Less than half a minute after the explosion, nearby patrol teams converged on the scene. Some rushed into the blast zone to search while others sealed off the area. Medical crews arrived shortly after.

Four Mechanical Department victims were quickly stretchered out of the bombed dormitory and rushed to the campus hospital. The blast’s force had damaged multiple surrounding dorms, including Edward’s. Personnel dispersed to assist all affected sites.

“Brother, are you really okay? You’re bleeding so much.” Ouyang Xue fretted as her brother’s uniform soaked crimson. Ouyang Tao’s injuries weren’t severe—just alarming to look at.

“I’m fine, I—ah—!” His tough-guy act shattered as medics pulled shrapnel from his back. He howled in pain.

Shielded by her brother, Ouyang Xue emerged nearly unscathed. Ouyang Tao’s wounds were superficial, though glass shards pierced his arms and back. Skilled medics swiftly removed the fragments, then sealed every cut with healing mana.

Soon, Edward descended slowly from his second-floor room, supported by two medics. Though accidental, he looked deeply apologetic. “I’m truly sorry this happened. I can’t possibly continue hosting you today. Cough… cough…”

With dinner and conversation ruined, the Ouyang siblings took their leave.

“Brother, are you *sure* you’re alright?”

“Relax. These medics are amazing—see? Good as new.” Yet after two days of attacks, Ouyang Tao worried for his sister. “A Xue, let me walk you back to your dorm.”

“No… I’m scared.” She clung to his arm. “Attacks everywhere… it’s terrifying.”

Understandable. After hours of daytime questioning and a nighttime bombing, any lone girl would fear for her safety—unlike Ouyang Tao, she had no Imperial Guard escort. His apartment had spare space. “Alright, alright. Stay at my place tonight.”

“Mm! Brother’s the best!”

Ouyang Tao believed the turmoil would pass soon. Besides, he doubted it connected to him personally.

---

Next morning, after escorting his sister to class, Ouyang Tao headed to the Arcane Library. He brought his finished *Swift Lightning* prototype and toolbox, planning to test it at the range after studying.

Zhao Yuehan sat alone behind the counter, reading. Yesterday’s unfinished book lay untouched. But today, Ouyang Tao had a specific query. He stowed his gear and approached.

“Need something?” Zhao Yuehan’s greeting never varied.

“Could I… look up works by a specific author?”

“Name.” Her reply was immediate.

“Edward Laine.”

A brief pause. “Sixty-five matching works. One hundred four volumes. Multiple categories. Full list or specific titles?” Her tone was flat, mechanical. Ouyang Tao guessed it was a multiple-choice prompt. “Mechanical and Elemental Department publications only.”

“Second floor. Sections F and D. Thirty volumes total. The Will-o’-the-Wisp has marked their locations.”

“Thanks.”

Yesterday’s chat hinted at Edward’s academic depth. Hearing about his many publications, Ouyang Tao wanted proof. He grabbed a random volume on standard-issue weapon and Mech modifications—and was instantly hooked.

Edward wasn’t a dreamer. He was a visionary theorist who generously shared groundbreaking ideas. Tragically, few cared. His concepts were either too conservative or too radical for mainstream academia. No wonder he stood alone.

“Such a waste…” Ouyang Tao sighed, genuinely pained. He gathered every Elemental and Mechanical volume by Edward and returned to the counter.

“Mind if I read these here?”

Zhao Yuehan eyed the stack, then him. A stiff nod. “Permitted.”

“Appreciate it.”

“Unnecessary.” She resumed reading.

*Was her attitude… slightly softer today?* Ouyang Tao wondered.

By noon, he’d only to slide finished books aside. Zhao Yuehan would signal the Will-o’-the-Wisp to reshelve them, resetting the stationery each time.

“Heading out, senior. See you tomorrow.”

“Mm. Goodbye.”

As he neared the exit—just like yesterday—Zhao Yuehan’s voice stopped him.

“Be careful.”

Ouyang Tao froze. Her warning last night preceded the dorm attack.

*Coincidence?*

This time, he wouldn’t dismiss it.

---

That afternoon, at Augustus College’s Light Weaponry Test Range #4—

“Whoa—!” A blinding flash erupted. Goggles and helmet askew, Ouyang Tao hit the floor.

Not an attack. Just a failed experiment.

The sealed testing chamber protected personnel from harm, but the blast’s roar and glare still jolted him. He stayed down, heart pounding, before slowly rising.

*No wonder veterans stick to proven designs.* Even with his high-precision craftsmanship and 80%-purity Magic Stones, *Swift Lightning* overloaded after barely thirty seconds.

“Ugh…” He surveyed the workshop floor glittering with debris. *Should’ve built spares.*

Grabbing his data logs, he trudged out with the empty toolbox.

Plenty of daylight left. Dorm or library?

Then he spotted something far more urgent.

“Lower your hands. Smaller movements.”

“Like this?”

“Even lower. Below chest level. Yes. Now unfold slowly.”

“Huh… mana density *did* rise. So body posture affects spell formation?”

“It conserves mana. Most mages ignore such details.”

Nearby, Edward guided Ouyang Xue through magic drills.

*Hand. On. Her. Wrist.*

He stood flush behind her, adjusting her arms like an embrace.

Remembering his sister’s whispered confession yesterday, Ouyang Tao’s stomach twisted.

*Should I interrupt?* He hesitated—then quickened his pace, vanishing before they noticed.