laughing?! Is what I said really that funny?!" Gabrielle snapped, glaring at us so hard it could’ve burned a hole through our heads—but the effect was completely ruined by how her cheeks were burning bright red, almost glowing under the lamplight.

"No, it’s just... it’s funny, because it’s coming from you!" Rose was practically gasping between peals of laughter, clutching her stomach like she couldn’t hold herself together anymore. "I‑I mean, with how stiff you always are, I never in my life thought you’d say something so damn sweet—it’s actually hilarious! Ahhh~ my stomach hurts~! I can’t...! I really can’tttttttt~!!!"

She was laughing so hard I thought she might actually pass out, tears sparkling at the corners of her eyes.

And me? I couldn’t stop either. The laughter kept bubbling up from somewhere deep inside, spilling out until my vision blurred with tears.

"You know," I managed to say between ragged breaths, wiping at the tears dripping down my cheeks, "I really never thought you’d be the one to say you want the three of us to graduate together and become magic knights. What brought this on?"

Gabrielle hesitated for a beat, her eyes darting to the ground, her voice turning softer. "W‑Well, I feel like I’ve changed so much these past few years... because I met you two," she murmured, each word sounding heavier than usual. "I think... I would’ve stayed stubborn as hell, hard to bend, too foolish to even think of compromising. Probably would’ve stayed stuck there forever. B‑But..."

She trailed off, the last word hanging in the air like unfinished music.

Rose and I exchanged a silent look, our laughter fading into curious grins, and in perfect sync we leaned forward and teased, "But?"

"W‑Well..." she started again, her shoulders tensing as she spoke. "After meeting both of you, I feel like... I’ve changed. I mean, I was never the type who’d bend easily, right? And lately, yeah... people have been acknowledging me more... but if it weren’t for Irene pushing me, I’d never have even become someone like that. And without Rose always trying to outdo me... I think I’ve grown to appreciate doing normal things more."

"Hey, what the hell’s that supposed to mean?" Rose shot back, glaring so hard her brow furrowed into sharp lines.

"I think what she means," I jumped in with a laugh, "is that because you’re always doing crazy, abnormal shit, she’s come to like normal stuff more."

"Oh yeah? You wanna get punched, huh?!" Rose barked, fists tightening like she was ready to swing.

"Hey, hey—calm down!" I chuckled, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. "I’m pretty sure she meant it in a good way. I mean, in her own weird way, she’s basically thanking you. So that’s gotta count for something, right?"

Rose let out a heavy breath, her glare softening bit by bit. And after a few seconds, she huffed one last time and dropped back onto her seat, though her eyes were still sharp.

Honestly? It still amazed me. This was the same Rose I used to know with her being an eccentric, romance‑crazed, so stubborn she’d try to punch through literal walls if she thought it’d help. And yet, after everything, she’d mellowed enough to sit back down instead of throwing a punch.

"Well," I continued, letting out a small sigh, "it’s only natural for us to want something like that. Besides, at this point, it feels like we’re practically guaranteed to graduate as Gold Class. We’ve made it through almost four whole years already, and we’ve kept our spot in Gold Class the whole time. I don’t think anything could happen now that’d kick us out."

We’d held onto those ranks since near the start, fighting tooth and nail. And honestly? I couldn’t imagine anything dragging us down now, not after everything.

"Well, I still can’t help but worry a bit about Rose," Gabrielle spoke up again, her tone tightening just a little. She turned her gaze to Rose, eyes narrowing. "Your rank’s been stuck on the lower end of Gold Class for quite a while now."

"You can’t really blame her, though," I cut in, my voice turning a bit firmer. "The academy doesn’t just grade us by strength. You’ve gotta balance everything, like brains, strength, and attitude. If you wanna move up or even hold your spot, it’s about more than just power."

It was true. The academy’s whole system measured so many things at once, half of which we barely even saw coming. And Rose... well, everyone knew she wasn’t exactly the academic type.

"Hey, wait—are you calling me stupid?!" Rose snapped, whipping her glare back at me, her voice sharp as a blade.

"Look, at least you’ve got the strength to keep your rank up, so what’s the big deal?" I shot back quickly, hoping to steer her off before she really exploded.

And as soon as I threw that compliment in, like clockwork, her scowl softened into a smirk, her chest puffing up a little.

"Hmph! Of course I’m strong. No way my rank’s gonna drop on me."

"But still," Gabrielle added, the shine of her glasses catching the light as she looked serious again, "you should still be careful. Maybe think ahead, just in case something unexpected comes up."

She was right. Even if the chance of falling was low, it didn’t mean it was impossible. Anything could happen, like bad luck, stupid mistakes, or something we couldn’t even see coming.

"You’re not the only one I’m worried about, though," Gabrielle added quietly, her gaze shifting toward me.

"Huh?" My voice caught for a second, caught off‑guard.

"Irene, your rank’s been slipping ever since first year," she said, voice level but firm. "You used to be in the top twenty, remember? But now, you’re down to fifty‑sixth. I really think you should do something before it drops even further."