"Woah, so this is where you and your brothers live? I thought it was for the Professors." Seeing the special zone dormitory was actually a villa, Ouyang Xue couldn't hide her surprise.

Ouyang Tao fully understood his sister's shock. He'd once stood frozen at the door too. "Heh, yeah. I thought the same at first."

Ouyang Xue turned back and spotted Monster Girl and Silent Sword trailing behind. Monster Girl waved and licked her tongue at her. Ouyang Xue quickly faced forward again. "But... why are those two seniors following us?"

"'Cause they live here too," Ouyang Tao replied matter-of-factly.

"Boys... and girls together?"

"The rooms are separate. It's a four-person dorm. You didn't think I lived alone in this huge villa, did you?"

"Oh..."

Inside the villa—no, dorm—Ouyang Tao instantly relaxed like he was home. Ouyang Xue darted around the first-floor rooms, wide-eyed with curiosity.

"Wow, it's huge! And has everything!"

Worried she'd get carried away, Ouyang Tao gently reminded her, "Alright, it's late. Shower and rest. Classes tomorrow."

"Um... Brother..." Ouyang Xue shyly tugged his sleeve.

"What is it?"

"I haven't had dinner..."

Her words jolted Ouyang Tao's memory—he'd skipped dinner too, lost in books.

"Now that you mention it, I'm starving after patrolling all afternoon. Midnight snack time!" Monster Girl chimed in. "Silent Sword, you hungry too?"

Silent Sword nodded. Magic Sword Department training burned massive energy. He always ate big midnight meals.

"Fine, I'll cook. A Xue, shower first." Ouyang Tao tied on an apron and headed to the kitchen. Silent Sword followed silently, grabbing a knife to help. He waited for ingredients.

Ouyang Tao thought. "Seafood mixed curry? I'll steam rice and cook curry. Senior, handle the veggies?"

Silent Sword nodded once. He pulled out carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, chopping them swiftly.

Monster Girl, free now, grinned mischievously at Ouyang Xue. "Hehe, let the boys cook. Shower time, little sister."

"But I have no spare clothes..."

"Use big sister's."

"Huh? Ah—!"

Before Ouyang Xue could react, Monster Girl scooped her up and dashed to the bathroom.

"Wow, little sis, let big sister see your figure."

"Senior, no! I can undress myself."

"What's the big deal? We're both girls."

"But it's weird... ah, there... stop, eep—!"

"Hehe, so cute."

"Brother, help me—!"

"No use. Just surrender to big sister's embrace. I pounce~"

Their playful shrieks from the bathroom reached Ouyang Tao in the kitchen, sparking awkward thoughts.

If Monster Girl were a guy, Ouyang Tao would've snapped by now.

As the curry finished, the girls emerged. Monster Girl looked satisfied. Ouyang Xue approached Ouyang Tao, head down, pouting, her little face flushed red like she might cry.

"Ugh... Brother... I'll never marry..."

"Heh, there there, it's not that bad." Ouyang Tao patted her head with a wry smile.

"Exactly! How could you not marry? Big sister'll marry you."

"Wah—! Brother, save me!"

Monster Girl lunged again. Ouyang Xue hid behind her brother.

But Monster Girl wasn't stopped. "Hehe, no escape. I'll eat your brother too—as an appetizer."

"No—!"

Senior, you're way out of line today. Why drag me in too... Ouyang Tao sighed helplessly.

Silent Sword tapped the dining table. The distraction saved them. Monster Girl finally paused her teasing.

"Alright, I get it. But she's just too cute." Clearly, no remorse.

The fragrant rice and spicy-sweet curry hit the spot. Ouyang Xue forgot everything, wolfing down three bowls despite her small frame.

"Mmm, delicious. Brother makes the best food."

"Slow down. Plenty left."

"Tastes great, junior. Another bowl~" Monster Girl was on her fifth.

Silent Sword silently handed his empty bowl—starting his tenth.

Together, they devoured three kilos of rice and a whole pot of curry.

After dinner, Silent Sword's table-tap blocked Monster Girl's attempt to bunk with Ouyang Xue. Each unit had two bedrooms, a living room, and a bathroom. Ouyang Tao settled his sister in the guest room and started clearing dishes.

Silent Sword headed upstairs. Monster Girl stayed to help.

"Feels awkward freeloading. Can't dump all chores on you, junior."

"Freeloading on food" made sense. But "freeloading on use"? Did she mean with his sister...? Ouyang Tao decided not to dwell on it.

Monster Girl joked wildly sometimes, but she was a warm, reliable senior—especially as a second-degree student.

Ouyang Tao had questions. Washing pots, he asked, "Senior Monster Girl, can I ask something?"

"Sure, shoot."

"Why's no one at the Arcane Library? And that librarian... she feels weird."

"Oh, the Arcane Library? Most stuff's either classified or read to shreds before enrollment. Why go when the Multifunctional Crystal Ball's so handy? Try the activity center's periodical room—it's busier."

"I see..." So Augustus College students were just theory-solid.

Besides, the Multifunctional Crystal Ball covered quick searches. No library needed.

"But that library girl..." Monster Girl grinned mysteriously, voice dropping eerie. "Endless super scary stories. Sure you wanna hear?"