"Isaac's condition has finally stabilized. And I’m relieved to see you didn't suffer any lasting harm either, Yugo."
"Thanks for everything, guys. Sorry for making you all worry."
The duel was over. Yugo sat in the infirmary, resting his battered body alongside his defeated opponent. Isaac remained unconscious, his mind and body ravaged by the Demonic Swords’ influence, but thanks to the healers' intensive efforts, he had pulled through.
Yugo wasn't exactly at a hundred percent, but he was mobile and able to hold a conversation. However, the revelation that had surfaced during the fight cast a shadow over his victory. No one felt like celebrating.
"Where did Isaac even get those swords?" Melt asked. "Do you think it's connected to the theft of the one Batz had?"
"Hard to say," Yugo replied. "But that sinister magic felt familiar. Even the techniques he used were similar. I doubt it's a coincidence."
"Either they were made by the same hand, or the stolen sword was reforged into twin blades," Anhel chimed in. "It's likely one or the other. Personally, I'm hoping for the latter."
Aside from the unconscious Isaac, only Yugo, Melt, and Anhel remained in the room. Fee was out contacting the Security Force, Hex was assisting the doctor with the faculty report, and Claire had stepped away to escort Zenon back to his dorm.
Because they were alone, they could speak freely about the confidential theft. But as Yugo processed Anhel’s words, a chill ran down his spine.
"...If the swords used by Isaac and Batz were different weapons made by the same person, that means these things could be everywhere. If more people end up like those two—"
"It would be a living hell," Melt whispered, her face draining of color. "The whole city wouldn't just be in a panic; it would be total chaos."
If Yugo's hunch was right, it was a disaster waiting to happen. The idea of a mastermind—the hooded figure—distributing these mind-shattering blades throughout the city was terrifying.
As they sat in grim silence, the door creaked open and Fee stepped inside.
"Brother! I've updated the Security Force on everything!"
"Great work. What did Jinba have to say?"
Fee’s expression faltered. "Well... Lord Jinba is apparently in the middle of another investigation and can't be reached. He’s supposed to be back by the end of the day, so the officer I spoke to said they'd brief him then."
"Are you kidding me? That man is never around when you actually need him..."
Yugo sighed. He wanted to pick Jinba’s brain about the case immediately, but there was nothing he could do if the man was off-grid.
"Take it easy," Anhel said. "I know how you feel, but we can't move the investigation forward until Isaac wakes up to talk anyway. Besides, you're still feeling the backlash from the Flame Armor. You need to rest."
"Ann's right!" Melt added. "The academy will keep a close watch on the swords and Isaac. You need to focus on your own recovery, Yugo!"
"Yeah... you're right. I need to be ready to move if something happens. Rushing things won't help."
Yugo let out a long breath and nodded. He felt guilty for the strain he'd put on them, so he accepted their advice.
"I've already cleared it with the doctor," Fee said. "Take the day off. Enjoy having a real bed for once!"
"Heh, now that you mention it, you're right. I forgot how nice it feels to sleep under a proper roof."
"Fufu! We'll head out then," Fee said with a smile. "Don't worry about Hex or Claire; we'll fill them in."
"Thanks, guys."
The group left Yugo behind. As they stepped out, they realized the duel had taken much longer than expected. The sun was dipping low as they prepared to head back to the dorms, but Fee noticed Anhel peeling off in a different direction.
"Ann? Where are you going? The girls' dorm is that way."
"Hmm? Oh, just something I need to do. Sorry, but I have a bit of business to attend to. Do you mind handling the report for Hex and the others?"
"Oh, sure. I can do that."
"Thanks. Tell you what—as a reward, I'll let you come over and I'll wash your back. Your overprotective brother isn't here to stop you, so you could even stay the night."
"D-Don't tease me like that! Honestly!"
Fee watched her walk away, her playful laughter trailing behind her. He knew Anhel was beating herself up over the risks associated with the Flame Armor Yugo had used. He assumed she was heading off to the lab to find a way to fix its flaws, so he didn't press her for details.
At the time, Fee had no way of knowing just how much he would come to regret that assumption.