Illusionary Feather slipped back to his dorm before the crowds thickened. Today held many tasks, chief among them finalizing the core blueprint for his communicator—a design that would set it leagues apart from a mere Squawk-box.

Squawk-boxes only allowed short-range, one-on-one contact. His creation would enable long-distance group communication.

Blazing Heart slept soundly on the nearby bed. To keep her at ease, Illusionary Feather had sketched designs in the bedroom by day, reserving late nights for actual construction.

Just before noon, a faint knock echoed at the door—so soft most would mistake it for wind, or miss it entirely. But Illusionary Feather heard it clearly. He set down his pen, stepped into the hallway, and opened the door.

As expected, Koya stood there. Barely reaching his chest, her emerald-green hair cascaded over a lace-trimmed gown of the same shade. He had to tilt his head down to see her face: jade-green eyes, a delicate nose, and petal-pink lips—a flawless doll fresh from a collector’s showcase.

Koya greeted him softly. He returned the greeting and ushered her inside.

"Wait in the living room," he said. "I’ll grab the blueprint. We’ll discuss it together."

Lately, Koya visited daily with questions, lingering until every doubt was resolved. Familiarity had grown between them.

As Illusionary Feather retrieved the blueprint, Koya produced an ancient-looking book and flipped to a marked page. By the time he sat beside her, she was absorbed in its pages.

Studying her profile, Illusionary Feather felt a sudden kinship between Koya and Blazing Heart—though he couldn’t pinpoint why.

"You’re back," Koya murmured, snapping the book shut and turning to him.

"Hmm." He showed no fluster from his lingering gaze.

"Let me see it." She tucked the book away and reached for the blueprint.

He handed it over. Koya spread it across the coffee table, studying it intently.

"This component needs replacing," she said, pointing to a delicate surface-mount part.

Illusionary Feather leaned closer. "True. A magic-boost component would work better." He circled the part with his pen.

They debated designs deep into the afternoon. When Illusionary Feather offered lunch, Koya declined abruptly. "It’s late. I shouldn’t trouble you further." Her real worry? Blazing Heart would wake soon—and seeing her here would complicate things. Oblivious, Illusionary Feather saw her out.

Just as Blazing Heart stirred, demanding food, another knock sounded.

Illusionary Feather opened the door to find Kerdelin, travel-stained and breathless.

"Kerdelin? You look exhausted," he said, concern threading his voice.

"Just rushed," she replied. He stepped aside to let her in.

But Kerdelin hesitated at the threshold, fidgeting under his gaze. Illusionary Feather shifted uncomfortably, feeling oddly like a bully.

"What’s wrong?"

"Can you train me now? If you need to prepare, I’ll wait." Her urgency was palpable.

"Haste makes waste. Come in. I have one thing to fetch first."

Kerdelin took a steadying breath and entered.

Illusionary Feather asked her to wait in the living room while he ran an errand at the Subterranean Lab. Returning, he found Kerdelin chatting animatedly with Blazing Heart.

"Master!"

"Illusionary Feather!"

"Ready to go," he announced lightly.

"Can I come too, Master?"

"Stay and guard the dorm, Blazing Heart."

"Be quick then," she said, retreating to her room.

Their destination: Yayang’s training grounds. But the crowded field made Illusionary Feather uneasy—too many eyes, too little freedom.

Kerdelin sensed his discomfort. "If you don’t mind... I know a quiet spot. Spacious, and no one bothers us there."

He agreed without hesitation. Kerdelin summoned her Steelplume, then—without warning—grabbed the back of his collar and hauled him onto its back.

Mid-flight, she flushed crimson. "I-I’m sorry! I didn’t think—"

He merely smiled. Her grip reminded him of Belka’s early days, dragging him onto dragonback with the same casual strength. He’d found it exhilarating then.

Steelplume soared northward. Wind whipped across Illusionary Feather’s face, sharp with winter’s bite. Past winters meant grueling drills; this year felt strangely peaceful. Beside him, Kerdelin shivered.

"Can’t you channel Battle Aura to block the cold?" he asked.

"I can! I just... forgot for a second."

"Yesterday," he mused, "why didn’t you shape Battle Aura into sword energy during our duel?"

Battle Aura—the warrior’s counterpart to a Sorcerer’s magic. Swordmasters stored it, channeled it through blades as cutting energy. But it drained faster than stamina, reserved for decisive strikes. That’s why Belka’s squad had held back during recent skirmishes.

"Ah..." Kerdelin’s voice dropped. "I can’t shape it into sword energy yet."

