"Lately, Fee has been pushing himself way too hard..."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Marcos replied. "He's handling the Blaster modifications and adjustments for your sake, isn't he? You should be grateful for your brother's consideration."
"Of course I am! But he was never that physically strong to begin with. As his older brother, it worries me to see him ignoring his own health and slipping into overwork..."
Yugo murmured, his expression clouded with concern as he stared at the bracelet on his arm.
He had hoped that Fee’s burden would lighten thanks to Anhel’s help, but the boy seemed determined to stay involved in every fine-tuning and new function. Even today, Fee had successfully added the Flame Attribute to a newly forged sword.
Yugo knew that Anhel was preoccupied with her own projects, such as perfecting the plan for the unfinished Flame Armor, so she couldn't focus exclusively on Blaster Modification. He understood that relying on Fee was a necessity to some extent, but that didn't stop him from worrying about his brother's well-being.
"Fee-kun just wants to be useful to you, Yugo. That's why he’s working so hard," Melt said gently.
"Unlike us, he can't stand on the front lines and fight," Anhel added. "I imagine he’s channeling all that frustration into the Blaster adjustments."
"I get that, I really do. But pushing himself to the limit isn't right. I wish there was some way to help him refresh."
He was moved by Fee’s dedication, but he wanted the boy to prioritize his health. As Yugo fretted over the possibility of his brother collapsing from exhaustion, Melt suddenly clapped her hands together.
"I’ve got it! Why don't we leave the academy for a bit and go somewhere for a change of pace? I think what Fee-kun needs right now is some time to relax, far away from the Workshop and the school buildings!"
"You mean like a picnic? That... actually sounds great!"
"Right? We can get some fresh air in the middle of nature and pack some nice lunch boxes! Classes are going to resume soon anyway, so why don't we go on an overnight camping trip while we still have the chance?"
"That’s a fantastic idea! Leave it to Melt to come up with something so perfect. That’ll be exactly what he needs!"
"...You live outdoors every single day," Marcos interjected, his voice dry with exasperation. "How exactly is a camping trip supposed to be a 'change of pace' for you?"
Marcos’s logic didn't even register. Yugo’s mind was already racing with the details of an excursion into the great outdoors with his brother. Then, a thought occurred to him.
"Wait, a picnic or camping trip sounds fine, but what should we do about the food? I live in the wild, so it’s not like I can whip up a proper meal..."
"I’m out too," Melt admitted. "I can make simple things, but I’m not exactly confident in my skills."
"Do I look like the kind of girl who knows her way around a kitchen?" Anhel asked.
"I'm afraid I have no experience with cooking either," Marcos added. "Besides, preparing enough lunch boxes for the four of us plus Fee would be quite the challenge for any amateur."
In all likelihood, Yugo was the best cook of the bunch, but that wasn't saying much. Judging by the reactions of the other three, they were in trouble.
The catch was that Yugo was currently living a life of perpetual outdoor survival, and his culinary skills were average at best. Without proper facilities, cooking was nearly impossible, and even with them, preparing elaborate meals for five people was a tall order.
He didn't want to resort to store-bought food for such a special occasion. Seeing his dilemma, Melt clapped her hands again.
"Oh! Why don't we just ask someone who’s actually good at it? I’m pretty sure the academy has a Cooking Club. If we ask the members, they might be willing to help us out!"
"The Cooking Club? We have one of those!?"
"Yep! It’s worth a shot, right? I heard they’ve been meeting in the Home Economics Room even while classes are suspended. I bet someone’s there right now!"
"Alright! If that's the plan, then let's move! Melt, Ann, you guys go find Fee and tell him about the trip. Marcos and I will head to the Cooking Club and see if they’ll make the lunch boxes!"
"Hey! Wait, Yugo!"
Before Marcos could finish his sentence, Yugo had already bolted, moving with the speed of the wind.
Marcos watched his friend’s retreating back and sighed, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Realizing there was no point in standing around, he hurried after him.
"...I hope Yugo will be okay," Anhel murmured.
"He’ll be fine! He’s surprisingly social when he wants to be. It’ll all work out! Now, let’s go invite Fee-kun!"
Anhel gave a noncommittal nod to the ever-optimistic Melt. Like Marcos, she felt a lingering sense of worry as she looked in the direction Yugo had vanished.
Still, she had a job to do. Shaking off her concerns, she began the walk toward the Elementary Division Dormitory to find Fee.