After Phantom Feather returned, he was quickly surrounded by the three girls. Belka, who had just come down from the arena, also joined them. Only Phantom Night Emberheart—who could truly sense his strength—remained obediently seated, watching from afar.

Phantom Feather had planned to lie his way out of questions, but to his surprise, Belka didn’t press him. Instead, she praised him: “Little Feather, you’re amazing. That power could’ve caused mass chaos, but you turned it into a drill—and even livened up the atmosphere!”

“A-ahaha, you flatter me,” Phantom Feather mumbled, scratching his head and turning away.

As he turned, he spotted Leilo and his sister Lyster about to leave in the distance.

*—Why does this keep happening?*

Phantom Feather frowned inwardly.

Thanks to Belka’s praise, the others dropped their questions as if nothing had happened.

“Well then,” Belka announced, “let’s wrap up work for today. How about I show you around my neighborhood?”

No one objected. Normally, outsiders couldn’t tour the school—only during festivals or major events—but Belka led them through the Sword Sage School grounds first.

As they strolled and chatted, Phantom Feather trailed silently behind, Emberheart obediently holding his hand. He wasn’t being standoffish; he just wanted to avoid trouble. He’d barely escaped the interrogation swamp earlier, and now they were deep in girl-talk territory.

After touring the school, they headed to nearby shops. As a polite gentleman, Phantom Feather kept his distance. The stores around Swordsmanship Campus catered to students, mostly selling weapons. The goods were a mixed bag—if you had a sharp eye, you’d find treasures. (If not, stick to reputable shops.)

Though not the original plan, they ended up browsing weapon stores since Kerdling wanted Belka’s expertise to pick a sword. Belka wielded a heavy Knight Sword, while Kerdling preferred a lighter crossblade.

Bored, Phantom Feather wandered with Emberheart, lazily stretching or patting her head. The shop staff stayed discreet unless summoned—though veteran clerks knew when to approach.

Phantom Feather drifted from Heavy Sword to Light Sword sections, finally stopping at the Soft Sword display. His eyes locked onto a pure black blade inside: 1.8 meters long, 3 centimeters wide. *Perfect waistband material*, he thought.

*If anyone knew that thought, they’d trip over their own feet.*

He snapped his fingers. A sharp-eyed clerk hurried over—only for Phantom Feather to point and say flatly: “Bring me that black Soft Sword. I’ll examine it.”

The clerk masked his surprise and presented the sword in its case.

“Mmm~” Phantom Feather hummed approvingly as he played with the blade.

“Sir,” the clerk ventured carefully, “wouldn’t you like to test it?” His tone was light, seasoned by years of reading customers’ moods.

Phantom Feather gripped the hilt, the blade dragging on the floor. “Ah, testing area?” the clerk smoothly suggested. “We have a dedicated space to showcase its true potential.”

Inside the practice zone, Kerdling suddenly lunged toward them, panic in her eyes. Phantom Feather shoved the clerk aside just in time. The startled clerk realized the boy had saved him from a girl’s wild sword thrust.

Phantom Feather’s black Soft Sword rose like a living serpent—*ding!*—knocking Kerdling’s crossblade flying. She stumbled back, barely regaining her footing.

“Little Feather really is impressive,” Belka murmured under her breath.

“Oh? Found you!” Phantom Feather called casually to the group around Kerdling. “Thought you’d ditched us.”

“Why are *you* testing swords?” Lily asked coolly.

“Rare to find one I like,” he replied bluntly.

The clerk watching them realized: *They came together. I thought they were strangers.*

“This sword. I’ll take it.” Phantom Feather tossed his crystal card to the clerk.

After payment, the girls encircled him. Phantom Feather’s instincts screamed *danger*.

“Why are you all crowding me?” he asked, flustered.

“What do *you* think, Little Feather?” Belka smirked.

“Fine! Back at my dorm, I’ll explain everything. But *here*? People are training!” He gestured around, feigning exasperation. The girls burst into giggles.

Later, in his dorm, Phantom Feather wisely shared acceptable truths: *Grandpa said to hide my strength for surprise attacks. Trouble’s annoying—I prefer staying low-key. I just want to focus on invention.*

The girls, sharp enough to let it slide, still left two behind: Belka and Misa-senpai.

“Aren’t you leaving?” Phantom Feather sighed.

“We’re here to comfort Little Feather’s wounded heart~”

“Tonight, disciple, we duel three hundred rounds!”

“Whatever. I’m heading to the Subterranean Lab. Watch Emberheart for me.” He fled.

On the final day of the festival, Phantom Feather dragged himself back to his dorm. He showered, collapsed onto his bed, and sank into sleep against something softer than a pillow.

Morning light filtered in. He blinked awake—black lace filled his vision. Soft warmth pressed against his cheek. *A girl’s chest.* His brain short-circuited as his palm registered the same yielding texture.

*—If I don’t escape now, this becomes harem chaos.*

Before he could move, slender arms locked around him. He stayed pinned against Belka’s chest until she woke. Their eyes met; for once, she looked shy. Then she shoved him away, grinning wickedly: “Did Little Feather try to sneak into Onee-sama’s bed last night?”

“I’d never!” he yelped.

“Oh?” Misa’s voice cut in, newly awake. “Then why are you holding *my* bra, disciple?” She stated it without a blush.

Phantom Feather turned to stone. He stayed petrified until breakfast ended.

