Chapter Text
"The wasted years, the wasted youth"
"The pretty lies, the ugly truth"
"And the day has come where I have died"
"Only to find I've come alive"
“First stop: Pomefiore!” Cater announced with the flair of a stage performer, throwing his hands up in a flourish of jazz hands as the group came to a stop in front of the dormitory.
Yuuki found himself pausing, eyes drifting upward to take in the grand structure before him. Pomefiore was… stunning, in its own ethereal, fairytale way.
It looked like it had been pulled from the pages of a storybook and transplanted into the real world. Pale grey stone bricks formed towering castle-like walls, capped with elegant purple roofs that gleamed faintly under the daylight.
Arched windows each one perfectly symmetrical lined the walls—almost too perfect, as if the building demanded aesthetic balance.
Above the grand entrance hung the banner of Pomefiore: vibrant red, trimmed with silver, with the emblem of the dorm emblazoned at its heart. Surrounding the castle was a manicured garden lined with apple trees, their fruits a suspiciously vivid red.
White cement pillars were spaced evenly along the perimeter, each topped with golden apple ornaments. Between them stretched black iron bars with gold accents, giving the whole place the impression of a gilded cage.
Yuuki raised an eyebrow. “It suits them,” he murmured under his breath.
“Right? Real fairest-of-them-all energy,” Cater said brightly.
“The beauty of the exterior is matched by the strict discipline within,” Riddle added, smoothing down his uniform as if standing straighter would earn him favour with the dorm. “Vil Schoenheit runs a tight ship.”
Once inside the dorm, the group was greeted by the scent of rosewater and apple blossom, and the quiet hum of classical music playing faintly in the background. The décor was as refined as the exterior—polished floors, crystal chandeliers, and elegant furniture.
“There’s a junior named Rook Hunt who’s caught my eye,” Cater explained as they walked further in. “He’s hard to miss—blond bob cut, mysterious air, always wearing a fedora. Kinda hard to miss.”
“Rook is undeniably skilled,” Riddle added with a nod. “He was one of the highest scorers in last year’s Spelldrive tournament. But he is, shall we say... eccentric.”
“Oh, is that him sitting over there?” Deuce asked, pointing discreetly to a corner of the lounge area.
There, under the glow of a crystal chandelier, sat a trio: Vil, radiant as ever with a pristine posture, a quiet first-year who looked like he might pass out under the pressure of existing near Vil, and the man of the hour—Rook Hunt.
Rook was mid-sentence, eyes bright with passion as he spoke to the freshman, clearly instructing him about something tea-related.
He gestured dramatically, his voice lilting with poetic flourish. A soft sparkle—literal sparkles, Ace would swear—seemed to follow the man wherever he moved.
“Whoa. That dude’s, like, a glitter bomb in human form,” Ace whispered, squinting. “He’s basically sparkling. Is that normal?”
Yuuki watched silently. On the surface, Rook was all flair and eccentricity—but beneath the theatrics… there was something else. An alertness. A sense of someone who was constantly watching, even while speaking.
Yuuki frowned faintly. His gut twisted.
No. This one wouldn't be targeted.
“Rook’s not it,” Yuuki said abruptly, already turning on his heel. “Let’s move on to the next one.”
“Huh? Wait, why?” Deuce blinked, hurrying to follow him. “Shouldn’t we at least warn him?”
“You can if you want,” Yuuki said, glancing over his shoulder. “But it won’t matter. He won’t be attacked.”
“And you know this how?” Ace asked, scepticism thick in his voice.
Yuuki didn’t answer immediately. His gaze flicked back toward Rook for a moment, then forward again. “Because he’s dangerous. More than you think.”
Ace let out a snort. “Him? Glitter-boy over there?”
Yuuki side-eyed him. “You shouldn’t judge someone’s capability based on personality or appearance, Ace. That’s how people get hurt.”
Ace grimaced, and said nothing more.
Riddle cleared his throat as they exited the dorm. “In that case, who’s next on the list?”
Cater pulled out his phone and scrolled, grinning. “Well, get ready for some double trouble. Next up: the Leech twins.”
The group made their way through the open courtyard. As they walked, Cater kept them up to speed, his fingers dancing across his phone screen with practiced ease.
“Next up on Cay-Cay’s Highly Confidential and Fabulous list of potential targets are the Leech twins—Jade and Floyd,” he announced, showing them a photo of the two second-year students.
“They're both in Octavinelle, and let me tell you, these two are deadly on the field. Their synergy is next-level. Like, creepy-good. It’s annoying to try and outmanoeuvre them.”
Yuuki leaned in to glance at the screen. The photo showed the twins standing side by side in their Spelldrive uniforms. There was something distinctly unsettling about it.
Ace whistled low. “Is it just me, or do they make everyone else look fun-sized? Look at those guys! They’re monsters!”
Ace wasn’t exaggerating. Spotted just a few metres ahead in the courtyard, the twins stood head and shoulders above the students milling around them. They had to be close to 190cm tall, if not more. Even from a distance, their presence was hard to ignore.
Deuce tilted his head, watching them with curiosity. “So what do you think? Are they in danger?”
Riddle crossed his arms, frowning in thought. “I doubt it. If I were the culprit, I’d leave those two for last. They’re not just skilled—they’re intimidating . Especially Floyd.”
The way Riddle’s voice dropped on Floyd’s name made Yuuki raise an eyebrow. “You sound like you speak from experience.”
Riddle’s frown deepened. “Don’t get me started—”
“ OH-HO-HO! If it isn’t my favourite Lil’ Goldfish! ”
A voice rang out from across the courtyard, loud and unfiltered. Riddle flinched violently, stepping back as if someone had just set off fireworks next to him.
“ He spotted us! ” he hissed under his breath, inching closer to Yuuki like a child avoiding a thunderstorm.
