Illusionary Feather led Blazing Heart out of the Academy Head’s office downstairs, where Belka and the others were waiting. They hurried over as soon as they spotted him.

Seeing them approach, Illusionary Feather unusually spoke seriously: "Such a major incident—discussing it outside the StudentCouncil office really appropriate?"

"I’d forgotten entirely, little Yu," Belka admitted, her expression turning uncharacteristically grave. "This isn’t ordinary. Let’s move to the office."

The others nodded. Led by Belka, they entered the StudentCouncil office deep in the 51st-floor corridor of the Integrated Tower—just one floor below the Academy Head’s penthouse suite.

Stepping inside, several felt a wave of nostalgia—Illusionary Feather, Blazing Heart, even Misa. The other three shot them odd glances, but the moment passed quickly.

Belka settled into the chair reserved for the council president. Before sitting, she’d seemed approachable; now, a queenly aura erupted around her.

Illusionary Feather’s eyes narrowed. *I still know so little about her. I’ll need to observe more carefully later.*

"Sit," Belka commanded, her tone sharp. "This is our first meeting since the new members joined."

Five desks and chairs filled the office. The president sat by the north window. The remaining five arranged themselves in two rows: Kerdling and Lily to Belka’s right, Misa and Illusionary Feather to her left. Blazing Heart perched on Illusionary Feather’s lap, leaning sideways against his chest.

The girls exchanged glances—*We’ll deal with you later*—but said nothing.

"Share every clue you know. We’ll analyze together," Belka began, radiating authority. "All we have: a Level Nine mechanical blueprint was stolen. The culprits might be parents of Mechanical Campus students. They’ve likely left the academy already. Direction unknown."

"I believe the blueprint’s still on campus," Lily countered, revealing a sharp intellect Illusionary Feather rarely saw beneath her usual scowl. "We should check recent material shipments."

"To confuse us, they might have hidden it in the other two campuses," Kerdling added. "But we must investigate discreetly—no tipping them off."

Misa was next. Illusionary Feather braced for her to drop the playful act. Instead, she sprang up, twirled in place, and pointed at him. "Skip me! Straight to the underclassman’s analysis!"

Silence.

Belka broke it first, a sultry laugh escaping her lips. "Classic Misa. *‘Bother passing the trouble to someone else.’*" Misa’s cat-ear-like hair twitched. Stars sparkled in her eyes as she pouted at Illusionary Feather.

*Even if she’s faking it… she’s ridiculously cute.* He sighed. "Check suspicious students on campus first. For outside leads—I’ve got it covered."

"What?!" x4

Four faces froze in shock.

"I’ll say no more," Illusionary Feather cut off further questions. "Just get the job done."

The girls remained stunned. With barely any leads, he’d already traced the culprits? Unbelievable.

Once their expressions softened, Illusionary Feather cleared his throat. "President," he began respectfully, "may I ask about the StudentCouncil’s role?"

"Don’t be so formal with me, little brother. Ask away." Belka’s usual warmth returned.

"Why do we handle so few tasks—but when we do, they’re always huge crises?"

"Because we’re the *academy’s* StudentCouncil—not the school’s."

"The school’s council deals with daily student requests. Endless trivialities."

"We handle major incidents the school council can’t resolve. They escalate to us."

"And campus security is excellent. Major incidents are rare. So… we’re often free."

*—No wonder she’s always available.*

"We also manage Integrated Tower affairs and direct orders from the Academy Head. But even then—we’re the most idle student council around. Tower issues just need equipment requests. Direct orders? Almost nonexistent."

"Lucky to join such a relaxed council," Illusionary Feather concluded.

"But academy council missions often get people killed!" Belka shot back, trying to wipe his satisfied smile away.

Unexpectedly calm, he replied, "Honor and risk go hand in hand. But as long as I’m here? None of you will meet an untimely end."

A faint blush spread across the girls’ cheeks. They opened their mouths—then fell silent.

Another pause.

"Time for campus checks," Illusionary Feather announced, standing and taking Blazing Heart’s hand.

The girls touched their warm cheeks, lost in thought, and followed the blue-haired boy out.

At the Integrated Tower entrance, they split into three teams: Belka and Kerdling to Swordsmanship Campus, Lily and Misa to Magic Campus, Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart to Mechanical Campus. (Though Blazing Heart clearly wouldn’t help investigate.)

