Early that morning, Illusionary Feather—the eternal homebody—had surprisingly prepared to go out, Blazing Heart in tow. Both wore thick coats. Though the cold didn’t bother Illusionary Feather, he layered up to avoid standing out. With Christmas nearing and temperatures below freezing, a T-shirt would’ve made him look like an idiot.

Blazing Heart wore only a black lace dress, but its fabric was heavily padded—a warmth gift from Illusionary Feather, courtesy of Koya.

Their early start? Last night, Belka had stormed into his dorm and scolded him fiercely. As a StudentCouncil member, he’d lazed in his room during the academy’s busiest season. *Her* perspective, perhaps—but it did prove he’d been cooped up too long.

Before leaving, Belka had smiled sweetly at him: "If my little Feather-brother skips out tomorrow? Well… unexpected things might happen."

Illusionary Feather had shuddered.

Meanwhile, somewhere on the continent, an old man instructed a crimson-eyed girl: "Go to the Dragon Tamer Academy. Check on your good-for-nothing senior. See if he’s slacking off… or found a wife. If not? *You* become his bride. If he has? Handle it as you see fit."

"Yes, Master," the girl replied, her smile sharp as a blood moon.

"Depart now. With your skills, you’ll arrive by tomorrow afternoon."

"Understood. Farewell, Master."

With that, both vanished.

Back at dawn, Illusionary Feather and Blazing Heart laced up shoes by the entrance. As he sat on the step tying his laces, Blazing Heart suddenly pounced from behind, draping herself over his back. Her budding curves pressed against him, stirring the calm waters of his heart.

"Master…" She rested her chin on his shoulder, voice dripping honey. "Am I truly so unappealing? Living together all this time… not once have you felt the urge to *sin* with me?"

"…" His pulse roared; heat flooded his veins. Yet just as he teetered on the edge, his temperature cooled. He turned, pulling her into his arms. His gaze shifted—mature, steady. Blazing Heart flushed under his stare, flustered.

"It’s not that I’m unmoved," he murmured, voice low and sure. "But the timing’s wrong, Blazing Heart. Something’s coming. Be patient a little longer." His calm tone soothed her. She nodded silently, cheeks still pink.

He helped her slip on her shoes. Hand in hand, they stepped outside. The biting wind couldn’t penetrate the warmth between them.

Silence wrapped their walk—comfortable, wordless. At the boys’ dorm exit, a familiar figure approached: Lyster, basket in hand. Spotting them, she waved warmly. "Morning, Illusionary Feather. Blazing Heart."

"Morning, Lyster."

"Good morning, Sister Lyster!"

"Taking lunch to Leilo again?" Illusionary Feather guessed.

"Hmph. Left alone, he’d just grab junk food," Lyster huffed.

"Even a blind man could see that," he teased.

"But coming here daily isn’t practical if emergencies strike. He needs better habits."

"How?" Lyster asked.

Illusionary Feather fished two devices from his coat. "Try these." He’d nicknamed them *Magic Communicators* with Koya—upgraded contactors, rigorously tested. Mass-produced just in time for Christmas, they needed real-world trials. Friends were perfect guinea pigs… though he genuinely wanted Leilo to eat properly.

He demonstrated the device with Blazing Heart. "Now you can message Leilo anytime. Remind him to eat well—even nag him."

Lyster agreed it was sensible. When he confessed his ulterior motive—testing the gadgets—she just laughed. "Knowing you is the best thing that’s happened to Leilo."

Watching Lyster leave, Blazing Heart sighed dreamily. "Master… Lyster Sister and Brother Leilo may be siblings, but I wish they’d stay together forever. Like us." She beamed.

"They’ve mended their rift," Illusionary Feather said, squeezing her hand. "Everything will fall into place."

They headed for the academy gates to catch a Magic Vehicle to the StudentCouncil office. Near Yayang School’s entrance, a flash of crimson darted past. Instinctively, Illusionary Feather grabbed the figure—only to find Misha stumbling into his arms. Blazing Heart stifled a giggle behind her hand.

"*You!*" Misha snapped, wrenching free. Magic flickered—not a Sorcerer’s raw power, but a pilot’s will. Her black Mech, Black Rock, lunged, fist aimed at Illusionary Feather’s face.

He caught the metal arm mid-swing. "Misha, wait! I need to talk—"

"Talk *after* Black Rock flattens you!" Her twin red tails seemed to bristle with rage.