Bounding toward them with a lazy swagger was none other than Floyd Leech, his loose gait oddly reminiscent of a predator that hadn't quite decided whether it wanted to pounce or play. At his side was his twin brother, Jade, smiling with polite interest, though his eyes—sharp and calculating—betrayed a more inquisitive nature.
“What brings you all the way over here, huh? Playing hide-and-seek with lil’ Goldfish? Sounds super fun,” Floyd grinned, practically vibrating with amusement.
Riddle straightened up, desperately trying to regain his composure. “F-Floyd… I’ve asked you not to call me that. It's childish and completely uncalled for.”
“But you are small and red. If that’s not a goldfish, then what is ?” Floyd snickered, his laugh high-pitched and off-kilter, like a carousel ride that spun just a little too fast. Yuuki couldn’t help but mentally wince. It grated on the ears.
Riddle’s face turned beet-red, teetering between indignation and outright flight.
Sensing things spiralling, Yuuki stepped forward, gently placing a hand on Riddle’s shoulder. “Easy. I’ve got this.”
He turned to face the Leech twins with a composed, neutral expression. “Hello. Just the people we were looking for.”
Floyd’s eyes flicked to Yuuki, his grin widening with intrigue. “Ohhh? What’s this? A lil’ Harp Seal stepping up to protect his fishy friend?”
Harp seal? Yuuki blinked. What part of him said harp seal ? He didn’t even want to know.
Jade stepped in more smoothly, his voice like polished glass. “It’s not very polite to talk about people as if they’re not here, Floyd. Nor is it polite to spy. Would you care to explain what exactly you were all discussing?”
There was a sharp edge to his otherwise calm tone—enough to make Deuce gulp audibly. These two weren’t just formidable players—they were dangerous in a way that made Yuuki’s instincts twitch.
“We’re conducting interviews,” Yuuki said evenly. “The Headmage asked me to speak with key Spelldrive players regarding a quick survey. Riddle and Cater are just helping me reach out to people. That’s all.”
He met Jade’s gaze without flinching, his expression unreadable.
Cater caught on quickly and grinned. “Yep! And obviously I had to recommend you two! You’re like, a nightmare to play against. In the best way!”
Yuuki could practically feel Deuce opening his mouth to ask a question, but before he could get a word out, Ace stepped on his foot— hard . The yelp that followed was instantly muffled into a cough. Yuuki internally thanked whatever divine force gave Ace that ounce of awareness.
Jade tilted his head, examining Yuuki as if trying to decide which category to place him in: threat, ally, or entertainment.
“Is that so?” he said softly.
“Yep,” Yuuki replied, voice calm and firm. He wasn’t about to give either twin a crack to peer through.
Floyd, meanwhile, seemed to be rapidly losing interest. He slouched, pouting childishly. “Ehh, booooring. Interviews are lame. Can’t we just play tag instead? That’s more fun.”
“Perhaps later,” Jade said, smiling. “Let’s hear our classmate’s questions first. After all, it would be rude to deny such a polite request.”
“Brilliant!” Yuuki said, shifting into a voice so professionally smooth it made Ace do a double take. It was the same tone Yuuki used when prying curse-related information from wary civilians—polite, warm, and completely unreadable.
“Please answer these questions as honestly as you’re comfortable with. If there’s something you’d prefer not to answer, just say ‘skip’. Also, for documentation purposes, I’ll be recording this interview—do I have your consent?”
Yuuki lifted his phone and gave his best faux-smile. Behind him, he could practically feel the confused and incredulous stares from his companions. He didn’t dare turn around; if he broke character now, the whole thing would spiral.
Jade looked amused, his lips curved in a knowing smile. Floyd, on the other hand, looked like he’d rather be doing literally anything else.
“Of course,” Jade replied smoothly, hands folded behind his back like a model student.
“Fiiine,” Floyd drawled, flopping his arms to his sides in exaggerated defeat. “But only ‘cause your voice is kinda funny, Harp Seal.”
Yuuki ignored that comment with the poise of someone well-used to handling unpredictable personalities. He clicked the record button on his phone and held it up between them like a mic.
“First question—what’s your favourite part about playing Spelldrive?”
“It’s a productive outlet,” Jade answered, eyes half-lidded but alert. “A good match clears the mind.”
“I like crushing people,” Floyd said, his grin spreading wide enough to show the gleam of his pointed teeth. “They make funny sounds when they fall over.”
Yuuki maintained his calm expression and nodded, unfazed. “Right. Emotional regulation and... physical catharsis. Got it.”
Behind him, he could hear Ace and Deuce shuffling nervously. Cater was silent—probably resisting the urge to chuckle.
“Next question—among your teammates or rival players, who would you say poses the greatest challenge on the field?”
Jade tilted his head slightly, giving the question due thought. “Leona Kingscholar is a cunning player—he relies on instinct, but he knows how to bend a game to his favour. Malleus Draconia, on the other hand, is sheer raw power. Playing against him is like swimming in a storm.”
Floyd made a face. “Ugh. Sea Slug’s games end too quick. He zaps everything and boom—no more fun. Boring.”
Yuuki raised an eyebrow, mentally noting Malleus’s name again. He remembered the discussion during the housewarden meeting—Malleus had come up more than once.
Another potential target... or a deterrent? The idea of going to Diasomnia gave him pause. He didn’t want to drag his friends somewhere they’d clearly be uncomfortable, but still... if the culprit was desperate, they might try something reckless.
He pushed the thought aside and moved on, asking a handful more questions. Floyd's responses grew increasingly nonsensical (“Favourite warm-up stretch? Chasing birds.”), while Jade maintained a polite tone, occasionally steering his brother back on track.
Eventually, Floyd let out a groan loud enough to make passing students glance their way. “I’m so over this! No more boring questions!” he whined before grabbing Jade’s arm. “Let’s go find something fun to do. Like squishing people.”
Jade offered a parting smile. “I hope the interview was helpful. Do take care, gentlemen.”
And with that, the twins strolled off—Floyd dragging Jade by the wrist, all long limbs and strange energy.