"Not to worry," Illusionary Feather waved off their concerned looks. "I’ll just coordinate with the Mechanical Campus Disciplinary Committee. They’ll handle the search."

"Call us if you struggle. We’ll finish fast and join you," Belka promised for the group.

They parted ways. Watching Illusionary Feather board a Magic Vehicle, the girls finally relaxed. *He’s not as simple as he seems.*

Illusionary Feather took Blazing Heart straight to Branch 19 near Yayang—not inside the campus. He needed backup; solo searches were pointless.

Blazing Heart walked silently beside him. Her quiet presence was calming. As long as she was safe at his side, everything flowed smoothly.

They arrived just as Branch 19’s meeting ended. At the entrance, Black Rock stood guard—meaning Misha was inside. Illusionary Feather had only ever visited the small section occupied by Misha, Sophia, and Koya. The full building remained unexplored.

As he neared their office, a stranger stepped out first. A girl. Silver hair gleamed under the lights. Her top: black base, silver trim, white buttons—so finely woven it blurred with her hair. Her skirt: knee-length black lace. Towering even among girls, her aura of authority rivaled Belka’s. Only one person in the academy matched that presence.

She turned, icy eyes locking onto him. "Disciplinary Committee branches—even minor ones—forbid outsiders."

Pressure crashed over him. *Level Nine. Dragon Engineer. From Marca Academy.*

*Never anger a Dragon Engineer. Their weapons strike unseen.*

"I’m StudentCouncil staff," Illusionary Feather replied smoothly. "Requesting Disciplinary Committee assistance."

Misha and Sophia emerged then. Misha’s eyes widened in surprise; Sophia merely nodded calmly.

"So you’re the StudentCouncil’s special recruit," the silver-haired girl mused. "Worthy. You withstood my aura."

"Whoever you are—I’m pressed for time. This case can’t wait."

"Fight me. Two moves. Then I’ll help."

"Can it wait until *after* the mission? Lives are at stake."

She paused. "Fine. But refuse afterward? Face the consequences." She handed Sophia a token, gave quick orders, then strode off—urgent business pulling her away.

Illusionary Feather watched her vanish, puzzled by the sudden shift. The tension lifted. Even Blazing Heart relaxed.

Misha exhaled sharply once the girl turned the corner. "You idiot! Do you even know who that was?"

Illusionary Feather shook his head.

"The Disciplinary Committee president. Equal to Belka. A Dragon Engineer prodigy. One of the academy’s Three Queens—the Silver Queen, Avira Desabant."

*Equal to Belka? Trouble magnet. Avoid at all costs.*

"What was she doing here? Inspection?"

"You said you had urgent business," Misha deflected, ushering them inside. "Explain in the office." Sophia offered a small smile. The four entered together.

After listening to Illusionary Feather’s explanation, Sophia suggested they notify other districts. The Mechanical Campus had eleven districts, each with its own Disciplinary Committee branch.

Illusionary Feather and Misha agreed. Before leaving, Illusionary Feather handed two finished communicators to Koya, who had been huddled in a corner reading. He hoped she could whip up ten more for testing within a short time.

Illusionary Feather, Blazing Heart, Misha, and Sophia first went to the third floor of Branch 19 to alert its Disciplinary Committee members. Normally, Sophia lacked authority to mobilize all of Branch 19—but the moment she produced Avira’s token-like item, the branch leader immediately contacted every Disciplinary Committee member under his command through various channels.

Disciplinary Committee members always outnumbered the StudentCouncil. Dragon Tamer Academy had three tiers: Academy Disciplinary Committee, District Disciplinary Committee, and Campus Disciplinary Committee. They managed student safety and security, while non-students fell under each district’s Security Department. Many Disciplinary Committee members later joined the Security Department after graduation.

With only one token available, Sophia had to notify other district branches alone. Illusionary Feather and Misha split up to inspect nearby material shops, each holding a search warrant issued by the Academy.

The Magic Campus and Swordsmanship Campus also conducted internal searches in their own ways. The StudentCouncil’s five members held meetings every few days to review progress—but each time, they found nothing unusual.

A week later, the search fervor died down. It seemed the thief who stole the blueprints had already slipped away. Next, they’d need to seek clues outside the campus.

The five StudentCouncil members gathered once more in their office, ready to decide who would venture outside.