"Then don’t blame me." Time was tight—he’d be late for the meeting. He pinned Black Rock’s arm but targeted Misha instead, flicking her forehead lightly. "I’m swamped now. No time to apologize. But I need your help. Tonight, I’ll owe you *anything*. Just listen first."

"Master’s right, Sister Misha," Blazing Heart chimed in.

Misha huffed. "Fine. I’ll collect my debt tonight. Talk."

He handed her several Magic Communicators. "Koya and I upgraded contactors. Call it a ‘Gaga-phone’ on steroids. If it works, staying in touch gets effortless."

"What’s special about it?" Misha eyed the device skeptically.

"Contact anyone with one. Even group calls—with permission." As he explained, her eyes widened. Unlike Lyster, she grasped its revolutionary potential.

Realizing he was late, Illusionary Feather flagged a Magic Vehicle to the Integrated Tower. Inside, Blazing Heart boldly sat on his lap, arms looped around his neck. *She’s getting clingier since gaining emotions*, he mused. Yet as they neared the building, she slid back to her seat—obediently.

The StudentCouncil waited outside the Integrated Tower. Barely had their vehicle departed when a massive shadow loomed overhead. Fireballs rained down on Illusionary Feather. A holy shield flared around Blazing Heart—

—but a pitch-black barrier swallowed the flames instead, dissolving them utterly.

Even Illusionary Feather froze. He’d recognized Lily’s attack; Belka’s group letting it happen was his punishment. Yet *this* shield? He glanced at Blazing Heart. Dark light receded from her chest as the barrier vanished.

"No one hurts my master," she declared, stepping in front of him.

A collective "*Huh?*" echoed from the onlookers.

"It’s alright, Blazing Heart." He ruffled her hair. "This is my penance for skipping out."

"But Master wasn’t slacking off!" She turned, eyes wounded. *I was protecting you, and you take their side?*

"I know." He smiled gently. "I’ll handle it. Thank you for having my back."

*She wanted them to see her power. To understand she guards what’s hers.*

"My fault," Lily apologized quickly.

"I should’ve stopped her," Belka added.

Blazing Heart beamed, hugging Illusionary Feather possessively. "I just wanted you all to know—I’ll protect my master. No more picking on him!" The tension melted. They headed inside together.

In the warm StudentCouncil office, coats were hung, seats taken. Belka sat center, flanked by Misa and Lily on her left, Illusionary Feather and Kerdelin on her right. Blazing Heart perched on a guest sofa.

"Meeting starts now," Belka announced. "Christmas duties mirror past years. Lily: Holy Mage Academy. Misa: Mechanical Campus—Holders and Marco. Feather-brother: Yayang and Feria zones. Kerdelin and I handle Sword Sage School." She slid booklets across the table. "Details are inside."

Illusionary Feather finally blurted out: "I have questions. How *was* it done before? And why’s this manual so dense? Just reading it gives me a headache."

Illusionary Feather’s question instantly clicked for everyone. They realized he hadn’t grown up at the academy—he’d only been here three or four months. Yet in that short time, more extraordinary events had unfolded than in several ordinary years.

“I completely forgot about that,” Belka murmured, tapping her forehead lightly. “Feather’s only been here a few days. He hasn’t seen many official events. Everyone else can start working now—or stay to handle StudentCouncil duties first.”

Misa remained utterly still, intently studying the booklet in her hands. Uncharacteristically quiet—normally she’d be shouting about charging off somewhere and dashing away like an overexcited child.

Lily stood to organize files. Kerdelin rose to help her. Only Illusionary Feather stayed seated, watching Belka, waiting to hear her explain the Christmas arrangements. Just before she began, Blazing Heart quietly slipped from the sofa and settled into Kerdelin’s vacated seat. Under the table, she reached for Illusionary Feather’s hand. No one paid it much mind.

Belka started her explanation: “For Christmas, each school notifies its classes to prepare one performance. Most schools host shows on campus, opening their gates wide to welcome nearby residents and students from other academies.”

“The grandest stage is built in the plaza outside the Integrated Tower. Only the top-ranked acts from the academy’s most prestigious schools perform there—drawing tens of thousands of spectators.”

“Even the security teams mobilize to maintain order. Minor incidents happen yearly, but nothing major in recent years.”

“That covers the essentials. Any questions?”