The group collectively exhaled once they were out of earshot.
“I think it’s safe to say they’re not in danger,” Riddle muttered, adjusting his collar.
“No kidding,” Ace said with a shake of his head. “If I was the culprit, I’d be halfway across campus just seeing Floyd’s silhouette.”
Yuuki slipped his phone into his pocket. “Agreed. That makes three possible players we can rule out.”
“Alrighty!” Cater said, clapping his hands to bring the group’s focus back. “We’ve got just enough daylight for one more check-in, and this one’s a big name: Jack Howl. He’s a freshman in Savanaclaw, and the rumour mill says all the top-tier teams are fighting to recruit him. Athletic, focused, and totally no-nonsense.”
Yuuki nodded. “Savanaclaw, huh? This’ll be a good opportunity to test a theory.”
Deuce blinked. “What kind of theory?”
“I’ll tell you later,” Yuuki said, already starting to walk. “For now, let’s go see what Jack Howl’s all about.”
“Oh! Oh no.” Riddle glanced at his pocket watch and gasped. “It’s already five o’clock? Rule 346 clearly states: ‘Croquet must not be played after 5:00 p.m.’ I need to return to Heartslabyul immediately and make sure no one’s violating rules... or standards.”
Yuuki allowed himself a small smile. “Be kind if you catch someone breaking a rule, alright?”
Riddle blushed faintly. “Naturally! I’m much more... lenient these days, I’ll have you know.” He coughed, smoothing down his blazer as if to reassert his authority. “Thank you for your concern.”
With a prim wave, Riddle turned on his heel and strode off. The rest of the group watched him go before Cater clapped again, cheerfully.
“Alrighty! Off to the land of claws, growls, and sand—next stop, Savanaclaw!”
Yuuki’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Time to see if the Hyena is working alone—or hiding among the pack.
“Huh… so this is Savanaclaw,” Deuce murmured, eyes scanning the rugged landscape. “It’s very... barren.”
“Very sandy ,” Yuuki added, glancing down at the dry, cracked ground beneath their feet. The dorm loomed ahead, carved directly into the side of a cliff-like formation. It resembled a fortress—or perhaps a den—something wild and enduring. Bleached animal bones were scattered around the perimeter, like trophies from long-forgotten hunts.
“Couldn't be less like Heartslabyul,” Ace said, scrunching his nose. “Seriously, this place looks like it skipped ‘civilisation’ and went straight to the prehistoric era.”
“No kidding,” Cater agreed, fanning himself. “Even the air here feels different. It’s got that whole ‘survival of the fittest’ vibe, y’know? Like if we stay too long, we’ll be challenged to a wrestling match.”
“So,” Ace asked, peering around, “what’s this Jack guy look like?”
“Apparently he’s got silver hair, wolf ears, and a big, fluffy tail,” Cater replied, scrolling through something on his phone. “Freshman, built like a tank. Real lone wolf type.”
Yuuki’s eyes scanned the training area, narrowing on a figure sprinting laps with relentless precision. “That him?” he asked, nodding towards the silver-haired student tearing across the field with smooth, powerful strides.
“Whoa, good eye! That’s definitely our guy,” Cater said with a whistle. “He’s even taller than I imagined.”
“And I thought those twins were huge,” Ace gawked. “This guy’s built like a tank!”
“With that physique, he’d be a monster on the field,” Deuce added, eyes wide with admiration. “No wonder the big-name scouts are fighting over him.”
Yuuki said nothing, but his gaze had subtly shifted. His eyes kept drifting toward the twitch of Jack’s tail, the flick of his ears. Get it together, he scolded himself internally. You’re on a mission—not here to marvel at wolf features.
“Maybe someone else should take the lead on this conversation…” Yuuki muttered under his breath, looking firmly in the opposite direction from Jack’s tail.
Cater, misunderstanding the reason for Yuuki’s discomfort, offered a sympathetic grin. “Aww, gettin’ nervous, hon? Don’t worry—Cay-Cay’s got your back. I’ll make sure the big bad wolf doesn’t bite.”
Without waiting for a reply, Cater jogged ahead and waved his hand high. “Yo! Jack Howl! Got a sec?”
Jack slowed his pace and came to a halt, turning toward them. His golden eyes were sharp and wary. “What do you want? I’m in the middle of training.”
“We won’t keep you long,” Deuce said quickly, stepping up. “There’s been a series of... incidents lately. Injuries. All tied to Spelldrive tournament hopefuls.”
“We’re trying to get to the bottom of it,” Ace added, casually crossing his arms. “Thought maybe you’d wanna be in the loop before someone tries to turn you into their next accident.”
Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly, his interest piqued. “Go on,” he said, voice calm but guarded.
“To put it bluntly,” Cater interjected, “we’re trying to get ahead of the culprit by keeping an eye on their potential targets. We could really use your help. What do you say? Help us catch this guy?”
For a brief moment, Jack’s expression changed—just barely. His eyes flickered, a muscle in his jaw tensed. Then, as quickly as it came, the emotion vanished, masked behind a cool stare.
“No,” he said flatly. “I can handle myself. I don’t need your protection.”
Yuuki’s eyes narrowed slightly. He noted the shift in tone—subtle, but unmistakable. There was something Jack wasn’t saying.
Still... Yuuki had finally regained control of his impulses. He stepped forward, deliberately not looking at Jack’s tail or ears.
“You sure about that?” he asked, voice smooth and measured. “The culprit’s skilled at ambushes. Even the best players have been caught off guard. Wouldn’t it be better to have some extra eyes watching your back?”
There it was again—a flicker of guilt, too quick for most to catch. But Yuuki saw it. And he stored it away.
“...I told you. I’m not going to be a target,” Jack said after a moment. His voice was quiet now, but firm. “I’ll deal with things in my own way. Seeya.”
Without another word, Jack turned and walked off, the sound of his retreating footsteps swallowed by the hot wind.
“Aaaaand he’s gone,” Cater sighed, scratching the back of his head. “He really wasn’t feelin’ it, huh?”
