As someone who usually slept only an hour a day, Illusionary Feather had rarely indulged in laziness yesterday. He stayed up all night with Blazing Heart. Sleeping deeply, he woke to a rare sight: Blazing Heart, who normally slept soundly, was staring intently at him. Her eyes held a trace of affection he seldom saw.

"Blazing Heart, why are you up so early today?" Illusionary Feather asked, unaware the sun was already high.

"Master, it's very late," Blazing Heart tilted her head, reacting unusually.

Only then did Illusionary Feather notice the bright sunlight flooding through the window. He lay lazily in bed—a stark contrast to his usual self.

Stretching widely, he squinted slightly at her almost translucent face in the sunlight. A sacred feeling washed over him. Just gazing at her felt like redemption. Blazing Heart seemed like his goddess.

His daydreaming shattered with a loud *gurgle*. Blazing Heart’s pale cheeks flushed deeply. Her rare shyness reminded him she wasn’t a goddess—just a little girl he needed to protect.

"Blazing Heart must be hungry. Master will cook now," Illusionary Feather said, springing up to dress and head to the kitchen. Soon, Blazing Heart joined him, sitting obediently at the dining table. This was their daily routine.

Just as Illusionary Feather prepared to serve the last dish, the doorbell rang annoyingly. He started toward it, but Blazing Heart scurried out on tiny steps. Curious, he followed. At the entrance, he realized she was answering the door—a first for her.

The door opened to reveal a fiery red twin-tailed girl slightly taller than Blazing Heart. Behind her stood a massive black Mech, twice their height.

Before Illusionary Feather could speak, the twin-tailed girl blurted, "Little Blazing Heart, where’s that Illusionary Feather guy?"

"Am I invisible?" Illusionary Feather cut in. She finally looked up, eyes flashing with mock anger. "Hmph! I thought you were a weird tree stump at first!"

Illusionary Feather knew Misha held a slight grudge over past events. He ignored her tone, focusing instead on Blazing Heart. She gazed at him, then leaned forward like a kitten seeking comfort. Instinctively, he stroked her head, his expression tender. Misha stared, stunned by the scene. Silence broke with another loud *gurgle*.

"Blazing Heart, let’s eat first," Illusionary Feather said, taking her small hand. She nodded obediently. Turning, he added to the ignored Misha, "Join us for breakfast?"

"Ah—uh—sure," Misha stammered, still dazed.

They ate quietly. Afterward, Illusionary Feather used minor magic to wash the dishes. The trio headed out—today was the trip to Dragon Rearing Mountain. Missing it would cause big trouble. Trouble was the worst.

The roads were empty, likely due to classes. Illusionary Feather broke the silence. "What brings you here today?"

"Just checking you’re not skipping," Misha declared, puffing out her flat chest proudly. "Not like I came to fetch you!"

Illusionary Feather ignored the gesture. "How do we get to the Integrated Tower?"

"Ride dragons, obviously. How else?" Misha shot back, puzzled. Then she paused. "Ah, right—you don’t have one. Let’s see... Black Rock should keep up with the Magic Vehicle. We can go together."

As they chatted, they reached the school gate. A girl’s voice called out, "Misha, Illusionary Feather, Blazing Heart—you’re all going together?"

Turning, they saw Sophia approaching. "Sophia, you’re here too?" Misha greeted.

"Yep. Making sure Illusionary Feather didn’t get lost," Sophia smiled.

"Lost? No. Just likely to be late," Illusionary Feather chuckled.

"We should hurry. Departure’s this morning. It’s almost eight," Sophia replied.

"Magic Vehicles are slow. We’d better go," Illusionary Feather sighed.

"Ride Violet Lightning with me instead," Sophia offered bluntly.

"If it doesn’t mind," Illusionary Feather agreed. Reaching the Integrated Tower on time was crucial.

"Sophia, will Violet Lightning even let *him* on? What if it refuses?" Misha interjected.

"Try first. If not, we’ll take your little Blackmoon," Sophia said confidently.

Misha opened her mouth but checked the time and fell silent. The group—four girls and one Mech—arrived at Yayang’s field. They summoned their dragons: Sophia’s medium-sized Violet Lightning, and Misha’s recently upgraded Defensive Steel Dragon, Black Rock. Both dragons lowered their heads immediately. Sophia and Misha didn’t notice, but Illusionary Feather did. Dragons never bowed unless facing royalty—and there was none here. He glanced at Blazing Heart, but she just stared blankly at him. He dropped the thought.

To Sophia’s surprise, Violet Lightning agreed instantly—charmed by Blazing Heart’s cuteness. Illusionary Feather was an afterthought.

Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart climbed onto Violet Lightning’s back. Black Rock was effortlessly lifted by Misha’s dragon, Blackmoon. The group—two dragons, four girls, and one Mech—flew toward the Integrated Tower. Mid-flight, a Black Dragon chased them. It slowed briefly, but something felt off.

Standing atop the Death Black Dragon was a silver-haired girl radiating undeniable presence. Her stern face softened as she greeted them. "Misha, Sophia—heading together?"

"Sister Avira, you’re going too?" Misha asked.

"Just finished some business. On my way now," Avira replied directly.

Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart stayed quiet. He hated trouble; staying hidden was best. Avira glanced at him dismissively. "Sophia, why’s he on Violet Lightning?"

"They’d be late by Magic Vehicle. So we combined rides," Sophia explained.

"Violet Lightning agreed? Unexpected," Avira murmured.

They sped up in silence, landing at the Integrated Tower.

At the entrance, Belka, Lily, and Kerdelin waited. Nearby, a Shining White Dragon descended. Its rider—a girl with short, sandy-yellow hair in Holy Mage Academy uniform—wore a bright smile.

Avira’s group and Misa landed on the plaza. Belka’s team approached, exchanging greetings before heading to the warehouse behind the Integrated Tower.

Illusionary Feather scanned the group. "Where’s Koya?" he asked unexpectedly.

Everyone turned to him. Several looked confused, as if he’d mentioned a ghost. Only Misha and Sophia pondered. Misa suddenly bounced to Illusionary Feather. "Junior, do you know that pretty green-haired girl?"

"Isn’t she part of our team?" Illusionary Feather raised his voice.

Misha and Sophia exchanged realization. Avira nodded slowly. Belka’s Student Council members seemed to recall something. An awkward silence fell. Illusionary Feather broke it. "Let’s check the warehouse. Koya might be there."

They headed to the "Dragon’s Den"—the Integrated Tower’s warehouse, named for its treasure-like contents. After clearance checks with the manager, they reached their spaceship. The manager left after brief instructions.

Illusionary Feather suggested everyone familiarize themselves with the ship. They scattered to explore. He and Blazing Heart idly checked the engine room.

In a corner, a small figure curled on the floor. It was Koya—no surprise, given her obsession with machinery. Worried she’d catch a chill, Illusionary Feather gently lifted her. Blazing Heart said nothing. But when they regrouped in the meeting-dining hall, the girls’ reactions varied. Avira immediately took Koya from him. Misha quietly led Blazing Heart away.

The meeting turned serious—discussing plans for the journey.

Then Misa dropped a bombshell. "Junior, you’re the only guy in this team. This screams harem setup. Especially once the ship flies—it’ll be our own little kingdom."

Silence crashed down. The air turned icy.