When Phantom Feather darted out of the weapon shop and scanned toward the commotion, he spotted two opposing groups locked in confrontation.

A familiar voice cut through the air: “Hey now, three grown guys picking on a little girl? What kind of men are you? Into jailbait, are ya?”

Phantom Feather first noticed golden hair on the figure facing away from him. Peering through the gap between the three thugs, he glimpsed a sun-kissed, handsome face—*Leilo?*—with a petite girl standing slightly behind him. Jet-black hair, skin like crystal.

Their eyes met.

While the others bickered nearby, the girl suddenly called out: “Master~” Her tone held no warmth, her face utterly blank.

The voice silenced both sides. All heads turned to follow her gaze—a blue-haired youth in a kung fu suit stood there, violet eyes gleaming unnaturally.

*—Huh. Have I seen him before?*

“Blazing Heart, come here,” Phantom Feather replied calmly.

At his words, the hesitant girl scurried over and buried herself in his arms.

“What’s all this ruckus?” The shopkeeper finally emerged, scratching his head.

“Oh. My Blazing Heart came looking for me. Got blocked here, I’d guess.” Phantom Feather shrugged.

“Right, right. I’ve got work. Off you go now.” The man waved dismissively after glancing at the girl in Phantom Feather’s arms.

“See you next time,” Phantom Feather smiled.

Only after the shopkeeper vanished did he look down at Blazing Heart.

“Master… hungry~”

“Let’s find food.”

Silent understanding passed between their eyes.

Hand in hand, Phantom Feather and Blazing Heart ignored the stunned onlookers and turned to leave the alley.

“Hey! Rude much? I just saved your sister!” A voice stopped them. *Leilo mistook Blazing Heart for his sister.*

Phantom Feather turned, unusually polite: “Grateful, truly. But we’re in a hurry. I’ll repay you another time.”

Leilo blinked, thrown by the courtesy. He watched them nearly disappear around the corner—

*Shing!*

The shortest, ugliest guy in swordsmanship robes—standing between the other two—suddenly drew his blade. “Shen Minjie! Grab the girl! Kill that guy! Dong Ku and I’ll handle this one!”

The moment he finished, the scrawny, bespectacled boy to his left—Shen Minjie—lunged at Phantom Feather, dagger flashing toward his back.

As Shen Minjie charged, the gap-toothed Dong Ku on the other side grinned, drawing a light sword. Both pounced on Leilo.

They’d completely ignored one person: Yote Girohl. Leilo’s silent best friend had stood beside him since arrival. The instant blades cleared scabbards, Yote already held twin Heavy Swords.

When the attackers moved, Yote intercepted them with a cross-slash. Underestimating Leilo—dressed in Mechanical Campus gear—they’d held back. Too late to block. Fabric ripped. Yote held back his killing intent, only slicing their uniforms. Stumbling backward, both thugs crashed onto their backsides. Yote pressed swordtips to their throats, eyes icy.

Leilo translated smoothly: “‘Next time, I won’t hold back.’ Run.”

“Y-yes sir!” The leader scrambled away, trembling. “G-go get—get Minjie back!”

As Dong Ku struggled up to call his friend—

Phantom Feather reappeared, Blazing Heart clinging to his right arm. His left hand dragged a bleeding, unconscious Shen Minjie.

“Tsk tsk. Tripped over his own blade,” Phantom Feather remarked casually, dumping the boy at their feet.

They flipped Shen Minjie over. Only his chest was slashed—by his own dagger. Shallow, but bleeding.

“Hospital now, unless you want him meeting his maker?” Phantom Feather wiped his hands on his shirt.

“W-we’re going!” The leader and Dong Ku hauled Shen Minjie away.

“Why’d you come back?” Leilo frowned.

“Dead end that way.” Phantom Feather shrugged.

“Wait… I know your face.” Leilo squinted.

Suddenly, the alley dimmed. Above them loomed two dragons—one azure, one obsidian.

“Defensive Steel Dragons! Yote, look—the black one’s a tier above Ironwing!” Leilo pointed excitedly at the obsidian beast.

Yote’s eyes held quiet envy.

*—Ironwing should evolve soon.*

Two figures dropped from the dragons’ backs.

Phantom Feather obediently shut his eyes.

When thuds hit the ground, he opened them. Kerdling stood there, ponytail swaying, hands pressing her skirt down. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she glared at the equally flustered Leilo. “Saw anything?”

Even Leilo looked away, tongue-tied.

“Can’t sink twice in the same gutter,” Phantom Feather muttered proudly.

“Twice?! You—you saw this morning too?!” Kerdling’s face burned scarlet.

“Anyway, why’re you back? Oh—President Belka’s here too.” Phantom Feather nodded at the newcomers.

“Yes. Blazing Heart went missing at noon. We searched everywhere. With exams wrapping up, I had to rush back to announce results. Kerdling told me where you were.” Belka exhaled in relief. “Sorry she troubled you.”

“No trouble at all. I’d never forgive myself if she got hurt.”

“But first—dinner. Blazing Heart’s starving.”

“Hold on!” Leilo finally processed their familiarity. “President, you know him? So this is Phantom Feather?”

“Oh! You’re the one who stayed behind to ride the dragon with friends that time!” Belka’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, President! But in that outfit… I didn’t recognize him at all.”

“We’re famished. Walking or taking a Magic Vehicle would take forever. If you two want to chat, we’ll head out.” Phantom Feather had zero interest in being discussed. Feeding Blazing Heart came first.

“Wait! Little Yu, let me give you a lift! Swift’s faster than walking or Magic Vehicles.” Belka switched tactics, voice honeyed.