Yuuki didn’t respond right away, his eyes fixed on the direction Jack had disappeared into. The wolf beastman had barely flinched during their questioning, but there had been something in his eyes—something subtle, telling. A flicker of guilt, hesitation. Recognition.
“Hm,” Yuuki hummed, fingers tapping idly against his side. Jack knows something, he thought. Or someone.
And if that was true—if Jack’s reaction hadn’t been just about pride or independence—it only added weight to Yuuki’s current theory. The theory that had been steadily forming in his mind was starting to take shape.
The puzzle pieces were falling into place, but he was still missing the edges. No hard evidence. No motive. Just instinct and fragmented clues.
“Yuuki?” Deuce asked, watching him closely. “You okay?”
Yuuki nodded slowly. “Yeah… just thinking.”
Ace frowned. “You’ve got that look again. The ‘I just figured out something important but I’m not telling anyone yet’ look.”
Cater chuckled. “Classic mystery protagonist vibes.”
Yuuki offered them a faint smile but didn’t deny it. “I’ve got a working theory,” he admitted, “but I need more to go on. Knowing who isn’t enough—I need to know how and why. And more importantly… if they’re acting alone.”
“You think there’s more than one person behind this?” Deuce asked.
“It’s possible,” Yuuki said, his expression darkening slightly. “
Cater sighed again, this time more thoughtfully. “So what now?”
Yuuki sighed heavily and jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “First, we deal with that. ”
“Deal with wha—” Ace started, but was immediately cut off by a shout that echoed across the dry courtyard.
“Hey! What are you lot doin’ here?” barked a brunet Savanaclaw student, his burly frame stomping across the sand. His beastman ears twitched, distinctly hippo-like, and his expression was anything but welcoming.
“You’re a long way from Heartslabyul, kiddies,” sneered another—this one with red hair and the squared-off ears of a rhino.
“Heh heh. Probably just a bunch o’ lackeys sent by Mr. Red Baby himself!” cackled a third, silver-haired and sporting hippo features like the first. He leaned forward with an ugly grin, the insult hanging in the air like a bad stench.
Yuuki’s lips thinned into a hard line. Riddle might be uptight, but he's still our friend. The casual mockery dug in deeper than it should’ve.
“You think you can just barge onto our turf and strut off without payin’ the price?” Brunet Hippo cracked his knuckles, his bulk swaying with intent.
“Wow,” Deuce muttered, uneasily. “Anyone else getting déjà vu...? Like, serious flashbacks to getting jumped in the hallway?”
“Okay, okay, we’re leaving. Sorry to disturb your... sand pit,” Ace said, grabbing Deuce’s arm and tugging Yuuki by the sleeve. “Come on, let’s just go before—”
“Aww, don’t be like that,” Rhino guy jeered, stepping into their path. “Play with us first.”
“Yeah!” Silver-haired Hippo grinned. “Let’s play Predator and Prey. Guess who’s the prey?”
Yuuki didn’t answer. His patience was wearing thinner than ice on a warm day, but just as he was about to step forward, a familiar drawl cut through the tension like a blade.
“Oi. Knock it off, you idiots.”
The group turned to see Leona Kingscholar and Ruggie strolling towards them, as casual as if they were heading to a nap. Leona’s hands were in his pockets, his emerald gaze already heavy with annoyance.
“Housewarden Leona!” the brunet hippo beastman stammered, straightening slightly.
“These losers are trespassin’ on our turf!” the rhino beastman protested, pointing at Yuuki and the others.
“They were sniffin’ around where they don’t belong! We were just gonna give 'em a little… encouragement to leave,” the silver-haired one added with a toothy grin.
Yuuki arched a brow. Encouragement, huh?
Ruggie’s eyes lit up in recognition as they landed on Yuuki. “Hey! You’re the cafeteria guy.” His grin was sly and all too familiar. “Still remember that little food trade, huh?”
Yuuki returned a sharp, unamused smile. “Vividly.”
“You were real generous,” Ruggie added, feigning innocence so poorly it was almost comical.
Yuuki scoffed. “Sure. Let’s go with that.”
Before either of them could push the conversation further, the rhino beastman spoke again, his tone bordering on desperate. “C’mon, Leona, Ruggie—let’s teach ‘em a lesson. They were disrespectin’ Savanaclaw!”
“Stop yappin’ like a bunch of strays in a thunderstorm,” Leona growled, his tone flat with disinterest. “You really wanna get disqualified before the tournament even starts? One real fight and you’re out. All your training—wasted.”
“But—!”
“No buts,” Leona snapped. “You want to throw fists? Do it in the ring, legally. ”
The three beastmen flinched under his tone, though none of them looked entirely convinced.
“What, so you’re just gonna let them walk away?” Silver-hair scowled, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Not even nibble on ‘em a little?!”
Leona let out a long, drawn-out sigh, dragging a hand lazily down his face. Then, with a smirk sharp enough to cut steel, he straightened and rolled his shoulders with a low chuckle.
“No one’s walkin’ away just yet,” he drawled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “We’re settling this with a friendly match of Spelldrive.”
“Spelldrive?” the brunet hippo beastman repeated blankly, blinking in confusion.
Leona’s grin widened. “You know. The one sport where hurling magic at each other is part of the fun. Doesn’t violate a single school rule.”
That got the other Savanaclaw students grinning wickedly, their earlier aggression quickly turning into giddy anticipation.
“Shyeheehee!” Ruggie cackled, bouncing slightly on his heels like an excited child. “I doubt these dainty little flowers could survive even one round.”
Yuuki stepped forward, cracking his knuckles and smiling back with all the pleasantness of someone looking forward to revenge. “Good. I’ve been itching to return the favour.”
“You say that like we ever had a choice,” Deuce muttered under his breath, resigned to the madness.
Ace sighed dramatically. “Ugh, fine! But this better count toward my extracurriculars! Cater, you better remember this when it’s time to pick the official team!”
