"I've already spoken with Jinba-san," Fee said over the communication line. "But he mentioned it’ll probably take a few days before they can make it out your way."
"Yeah, thanks. You've been a huge help, Fee."
Yugo had finished his business in the village after another sweep of the perimeter. He had carefully checked the status of the local monsters and, with a heavy heart, put down any individuals that seemed on the verge of a frenzy. Through Fee, he had reached out to Jinba and the rest of the Security Force, requesting urgent reinforcements.
However, in the wake of the incident Dogma had caused, Luminous Academy was currently in a state of upheaval, and it seemed the Security Force was stretched dangerously thin.
While acknowledging that it couldn't be helped if it took a few days for Jinba and the others to arrive, Yugo thanked his younger brother. Fee, however, had another question on his mind.
"Brother. About the culprit behind all this... is it who you thought?"
"Yeah, I’d say the chances are high," Yugo replied. "Even if he’s not the one pulling the trigger, there’s no doubt he’s involved somehow."
He couldn't state for certain who the culprit was yet, but Yugo had a nagging premonition that Gamba was tied to the incident. Judging by the boy's reaction when he had learned the village was in even greater danger precisely because the Arachlaws had been exterminated, it was impossible for him to be completely unrelated.
"But his sister and the rest of his family gave him an alibi, didn't they?" Fee prompted. "If Gamba is the culprit, then their testimony would have to be a lie..."
"No... it didn't feel like that," Yugo said. "I didn't get the impression that Gamba’s father or grandfather were trying to shield him. I think they were both telling the truth. And yet—"
Yugo had been thorough in his investigation. He had double-checked Gamba’s alibi and carefully watched the family's reactions. Though they were clearly shaken, they truly didn't believe their son was involved. If anything, their firm belief in his innocence came from a place of absolute certainty—because, in their eyes, he had been home with them the entire time. They weren't lying or covering for a relative.
Except for one person.
Just as Yugo was realizing who he needed to talk to, Fee spoke up again. "I’m just glad you seem okay. I was worried you were brooding over things again..."
"Sorry about that, Fee," Yugo said. "I can't say I'm perfectly fine yet, but I'm working on it. I’m trying to be someone who can finally say, 'I am me'."
"I know. Just don't push yourself too hard. Anyway, I'll contact you again if anything else comes up."
"Thanks for helping me out, especially when you're so busy with the new Blaster research," Yugo added. "Give my best to Ann, too."
After thanking his brother for the support, Yugo spotted his target. I guess brothers aren't the only ones who worry about their siblings, he thought, recalling the girl's behavior earlier that day.
He approached Jasmine, who looked as if she were carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. "Hey, Jasmine. What’s with the gloomy face?"
"Ah, Yugo-san..." Jasmine jumped at the sound of his voice, whispering his name as she quickly looked down at her feet.
Yugo spoke to her gently. "Are you worried about the village? Don't be. As long as I'm here, I won't let anything happen to it."
Jasmine remained silent for a long moment. Finally, she looked up, her voice trembling. "...Aren't you going to ask me?"
"Hm?"
"Aren't you going to ask... about my brother?"
As if unable to withstand Yugo's kindness any longer, Jasmine brought up the topic herself. Yugo gave her a small, sympathetic look.
"I talked to your family about Gamba's alibi. Your father and grandfather weren't lying. I think the same applies to you, Jasmine. However—"
Yugo stopped and looked her right in the eye. He spoke quietly, his voice steady. "—You're hiding something, aren't you?"
Jasmine flinched, her fists tightening at her sides. No matter how clever or mature she acted, she was still just a child. She wasn't nearly old enough to hide the turmoil in her heart.
"If you know something, Jasmine, please tell me," Yugo continued, his voice more of a plea than a demand. "I’m not looking to punish your brother. I just want to keep everyone in this village safe."
Jasmine remained silent, her head bowed as the seconds ticked by. Finally, she forced out a tiny, fragile whisper. "Do you really... promise you'll help him?"
"I do," Yugo said, speaking with the unwavering conviction of a man who lived for his pride as a hero. "That's why I'm here. I promise."
Finding a flicker of hope in his strength, Jasmine finally began to speak. Haltingly, she began to tell him everything she knew.