"Hey, Yugo!? Yugo!! Answer me!!"
"It’s no use! The impact must have fried the communication device’s connection!"
Having just received reports that the recovered bombs had suddenly been triggered, the companions waiting outside feared the absolute worst after the roar of the blast.
As their panic mounted in the face of the dead radio silence, Setsuna noticed something and spoke up.
"Wait... if those bombs had all detonated at once, the damage is far too light. We felt the shockwave, but the hospital is still standing. It hasn't even collapsed."
"You’re right...! Did they manage to mitigate the blast with a magic barrier?"
"No, it’s impossible to deploy a shield that powerful on such short notice. But if not that, then how...?"
"That does not matter right now! If the hospital is still intact, then the people inside are likely safe! We must hurry to the rescue!"
"He’s right. All units, resume work! Clear those briars as fast as you can!"
Spurred by this sudden flicker of hope, the group worked frantically to hack away the magical thorns blocking the entrance. Eventually, once the area around the doors was finally cleared, the Security Force moved into formation and breached the building.
"Forgive the delay! We are the Security Force! We've come to rescue you!"
"Stay calm! Please do not panic! We will evacuate the injured first, so everyone stay where you are!"
The rest of the group followed the officers inside, only to be stunned by the lack of destruction. Despite ten high-yield bombs going off simultaneously, there were almost no scorch marks or gouges on the interior walls.
As everyone stood bewildered by the impossible scene, a frantic Fee called out to them.
"Melt-san! Over here, hurry!!"
"Wait—me!? What happened!?"
Startled by the sheer intensity of Fee’s voice, Melt was grabbed by the hand and dragged along. The others hurried after them, only to find Yugo at the end of the hall, surrounded by Raiha and her companions.
"Ugh, damn... that really stings. That one definitely packed a punch."
"Of course it did! How can you be so reckless!? Are you seriously a complete moron!?"
"Please, just try to stay still. Don't move until someone with recovery magic arrives—"
"I brought Melt-san! She’s going to treat my brother, so everyone give them some space!"
"Wait, wait, time out! Can someone explain what’s going on here!?"
Melt could see that Yugo was hurt, but he didn't appear to be at death's door. However, Fee and the others were looking at him with such profound grief that she felt a surge of confusion. Verda, his face twisted in a bitter grimace, provided the answer.
"This idiot... he smothered the explosions with his own body! He threw himself over the bombs to contain the blast! We’re only alive because of him, but Yugo..."
"What...?"
"Hey, knock it off! Stop acting like I’m already dead! As you can see, I’m still kicking!"
Yugo managed to snark back at Verda, who was currently sobbing through his tears without shame.
Melt and the others looked back and forth between the lightly damaged hospital and Yugo—who was clearly in pain but seemed to have avoided any fatal wounds. Stunned by the sheer insanity of his actions, they began to vent their frustration.
"You absolute fool...! Must you be this reckless every single time!?"
"Sorry. It was the only way," Yugo replied with a weak, apologetic smile to Marcos’s reprimand. He let out a long sigh, then lowered his head toward the friends who were so desperately worried about him. "I’m sorry. I didn't mean to make you all look like that. But I really couldn't find any other option. I only did it because I was certain I’d survive, but... yeah. It’s only natural for you to be worried when I do something like that."
When he had died once, been reincarnated, and chosen to live in this world, Yugo had sworn to become a Hero Who Makes No One Cry.
Though circumstances had forced his hand, he felt a deep sense of regret for nearly breaking that vow and for causing his friends such distress. Raiha spoke up to offer him some support.
"Please, do not be too hard on Yugo-san. Our barriers alone wouldn't have been enough to contain that explosion. The fact that we are all safe is entirely thanks to him."
"If Raiha was there and says so, then I suppose we have no right to complain," Setsuna muttered. "But please... just try not to be so reckless."
"She's right. Neither Fee-kun nor any of us want to see you get hurt, Yugo...!"
"Yeah. I know. I’m truly sorry."
As Melt began to heal him, Yugo took her and Setsuna’s words to heart. Once the magic had eased the pain and closed his wounds, Yugo offered his thanks. Just then, Ryuga stepped forward from the circle of friends.