"Um... well then, would you mind introducing yourself one more time?"
"Yes, of course."
A short while later, Yugo had returned to his makeshift home in a corner of the academy gardens. There, he and his companions listened to the girl he had encountered at the training grounds.
While Yugo still looked visibly bewildered, the girl began her introduction.
"My name is Misery Pim. I am a first-year in the High School Division, just like you, Yugo-san. I have come today to request that you take me on as your apprentice."
"Uh... Pim-san? Why me? I don't really think I'm the kind of person people apprentice themselves to..."
"You may call me Misery. If you would allow me to explain the circumstances behind my request, I believe it will make sense."
Her speech was incredibly polite, yet her complete lack of facial expression gave her formal tone a distinctly cold, detached air.
However, given that she was here specifically to ask for his tutelage, it didn't seem like she harbored any ill will toward him. The group collectively decided that this was simply her personality.
Addressing the gathered group, Misery began to explain her reasons for seeking Yugo out.
"The explanation is quite simple. My fighting style is also centered on close-quarters combat. In a sense, Yugo-san, we are two of a kind. However, my own skill is... disappointing, to say the least. I have hit a plateau and find myself unable to improve further."
"I mean, even so, you don't really need to apprentice yourself to me, right? Classes are starting back up soon. You should just have one of the instructors look at your form—"
"That is not an option. I need to escape this slump immediately. I want to become even a little bit stronger before regular classes resume."
"Hmm...?"
Yugo tilted his head, sensing a note of quiet desperation in her voice. Seeing his confusion as to why she was so fixated on rapid growth, Misery lowered her gaze slightly.
"I apologize for being vague. It is simply that I wish to grow stronger as quickly as possible. I want to do everything in my power right now to achieve that... so please, will you train me?"
"I mean, I don't really mind, but... why me? To be blunt, I'm the guy the whole academy calls a total piece of trash, you know? There are even rumors that I'm some kind of philanderer. Aren't you afraid of being the apprentice of a guy like that?"
"No, I am not particularly concerned about such things. Like Melt-san over there, I am a transfer student in the High School Division. And besides..."
"...And besides?"
"...Claire-san, who introduced you to me, told me that you were a man who could be trusted."
Yugo and the others widened their eyes in shock at the mention of that unexpected name. As they stood there stunned, Misery calmly recounted the encounter.
"A short while ago, I consulted Claire-san about my lack of progress. She was a very kind person who treated even someone like me with gentleness. She told me that if it was Yugo-sama, you would surely be able to help me. I decided to put my faith in her words."
"I see... So, Claire sent you, huh?"
He had wondered how Misery had even heard of him, but a recommendation from Claire made perfect sense. Yugo figured that Claire's standing with the other students must have improved after he'd had her handle the return of the materials stolen by Isaac.
Yugo let out a long sigh and turned back to Misery.
"Alright, I'm in! I don't know exactly how much I can do for you, but I'll give it my all to help you out. I'll be in your care, Misery."
"The pleasure is mine, Master... Ah, as for the fee for your instruction, I'm afraid I have nothing of value to offer. My figure is quite meager compared to the two ladies at your side, but if you would like a little variety for a change of pace, you are welcome to do with me as you wish at any time..."
"Hey, hold on! Don't say such scandalous things in front of my little brother! It's not that kind of relationship! I'm not expecting that kind of payment at all, okay?!"
Yugo snapped back with a mix of shock and irritation. Because of her perfect poker face, he couldn't tell if she was joking or being dead serious. He felt a sudden weight of pressure as the women to his left and right watched the exchange with strained, wry smiles. Shaking himself off, he tried to get the conversation back on track.
"Anyway, let me ask you something. What kind of Magic Item do you use, Misery? I need to know its specs and abilities if I'm going to teach you."
"I was curious about that too!" Melt added. "I'm not the best at physical combat, but I can help you with the technical side of using Magic Items, so tell us about it!"
"I might be able to give you some advice from an engineer's perspective, too," Anhel chimed in. "Let's hear it."
"Thank you. My Magic Item... is this."
As she spoke, Misery rolled up the sleeve of her right arm.
When Yugo and the others looked, they saw a yellow and black armored gauntlet covering her arm from the forearm to the back of her hand. Protruding from the wrist of the armor was a long, sharp silver needle.