Two humans and a dragon descended onto a grand plaza near the Integrated Tower, within a hundred meters of its restricted airspace. Relatives of students skipping class lingered there. Seeing the massive dragon land, their faces shifted to awe and envy.

A girl stepped down from the dragon’s back—her beauty ethereal as a celestial maiden, her smile gentle as she walked onto the plaza.

Behind her tumbled what looked like a rolling pin. No—a strange blue object rolled off the dragon’s back, spinning like dough under a baker’s rod.

When it hit the plaza’s beige marble floor, it unexpectedly stood up and brushed off the dust. Only then did onlookers realize it was a boy. His clothes were terribly outdated: a blue kung fu suit. Unless you were elderly or a vintage fashion expert, you’d mistake it for some obscure peasant attire.

Yes, the Dragon God Continent comprised many nations. Due to differing technologies and physiques, most still divided society into nobles and commoners. In some countries, magic users were nobles; non-users, commoners.

As the boy dusted himself off, the girl had already dismissed the dragon. Clearly, she was its master. Those who rode with a dragon’s master were usually deeply connected. What was their relationship? The sight sparked endless curiosity.

"Bell, why not let Swift fly straight to the Integrated Tower instead of crash-landing here?" Huan Yu asked after brushing off the last speck of dust.

"The Integrated Tower holds countless secrets and high-tech systems. To protect its data, the Academy banned flight within a hundred meters. Trespassers get shot down and interrogated," Bell explained.

"I see. Then please guide me—I need to see that old lady." Huan Yu nodded.

"*Ah!*" Bell flicked his forehead, exasperated. "Don’t blurt that in the Academy! She’s the *Academy Head*. Remember?"

"Right. Just take me there first." Huan Yu hurriedly nodded, promising silence.

Bell answered with action, striding toward a side path paved with the same beige marble. Huan Yu followed.

They passed shops and entered the Integrated Tower’s lobby. At the reception desk, Bell inquired about the Academy Head. The reply was firm: no appointment, no meeting.

Bell turned away, crestfallen—only to find Huan Yu gone. A flash of blue darted into a magi-lift (an elevator powered by magic) to her right. Sensing trouble, she chased after him. By then, Huan Yu had already pressed "52"—the top floor below the rooftop.

"Why rush off without waiting?" Bell asked, baffled.

"Bothersome," Huan Yu replied flatly.

"*Sigh*..." Bell grimaced. "At least you know how to use magi-lifts?"

"Saw someone press buttons earlier. Figured it out." Huan Yu’s lazy grin returned.

*Ding!*

The doors slid open on Floor 52. As they stepped out, Bell suddenly remembered: "How did you know the Academy Head’s office is on the top floor?"

"She runs this place. Where I’m from, the most important person sits highest up. Simple logic." Huan Yu beamed with childlike innocence.

They quickly found the door labeled "Academy Head"—thanks to Bell’s guidance, not blind luck.

*Knock knock knock.*

Bell rapped politely.

"Enter."

At the muffled reply, she eased the door open. Huan Yu trailed behind.

Inside sat no white-haired, wrinkled grandmother with a kind smile. Instead, a woman in her thirties greeted them—fiery orange hair, emerald eyes. Though she held back her aura, her voice carried quiet authority: "Bell, what brings you here?"

"Academy Head, I brought him to see you." Bell gestured to Huan Yu.

"A new student?" Maria Bella studied Huan Yu, then turned back to Bell.

"Yes." Bell confirmed. Maria Bella’s gaze sharpened: sky-blue hair, violet eyes, a dusty face that couldn’t hide his sculpted, artful features. His retro blue kung fu suit bore a magic array emblem over the right chest.

Her pupils contracted at the emblem—but she mastered herself instantly. "Leave us, Bell. I’ll speak with him alone."

"Yes, ma’am." Bell bowed out, closing the door softly.

"What’s your name?" Maria Bella asked, intrigued.