“Oh my Seven…” Cater groaned, rubbing his temples. “This is so not the kind of spontaneous team bonding I had in mind… Hashtag #sendhelp.”
Still, despite his complaints, Cater stepped up beside them, cracking a half-smile and rolling his shoulders. “All right, squad—positions!”
He gestured quickly, taking command. “Yuuki and Deuce, you two are runners. Ace and I will handle the aerial side. Sound good?”
Yuuki gave a sharp nod, mentally calculating their chances. Deuce nodded as well, adjusting his gloves. Ace stretched his arms dramatically while glancing at their opponents.
Cater clapped his hands together. “Then let’s give ‘em a game to remember!”
From the Savanaclaw side, the trio of beastmen were already grabbing gear from a rack nearby.
Ruggie bounced in place with an eager laugh. “Better run fast, little rabbits. The predators are hungry!”
Yuuki grinned, calm and collected. “Just don’t whine when we bite back.”
The game had only just begun, but Leona had already made a deliberate choice—he was going to toy with them. With a lazy flick of his wrist, he let them start with the disc, lounging back like a lion watching antelope stumble into his den.
Big mistake.
Yuuki was not prey.
The moment the whistle blew, Ace passed the disc with a sharp throw—but Yuuki had already surged forward. His cursed energy flared around him in a quiet hum, sharpening his senses, enhancing his movements.
The world seemed to slow as Yuuki darted through the opposing line like smoke—impossible to grasp and gone before they could react.
In the next breath, he was at the scoring line. He pivoted, twisted mid-air, and hurled the disc into the goal with perfect precision.
CLANG.
It hit with a satisfying ring, the scoring crystal pulsing in bright confirmation.
A stunned silence followed.
“...Tch.” Leona’s low grunt cut through the stillness, his relaxed posture tightening just a fraction. Those sharp emerald eyes fixed on Yuuki now—not with amusement, but interest.
Yuuki met his gaze across the field and, feeling particularly petty, stuck out his tongue with a cocky grin.
Leona’s eye twitched.
“Lucky run,” he growled, stalking a few steps forward. “Don’t expect it to happen again.”
Ace, Deuce, and Cater finally caught up to Yuuki, breathless and wide-eyed.
Deuce let out a whoop and smacked Yuuki on the back with a grin. “That was insane! You never moved like that when we were playing before! Where was that speed hiding?!”
Ace let out a low whistle. “Damn, you must’ve been really ticked off to go all out like that from the get-go. Are you trying to start a war with Leona or something?”
Yuuki just gave a shrug, still grinning. “He was asking for it.”
Cater, adjusting his gloves and scanning the opposition warily, exhaled. “Okay, that was amazing and all—but now we’ve got a big, angry lion watching our every move. Let’s hope we can keep this momentum up before someone gets eaten.”
From the Savanaclaw side, the mood had shifted. No longer jeering and relaxed, the beastmen were tightening their stances. Leona’s lips curled into a lazy smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
He was done playing.
And Yuuki welcomed the challenge.
The whistle blew again, signalling the start of the next round. But this time, the Savanaclaw students were no longer playing around.
Their expressions were sharp, their movements tighter—every hint of laziness or cocky bravado had evaporated.
Yuuki grinned. Finally, they’re taking this seriously.
The silver-haired hippo beastman lunged forward with the disc, muscles rippling under his uniform as he sprinted like a freight train.
Flanking him from the air, Ruggie and the rhino beastman kept pace on their brooms, their eyes locked ahead like predators guarding their alpha. They weren’t just charging—they were coming in with formation.
On the opposing side, Yuuki, Deuce, and Ace charged to intercept, while Cater stayed back, hovering above the goal with a spell primed at his fingertips, just in case.
The first strike came fast—Ruggie hurled a fire spell at them. The flames crackled through the air like a blazing whip, aimed straight for Ace’s head.
“Ha!” Ace barked, throwing up a barrier just in time. The fiery impact shattered it instantly, magic shards sparkling in the air like broken glass—but it had done its job.
“Deuce!” Yuuki shouted. “Ice, at his feet—now!”
Without missing a beat, Deuce swept his arm forward, casting a low, wide blast of freezing mist. It hit the ground beneath the silver-haired hippo, turning the dusty path into slick ice in a flash.
“Nice try!” the hippo beastman roared, bounding high into the air to avoid the trap.
Yuuki smirked. Just what I wanted.
The moment the beastman took to the air, Yuuki sprinted forward and dropped low, enhancing his speed with cursed energy. His feet skimmed over the ice like a phantom as he slid beneath the airborne attacker, snatching the disc right out from under him.
“YES!” Ace whooped behind him. “Go, go, go!”
Yuuki didn’t look back. The defenders were behind him. Only one player stood between him and another goal—Leona Kingscholar.
The Housewarden was already hurling spells, and fast ones too. Bolts of wind, searing blasts of sand, and stunning bursts of force rained down on Yuuki like a magical storm.
But none of them hit.
Yuuki’s body moved with inhuman grace, weaving and spinning, each step powered by cursed energy. His reflexes were sharper than the spells flying at him—each one missing by a hair, each dodge more calculated than the last.
He surged past Leona, giving him a cheeky grin as he leapt into the air and hurled the disc clean through the glowing ring. The score crystal flashed again.
Another three points.
“I thought you weren’t going easy on us,” Yuuki called over his shoulder. “What happened, Housewarden? You getting slow?”
Leona’s emerald eyes burned, his jaw tight. “Someone’s getting cocky,” he growled, clearly restraining the urge to snarl.
Yuuki only smirked wider as he jogged back to his team.
Ace slapped him on the shoulder. “You’re on fire, man!”
Deuce looked at him like he was seeing him for the first time. “That was... insane. Too bad you can’t play officially.”
Cater floated nearby, sweat beading his brow. “Remind me to never get on your bad side, Yuuki…”
But Yuuki wasn’t listening to them. His attention was on the Savanaclaw huddle across the field. He funneled cursed energy into his ears, amplifying the sounds.
