"So this is it... I see. A Magic Item that looks exactly like what it’s supposed to be."
"Yes. Its name is the Wasp Needle. The armor plating is mostly for show; it's a Magic Item designed to use Magic Power to enhance the attack power and reach of the needle itself."
"It’s a very straightforward Magic Item. If you’re using something like this, close-quarters combat is really your only option..."
"In that case, I guess there's no choice but to sharpen your martial arts skills. What do you think, Brother?"
Just as Melt said, Misery's Magic Item, the Wasp Needle, had a remarkably simple shape and function.
While his companions exchanged their impressions of the device—noting its basic design of a needle reinforced by Magic Power drawn from a Magic Crystal—what was Yugo, the man who had just become Misery’s master, doing?
"Oh? Ohhh!?"
For some reason, he was the only one vibrating with a strange, intense excitement.
Anyone who knew him could guess why his mood had suddenly skyrocketed, but the others present had no way of knowing why he was staring at the Wasp Needle with such glittering eyes.
Unless they could peek inside Yugo’s mind, they would never understand. And even if they did, they’d likely find themselves even more bewildered by the incoherent string of words currently looping through his head: Perfect. Harmony. Let’s all fall into hell.
Wait, if she uses this, does that mean she eventually becomes qualified to lead a special forces unit? Yugo wondered, his thoughts wandering into a realm of complete nonsense.
Baring his true nature as a Nichiasa Otaku while he stared at Misery's weapon, he suddenly looked up with a beaming smile and addressed her.
"This is a great Magic Item! No, I really mean it! Honestly, I kind of want one myself! Wow... this is seriously cool!"
"O-Oh, thank you very much. I’m a bit surprised by the unexpected praise."
"Don't be afraid to tell him he's being a creep, Misery. He gets like this sometimes," Melt interjected.
"We really can't figure out what triggers his obsession. Then again, I actually like this side of Yugo. It’s funny!"
"Ah, ha ha ha... I see..."
Rather than just showing a positive interest, Yugo was acting with a level of obsession that made even the stoic Misery pull back a little.
As her poker face began to show signs of strain, the others decided to leave the overexcited Yugo to his own devices for a moment and focused on asking Misery for more details about the Wasp Needle.
"You mentioned enhancing attack power and range with Magic Power, but specifically, how do you use it in practice?"
"I extend the tip of the needle with Magic Power to strike. If I channel enough power into it, I believe I can extend its reach to about the size of a Straight Sword."
"What about Long-range Attacks? Can you fire off bolts of Magic Power?"
"Yes. I can fire stored Magic Power as a projectile, and I do use that as part of my tactical repertoire."
"Wait... isn't that actually quite versatile? If you can do all that, how could you possibly be hitting a plateau...?" Fee asked, his confusion evident.
"That... is..."
Upon hearing the specs of the Wasp Needle—a weapon that specialized in close-range martial arts but possessed a reach that could rival a sword and even featured a long-range projectile as a secondary option—Fee found himself at a loss.
Despite having a convenient Magic Item with simple but effective performance, why was her growth stalling? As Misery fell silent, hesitating to answer, Yugo clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention.
"Alright! It’s getting late anyway, so let’s call it a day. We’ll start the serious training tomorrow, so everyone get some rest!"
"...You're right. I should return to the dormitory as well. Once again, I look forward to working with you starting tomorrow, Master Yugo."
"Ahaha, please stop with the 'Master' thing. It’s kind of embarrassing."
Yugo spoke brightly as he brought the gathering to an end.
After Misery gave a polite bow and departed, Melt turned to him.
"Hey, Yugo. About the reason Misery's progress has stalled..."
"Yeah... I’ve probably got it figured out."
"Wait, what?! You and Melt already know why Misery-san is struggling?!" Fee exclaimed.
"Hmm, well, yeah. It’s a pretty simple problem, actually. I think you'll understand it too once you start using a Magic Item yourself, Fee."
It seemed that, with the exception of Fee, Yugo and Melt had already identified the issue Misery was facing.
Giving a wry smile to his younger brother, who looked desperate to know the secret, Yugo spoke.
"Let’s watch Misery fight tomorrow. That should make everything clear."
He had a general idea, but it was still just a prediction. Whether their guess was right would become obvious once they saw Misery's actual combat ability.
Feeling fired up to provide the advice Misery needed—having accepted the mantle of a mentor despite his own lack of experience—Yugo settled in for the night to rest his body, still weary from his own special training, in preparation for the day to come.