"Huan Yu." His reply was casual, utterly unshaken by her presence.

"Ordinary freshmen don’t report here. Did you know that?" She let a sliver of pressure seep into her voice.

"I’m no ordinary freshman." His tone stayed calm.

"Prove it. What makes you special?" Her aura pressed down, yet he didn’t flinch. Curiosity flickered in her eyes.

"I’m here to find someone. Not to study. So rules don’t apply."

"Ah. Seeking me, then?"

"Feigning ignorance suits you poorly."

"That old fool sent you?"

"He said this outfit would make you recognize me."

"Do you know..."

"What?"

"This suit? I made it for him myself."

"*What?!*"

"Anyway—he told me to find you. You’d handle my arrangements."

"Nothing else?"

"He said: *‘Boy, go grab a dragon. Find a pretty wife. Make this old man proud.’*" Huan Yu mimicked his master’s gruff tone perfectly.

Maria Bella’s rare smile bloomed, as if seeing the old man before her. "He truly has no shame."

"Since you’re his disciple," she continued, her voice softening to that of a caring elder, "let’s discuss your path. He must’ve taught you much. What’s your strongest skill?"

—*Magic? No. Fighting might expose too much.*

—*Swordsmanship? Same risk.*

"Mechanics," Huan Yu decided.

"Mechanics? He was never exceptional at that. Surprising you chose it." Maria Bella mused.

"Problem?" Huan Yu met her eyes.

"None. But explore the Academy first. Choose your major in a few days." She dismissed his concern smoothly.

"Can you provide funds or materials? I don’t have a single Dragon Coin." Huan Yu rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"Basic materials? Free. Advanced ones? Earn them. With his training, you’ll survive. Sell your inventions at campus consignment shops. I’ll supply cheap materials. That should suffice."

—*Testing me for that old man?*

"Understood. Thank you, Academy Head." Huan Yu bowed stiffly, formal and distant.

"Let Bell show you around. She’s free these days." Maria Bella’s heart ached at his cold tone—yet she felt anticipation. True talent carried pride. His lazy demeanor hid fierce arrogance. And that the old man gave him *this* suit... He valued this disciple deeply. *Let me play the villain, as his shīmǔ should.*

—*Still... I’ll make it up to him later.*

Huan Yu slipped out without a word, relief flooding him.

—*Peace to build things. No interruptions.*

—*Though... her materials help. Was I too rash just now?*

"Huan Yu! There you are." Bell rushed over from down the hall, concern in her eyes.

"Yeah. The Academy Head wants you to tour me around." Huan Yu’s face brightened.

"Sure! I’ve got free time." Bell agreed readily.

"Where first?" she asked once they entered the magi-lift.

"No idea. I barely know the campus." Huan Yu blinked, then bombarded her: "Hey, where do students actually *study*? How’s the campus split up? Which schools are famous? What’s the best one? Who’s the strongest person—"

One question unleashed a flood. Bell winced. "Let me explain the basics first." Overwhelmed, she’d summarize the layout and let him choose. The campus was too vast to cover all at once.

Huan Yu nodded eagerly. A summary beat his scattered questions.

"The Academy has three main districts: Mechanical Campus, Magic Campus, Swordsmanship Campus. Each branches into specialized schools by level—" Bell slowed her speech for the newbie.

Huan Yu’s face twisted in frustration. Suddenly, he burst out: "*Ugh! So troublesome!*"

The magi-lift doors slid open on the ground floor. His shout echoed across the lobby. Dozens of waiting visitors and staff turned to stare.

Huan Yu bolted for the exit, yanking Bell’s hand.

Only outside, in a quiet corner, did he stop. "Can you... let go of my hand now?" Bell panted, cheeks flushed.

"A-ah! Sorry!" Huan Yu released her, face crimson.

"My fault. My head spun listening to all that. Didn’t mean to snap. I don’t dislike *you*—just... it’s complicated." He apologized quickly.

