What began as a tentative flare to test the winds had instantly drawn artillery fire—this was Ouyang Tao’s current predicament.

So direct!

After a second’s hesitation, Ouyang Tao felt this topic was best avoided. He tried to play dumb: “Heh, asking for my permission… A Xue isn’t a kid anymore. Who she befriends is her own choice.”

But Edward pressed on relentlessly, determined to get an answer: “No, I don’t think you fully grasp my meaning.”

Ouyang Tao feigned ignorance, giving a vague reply: “Don’t I? A Xue is quite likable. She’s new to the academy, so having a friend like you is good for her.”

“Sigh…” Edward chuckled wryly. “You still don’t understand.”

Seriously? Though Edward seemed gentle, his words carried an unyielding firmness—he demanded a resolution now.

Helpless, Ouyang Tao asked, “Then… what do you mean?”

Edward stated bluntly, without a hint of softening: “Frankly, I fell in love with your sister at first sight.”

“Uh…” Ouyang Tao was speechless.

This wasn’t his sister’s wild imagination or his own paranoia—it was happening right now.

Seeing Ouyang Tao’s expression, Edward apologized lightly: “Sorry, should I have phrased it more gently?”

You shouldn’t have asked at all! Ouyang Tao wanted to shout, but held back—he had no grounds to object or interfere.

His sister wasn’t a child anymore. As a girl, she’d eventually meet someone special and fly away together… It just felt too early, too sudden.

Still, Ouyang Tao couldn’t refuse outright. Edward’s attitude was impeccable—he hadn’t confessed to Ouyang Xue yet, but sought the brother’s approval first. His sincerity was undeniable.

Besides, Ouyang Tao liked Edward. If he became his future brother-in-law, it might not be bad…

Though a thousand objections still churned inside him.

“About this…” Ouyang Tao took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “Since you’ve said this, Edward, you’re treating me as half a guardian to A Xue, right?”

“Of course. That’s why I need your consent first.”

“Alright, since you’re serious, I won’t hide anything.” Edward’s earnestness made Ouyang Tao drop pretenses. “Edward, I need to know—is your ‘love at first sight’ just a casual fling, or a lifelong commitment?”

“Hmm, as I expected. You’re remarkably thorough.” Edward smiled. “If I said it was just a fling, would you refuse?”

Though protective, Ouyang Tao wasn’t old-fashioned. He saw love pragmatically: “Not necessarily. Feelings evolve unpredictably. A few youthful romances aren’t bad—but I want the truth.”

“…” Edward paused, then laughed softly. “Heh… your answer surprises me. Ahem…”

“Did you expect me to say, ‘I’ll only agree if you plan to marry A Xue’?”

“A little.”

Despite his reluctance, Ouyang Tao faced reality: “That’s a parent’s line. I’m just her brother. She’s grown… I can’t watch over her forever, can I?”

“I understand.” Edward now grasped the brother’s stance. “Then let me rephrase—what’s your bottom line?”

“As long as A Xue consents, and there’s no deceit or harm, I have no objections.”

“I see.” Edward nodded. “Thank you.”

“But if you ever hurt A Xue, I won’t forgive you.” Ouyang Tao lightly punched Edward’s arm.

“If that day comes, please don’t hold back.”

“Hearing that puts me at ease.”

Yet ease didn’t mean letting go. Ouyang Tao smiled outwardly, but his heart ached.

Edward then invited him: “I’ve also asked your sister to dinner tonight. Would you join us?”

After all this, he’d just be a third wheel. Ouyang Tao declined politely: “No, I have work tonight. I’ll try that advice you gave me.”

Lately, Monster Girl and Silent Sword hadn’t returned to the dorm. Understandable—the Discipline Squad worked round-the-clock shifts after two days of vicious attacks on Mechanical Department students.

Ouyang Tao grabbed a quick dinner, then headed to the lab.

In short, Thunderbolt’s greatest strength and flaw was its power. Edward had offered three solutions.

First: simplest but least effective—lower the Magic Stone’s purity to reduce power, turning Thunderbolt into a support weapon.

Second: most practical—use a Magic Stone magazine for single shots, maintaining power while limiting continuous fire.

Third: hardest but most innovative—redesign Thunderbolt’s structure to vent excess Mana.

Which would Ouyang Tao choose?

Easy. For him, there was no choice. All three ideas were useful—he’d test each one.

Immersed in work, Ouyang Tao split his focus. His right hand sketched rapid diagrams; his left, clad in a metal glove, adjusted the lathe with magic.

But his movements slowed gradually.

Right now, his sister was probably dining with Edward. Given Edward’s resolve, he might confess to Ouyang Xue tonight.

How would she respond? Ouyang Tao grew tense.

Edward hadn’t said it outright, but his seriousness was clear—he meant it.

A proposal wasn’t out of the question…

But what good was worrying now? He’d already given silent consent…

He’d agreed, yet regret gnawed at him.

Enough. Time to work.

Reality wasn’t far from Ouyang Tao’s fears.

But the outcome held a twist…