The next day, Illusionary Feather drove Blazing Heart to the Integrated Tower entrance—the agreed meeting spot. He piloted one Magic Vehicle while towing another behind, moving slowly to prevent the trailer from crashing due to inertia.

By the time he arrived, Belka and the others were already waiting. Just as they prepared for a quick farewell, Illusionary Feather slipped into the Academy Head’s office. He handed her a driver’s exam manual detailing methods and grading criteria.

There were two copies. The other went to Senior Misa downstairs. Misa’s cat-like lips curled in excitement as she scurried off to study it intently.

As Lily and Kerdling urged Illusionary Feather to leave, a black iron dragon screeched to a halt in the plaza before the Integrated Tower. A black-haired youth stepped out, twin Heavy Swords strapped to his back.

"Little Feather, why’s *he* here?" Belka recognized him instantly. This mission belonged to the Student Council—why would an outsider show up? His gaze wasn’t fixed on the tower but locked onto Illusionary Feather. Belka frowned.

"I invited him for backup," Illusionary Feather stated plainly.

"Don’t we two suffice?!" Lily snapped, cheeks flushing.

Kerdling’s shoulders slumped, feeling her strength dismissed.

"I’m just guiding the way," the youth interjected smoothly. "Yote Jiror. Pleasure to meet you."

"Everyone’s here now. Let’s go," Illusionary Feather cut in, clearing the air. He ushered them toward the vehicles.

He took the driver’s seat. Blazing Heart moved to join him upfront, but Illusionary Feather redirected her to the back with Lily and Kerdling. She hesitated, then nodded.

Before departure, he handed paper bags to everyone except Blazing Heart. "For motion sickness," he explained. Though all three insisted they never got carsick, he left the bags with them and started the engine.

The Integrated Tower stood at the school’s heart. Flying a dragon to the gates would take two or three hours—but a Magic Vehicle needed half a day. They wouldn’t clear the academy grounds before noon. The others debated grabbing lunch at a gate-side restaurant.

Illusionary Feather stunned them. His modified Magic Vehicle roared to life—unlike standard academy models controlled purely by magic, his had a steering wheel and levers. He’d tripled its top speed from 60 to 180 km/h. He took every curve drifting at full throttle.

The three "non-carsick" passengers were soon hunched over their paper bags, retching without dignity.

In just three hours, Illusionary Feather burst through the academy gates into Dragon Tamer Forest—the same path he’d once walked on foot. At 180 km/h, the road ended at Cost Province, the nearest territory to Dragon Tamer Academy. He planned to grab lunch there and gather intel.

While the others grew weak from vomiting, Blazing Heart sat perfectly still. The two girls shot her awed glances—before dry-heaving again. Nothing left to expel after three hours.

Fifteen minutes later, Cost Province’s outskirts loomed. Its cities lay kilometers from the forest, but to Illusionary Feather, that was mere minutes. As urban sprawl came into view, he eased off the accelerator, braking gently—considering his passengers’ fragile state.

He stepped out first. The other three stumbled after him, legs wobbling, barely keeping balance. Illusionary Feather shot them a sympathetic look and gestured toward their paper bags. Lily tossed hers aside, signaling Kerdling and Yote to do the same. With a flick of her wrist, she incinerated the bags into ash—a simple fireball spell. Even dazed, she proved why she was a top student at Magic Campus.

Illusionary Feather winced at her outburst but said nothing. He stored the vehicles in his spatial ring while the others barely noticed. By the time they reached the city gates, the trio had regained some color.

The archway read "Scott City"—the world’s tech hub outside Dragon Tamer Academy. Its prosperity stemmed from proximity to the academy; cutting-edge civilian tech arrived here first. Commerce flourished, shipping innovations globally. Scott City functioned like the academy’s satellite, funneling hefty taxes back to Dragon Tamer Academy yearly.

Their entrance drew stares. Coming straight from Dragon Tamer Forest—and clearly academy students—they commanded awe. Two handsome boys, two lovely girls, and one adorable child? Unavoidable attention.

Illusionary Feather led them to a nearby restaurant. He ordered lightly, mindful of Lily’s group. After a quick meal, they split up to scout the area.

He distributed communicators: one each to Lily, Kerdling, and Yote. He kept one for himself—the last he’d given to Leilo before departure, along with usage instructions. After a brief tutorial, Lily and Kerdling left first, Yote next. Illusionary Feather settled the bill and exited last with Blazing Heart.

They agreed to reconvene at dusk at the "Gelte Inn" nearby.

Strolling cobblestone streets flanked by sturdy stone buildings, Illusionary Feather paused often—not hunting clues, but soaking in the city’s ancient, grounded atmosphere. Dragon Tamer Academy buzzed with lively learning; Scott City’s main avenues pulsed with vibrant crowds, while its alleyways hummed with quiet, warm domesticity.

Amidst his observations, he questioned city guards: "Any troops rushing from Dragon Tamer Academy’s direction recently?"

"Plenty pass through," a guard recalled. "But that morning? Only two groups."

"Two?"

"Aye. One from our Felte Kingdom—House Jouris, twenty-odd riders. The other... a small neighboring nation. Cloudfall Kingdom, I think. Didn’t recognize their crest."

Illusionary Feather produced paper, pen, and ten gold coins. "Sketch that crest for me. Buy drinks tonight." Ten coins meant little here—Scott guards earned the highest wages on Dragon God Continent, triple others’ daily pay.

Meeting Illusionary Feather’s firm gaze, the guard chuckled and accepted. He drew from memory: a shield-shaped emblem cradling a violet-gold flower. Recognition flashed in Illusionary Feather’s eyes. *House Henry of Cloudfall Kingdom.* His suspicions solidified.

After thanking the guard, he wandered until dusk, then headed to Gelte Inn.

Inside, a golden-haired girl, a waist-length black ponytail girl, and a silent youth with twin Heavy Swords leaned against his chair occupied a table. Their arrival drew glances—Illusionary Feather’s blue-tipped hair, kind violet eyes, and easy smile radiated warmth despite his plain black shirt and jeans. Beside him, Blazing Heart’s ink-black hair fell to her calves, her doll-like face framed by dark eyes and cherry lips that made you want to pinch her cheeks. Her petite frame, draped in a black lace dress, sparked protective instincts.

They approached the already-noticed trio.

"How long have you been waiting? Why no food?" Illusionary Feather asked as they gathered.

"Just arrived," Kerdling replied.

"Then let’s order. I’ll cover it." He casually smoothed Blazing Heart’s slightly messy hair.

"Hmph. I’ll pay my own way," Lily huffed.

"I’ve got coin," Yote added.

"The prices are fair. I’ll handle mine," Kerdling concluded.

"Fine. Pass the menu." Illusionary Feather didn’t insist, sharing it with Blazing Heart.

After a simple dinner, they booked four rooms. Lily and Kerdling protested Illusionary Feather sharing with Blazing Heart, fearing impropriety. But seeing the pair’s calm demeanor, Lily finally warned: "Hurt Blazing Heart, and I’ll reduce you to charcoal."

"Even you, Illusionary Feather—I’ll slice you thin," Kerdling echoed.

Assured he’d behave, they retreated to their rooms. Yote had already vanished earlier.

Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart were last to enter their room. After showers, he messaged the trio via communicator, preemptively clarifying the meeting’s purpose to avoid misunderstandings.

They reconvened swiftly, sharing findings. One thread emerged: House Henry’s urgent retreat. *Why?* The blueprint seemed key—but no one jumped to conclusions. Soon after, they parted ways, ready to dig deeper tomorrow.