Illusionary Feather sprinted back to Yayang with Blazing Heart and Koya tucked under each arm—though he wasn’t foolish enough to hide in his own dorm.
He stopped at Room 306 and knocked. Thankfully, Leilo was back. Why had Leilo returned first? Simple: the closing ceremony he attended was held at Yayang’s plaza. Those gathered before the Integrated Tower were either locals, students who’d arrived too late, or admirers hoping to glimpse Belka’s legendary presence.
Leilo opened the door, ready to confront a pervert clutching two little girls—only to recognize his friend. One was his distant cousin (or so everyone but Belka believed), the other an unfamiliar green-haired child.
“What happened, Illusionary Feather?”
“Being hunted. Inside, quick.”
Seeing his frantic state, Leilo ushered him in without hesitation.
Moments after they entered, four second-tier wyverns landed at Yayang’s entrance. After verification, they soared straight toward the dormitories.
Inside, Illusionary Feather exchanged a few words with Leilo.
“Has your sister gone back?”
“Yeah, left this morning.”
Illusionary Feather’s expression remained unchanged, though his mind processed the reply.
“Why ask about her suddenly?”
“Just curious. This room’s spotless… and smells like a girl. She must’ve cleaned it.”
Leilo turned away, a faint blush on his cheeks.
“Enough. I need your help.”
“What is it?”
“Earlier I said I was being chased—it’s Belka and the others. They might show up soon.”
“And?”
“Do exactly as I say.”
···
After confirming Room 303 was empty, Belka’s group questioned a nearby boy: “Did a pervert carrying two little girls pass by?” He led them straight to 306 before leaving.
Belka knocked. A golden-haired youth opened the door—Leilo, Illusionary Feather’s close friend. So he *was* hiding here today.
“Can we help you?”
“Has Illusionary Feather been here?”
“He was. Came by earlier with two girls.”
“Where is he now?”
“He’s… right inside.”
The girls exchanged silent glances. *If he’s inside, why hesitate? Either he’s an idiot… or faking it.*
“He already ran off while you were talking to us, didn’t he?”
“Not necessarily. But Illusionary Feather left a message: *‘It’s all a misunderstanding. There were no children. If you want clarity, come to my dorm. If you’re still angry… don’t come at all.’*”
Belka’s signature mischievous smile returned. “Just as I thought.”
“I *told* you he was innocent!” Misa protested. “Belka refused to believe me—I don’t have Illusionary Feather’s child!”
“So it was my mistake…” Kerdling murmured, head bowed.
“I… thought he’d done something to Kerdling,” Lily admitted guiltily.
“Let’s all go together,” Belka declared, striding toward Illusionary Feather’s dorm.
Leilo trailed behind—no classes today, might as well watch the show.
They reached the dorm swiftly. Belka unlocked the door with practiced ease. A rich aroma flooded out, making everyone swallow hard before stepping inside.
In the living room, Illusionary Feather bustled in the kitchen. At the dining table, Blazing Heart and Koya sat with eyes closed, blissfully inhaling the scent. The table had expanded, extra chairs arranged—as if expecting guests. Illusionary Feather wore a frilly pink apron over his handsome features, a warm smile on his face as he set down a dish. “Stop standing there,” he called gently. “Sit down.”
The girls froze. Even Leilo thought, *This guy would make someone a perfect wife someday.*
The click of the front door snapped them out of their daze. Sophia and Misha entered, both parties blinking in surprise before exchanging greetings. The girls chattered while Leilo—completely ignored—sat quietly aside. When Illusionary Feather reappeared, the newcomers blushed instantly.
Unable to bear the atmosphere, Leilo fled to the kitchen to help. To his horror, Illusionary Feather forced him into *another* apron. The girls stared, stunned—*another* unexpectedly cute boy.
When Illusionary Feather brought out the final dish, Leilo—apron removed—carried the rice tub. He politely served each girl, but when Illusionary Feather handed him a bowl, Leilo glared and piled rice into a mountainous heap.
Illusionary Feather smiled, placing it beside an empty seat. He took a fresh bowl, filled it modestly, and said sweetly, “Don’t waste food. Finish it all.”
Leilo gritted his teeth and sat.