"My mistake." He softened. "Don’t rush. I’ll help you master it."

Kerdelin stared at his back, a strange warmth blooming in her chest.

Steelplume descended onto Dragon Tamer Academy’s northern mountains. Ancient trees stood thick and vibrant despite November’s chill, golden leaves scarce among the evergreen canopy.

"Here?" Illusionary Feather asked as they dismounted on a treeless clearing.

"I train here alone often."

"Alone?" he murmured. The place felt familiar—eerily like where he’d first seen Belka and Lily on his academy arrival day.

Fifty meters of open turf stretched before them, perfect for practice.

"Shall we start? It’s getting late," Kerdelin pressed.

"So impatient."

"Hmph!"

"Today, we refine your soft-sword defense." Illusionary Feather drew a black flexible longsword from his waist. "Ready?"

"Please guide me."

Before her words faded, Kerdelin lunged. Illusionary Feather swept his blade sideways—a single fluid motion sealing her path. Most struggled to control a soft-sword’s whip-like nature, but in his hands, it moved like an extension of his arm: precise, seamless, masterful.

Kerdelin couldn’t breach his guard.

"Anticipate my strikes," he instructed. "Deflect the blade at its weakest curve."

Quick to learn, she focused. As his sword arced, she thrust her own blade against its spine—sending it recoiling toward him. She surged forward.

A solid tactic. But—

"Ah!"

The 1.8-meter blade couldn’t cover the distance fast enough. Kerdelin closed in instantly. Illusionary Feather dropped his sword hand and struck her forehead with a sharp chop. She stumbled back, rubbing the spot.

He retracted his sword—normally his belt, though today a proper belt held his pants up. As he gently moved her hand to check the red mark, Kerdelin swayed dizzily and collapsed against his chest.

Her face burned crimson. His arms instinctively locked around her waist to steady her—a move that looked scandalous, though Kerdelin secretly thrilled at the contact.

*He’s brilliant, kind, an amazing cook... and surrounded by stunning girls. I’m just ordinary.*

Yet here he was, holding her. Without warning, he swept her into a princess carry.

"Sunset’s perfect from the western cliffs," he declared, striding toward the ledge.

Kerdelin’s blush rivaled the dying sun’s glow.

What she didn’t know: Illusionary Feather was endearingly oblivious to romance.

And that obliviousness was his ticket straight into love triangle hell.

After sunset, Kerdelin fled on Steelplume’s back. Illusionary Feather watched her vanish, then froze.

*This isn’t Yayang. How do I get back?*

---

**Yayang Dormitory**

Illusionary Feather tested the finished communicator. Since that mountain day, Kerdelin arrived daily for training—but kept her distance during breaks. He’d asked why; she’d stayed silent. He’d stopped pressing.

A week passed. December 12th. Christmas loomed near.

Today’s task: test the prototype with Koya.

A knock interrupted him. He opened the door to a familiar face—Belka, Student Council President, radiating elegance.

"Belka-nee! Long time no see!" Illusionary Feather yelped, hopping backward.

*Thwack!* Her chop landed squarely on his forehead.

"Little Feather," she seethed, "you’ve lazed in this dorm for weeks without visiting your Council duties. And you greet me like this?" Her fist twitched toward his pretty face.

"Oh! Right—I’m on the Student Council?" He blinked innocently.

"*Aaargh!*" The ever-composed president nearly snapped. "Aren’t you going to invite your sister in?"

Belka’s dazzling smile appeared the next moment, her earlier anger vanished without a trace.

But Illusionary Feather felt a chill run down his spine. *This is fury at its peak. Things might get rough for me soon.*

They settled in the living room, facing each other. Belka spoke first. "Christmas is just days away. The Academy’s hosting a massive tech expo. Outsiders will flood in, causing chaos. The Student Council’s boosting patrols, but we’re still short-handed. Any recommendations, Feather-ie?"

"Isn’t maintaining order the Disciplinary Committee’s job?" Illusionary Feather tilted his head, asking.

*So cute.* Belka’s heart fluttered at the gesture.

"Hmph. The Committee *will* handle it," Belka cleared her throat, masking her thoughts. "But the Student Council still needs to lend support."

"Got it. I’ll ask Leilo and the others later. Actually, he was itching to join the Disciplinary Committee recently—got rejected, though."

"Perfect. By the way, Feather-ie," Belka leaned forward, curious. "What’s a tech geek like you doing holed up in your dorm all day?"

"Oh, this." Illusionary Feather waved his communicator.

"Isn’t that just a standard comm unit? Upgrading it?"

"Finished prototype. Might hit the market in a few days."

