Bullying the weak happens everywhere—between individuals on a small scale, and between nations on a large one.

Still, those admitted to Augustus College were civilized, educated people—even if not nobles. They should’ve had basic decency, avoiding such filthy acts. To prevent magical trouble, the school also banned magic use outside designated areas, with harsh penalties for violators.

But clearly, Ouyang Tao was wrong.

He’d never bully anyone. Knowing how awful it felt to be bullied, he couldn’t ignore injustice. Especially when it targeted his sister!

He charged into the grove. A male student lay on the ground, shielded by his sister Ouyang Xue. Six or seven others surrounded them, fists clenched and ready to fight.

“Stop right there!” Ouyang Tao yelled.

The brawl halted—but when the group saw only him, their arrogance returned. Their leader sneered, “Who the hell are you?”

In the dim light, Ouyang Tao recognized them: senior students from the Mechanical Department. The fallen one was too.

“Doesn’t matter who I am. Mess with my sister, and you’re asking for trouble!” Without magic, he wasn’t afraid of a group fight.

“Tch. Hero saving his sister? You’re alone. What can you do?” They dismissed him, relying on their numbers.

“Hey, I recognize him—he’s the guy who tied with the young lady today.”

“…Shut up. I know.” The leader shoved the speaker aside after a pause, knuckles crackling. “Who cares? No magic allowed. Beat him anyway!”

This fight was unavoidable. Ouyang Tao didn’t care. He’d bite if he had to—no one hurt A Xue.

“Group fights mean sixty demerits and a month of volunteer duty at the Arcane Library. Think carefully before swinging,” a voice cut in, stopping them cold.

“Crap—it’s the Patrol Squad.”

“Let’s go.”

“Yeah, the Arcane Library’s no joke.”

Two figures stepped forward: Monster Girl and Silent Sword, Ouyang Tao’s dorm seniors. Both wore armbands marked “Discipline Squad”—the Magic Sword Department’s night patrol duty, formally called the Discipline Squad but nicknamed the Patrol Squad by students.

Their authority was absolute. Violators faced strict punishment, and group fights were serious offenses. Guilt or innocence didn’t matter—only the severity of the penalty.

Ouyang Tao breathed a sigh of relief. “Seniors, thank you.”

“No problem. Silent Sword and I were clocking out when we heard you shout,” Monster Girl said, eyeing the pair behind him. “Who are they?”

The bullied student bowed hastily to them and fled without a word.

“Hey! You—ugh…” Ouyang Xue tried calling after him, but he was gone.

“Little sister, you’re from the Elemental Department, right? Why were you alone with a Mechanical Department guy so late?” Monster Girl asked—echoing Ouyang Tao’s own worry.

Was his sister being targeted already? It was only her second day.

“Well… I was practicing at the training ground. That senior said my wind orb technique was wrong, so we argued. Then we got talking… and lost track of time. He offered to walk me back since it was late, so we took a shortcut through the grove. Then those guys showed up… and you all arrived.” Ouyang Xue explained quickly.

Ouyang Tao relaxed slightly—it seemed accidental.

But wait. A Mechanical Department student bonding over elemental magic? That made no sense.

Monster Girl nodded knowingly. “I see… Are you two siblings?”

“Yes, she’s my sister, Ouyang Xue.”

“And he’s my brother, Ouyang Tao.”

“Doesn’t look it. Whatever.” Monster Girl suddenly hugged Ouyang Xue tight. “So adorable~~”

“Eh? Ah! No! Brother, help!” Ouyang Xue yelped, squirming uselessly against the larger girl.

“Don’t be scared, little sister. Big sister just wants cuddles.” Monster Girl nuzzled her cheek against Ouyang Xue’s hair. “Like a doll! I wanna take you home~”

Silent Sword just shook his head, as if thinking, “Here we go again…”

Ouyang Tao agreed—his sister was undeniably cute. He almost envied Monster Girl. Being girls together must be nice…

After a moment, Silent Sword pulled Monster Girl away.

“But I’m not done spoiling you!” Monster Girl beamed. “It’s late anyway. Come back to our dorm with us.”

“Huh? Together? What do you mean?” Ouyang Xue hid behind her brother, sensing she’d be “eaten alive.”

Still, the idea made sense. After what happened, Ouyang Tao couldn’t let her walk alone. Escorting her and returning would take too long. Crashing at his dorm was practical.

“Good point, A Xue. Stay at my place tonight.”

“Eh? B-brother… what do you mean? D-do you… I-I’m not ready… but since we’re not blood-related, it’s not impossible…” Ouyang Xue stammered, fingers twisting together, lost in wild fantasies about their private dorm rooms.

Ouyang Tao sighed. “A Xue, are you okay? I meant the spare guest room. If you’re uncomfortable, forget it.”

The misunderstanding cleared. Ouyang Xue blinked. “Oh… we’re not sleeping together?”

“Stop daydreaming.” He flicked her forehead.

“So that’s how it is, heh…” Monster Girl muttered, piecing together their sibling dynamic. “Enough flirting, you two. It’s late. Let’s go.”

The four set off toward the dorms.