"Man, I’m beat... Honestly, it all just hit me at once."
"Good work, Brother. I'm glad you managed to catch the culprit safely."
The Security Force members arrived shortly after, arresting the chameleon-like Magic Armor Beast that had been peeping and recovering the stolen Clear Plate. As suspected, the man was a small-fry villain with a prior record for minor offenses. He had clearly grown overconfident after obtaining the Plate and decided to dive back into a life of crime.
While there had been a few hiccups—like dragging in a crowd of unwanted tagalongs in the form of the Hero Candidates and that accidental 'Lucky Lecher' moment at the very end—it was a relief to have the perpetrator in custody.
The beast possessed the ability to disappear—technically, it used protective coloration to blend into its surroundings—which was a heinous power in the wrong hands. By capturing it now, they had undoubtedly nipped a future crime spree in the bud.
As a result, Yugo, Ryuga, Marcos, and Fee were enjoying a well-earned soak in the open-air bath. It wasn't officially a reward, but it certainly felt like one. With no other guests in sight, they had the place entirely to themselves.
The hot spring worked its magic, soothing the exhaustion of a battle that, while bloodless, had been mentally draining.
"Culprit secured. Clear Plate recovered. Case closed," Yugo sighed.
"The number of peepers we caught was a bit higher than anticipated, though," Marcos remarked. "What happened to those guys, anyway?"
"Professor Castle is probably tearing them a new one right now," Ryuga replied. "What they did was still a crime, after all."
"It really does sound like you guys had a rough time..." Fee murmured.
While Woz and his band of Hero Candidates hadn't been arrested, they were receiving a legendary scolding from the academy staff. As Ryuga pointed out, even if they were just apprentices, they were training to be Magic Knights—the very people meant to uphold peace and discipline. Resorting to peeping was inexcusable, and their potential interference with the Security Force's operation was a serious offense. Since they were on a school trip, formal disciplinary action would have to wait until they returned to Luminous Academy, but a stiff penalty was surely coming.
"Yeah, peeping is just bottom-of-the-barrel stuff," Yugo muttered. "I mean, crime in general is bad, but that’s just pathetic."
Marcos and Ryuga nodded in solemn agreement.
The incident was over. For now, it was time to relax. Yugo stood up from the water and turned to Fee.
"Fee, it's been a while since we've had some brotherly bonding! Come here, I'll wash your hair!"
"Eh?! No, it’s fine! That’s embarrassing..."
"Don't be shy! It’s a rare chance, so just let me do it!"
Yugo ignored his brother’s protests and led him to the washing area. As he lathered up the shampoo and began gently scrubbing Fee’s black hair, Fee kept his eyes closed and spoke softly.
"It’s incredible... You, Marcos-san, and Ryuga-san all have such well-built bodies. I feel so meager and scrawny compared to you guys. It's embarrassing."
"Hahaha! Don't sweat it! We’ve spent years training, that’s all!"
"I know, but I've always been physically weak. I can't help but yearn for a body like yours, Brother."
Fee looked at his brother and the others. Their abs were shredded, their limbs toned like tempered steel. They bore the faint scars of warriors—a stark contrast to his own small frame. It wasn't exactly a complex, but it clearly weighed on him.
While scrubbing, Yugo playfully shaped Fee’s soapy hair into three horns, mimicking a certain hero from the Land of Light.
"Fee, you're not meant for the front lines like us, but you're about to hit your growth spurt. You’ll get bigger. You can start training then, so there’s no need to rush. Our job is to protect the future so you guys can grow up healthy."
"Our... future?"
"Yeah. A Hero’s top priority is protecting the smiles and futures of children! Well, there’s other stuff too—dreams, places to belong, the past, the music in people's hearts... the list goes on!"
Just as the children Gomez protected had grown up to become the Security Force members now guarding Wind Island, a hero's protection allowed someone to reach their future. Then, that person would grow up to protect the next generation, just like the hero they once admired. The legacy continued.
"...Don't worry. One day, you’ll be the one protecting someone precious with your own hands. Until then, it’s my job as your brother and an aspiring Hero to protect you."
"Okay. I understand. I’ll grow up fast so I can be a man who helps you too, Brother!"
"Hahaha! That’s the spirit! But honestly, you’re already a huge help. Thanks for everything, Fee."
"Wha—?! Hey! Tell me before you rinse it!"
Yugo laughed as he splashed water to wash away the bubbles, ignoring Fee’s playful pout.
Their heartwarming brotherly moment was in full swing when—suddenly and without warning—the door to the open-air bath creaked open.
The boys turned, startled, and froze. Their faces paled in unison at the sight of the figures standing in the doorway.