(Not that Illusionary Feather was *that* cruel—he’d already taken some rice off Leilo’s plate.)
Hands clasped, they prayed: “We thank the Great Spirit for this meal. Let’s eat.”
Dinner was silent—thanks to Illusionary Feather. He ate with quiet grace, a beautiful sight to the girls. Even Leilo, usually a fast eater, shuddered watching him chew slowly.
*—Do guys really eat like this?*
*—I never knew a boy’s cooking could taste this good.*
Setting down his bowl, Illusionary Feather took a deep breath. “Celebrating the end of the Academy Festival… my peaceful days are finally back.”
“Shouldn’t you say that *before* eating?” Belka shot back.
“Is that so?” He stood to clear the table. Belka and Kerdling helped; the others moved to the sofa. This time, Leilo wasn’t ignored—the conversation revolved around *him*.
When Illusionary Feather returned, he handed Sophia a sleeve insignia reading “Discipline Committee · Fake.” “The festival’s over. This is yours.”
“Oh? I thought you’d join us.”
“Join *you*? StudentCouncil is trouble enough. I’d rather—”
“*What* did you just say, little brother?” Belka cut in, purple aura swirling around her.
“Did I say something?” Illusionary Feather tilted his head, eyes wide with innocent confusion. Her defenses crumbled; she nearly swept him into a hug.
He returned to his usual expression just in time, stifling her impulse.
Soon after, a stern middle-aged woman’s voice echoed in every StudentCouncil member’s mind: *“Report to my office immediately. Urgent mission.”*
“Time to go,” Belka said for them all.
The five stood. Blazing Heart remained seated, oblivious. The others prepared to leave—this was Illusionary Feather’s space, after all.
After farewells, Belka led the group toward the Integrated Tower. Illusionary Feather made sure Koya and Blazing Heart rode with him and Belka on Swift; the others summoned their own dragons. He’d learned their names: Kerdling’s was Steelplume, Misa’s was Lightshadow.
The six landed on the plaza before the Integrated Tower. Their dragons departed as Belka guided them to the Academy Head’s office. Illusionary Feather felt no particular fondness for this place—but no aversion either.
A knock, then entry. Maria Bella sat elbows on desk, fingers interlaced beneath her chin, deep in thought.
“You’re here.”
Polite nods. Belka spoke for them: “What’s happened, Academy Head?”
Maria Bella stayed silent. No one dared interrupt.
“Heh. Something was stolen,” Illusionary Feather stated bluntly.
“You know too much!” She fixed him with a stern gaze.
“You know too little,” he retorted coolly.
“I won’t bicker. A Level Nine design blueprint was stolen from the Integrated Tower.”
“Any clues?” (Only Illusionary Feather dared speak; even Belka remained respectfully quiet.)
“Clues exist. But I won’t share them with *you*.”
“So this doesn’t concern me? Perfect. I have other matters.”
“You! Truly the old man’s stubbornness lives on in you.”
“Speak quickly. If you want it back.”
“The thief was likely a student’s parent or relative. Nothing else was touched—no criminal syndicate would be so precise.”
“And from the Mechanical Campus, I’d wager,” Illusionary Feather added.
“Exactly. Investigate quietly. Focus on students seeking advancement—especially Lv8.”
“That’s all?”
“What did you expect?”
“They probably took it home to build it there.”
“Possible. Materials are plentiful at home… and harder to detect.”
“Split into two teams: one outside, one inside.”
“Who should go outside?”
“Decide among yourselves. I’m done.” Maria Bella waved a tired hand.
The others left promptly. Illusionary Feather asked them to wait downstairs—he had words for the Academy Head alone.
“More to say?”
“About something else.”
“Speak.”
“Yayang’s inner workings run deep. My grades easily qualified me for Class B or C… yet I ended up in F. Why?”
“Perhaps the principal feared your talent.”
“And you did nothing?”
“I couldn’t be bothered. You already have enough credits to graduate.”
"Haha! So that's why the Integrated Tower was stolen. Tomorrow, that headmaster won't show up anymore. You should decide on the next one."
After saying that, Illusionary Feather left with Blazing Heart. By now, he'd sorted out the general situation. From his observations over the past few days, the target was confirmed. All that remained was to gather the necessary information.
