"Alright, since everyone’s here, let’s begin the meeting," Belka said, watching the five seated members.
"I’m volunteering to go outside this time, Belka-senpai," Illusionary Feather declared without hesitation.
"If no one else steps up, I’ll accompany Feather-kun," Belka added after a heavy silence, assuming the others were reluctant.
"If it’s alright, I’ll join too. I could use some field training," Kerdling spoke up third.
"I’ve been cooped up in the academy too long. I need fresh air," Lily admitted bluntly—a rare show of honesty.
"Oh~ If it’s with the junior, I’m in too!" Flower Grass Misaki, who’d been quiet until now, suddenly perked up as if snapping out of a daze.
"...If we all leave, who’ll handle academy affairs? And do you really think that old hag will approve?" Illusionary Feather shot back, dousing their enthusiasm.
"Don’t you want to go with your sister, Feather-kun?"
"It’s not that. Since I know the lead, I’ll pick the team. What do you think?" Illusionary Feather countered Belka’s suggestion, seeking consensus.
"Fine. Let the junior choose his partners then."
—*Choose partners? What does that even mean?*
With no objections, Illusionary Feather made his selection. "Lily and Kerdling, you’re with me. Belka-senpai and Misaki-senpai will stay behind."
"So it’s the young ones he prefers, huh?" Belka muttered under her breath, turning away with a hint of petulance. Illusionary Feather heard every word but stayed silent—though her pout was oddly endearing.
"Waaah! Junior’s cheating! I wanna go too~" Misaki whined far more directly than Belka.
"Misaki, stop pressuring Feather-kun. We’ll get our turn after they finish," Belka cut in, reining her in.
*Why does that sound so weird?* Illusionary Feather thought.
"While you’re gone, I’ll take care of Blazing Heart," Belka announced abruptly, drawing everyone’s attention.
"Uh, Belka-senpai, Blazing Heart’s coming with me. She’d be furious otherwise," Illusionary Feather replied flatly.
"I see. So it takes three, does it? Impressive, Feather-kun," Belka mused with a sly glance.
*?* A question mark practically floated over Illusionary Feather’s head. *Three what? Impressive how?*
"Enough. Since the team’s set, prepare to depart the day after tomorrow," Belka declared, shifting back to her usual composed tone to close the meeting.
The six left the office together. As usual, they gathered at Illusionary Feather’s dorm for a send-off party before the other four departed.
After they left, Illusionary Feather stepped out for a walk—and spotted two mechanical dragons soaring toward him. One was unmistakably Leilo’s armored beast; the other looked familiar, though he couldn’t place it.
Two figures leaped down from the dragons. A black-haired youth caught a blond boy mid-air, one arm wrapped around his waist. Dust billowed as they landed, but a gentle breeze—barely visible—swirled around Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart, shielding them from the grit.
The boys lingered in that hold for a few seconds before separating.
The blond waved at Illusionary Feather nearby. "Afternoon, Illusionary Feather."
"Oh. Afternoon, Leilo," Illusionary Feather returned with a faint smile.
The black-haired boy sized him up. "Long time no see, Illusionary Feather."
"Likewise, Yote," Illusionary Feather recognized him instantly—Yote Girohl, Leilo’s childhood friend. Jet-black cropped hair, dark eyes, decently handsome (though not as striking as his own), clad in the Swordsmanship Academy’s uniform with twin Heavy Swords strapped to his back. He stood 2–3 centimeters shorter than Leilo—a detail only Illusionary Feather would notice.
"What were you two up to?" Illusionary Feather asked.
"Yote just passed his Level Eight promotion exam. I went to watch. We’re celebrating," Leilo explained.
"Perfect. I’m buying groceries anyway—join me. We’ll celebrate at my dorm tonight," Illusionary Feather offered warmly.
Yote gave a curt nod. Leilo, however, whooped with joy. Both boys groaned in unison: "Don’t tell anyone we know you when we go out."
"You two are heartless!" Leilo shot back.
Amid their bickering, they exited Yayang Academy. A shadowy figure slipped from hiding, tailing them silently.
At the nearby market, they bought mountains of ingredients. Blazing Heart carried only half a croquette; the others juggled multiple bags—even Yote’s Heavy Sword hilts held three bags each, courtesy of Leilo’s "helpful" arrangements.
Back at the dorm, Illusionary Feather finally turned around. "Alright. Come out."
