Something had happened—something big. Anyone with eyes could see that.
Escorted by a squad of guards and two Discipline Squad cadets, Ouyang Tao and his sister were ushered into a light armored vehicle headed for the Augustus College security office for questioning.
Even inside the vehicle, the tension gripping the campus was palpable. Roads swarmed with patrols—guards and Discipline Squad members marching in tight formations. These guards wore reinforced mechanical exoskeletons and armor, a stark contrast to their usual light gear. Each gripped a black anti-magic riot shield in one hand and a mounted machine gun in the other, moving in fifteen-person units. Two Discipline Squad cadets commanded each unit: one leading at the front, the other covering the rear, their sharp eyes scanning relentlessly like soldiers bracing for invasion.
Nearby, students from the Special Department were flanked by four blue-uniformed guards each—Imperial Guards of the Duchy of Lain. These elite troops, typically stationed to protect Duke Ryan’s residence, were mostly Augustus College alumni. Each could effortlessly take on a hundred foes. Their presence here as student bodyguards screamed severity.
But what could possibly warrant this?
At the security office, Ouyang Tao and his sister were separated for individual questioning.
“…So around 11:45 AM, you parted ways with the victims?”
“Yes. After that, my sister, Monica from the Discipline Squad, and Senior Silent Sword accompanied us back to our dorm.”
“And from then until the incident, were you all together continuously?”
“That’s correct. We never separated.”
“Thank you for your cooperation. Your personal guards await outside. They’ll ensure your safety moving forward.”
“Understood.”
The interrogation lasted only fifteen minutes. Ouyang Tao learned the gist: three Mechanical Department students involved in yesterday’s clash with him and his sister had been attacked—severely injured. Suspicion falling on them was inevitable. But since fire magic was used, Ouyang Tao—a Special Department student incapable of elemental magic—was quickly cleared.
His sister, Ouyang Xue, an Elemental Department student, wasn’t so lucky. Though innocent, her questioning dragged on for an hour. Ouyang Tao waited outside the entire time.
“Brother!” The moment she stepped out, Ouyang Xue rushed into his arms, clinging tightly. “I was so scared… I didn’t do anything…”
The interrogator apologized politely to Ouyang Tao: “We apologize for distressing your sister. This was routine procedure—part of our duty.”
“I understand,” Ouyang Tao nodded, stroking his sister’s hair. “It’s okay, A Xue. You did nothing wrong. There’s nothing to fear.”
Beneath her tough exterior, his sister was a well-behaved child who’d never faced such scenes. Her fear was only natural.
Once she calmed down, guards escorted Ouyang Xue to class while Ouyang Tao headed to the Arcane Library. The matter seemed settled…
Well, he’d spoken too soon. His routine was shattered. As a Special Department student, he now had four Imperial Guards shadowing him.
Seriously? These guys were following him to the library? Extra company might ease the place’s eerie vibe, but this was absurd. Even after a magical assault on students, was this level of paranoia necessary?
The four guards flanked him—two at his sides, two behind. Ouyang Tao shifted uncomfortably. “Uh… sirs, must you stay this close?”
“Our orders are to protect you until the culprit is found. We require your cooperation.”
“Fine. But I’m heading to the library next. I might read for hours. You can’t enter—you’ll just wait outside?”
“Yes. It is our duty.”
No escaping them.
At the library entrance, the guards halted, standing rigidly on either side of the sole doorway. Ouyang Tao approached the counter as yesterday.
Zhao Yuehan looked up from her book, face impassive, voice soft as ever: “Can I help you?”
“Sorry about… the guards outside. Hope it doesn’t bother you.”
Zhao Yuehan glanced at the Imperial Guards in the hall, then back at him. “It’s fine. I’m aware of the situation.”
What a reasonable senior. Wait—Monica had mentioned Zhao Yuehan wasn’t much older than his sister. And how did she know what was happening outside if she never left the library? Did she send ghosts to gather intel? Ouyang Tao shook his head. Better not overthink it.
“I’d like to borrow some books…” He listed the titles as before.
Zhao Yuehan’s eyes fluttered shut, then opened. “Fifth floor, Section D. Sixth floor, Section D. The ghostly flames have marked their locations.”
“Ah, thanks.” Today, he remembered to say it.
Zhao Yuehan didn’t react, already immersed in her book again.
Today, Ouyang Tao discovered something fascinating: a weapon called *Swift Lightning*, a magic stone-powered rifle. It fired electrical blasts adjustable for piercing armor with raw current or disabling electronics with clove-shaped EMP pulses—a versatile piece of gear.
He still didn’t feel like a true Mechanical Mage. His research wasn’t for battlefield prep like others’. His goal was singular: to duel Deya. To defeat her.
Theory meant nothing without practice, especially in a combat-focused field like Mechanical Engineering. Ouyang Tao knew he had to build. He chose *Swift Lightning* as his starting point.
By noon, he’d finished three books. After lunch, he’d collect materials, build a prototype in the lab, and test it.
“Place them there…” As yesterday, the finished books floated from his desk back to their shelves. But the three unread ones remained.
“Senior, what about these three?”
“You didn’t read them,” Zhao Yuehan stated. Ouyang Tao blinked—how did she know? But her next words stunned him more: “Continuing this afternoon?”
“Huh?” He froze. It sounded like she expected him. “I… might run lab tests today. Tomorrow, perhaps.”
“Oh.” Her expression didn’t flicker. She lowered her head, but Ouyang Tao sensed faint disappointment.
“Sorry. I’ll take my leave.” Why had he apologized? The air felt oddly heavy…
As his foot crossed the threshold, a soft voice stopped him:
“Take care.”
He turned. Zhao Yuehan was still reading. A trick of the mind? No—it had been her voice.
Just a senior’s casual concern, he decided.
