Illusionary Feather’s first night as a Disciplinary Committee Assistant began like any other: cooking dinner the moment he got home.

For some reason, none of his usual dinner guests showed up today. Since both he and Blazing Heart had small appetites, he hadn’t cooked much.

After their quiet meal, Blazing Heart would normally insist on playing a while before bed. But today, after all the running around with Illusionary Feather, she obediently showered and headed straight to sleep the moment they entered their room.

As her designated bedtime companion (…), Illusionary Feather showered in the other room while she washed up. Then came their nightly ritual of tucking her into bed.

Once Blazing Heart fell asleep, Illusionary Feather quietly slipped out from under the covers. He’d insisted she use blankets ever since inventing the magic AC—to prevent catching colds.

He crept into the Subterranean Lab.

On the worktable, he placed the Croak Communicator Misha had given him that morning.

His mentor’s words echoed in his mind: *"Xiao Yu, remember—a true Inventor doesn’t just create from nothing. They transform existing things into something greater."*

*"If I can modify this properly,"* he muttered, studying the device, *"it might work like a magic-phone… but far more portable."*

*"Old man also said the best way to understand how something’s made is to take it apart."* A wicked grin spread across his face as he eyed the Croak Communicator.

Minutes later, it lay disassembled in neat rows across the table. Illusionary Feather stared at the pieces, deep in thought.

When he felt ready, he reassembled it. Then began sketching modifications.

*"I’ve got the basics down… but I should really consult its creator. Feels like stealing otherwise."* As dawn approached, he glanced at his revised blueprints.

*"Time for breakfast."* He pocketed the Croak Communicator and headed to the kitchen.

After cooking, showering, and waking the still-sleepy Blazing Heart—*"Ugh… if I didn’t have duties today, I’d never disturb this angel"*—he coaxed her with breakfast promises.

Just outside their dorm, a *"Croak! Croak!"* echoed.

*"Master~! More frogs!"* Blazing Heart chirped innocently.

Illusionary Feather pulled out the device. A hyper voice blasted through: *"Illusionary Feather! Up and at ’em! Patrol time!"*

*"Uh… Misha?"*

*"Who else?!"*

*"We’re already out. No rush."*

*"…Good. Report anything you can’t handle."*

*"Will do."* The line went silent.

Walking through Yayang’s gates, Illusionary Feather noticed students glancing his way.

*—Am I that famous?*

*"Whatever."* He and Blazing Heart began their rounds.

Mornings were quiet—most students still asleep, shops closed. Only early risers strolled in bustling little groups, chatting.

Near 9 a.m., they paused at a bench. A nearby crepe stall had a long queue. Blazing Heart watched people bite into their treats, eyes wide. *"Master~… I want some too."*

He understood. They joined the line. When it was their turn, he ordered two strawberry crepes.

*"Can I swipe a card?"* he asked the vendor.

*"Huh? I’m a small business—cash only."*

*"…Never mind."* He had no loose change.

*"Master~"* Blazing Heart’s whimper drew stares. People were already side-eyeing him like he was some creep.

Spotting two girls behind them, Illusionary Feather flashed a sunny smile. *"Could I borrow four dragon coins? My sister’s craving crepes, but I forgot small bills."*

They happily paid.

Back at their bench, Blazing Heart left two perfect bite marks on her crepe—just as a crowd gathered nearby.

*"Something’s happening up ahead! Let’s go watch!"* an excited passerby shouted.

Illusionary Feather sighed. *—Do people get this hyped over rubbernecking?*

But as Disciplinary Committee Assistant… he had to intervene.

He dragged Blazing Heart—crepe cream still on her lips—toward the commotion.

*"Make way, please! Disciplinary Committee!"* His voice cut through the chatter. When onlookers spotted his armband, they parted.

Inside the circle stood two young Mechanic Engineers. The taller one had a pale green Mech armed with a warhammer. The shorter, fair-skinned boy controlled a light-blue Mech wielding a Knight Sword. They were arguing fiercely.

*"What’s going on?"* Illusionary Feather asked wearily.

*"He insulted my Mech! Then his sword sliced off my Mech’s foot!"* the taller boy snapped.

*"Only because his Mech tried to ram mine!"* the shorter one shot back.

Illusionary Feather cut through the blame game. *"What do you each want from the other?"*

Silence. Then:

*"He fixes my Mech."*

*"He apologizes."*

*"You insulted me first!"*

*"How about this,"* Illusionary Feather interrupted smoothly, *"you repair his Mech. Both apologize. Fair?"*

They hesitated.

*"I don’t know how to fix his Mech…"* the shorter boy admitted.

*"Figured."* Illusionary Feather sighed. *"Then settle it privately. Your lab?"*

*"…Fine."*

*"I accept too."*

As they left, they thanked him. The crowd murmured in awe—*he’d stopped a fight in minutes. Perfect Disciplinary material.*

After dispersing the onlookers, Illusionary Feather heard a voice behind him: *"Huan Yu? Is that you?"*

He turned. A girl bounced toward him—short, spiky blonde hair, bright black eyes, athletic build in sportswear.

*"Do I know you?"* he asked, certain he didn’t.

