"Is he... a stray student, just like us? Did something about him catch your eye?"
Yugo was pointing toward a male student who had been unable to join either Cyan’s or Egos’s parties and was now attempting the exam alone. The boy clearly hadn't given up on finding a chance to shine, but the sheer difference in numbers and coordination meant he was failing to make any impact at all.
After observing the boy’s desperate struggle, Ryuga asked what was on Yugo’s mind. Yugo kept his eyes fixed on the student as he answered.
"He’s in the same boat as us, but it’s also a little different. Unlike us, he didn't necessarily get on the Hero Candidates' bad side or make enemies of them. He just didn't get invited into their inner circle. Because of that alone, he's being robbed of a chance he worked hard for. I can’t help but think that’s wrong."
Yugo’s gaze never wavered from the student fighting his lonely battle. Noticing Ryuga watching him as if searching for the meaning behind his words, Yugo remained silent for a moment before continuing.
"You probably wouldn't know since you only arrived at Luminous Academy today, Ryuga... but until recently, the students here were caught up in some pretty ugly conflicts. They were dueling each other over materials, the strong were unilaterally extorting the weak, and the guys from the Industrial Department were preying on people who wanted to get stronger by charging rip-off prices for their work. That’s why the Duel Prohibition Order was issued in the first place... and some people lost things far more important and irreplaceable than just gear."
Yugo muttered the last part, thinking of Isaac, Neid, and the countless victims of the Demonic Sword incident. He remembered those who had thrown away their lives or their futures for a spark of glory only to end up in ruin. He recalled the toxic atmosphere that had permeated the academy just a short while ago, where students tore each other apart just to earn a spot in a Hero Candidate's party.
"When I first heard that everyone was fighting so bloodthirstily just because they thought it would get them accepted by the Hero Candidates, I was shocked. I couldn't believe they’d go that far for something like that. But seeing the way those guys are given every possible advantage today... I can see why people get desperate. If you aren't one of their cronies, you aren't even given a foot in the door, let alone a chance to succeed."
"The strong and the talented are given preferential treatment and opportunities... Don’t you think that’s simply an efficient, correct system, Yugo?"
"Maybe it is. But a Magic Knight is supposed to be like a hero who protects powerless people from threats, right? If that’s the case, is just being strong enough? Is a 'talented' Magic Knight defined only by their power? I don't think so. Strength alone is meaningless if you forget to be kind. That’s one of the conditions of being a hero. Besides—"
"Besides?" Ryuga prompted.
Drawing on his own convictions, Yugo spoke of the things more important than mere power for someone aspiring to be a Magic Knight. He turned his gaze back to the boy struggling through his uphill battle.
"—A hero doesn't fight for 'correctness' or 'justice.' They fight for the peace of the world and the freedom of the people. This setup where only the Hero Candidates and their friends get special treatment is robbing the other students of their freedom. I think that's fundamentally wrong. A school is supposed to be a place where people gather, where different personalities clash, and where everyone grows together. If the only people who matter are the ones liked by the teachers and the Hero Candidates, then there’s no point in calling this a school anymore."
Yugo’s profile was tinged with sorrow as he spoke, yet there wasn't a trace of hesitation in his eyes. Watching him, Ryuga realized that Yugo believed in his own emotions with absolute, unwavering sincerity. A faint smile touched Ryuga’s lips.
Yugo was honest to a fault. He hadn't noticed the behind-the-scenes rigging by the faculty and the Hero Candidates, and he had even discarded his own advantages during the exam for the sake of a fair fight.
Yet, that straightforwardness was incredibly refreshing to witness. For Ryuga, who was constantly subjected to looks of jealousy and resentment because of his status as a "specially treated" exchange student and the "Strongest Swordsman," Yugo’s presence—completely devoid of such negative emotions—was a breath of fresh air.
"Yugo. I think I finally understand why Fee and Epee are so fond of you. You are straightforward to the core. It’s almost dazzling—it actually feels quite cleansing just to watch you."
"Haha, thanks. Though I guess talking like this while we’re stuck up here just sounds like the sore loser’s howl of a pathetic guy who had his stage stolen from him."
"The same could be said for me. We’re a far cry from those Hero Candidates who are showing off their strength, cozying up to the Warrior Shrine Maidens, and preparing to make their names known across the continent."
"True. But even if we didn't get close to the Shrine Maidens, we still managed to make a friend from another country, didn't we?"
"Indeed. That is enough... No, more than enough. It might be the best outcome possible."
Smiling, Ryuga offered his right hand. Yugo mirrored the expression and reached out, meeting Ryuga’s hand in a firm, solid handshake.
They might not have achieved great results in the exam, but that didn't matter to them now. As they shared a moment of genuine connection, their faces showed no regret over failing to impress the visiting dignitaries. They were simply happy to have found a true bond.
"No, no, no! That won’t do at all, My Hero! I don't exactly hate that kind of development, but this simply won't work!"
While the Hero Candidates were desperately trying to impress the Warrior Shrine Maidens and Yugo and Ryuga were off in their own world of friendship, the mastermind in the black hood—Lost—shook his head in disapproval of his favorite hero's choices.
He stared at the distant Yugo, continuing his monologue even though he knew he couldn't be heard.
"You really are the best! Forming a bond with Ryuga that quickly... I have no choice but to give you a perfect score! Hot-blooded friendship between men! This is the height of youth! A supreme story! ...But even so, I can't have those pieces of trash monopolizing the Warrior Shrine Maidens. I need you to be the centerpiece of the drama from here on out. So—"
Lost, speaking with feverish excitement, snapped his fingers.
In that instant, the mechanical, rhythmic movements of the Gigantes stopped dead. Its head slumped forward as if its strings had been cut.
The monster remained motionless for several seconds before slowly lifting its head. Its eyes snapped open, and a crimson light steeped in pure madness leaked from its sockets. Watching the change, Lost twisted his lips into a delighted grin.
"—As the mastermind, I think I'll give you a little helping hand."