“None. So it’s this simple?” Illusionary Feather’s expression plainly said, *That’s all?*

“Oh—I have something I’d like you all to test. Perfect timing for Christmas.” Illusionary Feather stood, patted his coat pockets, and placed five Magic Communicators on the table.

Everyone gathered around curiously.

“Feather, is this an upgraded version of the communicator? Already finished?” Belka recognized the devices instantly.

“Junior, what’s this thing? It looks just like a frog-phone! Is it its illegitimate child?” Misa’s eyes sparkled as she examined a Magic Communicator—her words making everyone nearly facepalm.

“Well… sort of. But it’s a legitimate heir, not a bastard. I’ve tested it myself, but I’m not sure if issues remain. I need your help trialing it.” Illusionary Feather’s playful agreement with Misa made the others nearly collapse again—though he quickly added serious details.

“How do we use it?” Kerdelin asked, holding one.

“I’ll explain.” Illusionary Feather demonstrated. An hour later, they finally resettled into their seats.

“Truly, the student surpasses the master! The son outshines the father!” Misa declared nonsensically.

“Exactly. If the next generation isn’t stronger, the world can’t progress,” Illusionary Feather shot back.

“But it *is* really handy,” Lily admitted. Others shared their impressions too.

By noon, they ate together at a nearby student cafeteria before resuming afternoon work. Though everyone should’ve rushed off to prepare for Christmas, Belka insisted they rest first. Misa cheered, leaping to hug Illusionary Feather’s neck: “Junior’s amazing! The moment you arrive, we get breaks!”

Everyone stared. Blazing Heart didn’t mind—she simply clung tighter to Illusionary Feather’s arm.

Near dusk, Belka suggested visiting Illusionary Feather’s dorm since it’d been ages. Unanimous approval followed.

Illusionary Feather’s right eyelid twitched violently. A chill shot down his spine—he felt like he’d plunged into an ice cellar.

Before he could react, the group arrived at Yayang’s entrance. Misha waited there. Illusionary Feather’s blood ran cold—he remembered that morning’s incident. If she told Belka everything, he was doomed. Panicked, he rushed to negotiate with Misha. Wisely, she agreed to stay silent.

Illusionary Feather led a trail of stunning girls into the boys’ dorm—a spectacle. Strangely, the halls were empty despite it being after class.

As they neared his room, a crowd of boys blocked the way. Confused, the group pushed forward. When Illusionary Feather approached, the crowd parted. At its center stood a stranger: waist-length black hair split into two braids tied with ribbons, her right eye hidden by long bangs. Her uncovered left eye—deep as ink—locked onto Illusionary Feather. Even the girls gasped at her flawless face. Her uniform hugged a perfect figure. Hands clasped before her, she seemed flustered by the attention.

Spotting Illusionary Feather, her eyes lit up. She darted forward and hugged him tightly. “Yu~ Senior Brother!”

“Uh…” Illusionary Feather hadn’t recovered from the office chaos. Now this new trouble made him regret leaving his room. *Beautiful women only bring headaches,* he thought, surrounded by complications.

*BOOM!* The boys who’d fawned over the girl erupted into deafening shouts. Their gazes at Illusionary Feather turned venomous with envy. Several burly guys advanced, assuming he was a frail shut-in. Others grabbed the girls to stop them from interfering.

Strangely, none of them moved to help. Only Blazing Heart and the clinging girl remained near Illusionary Feather.

The boys glared but hesitated to harm the beautiful stranger or the petite Blazing Heart. One stepped forward, trying to coax them aside.

They’d miscalculated. Even without the mysterious girl, Blazing Heart alone could flatten them.

“What do you think you’re doing to my master?” Blazing Heart’s voice was icy.

“You little punk! Come here and die!” Unable to touch the girls, they lunged at Illusionary Feather.

“Who gave you permission to touch my Senior Brother?!” The girl’s right hand whipped back. A surge of power slammed them into the ground, asses-first.

Belka’s group stared, stunned. *Another terrifying girl…* they thought silently.

The boys shrank back.

“My person has arrived. If you don’t leave now, I won’t mind escorting you out.” The girl swept her gaze over the lingering crowd.

They scattered—some faster than rabbits.

When only their group remained, the girl pressed against Illusionary Feather’s chest again. “Senior Brother, are you hurt?”

“Uh… aren’t you mistaken?” Illusionary Feather dodged awkwardly.