“Deal.” Phantom Feather agreed instantly.

“Oh—and Kerdling? Join us. Meeting the StudentCouncil president might help your next exam.” He glanced at the still-flustered girl.

“M-me?” Kerdling blinked.

“How adorable,” Belka chuckled. “Actually, Kerdling just joined the StudentCouncil today. No worries, Little Yu.”

“That’s great. She’ll shine there.” Phantom Feather smiled faintly. “Coming?”

“May I?” Kerdling glanced at Belka.

“We’re heading to Little Yu’s dorm. His call.” Belka gestured.

“Then I accept.” Kerdling nodded.

“Thanks, President.” Phantom Feather turned to Belka.

Belka summoned Swift. Kerdling called Carbret.

As the four prepared to leave, a roar erupted from the ignored Leilo: “HEY! You can’t ditch me! I’m Phantom Feather’s classmate!”

His presence finally registered.

“You’re still here?” Phantom Feather’s offhand remark stung.

“Phantom Feather, please? Same direction anyway…” Leilo slumped, defeated.

“Fine. Saves arguing. You and your friend mount up—or close your eyes.” Phantom Feather couldn’t delay Blazing Heart’s meal any longer.

“Yote! To Phantom Feather’s place!” Leilo yanked his friend’s arm.

Yote wordlessly summoned Ironwing, hoisted Leilo by the collar, and leapt aboard.

Below, Belka smoothly grabbed Phantom Feather’s collar. Blazing Heart nestled against his chest. Both landed on Swift’s back. Kerdling watched, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes, before joining them.

Six riders on three dragons soared overhead. Below, crowds gazed up, envy gleaming in their eyes.

Twenty minutes later, they landed outside Dorm 303.

Inside, spotless floors and tidy shelves stunned even Belka. *How does this lazybones keep it so clean?*

The silent Yote broke his silence: “Leilo, your dorm’s no match for this.”

“Dude! Best friends don’t air dirty laundry!” Leilo hissed in his ear.

“Make yourselves at home. Blazing Heart—stay put.” Phantom Feather headed to the kitchen.

“Phantom Feather’s… cooking?” Leilo stared after him.

“Get ready. Little Yu’s dishes are amazing.” Belka beamed with pride.

“He cooks?” Kerdling whispered.

“What’s wrong, little Kerdling?” Belka teased.

Belka grinned mischievously, one hand resting on Kerdling’s shoulder as she whispered in her ear.

“N-nothing,” Kerdling shook her head anxiously, denying it.

“Really?” Belka flashed a little devilish smile beside her.

After the group spent a while in Illusionary Feather’s dorm, they all settled around the dining table in the living room.

Soon, the kitchen filled with the aroma of food—a scent so tempting even the unhungry would crave a feast.

As they eagerly looked toward the kitchen, Illusionary Feather emerged carrying two plates. Since living with Blazing Heart, he’d stopped being as lazy—or rather, he no longer wanted to slack off.

His laziness wasn’t innate or learned; it was simply a way to conserve energy, or more precisely, to relax.

But after Blazing Heart arrived, he realized he didn’t want her copying his laziness or handling chores for him. Gradually, he seemed less idle.

Once he brought out all the dishes and rice, they said a brief prayer before digging in.

“Delicious~” Leilo mumbled through a mouthful of food.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full. And never tell anyone outside we know each other,” Yote scolded his uncouth friend.

Illusionary Feather, who never spoke while eating, stayed silent. His elegant, slow chewing drew Kerdling’s stolen glances from across the table.

After the meal, Belka and Kerdling helped Illusionary Feather clear the table.

Leilo sprawled on the living room sofa, patting his full belly. “So good! So full~”

“Can you stop embarrassing us?” Yote said coldly from the side.

Leilo didn’t listen at all.

When Illusionary Feather and the two girls came out, Blazing Heart pounced into his arms and refused to let go.

“Let’s all introduce ourselves,” Illusionary Feather said, stroking Blazing Heart’s hair as he looked up.

“I’ll start! I’m Leilo Henry, from Yayang Class F in the Mechanical Campus. Nice to meet you all!” Leilo volunteered eagerly.

“Next is me. I’m Kerdling Rest, from Sword Saint Class B in the Swordsmanship Campus. Please take care of me,” Kerdling said second, standing beside Belka.

“I’m Belka Rohlin, from Sword Saint Class A in the Swordsmanship Campus.”

“Yote Giraud.”

“Hey, Yote! Be serious—that’s rude!” Leilo jumped up from the sofa to scold his friend’s curt reply.

“You’re the last one who can call me rude.”

Once they quieted down, Illusionary Feather spoke: “Illusionary Feather. Mechanical Campus, Class F. Ranked last—barely passed everything. If you have trouble, find me. Though I hate trouble.”

“This is my pet—no, my maid—actually, my distant younger sister. She likes calling me ‘Master,’ but she really is family. Her name is Phantom Night Emberheart. Just call her Blazing Heart.” After introducing himself, he presented the clinging Blazing Heart. His rambling explanation somehow worked.

They chatted a while longer. As night fell, everyone headed home.

Belka was the last to leave. Before going, she left a message:

“Little Feather Brother, I’ve got a surprise for you tomorrow.”

Then she rode off on Swift. As she leaped on, Illusionary Feather glimpsed its black frame.

The next day

Belka arrived at Dorm 303 early morning with “good news”—the legendary surprise: “Little Feather Brother, you’re now a StudentCouncil member! Just minor duties, but the power’s huge.”

Illusionary Feather silently declared to himself: *My dear energy-saving life… we’re breaking up.*