Five days had passed since Illusionary Feather and the others returned.

Ever since that day, Illusionary Feather had stayed cooped up in his dorm, with Blazing Heart quietly keeping him company. She spent most of her time sleeping, though—no obvious cause for concern, so he didn’t press further.

Illusionary Feather had been busy refining the communicator’s functions. Right now, it could only connect a handful of people—barely better than a beeper, with just one extra feature: group calls. Not yet practical for everyday use. So he’d spent these days upgrading the beeper’s design.

Around mid-morning, Blazing Heart bustled alone in the kitchen. Her personality had brightened since hatching from the dragon egg—likely from reclaiming her emotions after merging with Dark Blazing Heart.

On their first day back, she’d declared a good pet must care for their master’s daily needs. She’d started by learning to cook from Illusionary Feather. Surprisingly gifted, she mastered basic dishes after just one morning’s lesson. That afternoon, while Illusionary Feather revised communicator blueprints in the living room, he kept an ear on the kitchen, stepping in whenever she needed guidance.

Blazing Heart began cooking solo from the second afternoon onward. Illusionary Feather had finished the blueprint revisions but still hesitated to leave for the Subterranean Lab. The old him would’ve charged off immediately—no second thoughts. Change wasn’t just for her. These months at Dragon Tamer Academy had softened him too, making him more human.

As Blazing Heart cheerfully prepared breakfast, a knock sounded at the dorm door. Wearing slippers and a white lace-trimmed apron, she hurried over, calling, “Coming!”

Opening the door revealed a girl in Sword Sage School uniform—ponytail, sword at her waist. Blazing Heart recognized her instantly. “Good morning, Kerdelin.”

“O-oh! Morning, Blazing Heart,” Kerdelin stammered, startled. After all their time together, Blazing Heart had never greeted her first. The warmth caught her off guard, though she returned the smile.

“Is something wrong? Come in,” Blazing Heart said politely, stepping aside.

Kerdelin floated in, still unnerved by the courtesy. She had urgent business. After swapping shoes at the entrance, she entered the living room.

Blazing Heart followed—then gasped, “Oh no!” and dashed back to the kitchen. The kitchen adjoined the open-plan living-dining area, so Kerdelin caught the frantic blur.

*How did she go from silent to… this?* Kerdelin wondered. *Just days apart, and she’s like any ordinary girl.* She held her tongue, though—prying felt rude.

Soon, Blazing Heart carried out breakfast. “Join me? I made extra.”

“Sure,” Kerdelin agreed.

“Wait here. I’ll get my master.” Blazing Heart set down the food and untied her apron. Kerdelin’s curiosity deepened. *She’s cooking for him now? Before, she’d just wait for him to serve her.*

*Did Illusionary Feather… change her somehow?*

Lost in thought, she barely noticed Illusionary Feather entering—hair damp, smelling of shampoo and soap. He flashed a casual smile. “Morning, Kerdelin.”

“...Oh.” His charm hit her like a spell. She snapped back only after his greeting.

Blazing Heart trailed behind him, stopping at his side.

He ruffled her hair. “My little apprentice’s getting so capable.”

“It’s all thanks to your teaching, Master,” she murmured, a faint blush on her cheeks.

Watching them, Kerdelin felt like a third wheel.

Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart took their seats. Seeing Kerdelin still frozen, he gestured as host. “Join us?”

“Right.” She jolted awake—this was becoming a habit today.

They shared a pleasant breakfast. Knowing Illusionary Feather rarely spoke while eating, Kerdelin waited to state her purpose. Only after Blazing Heart cleared the table—muttering she’d nap—and left the room did Kerdelin lean in, nervous. “Illusionary Feather… I need a favor. Will you… agree?” Sitting close, she caught his scent again. His damp hair made him look even more handsome.

“I don’t go by ‘that,’ you know,” he teased.

“Uh…” She blinked, flustered.

“Just ask straight out. If I can help, I will.” He eased her tension.

“I… want you to train my swordsmanship.” The words burst out.

Illusionary Feather paused. “I’m an Inventor.”

Kerdelin froze—then shot back, “You sparred with me before! How can you *just* be an Inventor?”

“Huh. You know me better than I know myself.” His grin was pure mischief.

“Mmph!” Heat flooded her face. She didn’t know why. His delighted chuckle only deepened her blush.

“Training costs sincerity,” he declared, tone playful. *No free lessons here.*

“What do you want? I can pay—if it’s not too much.” Her voice wavered. Her family wasn’t wealthy; she often worked part-time to cover surprises.

“Not money.” His gaze swept over her.

Kerdelin leapt back three meters, arms crossed over her chest. “W-what are you doing?!”

His smile turned devastating. She lost her breath again.

“Kidding.” He relented at her panic. “I’ve been lazy lately. When you visit, just fetch materials from the auction house for me. I’ll give you my card—everything’s free. No cost to you.”

“Of course!” She agreed instantly, terrified he’d retract the offer. *He always keeps his word… right?*

“But since you’re here today—walk with me.” He’d claimed laziness, yet now wanted out. Puzzled, she followed.

They reached Yayang’s empty training field—classes hadn’t started; students lingered in dorms. Illusionary Feather realized he’d barely attended any lectures since arriving.

Kerdelin trailed behind until he beckoned her beside him at the field’s center. “Show me your progress first.”

His words ignited her fighting spirit. She strode ten paces ahead, drew her sword, and lunged. In a blink, the blade flashed before his eyes—three thrusts aimed true. He simply stepped back; the strikes pierced only his afterimage.

Shocked by his speed, she pressed closer, unleashing five rapid strikes to corner him. He retreated again.

Back and forth they moved until he neared the field’s edge. Then—two fingers clamped her blade. No matter how she pulled, it wouldn’t budge.

“Enough.” He released it. “I see your skill. But you held back your sword aura—that disappoints me.” His critique was crisp. “Also… first time we met, you wielded a Heavy Sword. Later, you bought this rapier. Why?”

“Guess,” she retorted, smirking. *Payback for his teasing.*

“You hid your true weapon. The Heavy Sword was a decoy—stored in your Contract Seal to mislead others.” His certainty silenced her. *He’s right… again.*

“Told you.” He grinned, releasing her sword. She sheathed it.

“Training starts tomorrow. Six a.m. at my dorm. Two hours—I know you have class at nine. After lessons, come back. I’ll give you the material list; fetch them then. Today’s session ends here.”

“Thank you,” she said earnestly.

“No problem.” He tossed her a crystal card. She fumbled to catch it.

Her eyes widened. *An all-access auction card?* Free materials, weapons—anything. Such trust… to hand it over so casually. “I-I’ll hold it for you. Just give it when you need items?” She offered it back.

“Kerdelin, I trust you.” His tone turned light. “But if guilt bothers you… lose it, and you pay the damages.”

“...Understood.” Her reply was solemn.

“Run along now—you’ll be late.”

She waved goodbye before riding her dragon away.

Watching her vanish, Illusionary Feather smiled and headed back. Soon, the field buzzed with students—Yayang’s classes had begun.