Leilo and Yote exchanged confused glances as a tiny figure emerged. Barely 1.4 meters tall, she had knee-length green hair and wide, shimmering emerald eyes brimming with委屈. Her delicate face wore a pout, framed by a green lace dress and a pink shoulder bag. She stood perfectly still.
All three boys froze. *So cute.*
Blazing Heart crammed the rest of her croquette into her mouth, then clutched Illusionary Feather’s sleeve possessively, glaring at Kaya Linxina—a rival for his attention.
Noticing Blazing Heart’s antics but clueless about her jealousy, Illusionary Feather softened at Kaya’s pitiful expression. "Come in. We’ll talk after dinner."
Yote and Leilo whispered briefly before the five entered. As ingredients went into the Magic Vehicle fridge, Leilo barely blinked at the odd appliance—he was used to Illusionary Feather’s inventions. Yote stayed quiet, though his eyes lingered curiously.
Leilo plopped onto the three-seater sofa like he owned it, only to be shoved into the corner by Yote. Blazing Heart and Kaya sat on single sofas, locked in a staring contest across the coffee table. Snacks Illusionary Feather bought for Blazing Heart sat untouched in a bowl between them.
Alone in the kitchen, Illusionary Feather cooked while the two girls monitored each other like sworn enemies.
Twenty minutes later, fragrant aromas filled the air. Leilo’s mouth watered instantly. "Rein it in, Leilo. I’m disowning you if you drool," Yote scoffed.
"Like that threat works on me," Leilo deadpanned.
Illusionary Feather emerged in an apron, balancing four stacked plates in each hand. Simple racks separated the plates, letting him carry the whole tower by its base.
Yote and Kaya’s Inventor instincts sparked at the racks—but the food’s scent quickly stole their focus.
After a quiet dinner, Leilo begged to examine the racks. Illusionary Feather handed him two without fuss. Leilo dashed off, thrilled.
As Yote prepared to leave, Illusionary Feather stopped him.
"Why keep me?" Yote asked bluntly. He barely knew Illusionary Feather beyond Leilo’s friendship.
"I want your take on Leilo’s Inventor talent. You’ve known him since childhood."
"Why?" Yote’s guard went up.
"He feels stronger than Level Seven—closer to Level Eight or Nine. The academy’s rating doesn’t add up."
"You’re right. Based on what I know of Inventors, he should be Level Eight. But Yayang insists he’s Level Seven." Yote’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
"So the academy’s hiding something." Illusionary Feather’s eyes narrowed.
"Anything else?"
"Tomorrow, after this—I’ve got an off-campus mission. I need you with me. You know the place better than I do."
"Where?"
"Cloudfall Kingdom."
"...Why?" Yote’s suspicion returned.
Illusionary Feather laid out his entire deduction. Yote’s jaw dropped. He agreed—but warned, "If you’re wrong about her, you owe me an explanation." Then he left.
Only one task remained.
Illusionary Feather sat on the three-seater sofa. Blazing Heart snuggled close. He beckoned Kaya over. She approached nervously, placing her pink bag on the coffee table. Unzipping it, she pulled out eleven communicators—two prototypes from Illusionary Feather, nine of her own.
After a quick check confirmed they all worked, Illusionary Feather took four and handed back the rest. "File the patent. Release trial units."
As he moved to see Kaya out, he found her nearly asleep. Blazing Heart was already dozing against his shoulder.
So both girls spent the night in his room.
Early the next morning, Belka’s group and Leilo arrived, buzzing about Yayang’s annual Tech Expo and Auction. They wanted to drag Illusionary Feather along—but froze at the sight of the extra girl in his dorm. After a tense glare and hasty explanations, they relaxed.
The group marched to the expo at District 15’s central plaza. Thousands thronged the area. Even Illusionary Feather, a novice in such matters, stared in awe.
They wandered the stalls. Misaki eyed an upgraded Magic Vehicle. Remembering something, Illusionary Feather bought two, handing his crystal card to the vendor and leaving his address.
He treated every girl to gifts, paying gallantly despite their token protests. Beneath their refusals, smiles flickered.
By noon, they returned to the dorm. Leilo and Yote stayed behind at the plaza.
The StudentCouncil members compared preparations—all set to depart tomorrow.
The Magic Vehicles arrived at dusk. After蹭ing dinner, the group prepared to leave. Misaki tried to take her vehicle but admitted she couldn’t drive it. "Leave it here for now," she sighed.
Tomorrow had finally come.