Thankfully, no extra guests joined them. More trouble was the last thing he wanted.

After eating, the four prepared to go out. Phantom Feather wanted to hide in his dorm all day—but under Belka and Misa’s threats, he surrendered.

Today’s festival finale: magic performances at Magic Campus, followed by the evening fireworks. After days of chaos, Phantom Feather slipped into high alert the moment they arrived. His ears caught every whisper; his senses scanned for malice. He’d react instantly if needed.

“Little Feather?” Belka stopped suddenly.

“Yes?” His reply was flawless, as if he’d been hanging on her every word.

“Nothing. Just… you seem unusually energetic today. Are you sick?”

Phantom Feather nearly tripped. “I’m *never* energetic, Onee-sama. And if that’s sick, I’d rather stay healthy.”

“Of course I don’t want you sick,” Belka cooed. “Though you’re adorably pitiful when weak~”

*Did she just derail the conversation?*

“Mew~!” Misa pouted beside Belka, cat-like lips jutting. “Disciple only talks to Belka! So unfair!” Emberheart tilted her head up, staring blankly at Phantom Feather.

“Senpai,” Phantom Feather deflected smoothly, “are you performing in the magic show or fireworks tonight?”

“Only the fireworks,” Misa admitted. “But little Lily’s in the show.”

“Then let’s go support her,” he said quickly.

“Good idea!” Misa cheered. “To Saint Magic School—march!”

Illusionary Feather and the others stayed until noon, but nothing happened. Instead, they witnessed Lily’s brilliant performance—she defeated an ice-type Sorcerer despite the elemental clash between ice and fire.

In the afternoon, with nothing better to do, everyone gathered in Illusionary Feather’s dorm to enjoy the Magic Air Conditioner. His own opinion was completely ignored—after all, it was his dorm.

Around four or five in the evening, Misa left early to prepare. By six, the others also headed back to their dorms, claiming they needed to change clothes.

Illusionary Feather suddenly remembered something. After searching his wardrobe for a while, he found a white, ancient-style robe that fit him perfectly. He also pulled out an iron fan from somewhere. With a *whoosh*, he opened it and fanned himself, instantly looking like a handsome youth from ancient times.

Blazing Heart, meanwhile, wore her usual adorable white rabbit dress.

When they reached the meeting spot, Illusionary Feather saw six girls in ancient attire approaching: Belka, Lily, Kerdling, Sophia, Misha, and Koya.

Come to think of it, when had they all gotten together?

Illusionary Feather couldn’t be bothered with such trivial matters. Accompanied by the six fairies, he headed off to watch the grand magic fireworks display.

Their group drew immense envy from the bystanders.

Since the fireworks were held by the academy’s great river, they secured a perfect spot nearby.

As the first firework burst, countless others bloomed across the sky. But at the peak, fireworks began flying wildly, injuring spectators. Illusionary Feather just sighed and murmured, “I thought since it didn’t happen this morning, it was already over.”

“You few, go protect the spectators now! I’ll check on Misa,” Belka commanded decisively.

The others began evacuating people or blocking stray fireworks. Meanwhile, Illusionary Feather, Blazing Heart, and Koya remained standing there, still gazing at the sky.

Illusionary Feather felt helpless. Blazing Heart was at a loss. Koya shared the same feeling.

“You two, hold my hands and don’t let go, got it?” Illusionary Feather sighed inwardly. Then, taking Blazing Heart and Koya’s hands, he swiftly “flew” toward the Sorcerers on the opposite riverbank—though it was more like running through the air.

When he arrived, Belka and Misa had already begun handling the out-of-control classmates.

Illusionary Feather watched with a “this is such a hassle” expression. The priority was evacuating the Sorcerers. The magic rampage could stem from clashing elements, colliding spiritual energies, or malicious interference causing instability.

“Since there are so many elements, let’s go big,” Illusionary Feather declared. He fell silent. Sorcerers sensed magic gathering and intensifying. Suddenly, a massive orb of light appeared above the academy. It exploded, leaving a brilliant message: “Academy Festival ends here. Did everyone go wild?”

Someone in the crowd shouted. Like dominoes, cheers spread across the entire school. Under the moonlight, three figures descended and reunited with Belka’s group.

Was it a coincidence? Just as they prepared to leave the riverbank, Illusionary Feather spotted Leilo and his sister Lyster again.

He decided to treat it as one. Then, he found himself stared at by several girls for a long time.

“Where were you and Blazing Heart just now, Feather?” Belka asked.

“Oh, nowhere. We just stood there until the chaos ended,” Illusionary Feather replied with utter nonchalance.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“How dare you say that so confidently!” Lily scolded furiously.

“Yeah, it’s clearly the Student Council and Disciplinary Committee who are irresponsible,” Misha added sharply.

“Classmate Illusionary Feather, were you just spectating from the sidelines?” Kerdling asked, visibly upset.

“That’s just the style of a junior,” Misa chimed in, fully agreeing.

“Misa~” Belka called with a wicked smile.

“Uh~” Flower Grass Misaki hid behind Illusionary Feather. Then, gathering courage, she declared, “I’m not afraid of you, Belka!”

Illusionary Feather felt her hand trembling.

“I was wrong, okay? Don’t look at me like I’m a criminal,” Illusionary Feather quickly relented. His handsome face and ancient robe made the girls immediately start making excuses for him.

In the end, nothing happened. Hooray, hooray!