“Housewarden…” the brunet hippo whispered, nervousness creeping into his voice. “That guy—it’s like we’re playing against Malleus or somethin’.”
Ruggie scratched the back of his neck. “We seriously underestimated him…”
“Tsk. How annoying,” Leona muttered under his breath, the sharp edge in his tone betraying his frustration.
Yuuki let the sound fade. They weren’t saying anything useful—just sulking over their humiliation.
The game continued for a few more rounds, but the outcome had already been decided. No matter what tactics they used, no matter how aggressive their plays became, Savanaclaw couldn’t counter Yuuki’s speed, skill, and raw power.
He was a one-man army—and today, he was unstoppable.
By the final whistle, the score glowed bright in their favour.
Yuuki casually spun the disc around, wearing a smug little smile. “Looks like that’s a win for us.”
Leona’s ears twitched. His hands clenched at his sides. “Tch. Get on your feet,” he snapped to his teammates. “We’re having a rematch.”
“Uh-oh,” Cater muttered under his breath, fanning his face like he was watching a drama unfold. “Somebody’s pride just took a hit…”
“Bring it on,” Yuuki said coolly, brushing dust off his sleeve. “I’ve got plenty of energy to spare.”
Just then, a sharp voice cut through the simmering tension.
“What’s going on here?”
Everyone turned. Jack had returned, arms crossed and scowling, clearly not impressed by the scene in front of him.
“Huh?” Leona drawled lazily. “We’re just having a bit of fun with some trespassers. No harm done.”
Jack’s glare sharpened. “It looks more like you’re being sore losers. They won fair and square. Let them go.”
“Ooh? Look at you, Jack,” Ruggie chimed in between breaths, his voice still light but tinged with strain. “Standing up for the enemy so gallantly! How noble. How tragically admirable.”
Jack’s lip curled. “This whole thing’s a pathetic spectacle, and I don’t want to waste another second watching it.”
Leona let out a groan, his irritation deflating into apathy. “Tch. Great. Thanks, Jack. Now you’ve ruined all the fun.”
“Whoa, Jack—you do realise who you’re talking to, right?” the rhino beastman said, eyes wide with disbelief.
Jack didn’t even flinch. “If you’re gonna use the ‘upperclassman’ excuse, maybe you oughta act like one.”
That hit a nerve.
“What did you just say to me?!” the silver-haired hippo snarled, fists clenched, eyes wide with rage. “You want a piece of this too?!”
Leona raised a hand without looking back. “Enough. Leave it, both of you.”
The silver-haired student went still, reluctantly holding back.
Leona turned his gaze to Jack, narrowing his eyes. “Pretty bold, frosh. Gotta admit, I respect that.” Then he stretched and turned away. “I’m over it. Kicking against a brick wall’s not worth it. C’mon, Ruggie.”
Ruggie lingered a second longer, grinning at the sharp glare Yuuki sent his way, before giving a casual wave. “Later, Yuuki~” he chimed, and jogged after Leona.
The tension slowly melted away as the Savanaclaw students dispersed.
Yuuki turned to Jack, arms folded, his voice cold. “Why’d you come back? You shouldn’t have interfered.”
“Oi, Yuuki—he helped us avoid another round,” Cater whined, dragging his feet dramatically. “You might be some super-powered athlete, but I’ve got limits, y’know! I was seriously about to collapse.”
Yuuki didn’t respond, his eyes still fixed on Jack. “The plan’s ruined now,” he muttered under his breath.
Jack’s ears twitched slightly at that, though he said nothing.
Truth be told, Yuuki had wanted to rile the Savanaclaw students up. His original plan had been to ‘let it slip’ to them that Crowley had allowed him to join another dorm team to make himself a target so he could get some solid evidence.
But now that Leona was gone, maybe he could at least confirm something since the wolf was still here.
Yuuki’s tone became casual—too casual. “Hey, Jack. Mind answering a quick question for me?”
Jack’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What?”
Yuuki tilted his head. “Are you aware that your dorm is responsible for the recent Spell Drive injuries? You must’ve suspected it at least.”
Jack’s jaw tensed. “Wha—?”
“What’re you talking about, Yuuki?” Deuce asked, frowning.
Yuuki didn’t acknowledge Deuce. He was watching Jack closely. “So you do know,” he said calmly, as though it were a foregone conclusion.
Jack didn’t deny it. He waited, silently, to hear what Yuuki had to say next.
Yuuki’s tone dropped several degrees colder. “Didn’t expect someone so self-righteous to stay quiet while his dorm cheats in tournaments.”
“I’m not a part of it!” Jack snapped, his voice sharp with offence.
“And yet, you’re letting it happen. Watching it. That’s just as bad,” Yuuki replied without missing a beat, each word a clean cut.
Jack’s lips pulled back in a low growl, but he didn’t argue.
Because he couldn’t.
Yuuki turned, already walking away. “When your plan to fix this on your own fails—which it will—come to Ramshackle.”
He didn’t wait for a response.
Jack stood there, stiff with conflict, his fists clenched and his eyes staring after Yuuki.
Cater, Ace, and Deuce exchanged confused glances before scrambling to catch up with their unpredictable teammate.
“Yuuki!” Ace called. “Hey—explain! You knew the culprit the whole time? What are you talking about?!”
Yuuki didn’t answer.
He just kept walking.
“Okay, spill.” Ace rounded on Yuuki the second they stepped foot into Ramshackle Dorm. “How the hell did you already know who the culprit was? And that the whole dorm was in on it?”
Yuuki sighed, brushing past him and tossing his blazer over the back of a chair. “Honestly, you’re acting like I accused a celebrity or something,” he muttered, rolling his eyes at the energy radiating off his friend.
Ace crossed his arms. “You did just drop a bomb in front of everyone and walk off like it was nothing!”
