“Give it back! Please, give me back my Wasp Needle!”
“Heh, don't be like that. I'm just trying to give you a little advice with a live demonstration.”
At the training grounds, a male student stood with the Magic Item he’d snatched from Misery equipped to his right arm. He spoke with a sneer, ostentatiously flaunting the weapon in her face.
Misery struggled to reclaim it, but two of the boy's cronies held her down, pinning her in place so she could hardly move.
Yugo and the others arrived at the training grounds to find Misery in dire straits. Taking in the scene at a glance, they immediately shouted at the boys tormenting her.
“What do you think you’re doing?!”
“Huh...? Well, if it isn't Scum Yugo. Hanging out with losers and trash, eh? Looks like you’re having the time of your life.”
“Aren't you ashamed? A group of guys ganging up on one girl? How can you call anyone else 'trash' while acting like that?”
“What was that!?”
A vein throbbed on the student's forehead as he glared at Yugo.
While the tension reached a breaking point, Fee whispered to Hex behind them.
“Hex-san, who is he...?”
“Belver Lota. He’s the poster child for the guys who are lashing out because the Hero Candidates ignored them. His friends are the same—they just spend their time picking on anyone they don’t like.”
Hex provided the background on Belver, confirming he was exactly the type of student they had discussed earlier—one who attacked others simply to vent his own frustrations.
Despite Yugo’s reprimand, Belver’s hideous personality remained on full display as he continued to provoke them.
“That’s Misery’s Magic Item. Give it back. Now.”
“Hah! Just wait. I’m only trying to help this girl since she’s hit a wall. Here, let me show you... like this!”
Focusing his Magic Power into his right arm, Belver extended the tip of the Wasp Needle.
With a smirk, he slammed the needle into a nearby log used for target practice. The magically-constructed spike drove deep into the center, demonstrating enough power to gouge out the wood.
“See? This is how you’re supposed to use this thing! Misery, a girl like you could never pull off a stunt like this, right?”
“Don't mock me! I can do that much!”
“Liar. Your attacks were just shattering against the wood earlier. Stop acting tough, you bottom-feeder.”
“That’s—!”
“Misery, that’s enough,” Yugo interrupted. “You don’t owe this guy an explanation. I know what you want to say, so don’t let him get to you.”
There was no point in arguing with someone who refused to listen. It was a waste of time. Having made his decision, Yugo reached out his hand, glaring at Belver.
“Had your fun? Then hand it over and get out of here.”
“Hmm...? No thanks. It’d be a waste to give this thing back to a girl like Misery.”
“What did you say...?”
Belver’s lips twisted into a cruel grin as he continued to provoke Yugo. He turned his attention back to the girl, mocking her further.
“It’s pointless for someone who can’t use it to own a Magic Item. This poor thing shouldn't be wasted on a loser with no talent or skill, someone who does nothing but chase her old man’s shadow. It’d be much better off in someone else’s hands, don’t you think?”
Misery gasped, the sheer weight of the insult causing her to look down, her shoulders trembling with frustration.
Yugo reached his breaking point. Seeing Belver hurt her simply for his own amusement was more than he could stand. He was about to lash out when a hand caught his shoulder.
“...Calm yourself, Yugo. You should not be the one to interfere.”
Marcos restrained him with a firm grip. As Yugo looked up in surprise, Marcos continued.
“A master must not lightly meddle in their disciple’s private affairs. To do so would bring shame upon both your names. No matter how angry you are, stay your hand. I shall deal with these fellows.”
“Huh? And who might you be? Oh, if it isn't Marcos-kun, the guy Scum Yugo knocked out with a single punch! Talking big, aren't we? You finally crawled back here after your injuries, but you might just end up being sent back home in a crate!”
“Hmph... such ignorance of one's own standing is truly a terrifying thing. Fine. I shall silence that flapping tongue of yours momentarily.”
Marcos slowly stepped forward, deploying his Giga Scissors as he faced Belver. Despite his opponent's predatory gaze, Marcos looked at him with an attitude bordering on pity.
“Three minutes,” Marcos declared calmly. “That is how long it will take for you to understand the depth of your own stupidity. Now, come at me. Do your worst.”