"No worries! Remember the districts I mentioned? Pick one. Or tell me your skills—I’ll suggest a school." Bell reassured him warmly.

"Actually, I was wondering which schools are currently the best in the Mechanical Campus?" Illusionary Feather asked cautiously, seeing the other wasn’t angry.

"The Mechanical Campus? That’d be Holdes, Marca, Feria, and Yayang. Each represents a different profession. Holdes is for Level Seven and above Magic Engineers, Marca for Dragon Engineers, Feria for Mechanic Engineers, and Yayang for Inventors," Belka replied, resting her chin on her hand as she recalled.

"But those all sound like personal names?" Illusionary Feather asked, puzzled.

"Yes. They were the most outstanding students in their fields centuries ago. The Academy Head had planned to open more schools anyway, so they named them after these legends," Belka explained.

"Can you take me to see them?" Illusionary Feather’s eyes widened, sparkling with golden light like a child begging for a toy.

"Alright, alright. I was going to take you anyway," Belka said, unable to refuse that look.

"Swift~" Illusionary Feather blurted out, already imagining riding the dragon to tour the schools. Truthfully, he just wanted to avoid walking—the route would be even longer than their earlier trek.

"Swift’s eating, so we’ll take a Magic Vehicle," Belka said, shattering his daydream.

"Fine. Better than walking," Illusionary Feather agreed to avoid troubling her.

They left the plaza and hailed a small Magic Vehicle on the roadside. It seated only two—designed for couples. (Magic Vehicles were mechanically crafted cars powered by magic, with sensing functions and auto-navigation. Passengers input their destination, and the vehicle drove straight there. Larger ones could pick up extra riders mid-route if not full. A red crystal ball on the windshield indicated a full vehicle, forcing it to slow or swerve to avoid collisions but never stopping.)

"Magic Vehicles still feel stuffy," Belka complained as she prepared to board.

Turning to call Illusionary Feather, she found him already sitting on the roof. He grinned down at her, scratching his head. "Up here isn’t stuffy. See?" He stood up and spun in a circle.

"Great idea. Why didn’t I think of that?" Belka started to climb but froze mid-step—her skirt would fly up once the vehicle moved.

Sensing her hesitation, Illusionary Feather suggested, "Just hold it down. The speed isn’t too high. Or sit behind me; the wind’ll be weaker there."

"Right. You’re smarter than you look," Belka praised this boy she’d just met, who often seemed clueless.

"Then please press for the campus, Belka-nee. I don’t know the way," Illusionary Feather added suddenly.

—*She called me ‘nee’? But I’ve always wanted a cute little brother.*

"Got it," Belka smiled warmly, stepping inside to press ‘19’. The Magic Vehicle’s 10-second countdown before departure gave her just enough time to climb up.

Following his advice, she sat behind him, gripping his shoulder with one hand and holding her skirt down with the other. The vehicle began moving toward Zone 19 at a steady 60 km/h.

People along the route stared in shock—no one had ever ridden a Magic Vehicle like this. Even its inventor probably never imagined it.

Around noon, they reached Zone 19. The vehicle stopped at a station. Belka stepped down first, then Illusionary Feather.

"How polite," Belka smiled in approval.

"Old man taught me: be polite to girls, or face serious consequences," Illusionary Feather said casually. Seeing dark aura flare around Belka, he quickly added, "I’d never rush off just to peek under skirts. That’s not me."

"Relax, I’m not mad," Belka said, her smile returning as the ominous aura dissipated. "Now, show me around." Illusionary Feather glanced around, clueless about the school locations.

Belka nodded and led the way. After a short walk, they arrived at a school gate marked "Yayang".

Inside, the campus was vast. Not far from the entrance stood a human-shaped statue. Its plaque read "Yayang" and a date.

