"Isaac, what happened to you? Back during the Bull Golem incident, you actually listened to what I had to say. Why have you started shaking everyone down for materials? Why are you trying to snatch Claire away from Zenon?"
"It’s none of your business. I'm just using my power to get what I want. This academy has rules for duels, and I'm acting in accordance with them. Is there a problem with that?"
"...You don't think threatening people or ambushing them is a problem?"
"My, I wonder what you're talking about? I haven't the slightest clue."
Isaac feigned ignorance with a playful, mocking air in response to Yugo’s pointed questions.
Watching him, Yugo felt more sadness than disgust. As he grimaced, Isaac let out a snicker and made a proposal.
"More importantly... why don't we make a deal? I've got a plan where both of us can walk away happy."
"...What do you mean?"
"It’s simple. For this fight... I want you to lose to me on purpose."
Isaac’s smirk widened, twisting into a grotesque, unpleasant grin as he made the unbelievable suggestion. In stark contrast, Yugo’s expression instantly turned cold and stern, but Isaac pressed on.
"To put it simply, I'm suggesting a fixed match. We'll stage the fight, and I'll make it look like you lost a close one. It’s better than losing pathetically in front of your little brother and your harem, right? Plus, I'll toss in a few materials as a bonus. And, well... if you don't mind following in my footsteps, I'll even let you use Claire. See? It’s an incredible offer, isn't it?"
"...Do you even realize what you're saying?"
"What? Here I am trying to show you some mercy... I do owe you a little, so I thought I’d let you enjoy a few perks. But if you're going to turn me down, then I guess that's that."
Isaac’s tone was half-joking, half-serious. Yugo couldn't fathom his true intentions, but any lingering sadness was now entirely eclipsed by loathing. He spat out his response.
"Sorry, but I can't stand dirty talk like that. And I especially hate bastards who talk about people like they're things to be 'used.'"
"Oh, really? What a coincidence. I hate you too. Now I can beat you to a pulp without feeling guilty!"
A flash of ferocity joined Isaac’s unpleasant smirk. With a shout of delight, he drew his twin swords from their sheaths.
Yugo put some distance between them and clenched his left fist, staring his opponent down.
"Isaac... if you try to take anything else precious from anyone, I'm going to stop you. With everything I've got."
"Give it your best shot. I'll show you just how pathetic your 'everything' really is."
Isaac remained perfectly composed, clearly not believing for a single second that he could lose.
Yugo felt a chill at the source of that absolute confidence, but he shouted the magic of courage to blow the feeling away.
"Henshin!!"
Red light erupted, and Yugo emerged from within the glow, clad in his Blaster armor.
Isaac leveled his twin swords, settling into a combat stance. Both fighters were fully prepared.
I can't afford to lose. This isn't just about Claire—if I'm defeated here, there will be no stopping Isaac. If that happens, everyone will end up suffering.
Having won every duel thus far, even defeating the powerhouses known as Hero Candidates, Isaac’s ego was reaching a dangerous, unchecked level. If Yugo fell here and emboldened him further, there would be no one left in the academy capable of standing against him.
Despair would swallow the school. Isaac’s dictatorship would continue until the faculty finally decided to intervene.
I won't let that happen. No matter what. I’m putting an end to his rampage right here.
With firm resolve in his heart, Yugo exhaled and whispered to himself.
"I’ll blow that despair away in a heartbeat. I'm the last hope...!"
His fists clenched and ready, Yugo glared at Isaac.
In that instant, Hex, acting as the referee, shouted the command to begin.
"Now, both of you, swear to a fair fight... Duel, start!!"