“Yeah, Yuuki, we’re totally in the dark here,” Deuce added, frowning. “We didn’t even know you were investigating the whole thing this seriously.”
Yuuki clicked his tongue in mild irritation, but sat down and crossed one leg over the other, finally deciding to explain. “I had a pretty good idea after gathering testimonies on my own. The way the injured players described what happened… it felt familiar.”
“Familiar how?” Cater asked, leaning in from where he had flopped dramatically across Yuuki’s couch.
Yuuki’s expression darkened. “Back in the cafeteria. When a certain someone stole my sandwich.”
The others blinked. Ace stared. “...You’re joking.”
“Do I look like I’m joking?” Yuuki growled, his cursed energy briefly crackling like static in the air.
Deuce raised his hand hesitantly. “Wait, are you saying this is all... about a sandwich?”
Yuuki glared. “It was a principled theft of my food . That moment made me realise how subtle but effective certain types of spells could be. So I texted Crowley and asked him to pull up Ruggie Bucchi’s signature spell for me.”
Yuuki hear’s Ace lean in to whisper in Deuce’s ear, “wow he was more affected by that than I thought.”
Ignoring them, he pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward them. “It’s called Laugh With Me. It allows him to control the movements of others by making them mirror his own actions.”
Which was exactly what had happened back at the Cafeteria when Ruggie made them switch food.
A photo of Ruggie’s school record filled the screen. Below it, the headmage’s response confirming the spell’s effects.
“...I’m not actually sure he’s allowed to show me this,” Yuuki mused aloud, tapping the image thoughtfully.
“Dude…” Cater stared at the phone, speechless for a moment. “Talk about an info dump. ”
Yuuki leaned back. “Once I confirmed it was likely Ruggie, I went back and re-interviewed everyone I’d spoken to before. Asked if they’d noticed anyone else nearby when the incidents occurred. Every single one said there were Savanaclaw students hanging around.”
“They probably acted as lookouts,” Deuce muttered, connecting the dots. “Or a distraction.”
Yuuki nodded. “Exactly. My working theory is that Ruggie uses his spell, hides behind them, and disappears in the confusion.”
“So you were planning to corner him.” Cater whistled. “No wonder you were stirring the pot so hard.”
Ace threw his hands up. “But why didn’t you tell us?! We just spent the last few hours chasing tails!”
Yuuki winced, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, I was trying to make the situation feel natural so your reactions would be genuine. If you already knew, it wouldn’t have worked.”
“Well it didn’t work,” Ace snapped. “Because someone had to go and be all noble and ruin the final confrontation!”
“Jack didn’t know,” Yuuki said with a shrug. “But yeah, once Leona walked away, the setup became pointless.”
Cater raised an eyebrow. “Still, Yuuki, next time? A little heads-up would’ve been nice.”
“Seriously. Just because Deuce can’t act doesn’t mean I can’t!” Ace said, pointing at himself with a smug look. “I would’ve nailed that scene.”
“Hey!” Deuce protested, but Yuuki was already smirking.
“Fine, next time I need someone to play the villain’s cocky sidekick, I’ll call you.”
“...Wait, villain ?!”
After some final planning and then some mundane chit-chat, Cater cheerfully dragged a grumbling Ace and an obedient Deuce back to Heartslabyul with him.
They were off to report everything to Riddle—leaving Yuuki alone once again in the quiet hum of the late afternoon.
“Ha.” He sighed aloud.
With the sun dipping low and the stillness of his home was unusually uncomfortable, boredom began to gnaw at him.
Deciding not to waste the sudden free time on his hands, Yuuki made his way to the library, hoping to find something interesting enough to keep his mind busy while waiting for the next part of his plan to begin.
He spent some time wandering through the rows of shelves, letting his fingers drift over the spines of books, carefully reading through the names of each book to see if any caught his interest.
Eventually, he gathered a small haul. A mix of alchemy theory, local history, and a few herbology books that looked intriguing. His satchel was stuffed by the time he turned the corner—and nearly collided with a familiar figure.
“Ah, apologies, Professor—!” Yuuki took a step back, blinking up at none other than Professor Trein.
The elderly mage, more often seen presiding over class with an air of grave authority, looked mildly surprised but not displeased. His sharp gaze flicked briefly to the bulging satchel that Yuuki carried.
“Good evening,” Trein said, his tone far gentler than how he usually sounded in class. “No need to apologise. I was just returning a volume. That’s quite the haul you’ve assembled for yourself.”
Yuuki gave a sheepish smile. “Ah… yes. I didn’t realise I’d picked up so many.”
Trein gave a soft chuckle, the rare sound making Yuuki glance up in surprise. “That Divus wasn’t exaggerating, it seems. He often brags that you’re quite the studious one.”
That made Yuuki pause, blinking. “Wait… Professor Crewel talks about me?”
“Like one might speak of a particularly promising apprentice—or a favoured child,” Trein added with a mild, knowing glint in his eyes.
Yuuki’s face went a light pink. “That’s—um—wow. I’m… sorry?”
Trein placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, his expression fond in a grandfatherly way. “There’s nothing to apologise for, young man. On the contrary. For someone who was dropped into our world without warning, you’ve adapted admirably well.”
The warmth in his voice caught Yuuki off-guard. Praise from professors wasn’t something he was used to—even less so the kind that felt genuine. He ducked his head slightly. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot.”
There was a brief, comfortable pause, broken only by the occasional rustle of bookshelves shifting in the distance.
“Actually…” Yuuki began, a little hesitantly, “since you’re here—do you have any book recommendations? Something that could help me understand the basics of this world a bit better? I still feel like I’m missing things everyone else just knows .”
Trein’s eyes lit up with scholarly approval. “An excellent question. Come with me.”
What followed was a half-hour of Trein personally guiding Yuuki through several sections of the library, pointing out beginner-friendly texts on magical customs, cultural norms, and the historical foundations of Twisted Wonderland’s most prominent regions. With each suggestion, he added a small anecdote or reason why the book might be useful.
