But he couldn’t even handle two feathers from this dragon’s wing—how dare he refuse? Besides, it cost him little.

He’d gain a powerful student too.

Wait. Adolf glanced sideways at Jaina’s wings.

Why did a dragon’s wings have feathers? He unconsciously rubbed his nose bridge. She had horns, but dragon wings shouldn’t sprout feathers.

Suddenly, he shuddered. A rumor surfaced: the Infernal Dragon clan had birthed a freak. Unlike others, she was immensely powerful, her entire body golden like cast metal.

Most uniquely, her wings grew feathers instead of scales. Though feathery, they were harder than dragon scales.

If he wasn’t mistaken, she was that dragon clan “freak.” If true, he had no hope left.

A real fight would crush him instantly. That kid was doomed.

“Absolutely! Command anything—I’ll obey even at death’s door,” Adolf vowed.

He felt like a lackey now… but survival demanded selling dignity. Even ignoring his own safety, he had to protect his granddaughter. Adolf consoled himself.

…

“This is the garden.”

“Mm.”

“This is the cafeteria.”

“Mm.”

“This is the girls’ dormitory—your long-term home.”

“Mm, wh-what?” Sky Qi lost composure.

“If not here, will you bunk with boys?” Vicky asked, puzzled.

Sky Qi recalled his cross-dressing disguise—he’d nearly forgotten. “Um, are dorms shared?”

By “shared,” he meant multiple roommates.

“No. Single occupancy,” Vicky replied, easing his worry.

Living with girls would thrill him, but it spelled disaster. No wonder the Alliance’s top academy offered private rooms. Sky Qi sighed. The boys’ dorm must be rough.

Was Headmaster Adolf even a real man? Making male students suffer like this. Sky Qi grumbled inwardly.

“By the way, classes start tomorrow?” Sky Qi asked.

“Mm.” She nodded gently.

Should he skip? He was here just to freeload anyway. Basics meant nothing to him.

Forget it—even venerable professors bowed to call him “Master.” Across the continent, only he could single-handedly thrash an Infernal Dragon.

Even the Knight King needed several A Rank attendants for such fights.

“Oh, I never asked your name.”

“I’m Vicky,” she said while walking. “Headmaster Adolf is my grandfather.”

Sky Qi ignored the last part—he focused only on her name.

“What did you just say?”

“Adolf is my grandfather,” Vicky snapped. “Hard of hearing?”

“No—the words before that.” Sky Qi widened her beautiful eyes.

“I said I’m Vicky.” She blinked curiously. “Problem?”

“N-nothing.” Sky Qi waved frantically.

Coincidence? A namesake? Could that armored warrior be her? He doubted it.

“Nothing. Your name matches my friend’s.” He sighed, showing a hint of helplessness.

Vicky was still with the Sacred Knight Heroic Corps—impossible she’d be here. Sky Qi dismissed the thought.

“Oh, your friend’s also Vicky?” Vicky perked up. She sat by a flower bed and gestured to the spot beside her.

Sky Qi didn’t sit. He gazed skyward. “Yeah. She joined the Sacred Knight Heroic Corps.”

Vicky froze like an arrow-struck deer, staring in disbelief. That Vicky—was it her? The Corps had few members; no one else bore that name.

It was a rare name, deeply meaningful. Few would use it.

This girl claimed friendship, yet Vicky had zero memory of her. But she knew the Corps—undeniable. Vicky didn’t recognize any “Xu Yueyin.”

This girl was likely a spy. “Who are you?” Vicky hissed.

Her silver sword flashed out, pressing against his throat.

Damn—attacking so suddenly? Sky Qi masked his shock. “Wh-what? Why draw steel?”

“Why know my secrets? Hinting at something?” she demanded coldly.

What? Sky Qi felt his magic draining again, strength siphoned slowly.

Damn—it’s back. He cursed inwardly.

His eyes locked on the silver blade at his throat. This sword—he almost gasped aloud.

She really was Vicky!

If true, this was painfully awkward.

“Y-you’re truly Vicky?” Sky Qi paled with fear.

Hmph—exposed. Vicky snorted. “If not me, who? Speak—who sent you? What’s your goal?”

Sky Qi debated revealing himself: strip the disguise, shout, “I’m your friend!”

No—that kingly image would shatter. He couldn’t let the Continent Strongest be called a pervert.

“Lower your sword. Listen calmly,” Sky Qi said, perfectly composed.

Her expression shifted faster than a Peking Opera face-change. Vicky frowned—what game was this?

Attacking in the academy would cause trouble. Reluctantly, she sheathed her blade. One wrong move, and she’d decapitate him.

“Ah, good! Talking’s better,” Sky Qi chirped cheekily.

He yanked the red scarf from his neck. It slid off, revealing a black collar.

A gentle smile spread. He extended a hand to Vicky. “Miss Vicky—let’s properly meet. My true name is Sky Qi.”