In which chapter did the variants begin appearing? Or can someone please give me a quick recap of what variants are?
Don't remember which chapter but Variants are essentially Mutations. Basically it was normal humans being mutated into somethign obscene/monstrous, hence Variant. Personally not fond of the term but *shrug*
Variants are creatures that came from a drug that is made by the demons in which if people use it to them, they will get strength but slowly their reasoning will slowly disappear and their body starts mutating, or so what I remember. I think they start appearing at the tournament at the magic academy or whatever it is, the place where the mc and shiki starts teaching.
Maybe around chapter 120-130 ish. The variants in the novels were caused by the enchanted items that increases strength. The demon gave the items to the students and the excessive usage of the items caused them to mutate.