"Can big sister have one to play with?"

"Still testing. Once done, I’ll reserve the first batch for you and the others."

"Then I’ll wait eagerly."

"Master." Blazing Heart’s voice suddenly came from the doorway. Both turned. Belka’s eyes widened. "Blazing Heart! You’ve grown so much!"

Belka’s words jolted Illusionary Feather. He realized it too—Blazing Heart had done nothing but eat and sleep lately. He hadn’t noticed, but now... she’d visibly shot up since Dragon Rearing Mountain. No wonder her clothes seemed tighter these days.

"Oh! Sister Belka!" Blazing Heart greeted warmly.

"*Uh...*" Belka froze. Blazing Heart had *initiated* a greeting? Unheard of.

"Feather-ie," Belka stared at him, bewildered. "What happened? Since when does Blazing Heart greet people?"

*Thump thump thump.* Another knock echoed at the door.

Blazing Heart hurried to open it. Soon, she returned with Koya. Seeing their heights side by side, Illusionary Feather confirmed it—Blazing Heart now stood a good half-head taller than Koya. Just two weeks ago, she’d been slightly shorter.

"Koya. You made it."

"Yeah. Didn’t you ask me to test your communicator?"

"Koya... from Branch 19, right? Always so low-key." Belka stated bluntly.

"Oh. President Belka." Koya finally recognized her.

"Feather-ie," Belka pressed, "why’s Blazing Heart so cheerful now? Greeting people? Opening doors?"

Illusionary Feather hesitated. "After Dragon Rearing Mountain... we talked one night. She seemed troubled. I stayed up with her."

"And the next morning, she just... changed."

"Really, Feather-ie?" Belka eyed him skeptically.

"Honestly, I was shocked too when she greeted *me* that morning." His earnestness was palpable.

"Hmm."

Belka stood. "That’s all for today. Remember to find those helpers, Feather-ie. I’ve got class."

"Will do. Let me walk you out."

At the door, Belka stepped outside—then turned abruptly. Seeing Illusionary Feather’s face so close behind her, her heart skipped a beat. Her cheeks flushed crimson, recalling his light kiss days ago. Words died on her lips. She spun away, hurrying off without another glance.

Illusionary Feather scratched his head, confused by her flustered retreat, and went back inside.

"Koya, you saved me back there."

"No problem. Let’s test this communicator."

They began moving apart, testing its range. Illusionary Feather secretly used Spatial Magic to stretch the distance—past the dorms, beyond the Academy gates, into the city streets—yet Koya’s voice remained crystal clear. He gave up measuring. *Unlimited range?* Further tests confirmed it: as long as ambient magic particles flowed and the device stayed intact, communication was wireless and supported group calls.

Project success.

"I should head back," Koya said, taking her leave.

"Blazing Heart, come with me—" Illusionary Feather turned, only to find her fast asleep on the sofa. He carried her to her room, changed clothes, and headed out.

He arrived at Leilo’s dorm. Shadows moved inside. He knocked. The door opened to Lyster, Leilo’s sister.

"Yo, Lyster. Long time no see."

"Illusionary Feather! And Blazing Heart! It *has* been ages," Lyster smiled warmly. "Come in. Leilo’s here, and Yote dropped by too. Perfect timing for a reunion."

Inside, Leilo was being teased by friends while Yote lectured him sternly.

"Leilo, I’m back. Yote, good to see you."

"Illusionary Feather! Tell me—the Disciplinary Committee’s doing emergency recruitment, right?!" Leilo lunged for a bear hug. Illusionary Feather sidestepped smoothly.

"No Committee openings. But the Student Council needs extra hands for the expo." Straight to the point.

"I’m in!" Leilo’s pale cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Yote? We’ll need strong arms to handle troublemakers during the expo." Illusionary Feather turned to Yote Girohl.

"I was about to spar anyway. If you need me, count me in." Yote remained calm.

"Lyster," Illusionary Feather added, "care to join? Noble factions might clash over exhibits. Your insight could prevent disasters."

"You’ve got us all figured out, haven’t you?" Lyster fixed him with a sharp gaze. "Though... I’m not trusting *this* little brother unsupervised."

"Lyster! I’m not younger than you!" Leilo protested.

"Good boy." Lyster reached to ruffle his hair.

*Snort.* Yote and Illusionary Feather burst out laughing.

Illusionary Feather stayed for dinner, promising to confirm schedules later. He left as night fell.

December 20th arrived. Leilo’s team began their duties. Unseen, a crisis brewed in the shadows. The real show was about to begin.