“I really... I owe you so much. Between this and that duel from before, I’ve been nothing but a nuisance. I’m truly sorry...”
“Don't sweat it! Really, I'm just glad your injuries weren't as bad as they looked.”
A day had passed since the Blaster Modification Plan had officially kicked off. Yugo was currently at his home, accepting a deep bow from a visitor.
The guest was the silver-haired, headband-wearing student, Hex—the very boy he’d dueled the day before. His humble, contrite demeanor was a complete 180 from the mindless fury he’d displayed during their fight. Though bandages peeked out from several spots on his body, he appeared recovered enough to move around on his own.
As Yugo—the one who had hauled Hex's unconscious body to the infirmary—reassured him, Hex turned to Melt and bowed his head again.
“I owe you my thanks as well, Epee. Between the duel and yesterday, you’ve treated my wounds twice now. I’m truly in your debt.”
“I didn't do anything special,” Melt replied. “Besides, you’re a lot more polite than I expected. You’re like a completely different person compared to when you stormed into that workshop.”
“I really am sorry. My blood was up... Looking back, I know I wasn't acting like a sane person. But, well...”
“...Is there a reason for that? If you don’t mind, try telling us about it.”
Hex replied to Melt with a faltering tone. Part of it was likely shame over the previous day's events, but Yugo sensed there was more to the story. When Yugo prompted him to continue, Hex took a steadying breath and began to explain.
“A little while ago, when the academy was attacked by monsters? Well, the freshmen who stood out back then are being put on pedestals as 'Heroes' now. Word is that once classes fully resume, they’ll be picking 'companions' to join them on assignments and requests. Half the school is scrambling to get ready so they can make the cut. I was one of them.”
“Huh... Are people really that desperate? It’s not like it’s a rule that you have to be one of their companions, right?”
“I think you’d understand if you saw them in person, but those guys are in a league of their own. They’ll probably secure great career paths and high status once they graduate. If you’re with people like that, you can polish your own skills, and the impression you make on the higher-ups improves. Everyone’s future is on the line, so of course they're desperate.”
Yugo couldn't quite relate, but he understood the logic. Still, he found it hard to imagine getting that worked up over it. Being from another world, he figured it wasn't his place to judge the local social ladder, so he didn't press the point. It was still surprising to hear how many 'Heroes' there supposedly were. Zenon had been called one, and the late Rush Winhelm had been obsessed with the title too.
It’s like a bargain sale on heroes, Yugo thought with a mental smirk.
“The academy is swarming with people trying to land a spot as a Hero's Companion,” Hex continued. “They aren't just training; they're obsessed with upgrading their magic items. Dueling for materials or betting money on fights has become common. It’s even turned into a war over the best magic item engineers. Looking back, the whole atmosphere was just cutthroat.”
“So everyone is on edge, and you were caught up in it too?”
“Yeah... In that situation, I desperately gathered materials and took them to Neid, who everyone said was a top-tier engineer... but the bastard just kept stalling. He'd say the materials weren't enough and wouldn't even touch the job. I know I gave him more than enough, but he kept demanding more. That's why I lost it...”
“I’ve heard the talk about that too, and you were definitely getting fleeced,” Anhel chimed in, agreeing with Hex as he vented his grudge with trembling fists. “Asking for three magic crystals for a single Strength Bracelet is way over the line.”
Thinking that the man had his own set of problems, Yugo looked toward Anhel and silently asked if there was anything that could be done.
“Contractual freedom belongs to the client and the craftsman,” Anhel explained with a shrug. “If Neid refuses to work unless he’s ripping someone off, the client either pays up or walks. Still, he's definitely pushing his luck.”
“If he’s that kind of person but still flooded with requests, does that mean he’s remarkably skilled?” Melt asked.
“He’s not as good as me. But unlike me—the 'weirdo' of the Industrial Department—he’s popular. He’s got skill, and he plays favorites, so he has a lot of people backing him. That's why he can get away with being unreasonable. Most of the students will take his side, just like yesterday.”
Anhel gave a tired sigh and shook her head. Yugo realized human relationships were just as complicated in the Industrial Department as anywhere else before turning his attention back to Hex.
“My materials were stolen, and I’m in this state,” Hex said, his shoulders slumping. “I'm done trying to be a Hero’s Companion. But... maybe that’s a good thing. I feel like I can finally breathe again, now that I’m not obsessing over money and materials. Once again, I’m sorry for everything.”
“Don't keep bowing. We just did what anyone would do. It's a shame about the theft, but if you've found some peace of mind, then I'm happy for you too.”
“...You really have changed. Even with the amnesia, you're a far cry from the person you used to be.”
“Maybe! Hey, look at it this way—why don't you be my friend instead? I might not have the prestige of a 'Hero,' but I can promise life won't be boring!”
Yugo extended a fist, and Hex met it with his own, a genuine smile finally breaking across his face. The desperation that had clouded his features was gone, replaced by a look of clear-eyed relief. Then, he seemed to remember something.
“...I hate to take advantage of your kindness like this, but could you do me one favor?”