"Man! It’s a good thing that sale was going on. You managed to pick up quite a few outfits you liked, didn’t you?"
"Yeah. Though my wallet got lighter in direct proportion to how heavy these bags are. Looks like I’ll be spending my days grinding through Requests for a while."
"Ahaha! Well, it can't be helped, then! I suppose I’ll have to tag along and help. After all, I am Yugo’s partner!"
As the sun began its slow descent from the zenith, Yugo and Melt stepped into a cafe for a bite to eat and a short rest, their hands full of shopping bags from the clothing store.
The shop was clearly one of Melt's favorites. The coffee she recommended was exceptional—a far cry from the instant stuff Yugo had survived on in his previous life.
Watching the proprietor—a man with a look so rugged it was hard to believe he ran a cafe—Yugo reflected on how fortunate it was that the food in this world didn't differ much from his old one.
Scanning the menu at names like pasta and salad, he felt a profound sense of relief.
Eating was such an inescapable part of existence; his life after reincarnation would have been miserable if the local cuisine hadn't suited his palate. As he sipped his coffee and contemplated this, Melt spoke up.
"Well? It’s a lovely place, isn’t it? I found it shortly after arriving at the academy, and I’ve been coming here ever since."
"Yeah. It’s got a great atmosphere. I’m no connoisseur, but even I can tell this is the good stuff."
"The food is great, too! Just don't eat so much that you can't move!"
Yugo shared a laugh with her, his anticipation for the meal growing.
He usually subsisted on cafeteria food or instant meals from the shop, so he was genuinely looking forward to a proper sit-down meal. As they waited, Melt leaned in with a question.
"By the way... how’s the work on the Blaster coming along? You know, with that Flame Attribute Magic Crystal you got the other day?"
"Hmm... It’s moving along, I guess? Or maybe not. It was great having Ann build the Rocket Arm, but I haven't mastered it yet. Besides, it sounds like she has a completely different enhancement plan in mind anyway."
"I see... It was a gift from Skull, so it’s only natural to want to use it well. I suppose if you had the materials to spare, you’d probably want to forge some weapons out of it, too."
"That’s the hard part. Like Hex said, the other students are constantly dueling over Magic Item materials right now. Trying to stockpile anything in this climate is a tall order."
"...You aren't planning to join those Duels, Yugo? In a way, isn't this an opportunity? With your strength, you could easily win back-to-back matches. You’d have all the materials you need in no time."
"I'm not really into that. Even if both sides agree to the terms, taking things from people just doesn't sit right with me. Especially if they worked hard to get them. Besides, it’s a rule: a hero’s power is used for others, not himself. That’s Hero's Condition #4!"
"Hmm... I see."
Melt’s verbal response was brief, but his words had struck a chord deep within her.
His answer radiated a straightforward sense of justice—or perhaps just a simple, kindhearted refusal to deprive others. Melt rested her chin on her palm, hiding the way her lips curved into a soft smile.
(It really is baffling. How could someone like this ever have been called the "worst scumbag imaginable"?)
Melt tilted her head, confused by the disparity between the public's perception and the genuine young man before her. Unaware that Anhel had shared these exact thoughts in the workshop not long ago, Yugo pulled the compact communication device from his pocket.
"Come to think of it, apparently this thing has been modified with new functions since I last borrowed it. I gave some suggestions, too. Ann thought they were unique and interesting, so it looks like she’s been trying out various things."
"Really? What kind of functions were added? Tell me, tell me!"
"Uh, well, let's see..."
"Sorry to keep you waiting! Here are the dishes you ordered!"
He had steered the conversation away from the heavier topics to boast about the device's new features. Melt had eagerly leaned in, but just as he was about to explain, their food arrived with impeccable timing.
The waitress had a bright, cheerful voice and looked to be about their age. Melt looked up with a delighted grin.
"Thanks, En! I was so hungry I thought my stomach was going to cave in!"
"Ahaha! You're so dramatic, Melt!"
"Hmm? Are you two acquaintances by any chance...?"
When Yugo asked this upon witnessing Melt speaking familiarly with the waitress, she gave a vigorous nod.
Melt then proceeded to introduce her to Yugo.
"Let me introduce you. This is En! She's a new clerk working here!"