*"Probably not!"* She tapped her chin. *"But I know you! Student Council’s Sector 19 Assistant, right?"*

*"And you are…?"*

*"Flower Grass Misaki! From Magic Campus’s Saint Magic Academy!"* She beamed. *"Let’s chat somewhere quieter?"*

At a park bench, Misaki suddenly gasped: *"Aww! Is this your sister Blazing Heart? So cute!"* Her shout made Blazing Heart bury her face in Illusionary Feather’s arm.

*"Why do you know so much about me?"* he asked.

*"I’m Student Council too! And Belka’s my best friend—she told me everything!"*

*"Ah."* That explained it. *"So what brings you here, Misaki?"*

"Play," Misa replied without hesitation, leaving Illusionary Feather speechless.

"So simple?"

"Yes. Don’t you believe me, junior Illusionary Feather?"

"...Fine, I believe you."

Stare~~~~ "Junior Illusionary Feather, you really are as handsome as Belka described," Flower Grass Misaki said, staring intently at him for a moment.

Illusionary Feather didn’t know how to respond, so he stayed silent.

"Croak~" The Croaker’s sound suddenly echoed. Illusionary Feather snapped out of his daze and reached for it. As he did, Blazing Heart and Misa chimed in unison: "Master (junior) has a frog."

Misa stood up and scanned the area after speaking.

Feeling utterly speechless, Illusionary Feather pulled out the Croaker and listened to its task.

Just as he was about to put it away, Misa seemed to realize something. She turned to him: "Could that frog be in your pocket, junior?"

"Absolutely not," Illusionary Feather replied firmly.

"Croak~" The sound came again from his pocket.

"It is in there! Release him, junior!" Misa lunged at him,扑ing straight into his arms. Dazed by her soft body, Illusionary Feather barely noticed her snatch the Croaker. She examined it curiously, like a kitten fascinated by a new toy.

—She’s so cute when she’s being natural.

—Why do all the girls around me seem adorable when they act innocent?

Flower Grass Misaki studied the Croaker intently, as if trying to see through it.

Illusionary Feather froze. Since扑ing into his arms and grabbing the device, she’d been sitting on his lap, researching it. The soft warmth against him made his fair face flush deeply.

"What is this, junior?" Flower Grass Misaki asked after failing to decipher it, turning to its owner.

"Oh, this is the Croaker. It’s for private communication among a few people," Illusionary Feather explained. He’d been struggling to calm his racing heart, but her question instantly soothed him.

"So what do you use it for, junior?" Misa pressed after his answer.

"Obviously, for contact."

"Croak~"

"It croaked again. Definitely a frog."

"Give it back—I might have a task."

"Oh, here you go, junior."

Illusionary Feather took the Croaker, but Misa remained seated on his lap, oblivious.

The Croaker’s voice then caught his attention: "Illusionary Feather, exit the park’s west entrance. Turn left 100 meters away at the materials shop. Someone’s about to start a fight. Hold them off; I’ll arrive in three minutes."

"Oh~ It spoke."

"Why so surprised? A magic-engineering phone does this," Illusionary Feather couldn’t fathom her amazement.

"I guess so, but it’s weird for a frog to talk," Misa insisted, treating the Croaker as alive.

"I told you—it’s a machine, not a living thing," Illusionary Feather corrected half-heartedly.

"But it croaks," Misa said innocently.

"Ahhh, I have urgent business. Move aside, Misa," Illusionary Feather felt near breaking point but prioritized duty.

Misa finally stood up, excited: "Then let’s go together, junior!"

She grabbed his hand and dashed toward the materials shop.

Arriving, they spotted a towering black Mech in the dispersing crowd.

—Oh no. I’ll get scolded again—I’m later than her.

The situation seemed resolved.

Misha, atop Black Rock, turned and saw Illusionary Feather pulled by a short-haired girl, Blazing Heart on his other side. Trapped between them, fury ignited in her. She pointed: "You abandoned your post to go shopping with girls?"

"Total misunderstanding," Illusionary Feather stated firmly, expecting this.

"Eh~ Does junior know her?" Misa asked, eyeing Misha.

"Yeah, she’s my temporary superior," Illusionary Feather replied wearily.

"I see. Temporary. No wonder your Discipline Committee armband has a small black circle labeled ‘provisional’." Misa’s remark shocked him. He checked—and yes, a black ‘provisional’ mark sat before the title. He’d thought it was a stain.

"I didn’t know you were this observant, Misa," Illusionary Feather admitted.

"Why do you call me by name, junior? We’re not close," Misa suddenly noted.

"We’re not. I’ll call you Senior Flower Grass," Illusionary Feather realized they’d only met an hour ago.

"Just ‘Senior Misa,’ junior. Or it feels distant," she reminded him.

"Yes, yes," Illusionary Feather sighed, finding it troublesome but agreeing.

Two waves of resentment hit him, sending a chill down his spine.

He glanced around—Blazing Heart and Misha.

"Situation changed. Retreat!" Illusionary Feather grabbed Blazing Heart, yanked Misa along, and fled.

Misha climbed onto Black Rock’s shoulder, chasing them furiously.

"What a hassle," Illusionary Feather muttered, forgetting he was dragging two people, and sprinted straight to the dorm.