The Academy's Doomed Side Character

I continued to test the metal rod—

[Soul Bound Staff].

When I said, "Become light," it responded.

Not instantly, but with this strange, almost delayed breath—like it had to think about obeying me.

At first, it was just a fraction of weight gone. Then more.

The pressure in my arms eased, until I could swing it with both hands—awkwardly, sure, but swing it nonetheless.

"...Interesting," I muttered, tightening my grip.

"Become lighter," I tried again, voice firmer.

The staff shimmered slightly, like heat rising off a forge, and it responded—this time faster, smoother. My arms no longer trembled trying to hold it upright. It was adapting to me. Or maybe... I was adapting to it.

Then I whispered the opposite.

"Become heavy."