The bird circled the tower once, gliding closer before flying off into the night.
Bolt finally let out a long breath as he ushered everyone into the kitchen.
"Phew… I suddenly felt this overwhelming mana outside," he admitted, wiping his hands on his pants. "It's gone now. We're safe."
"Well," Kaya said matter-of-factly, rummaging in a cupboard, "I thought it might be one of the harmless night mana beasts. Some of them wander the academy grounds. Nothing to worry about."
He glanced at Luke and added, "Go wake Henry. A midnight snack won't hurt anyone."
"I'll make ramen," Lauran declared confidently, opening another cabinet. "It's delicious — trust me."
"And I'm making hot chocolate with jumbo marshmallows," Kaya said, already clutching a bag of fluffy white puffs. "In winter, it's heaven in a cup."
Bolt nodded and set about washing five cups, along with some forks and spoons. Luke returned a few minutes later, dragging a very drowsy Henry who flopped into a chair near the heater without protest.
Once the food was ready, the five of them settled down around the low table.
Lauran noisily slurped her noodles, clearly enjoying herself.
Kaya eyed her with a raised brow and asked, "Alright, what's on your mind now?"
Lauran's lips curled into a grimace. "Haikai is throwing some winter tea party for the noble ladies, and — surprise — I'm invited. Ugh. I swear I might kill her."
"No need for violence," Kaya replied smoothly. "Do what my mom used to do. Pour tea on her gown, mock her dress, or complain about the food. And if someone insults you, just stare into their soul. Show them you're a bold queen — wear a suit, take your sword, and they'll never dare speak against you."
Luke chuckled and launched into a story about his cousin Sanshiro, who nearly killed another cousin during a family gathering.
That prompted Bolt to share how he once almost flattened a bully, and even Henry muttered about a similar incident from his childhood.
They all laughed — because somehow, each of them had faced spoiled nobles and lived to tell the tale.
Later that night, they each found their spots in the cozy common room and drifted off to sleep.
But Bolt — or Arron — found himself standing in a dream.
This time, he was in a breathtaking garden, the air fragrant and cool. By the pond sat a blonde figure, their back to him.
"Hello…?" Bolt called softly.
The figure rose and turned — and his breath hitched.
The man's eyes, bright as emeralds, held his gaze.
"Hello, Bolt," the man said gently, his voice warm. "My dear son. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. Akatesu has me as a hostage. Before he could hurt you, I blocked your mana to protect you."
Bolt froze.
"You've found a good team," Alex continued, stepping closer. "They'll help you save the universe — from me. He's using my body as a vessel now. Your mom and little sister are safe on Earth. I sealed a quarter of my mana inside you. Right now… I'm trapped here, in this dream. Gary and David will help you."
He pulled Bolt into an embrace.
"Arron," he whispered, "that's your true name. Arron Bolt De Ferguson, Prince of Austacisia. I'm sorry for giving you this burden. There's no way to save me anymore. Please… take care of yourself. Enjoy the time you have. If you let it slip away, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Dad loves you."
And then he faded like morning mist.
Bolt woke with tears streaking down his cheeks.
He stared at his reflection in the mirror and murmured, voice trembling:
"Alex… you're my dad. Don't worry… I'll save you. First, I need to learn about your connection to Gary and the director. And my little sister… she doesn't even know I exist. Mom… she's been carrying this burden all this time. I have to bring our family back together."
He clenched his fists, determination settling in his chest, and finally went back to sleep.
Morning came quickly.
When Bolt ran into Kaya in the kitchen, Kaya smirked at his expression.
"Oh, good morning. Thanks for the pajamas," Bolt said sheepishly. "Didn't know we were allowed to stay here overnight."
"No problem," Kaya replied, casually sipping tea. Then he squinted. "Hmm… did you break a circle? Your aura feels stronger today."
They walked side by side, quietly discussing the aura-blocking spell.
"It looks like your father really is a god-tier mage," Kaya said thoughtfully. "He clearly cares about you… and Akatesu — that's the dark spirit's real name — is just using him. Don't worry. We'll save him. Somehow."
Bolt's shoulders loosened at that, a faint smile returning to his lips.
But then Luke's voice suddenly rang through the kitchen:
"Lauran! I told you not to dump the cereal straight into the milk — it gets soggy!"
"Oh, please," Lauran shot back. "You're just mad because I know how to actually enjoy breakfast."
Bolt and Kaya exchanged a look before walking in.
"Seriously?" Bolt sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Okay, listen. If you want crunchy cereal, pour milk into the cereal. If you want it soft, pour cereal into milk. Simple. Peace restored. Now sit and eat like normal people."
The two quieted under his unimpressed glare — the kind of aura only someone with parental energy could exude — and went back to eating.
Kaya smirked. "You sounded exactly like my dad just now."
As they finished breakfast, Kaya checked his watch.
"Alright — be ready by nine. We're going to the park at ten. No delays."
Bolt looked around at his chaotic, ridiculous group of friends and felt something warm settle in his chest.
Yup. This is why people say the academy feels like a second home. I wonder if Dad felt the same when he was here… He probably had a group like this too. And now… it's my turn to look after them, like the big brother I'm supposed to be.
He grinned faintly to himself as everyone finished eating, already looking forward to whatever madness awaited them at the park.