After viewing it, Belka took Illusionary Feather to theoretical classrooms. Peering through a window, they saw tiered student seating and a lecturer’s podium—empty for now, like a university hall.

Next, they headed toward the practical skills area. A wide-open plaza lay ahead, but Illusionary Feather flopped onto a nearby bench instead. "So tired... such a hassle... why’s it so far?" he groaned.

"It’s right there. Just a little further. Hang in there," Belka encouraged, thinking he’d lost heart from not seeing the destination.

"Nope. Too tired. Resting," Illusionary Feather mumbled, unmoving.

"Fine. A quick break," Belka relented.

Ten minutes later, she nudged him to leave. He refused to budge.

"Are you coming?"

"No."

"Then I’m leaving."

"Wait! What’ll I do alone?"

"Will you come if I help you up?" Illusionary Feather wheedled.

"Ugh. Fine. Stop acting coy—it’s unbecoming for a guy," Belka sighed.

The moment she pulled him up, he went limp like a spineless creature, draping himself over her shoulder.

They finally reached the practical skills plaza—an expanse dwarfing dozens of basketball courts. Crowds of students filled it, surrounded by tools and half-finished creations. Many wore identical uniforms: black lab coats over black jackets and track pants, busy assembling or oiling their projects. Several nearby students stared oddly at the pair.

"Belka, why are they looking at us?" Illusionary Feather asked, squinting.

"Your fault. Get up," Belka scolded.

He didn’t want attention, so he stood. Scanning the creations, he noted many were Level Seven quality.

—*No wonder it’s the top school. So many Level Sevens.*

—*I’ll enroll here later.*

A young male teacher approached, drawn by the commotion. "Student Council President, what brings you here?" he asked Belka.

"Just showing a friend around," Belka said, tugging Illusionary Feather’s sleeve.

The teacher’s eyes widened at Illusionary Feather’s retro outfit.

—*A hick?*

Illusionary Feather smiled politely back.

—*Should build connections if I’m transferring.*

But the teacher’s contemptuous glare killed his enthusiasm.

—*I don’t care, but he’s clearly judging by looks.*

—*Never joining his class. No need to be nice.*

"Belka, that’s enough. Show me the dorms. I’m starving," Illusionary Feather turned abruptly, pulling her away.

"We just got here! Food’s important, but can’t you wait a bit?" Belka followed honestly.

"Seeing that guy ruined it," he said loudly. The teacher flushed with anger.

"What did you say?" he snapped.

"Belka, call Swift. I’m napping in the dorms after lunch. So tired," Illusionary Feather ignored him, addressing Belka.

"You—!" The teacher lunged. *Shhk!* Belka’s sword flashed out, its tip aimed at him. "What do you think you’re doing?" He swallowed hard and shook his head.

—*Where did her sword come from?*

"Swift." Belka’s arm glowed. A giant azure dragon materialized overhead, its shadow engulfing the crowd. Though many students owned dragons, none matched Swift’s majesty.

Belka sheathed her sword. "Teachers who hit students face Disciplinary Committee penalties. The Student Council won’t ignore this. Be prepared if you try anything." She grabbed Illusionary Feather’s hand to leap onto Swift—but he held her back.

Only after reaching a regular field, away from the practical area, did she summon Swift to land. They climbed on together.

"Why not let me pull you up?" Belka asked.

"You’re wearing a skirt, Belka-nee," Illusionary Feather drawled, sprawled lazily on Swift’s back.

Belka blushed, covering her face. Jumping up would’ve been cool—but her underwear would’ve been exposed. Not that it mattered, but strangers seeing it? Unthinkable.

"You’re clever sometimes," she said, unsure if it was praise.

"Not sometimes. I just can’t be bothered most of the time," Illusionary Feather replied, rolling like a rolling pin.

Belka ignored him but felt her fondness grow. She strode to Swift’s head. "To the Integrated Tower area."

Swift shot upward, then sped toward the Integrated Tower.