“Look, I need to sharpen my skills before classes even start! What’s the harm in letting me borrow a few materials in advance?! Work with me here!”
“The rules of Luminous Academy are clear: when you request work from the Industrial Department, you provide the necessary materials and the fee. If we made an exception for you, we’d have to do it for everyone else. It’s out of the question.”
“Is that so?! Or are you just trying to jack up the price? There’s no way a single Magic Item requires this much material. It’s a scam!”
“What did you say...?! You’ve never even made one, so keep your mouth shut!”
“...U-Um, things are getting pretty heated, aren't they? I’ve got a bad feeling about this...”
The argument between Hex and the Industrial Department student showed no sign of slowing down, with neither side willing to yield an inch.
Finally reaching his breaking point, Hex grabbed the hand axe hanging from his belt and brandished it, threatening the other student.
“I’ve had enough! You’re taking my request right now, or things are about to get ugly!”
“You want to go?! Fine by me, I’ve got a few tricks of my own!!”
“Whoa! Wait a minute! There’s no point in losing your cool over this, right? Everyone just settle down, okay?!”
This was getting dangerous. Sensing the volatile atmosphere, Yugo stepped in to restrain Hex.
Hex turned a sharp, piercing glare toward him, but Yugo spoke in a calm, placating tone.
“I don’t know all the details, but rules are rules, right? You’ve got to follow them. Getting violent won’t solve anything; you’ll just end up getting banned from the workshop. Just take a breath.”
“How am I supposed to stay calm?! I gave them plenty of materials! Refusing to do the job is straight-up fraud!”
“...That’s what he’s claiming, anyway. What’s the deal?” Yugo asked, turning to the other student.
“I’m the one doing the work, and I’m telling him it’s not enough. It’s not my fault if an idiot can’t understand a simple explanation.”
“Why you...!!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Calm down! I said calm down!! And you, stop saying things just to get a rise out of him!”
The dispute refused to die down, even with Yugo acting as a buffer.
Both parties were incredibly stubborn—or perhaps they simply didn't know how to back down. As Yugo played mediator, terrified that a brawl was about to erupt at any second, Anhel stepped forward with a proposal.
“Alright, let’s do this. Hex, you have a Duel with Yugo here. If you win, I’ll personally take on your Magic Item production request. If you lose, you walk away quietly. How’s that sound?”
“Huh...? You’d make my Magic Item?”
“Hey, don’t look at me like that just because I’m a girl. I’ve been working in this workshop for over five years. I’ve got more than enough skill to give you exactly what you’re looking for.”
“...I’m game. But what about him? Is he okay with this?”
The argument was going nowhere, and Hex seemed open to Anhel’s alternative. However, he was curious about Yugo’s stance.
In this match, Yugo had nothing to gain regardless of the outcome. He wouldn’t lose anything if he failed, but he wouldn't gain anything by winning, either.
It was a thankless task—a complete waste of effort where he was simply suffering for being caught up in someone else’s mess. Yet, Yugo didn't seem to mind in the slightest, responding with an easygoing grin.
“Sure, why not? If me fighting means you won't have to start a riot, then it's worth it. Let’s have that Duel. Your frustration, your anger... I’ll take it all on.”
“...You’re a weird guy. You weren't the type to fight for that kind of reason before.”
“A lot’s happened, and I’ve had a change of heart. So, where’s the ring?”
“It’s settled, then. There’s a Magic Item testing space in the back of the workshop; use that. It’s big enough and sturdy enough that you won’t need to hold back.”
Having confirmed both parties were in agreement, Anhel pointed toward the rear of the building.
As Yugo followed behind Hex, who had already started walking, he chatted with Fee and Melt.
“T-Things sure got complicated... Brother, do you just attract trouble everywhere you go?”
“Hey, don't put it like that. It’s just a Hero’s destiny. If I can help someone out, that’s good enough for me.”
“You’re either too kind or just way too optimistic... I know that’s your best quality, Yugo, but still...”
They had come to discuss the Blaster enhancement only to be berated by the Industrial Department students, and now, for some reason, Yugo was about to duel a student who had nothing to do with their original goal.
On paper, the situation made no sense, and the feeling that he was being used was undeniable.
As the two of them watched Yugo—who remained determined to help someone even in this bizarre situation—Anhel, the one who proposed the duel, spoke up.
“Sorry about this, Yugo. But look at it this way: this Duel is the perfect chance for me to see your skills and the Blaster’s performance firsthand. I’m going to use the data for the Blaster improvement, so give it everything you've got.”
“Oh, I get it. Alright then, it’s been a while since I’ve had a proper one-on-one!”
After a few quick warm-up stretches, Yugo stepped into the Duel Grounds—otherwise known as the Magic Item testing space.
Hex was already waiting, axe in hand. Yugo steadied his breathing, watched his opponent, and deployed the Blaster with his signature line.
“Hen... shin!!”
A burst of Crimson Radiance exploded outward, and Yugo appeared, clad in his suit of black armor.
Seeing that both combatants were ready, Anhel stood outside the testing area and shouted the start of the match.
“Now then... let the Duel begin!!”