“No.” She pulled out a painting, compared it to his face, then handed it to him. “See? Master’s signature is here.”

Illusionary Feather checked the bottom-right corner: the character “Kai.” Undeniably the old man’s handwriting.

“Definitely that old bastard’s signature,” he muttered.

“Believe me now, Senior Brother?” She tucked the painting away and hugged him tighter.

Belka’s group shifted uncomfortably.

*Ahem!* Belka cleared her throat pointedly.

Illusionary Feather didn’t flinch or push the girl away. Instead, he asked calmly, “Introduce yourself, junior. I don’t even know your name.”

“Mm.” She lifted her head, her uncovered black eye meeting his. “I’m IllusionDance. Master named me.”

“You must wonder why we share a surname.”

Illusionary Feather nodded.

“I’m your betrothed since childhood. Master found me as a baby.”

“… Do you live in the room on the right?”

“Yes.”

“No wonder the old man never let me in. Said he kept treasures there.” Illusionary Feather snorted. “Though I never cared to look.”

“Master told me *everything*,” IllusionDance said, eyes crinkling with a smile.

“That damn old man,” Illusionary Feather cursed under his breath.

*Ah-choo!*

*“Is that brat thinking of me? Ugh—disgusting.”*

“How long will you two cling like this?” Belka’s Battle Aura flared dangerously.

In an instant, IllusionDance tensed to defend Illusionary Feather.

He rapped her head lightly with a chop. “Enough. Inside. Now.”

He carried the nearly asleep Blazing Heart inside, IllusionDance still clinging to his arm. The girls followed.

After settling Blazing Heart in his room, Illusionary Feather urged IllusionDance to socialize with Belka’s group. When he returned to the living room, tension hung thick as smoke.

The StudentCouncil members sat together. IllusionDance sat alone on the other side, her ink-black eyes radiating disdain.

He understood that look—the gaze of the strong dismissing the weak. He’d worn it himself long ago, before a sudden awakening changed him.

“Belka, everyone—make yourselves comfortable,” Illusionary Feather said, pulling IllusionDance to the entryway. She followed without resistance.

The moment they left, the room’s atmosphere thawed. IllusionDance’s haughty stare had grated even on Belka. Only Belka and Misa had held Lily back from a fight.

“IllusionDance is stronger than we thought… which makes Feather even more mysterious,” Belka murmured.

“Yeah. Junior’s impossible to read.”

“Hmph. That lazybones? How strong could he be?” Lily scoffed, though her darting eyes betrayed her.

“Illusionary Feather *is* enigmatic… incredibly impressive,” Kerdelin added.

“Speaking of which—Kerdelin’s been vanishing after classes lately,” Lily teased.

“Ah!” Kerdelin yelped, remembering Illusionary Feather carrying her to watch the sunset.

“Something’s fishy~” Misa narrowed her eyes at Kerdelin.

Chaos erupted as they playfully wrestled.

“Dancer.” The name slipped out before Illusionary Feather realized why he’d used it.

IllusionDance’s face flushed crimson.

“Alright, Dancer,” he said, steadying his voice. “You felt these people were too weak to deserve your words, didn’t you?”

She nodded obediently.

“Then between us—who’s stronger?”

“Of course you are, Senior Brother!” she answered instantly.

“Should I look down on you then?”

“No!” She cried out, flinging herself against him, trembling.

Her shout stirred the living room—but silence quickly returned.

“Exactly. Never scorn those weaker than you. One day, you might fall lower than them. I don’t want that for you.” He hugged her back.

“I understand… but I can’t change overnight,” she whispered, docile.

"Well then, go back and chat with them to get closer. I have something to take care of outside," Illusionary Feather said, stroking her head. IllusionDance obediently lifted her face to look at him. At that moment, her right eye, previously hidden by her bangs, was revealed—a purple pupil, the same color as Illusionary Feather's eyes.

"No wonder you could hold my gaze for so long. Even this skill was taught to you by the old man," Illusionary Feather murmured, releasing his hand. He sent her back first while he went out to buy ingredients.

By the time he returned, the girls had settled into peaceful coexistence.

Seeing what Illusionary Feather carried, the girls hurried to help.

Afterward, everyone spent a pleasant time in Illusionary Feather's dorm.

After the meal, all the girls left. Yes, every single one.

But the next day, Illusionary Feather discovered something incredible.