By the time Yuuki finally left, his satchel had nearly doubled in weight—but his steps were noticeably lighter. The sky outside was tinged with the deep indigo of approaching nightfall, and a cool breeze nipped at his coat as he began the walk back to Ramshackle.
He was tired, but satisfied. There’d be dinner to prepare, maybe a hot bath, and then a long night curled up in bed with his new reading material.
“What a surprising day this has been.” Yuuki mumbled to himself.
As Yuuki approached the gated entrance of Ramshackle Dorm, something immediately caught his eye. The path lights—usually a warm, flickering yellow—had shifted to a ghostly green, casting ethereal glows that danced like will-o’-the-wisps along the worn stone path.
A chill wind brushed his cheek, but rather than unsettled, Yuuki felt a grin pull at his lips. He knew exactly what that meant.
“Ryukun?” he called softly, voice steady but inviting. “Are you around?”
A few seconds passed in silence before the familiar pull of magical energy made itself known, unfurling beside him like a shadow slipping from another dimension.
“Ah… so I haven’t missed you after all,” Ryukun murmured, his smooth, velvety tone laced with quiet relief.
Yuuki glanced at him sidelong, his smirk playful. “I was just killing time at the library. Did you need something, or are you just haunting me again?” he teased, already turning to open the rusted iron gate. “I was about to start dinner. You could join me, if you want.”
He walked forward along the winding path, the ghostly lights flickering with each step—only to realise Ryukun’s footsteps had stopped.
Yuuki turned back, puzzled. “...What?”
Ryukun stood motionless under the spectral glow, an odd expression flickering across his face—surprise, curiosity… and something softer. A kind of wonderment, as though Yuuki had offered him something precious without realising it.
“You’re inviting me to share a meal,” Ryukun said, almost to himself. “And into your home?”
Yuuki blinked, frowning slightly. “Yeah? I know it’s kind of last minute, but you’re already here. Why not?” he replied with casual ease, missing the way Ryukun’s eyes darkened slightly with something unspoken.
“You really are full of surprises… child of man,” Ryukun finally said, his lips curling into a rare, genuine smile. “Very well. I’ll accept your invitation.”
Yuuki grinned wider, gesturing him on. “Great! Come on then. You can look around while I get things started.”
As they reached the dorm’s front steps, Ryukun paused again, head tilted slightly as he observed the exterior.
Though the building still bore its Ramshackle name, much had changed since his last visit—boards no longer covered the windows, the porch had been cleared of rot and dust, and the place pulsed faintly with Yuuki’s cursed energy, shaped through meticulous effort and intention.
Ryukun said nothing, but his gaze lingered on the doorway before stepping through.
This would be his first time seeing the newly renovated interior—Yuuki realised that with a jolt of nervousness. Would Ryukun, someone who had once said he found comfort in ruins and quiet places, like what it had become?
As Yuuki slipped off his school blazer and made for the kitchen, he cast a quick glance over his shoulder.
Ryukun stood in the entryway, eyes sweeping slowly across the space: clean walls, soft lighting, a few modest decorations that made the place feel like a home, not a haunted ruin. His expression was unreadable—focused, perhaps contemplative.
“I know it’s not as… empty as before,” Yuuki said from the doorway, half-teasing, half-serious. “But I hope it still counts as a safe place for you.”
Ryukun’s eyes met his, calm and steady.
“It’s different,” he said at last, voice quiet. “But not unwelcome.”
A beat passed between them.
Then Yuuki grinned again and turned toward the kitchen, calling, “All right then. Make yourself at home. Dinner’ll be ready soon.”
Malleus sat quietly at the modest dining table, his hands resting in his lap as the soft clatter of utensils and the faint bubbling of something cooking filled the space.
The smell of warm broth and savoury herbs wafted from the nearby kitchen, mingling with the faint scent of lavender that lingered in the air. A scent that somehow always reminded him of Yuuki.
The dorm was far from grand—but it felt lived in. It felt… warm . A quiet kind of comfort hung in the walls, stitched into every detail by the one who had claimed this once forgotten building as his home.
It still felt strange, Malleus mused, being welcomed into such a place so freely. So casually. No elaborate summons. No formalities. No bowing heads or watchful stares. Just an open door, a light left on, and a voice that said, “Come in, if you’d like.”
Malleus wasn’t used to that.
He wasn’t used to this .
And yet, he found that he liked the feeling—this unfamiliar warmth that wrapped around him like a soft blanket, asking for nothing in return. A shared meal. A conversation. A seat at the table. It was something precious. Something… fragile.
But as he sat there, listening to Yuuki humming faintly to himself while stirring something on the stove, a thought crept in—quiet, unwanted, and persistent.
Would Yuuki still look at him the same way… if he knew who he truly was ?
Not as Ryukun, the quiet, mysterious visitor with strange powers. But as Malleus Draconia —crown prince of Briar Valley, a fae whose name alone could silence a room, whose power was whispered about like folklore, and whose presence was more feared than welcomed.
Would Yuuki still smile at him like that?
Would he still speak to him like an equal?
Would he still invite him in… or would he shut the door?
Malleus’ gaze drifted toward the light overhead, the slight sway of it casting slow-moving shadows across the wooden table. His fingers curled slightly against the grain of the wood, and his expression, usually so unreadable, softened into something almost wistful.
How long had it been since he had just… been a guest?
“Dinner’s almost ready,” Yuuki’s voice rang out from the kitchen—casual, cheerful, like this was nothing unusual at all.
Malleus blinked once, the question dissolving on his tongue. He looked toward the doorway, watching as Yuuki stirred a pot with one hand and wiped his cheek with the back of the other, a soft smile on his lips as if everything was exactly how it should be.
And for the first time in a long while, Malleus let himself relax.
He would hold on to this moment just a little longer.
Even if it was built on a secret.
Even if it couldn't last.
Because for now, here, he wasn’t a prince.
He was simply… Ryukun .