The next day, during his lesson with Poro, Cale made an unexpected discovery: Blanca's domain was sound.
"So this little one resonates with music, huh?" Poro muttered with a smirk, settling Blanca on his shoulder.
Under his master's guidance, Cale and Blanca began experimenting with sound waves, producing immersive effects, directing vibrations, distorting echoes, and even crafting small auditory illusions. Blanca showed a natural bond with music, reacting to notes before they fully formed. When she wasn't training, she played with Kira, curiously floated around the house, or spent long hours in Ameri's library humming as she flipped through books.
Sometimes, she would fall asleep atop Poro's music stand, and he—surprisingly gentle—would drape a silk cloth over her to keep her warm.
School Preparations and Family Dynamics
Ameri was as strict as ever, but with her brother, her iron demeanor softened. Now as Student Council President, she had become obsessed with order and decorum. Cale, of course, found this hilarious.
A week before classes began, Cale faced the blue school uniform, glaring at him from the back of a chair like a curse.
"If Alice gets to wear whatever he wants, why can't I?" he muttered, rummaging through his wardrobe.
Eventually, he found something suitable: a black formal suit, dark tie, and a golden horn-shaped brooch. Blanca, sitting atop his head, clapped with her tiny hands. Kira simply gave an approving nod.
As he stepped out, Ameri was already waiting with arms crossed, scanning his outfit.
"Really, Cale?"
"Not my fault the school uniform looks like therapy pajamas."
She sighed, gave up the fight, and they moved to the dining hall. After a quick breakfast, they boarded the private carriage. Ameri still preferred flying, but for Cale's sake, she agreed—albeit with an annoyed sigh every time the wheels bumped. Cale curled up beside her, Kira on his lap and Blanca on her coat. Ameri, pretending indifference, stroked his hair gently as she stared out the window.
First Day at the Academy
Babyls Castle loomed ahead, all floating towers, reversed clocks, and yawning gargoyles. As soon as they stepped down from the carriage, the murmurs began.
"Who is that guy with the president?"
"He's gorgeous! Are they... together?!"
"No way. She'd never date anyone. Right?"
Cale, basking in the attention, turned to Ameri, took her face in both hands, and kissed her cheek.
"See you later, darling."
Then, he dashed away with Kira in his arms. Ameri stood frozen, then slowly turned beet red. The air thickened around her.
"CALEEEEE..."
The student council scattered before her wrath.
A New Era Begins
Walking through halls lined with floating torches and mirrors that judged your outfit, Cale could barely contain his grin. Babyls was beautifully chaotic. In one corner, Sabnock Sabro tried to break a pillar over a detention slip. Elsewhere, Clara Valac sprinted by with a sack of explosive lemons.
But what caught Cale's eye was a blue-haired boy, nervously making his way to the gym.
"And there he goes... the protagonist. This is going to be fun."
Adjusting his brooch, Cale followed with a smile that spelled trouble.
The Entrance Ceremony
The gym was decorated with black curtains and floating candles. Cale took a seat in the stands, Blanca on his shoulder and Kira at his feet. Sullivan had offered him the honor of the opening speech, but Cale had firmly declined—he knew his "adoptive brother", human Iruma, would end up giving it.
Kalego-sensei took the podium. His presence alone silenced the crowd.
"Stand for the anthem."
Everyone sang:
"Humans are our feast,
we must drain their souls, their blood, their flesh.
Our black wings roar in flight,
Fear us, for we are demons!"
When the speaker was to be announced, Alice stood proudly... only to be cut off.
"Change of plans. The new student, Iruma, will give the speech."
The rest was already written: the accidental forbidden spell, the gasps, the chaos.
"He said it all! Word for word!"
Cale burst into laughter.
"This is better than any opera I've seen!"
Kira mimicked him. Blanca spun with glee.
The Duel of Alice and Iruma
Alice, both humiliated and bewildered, challenged Iruma to a duel. The courtyard buzzed with excitement.
Alice flung fire. Iruma dodged like he had divine luck. In the final move, Iruma grabbed Alice mid-air and suplexed him flawlessly, leaving the crowd speechless.
Cale whispered:
"It's like the universe itself is protecting him. I like this kid."
Meeting with Sullivan
In the principal's office, Sullivan hugged Cale. Alice was dismissed without ceremony.
"I've missed you, boy."
"Been busy. Blanca, say hi."
The tiny fairy waved a leaf.
"She's cute... but my grandson is cuter."
"Still so competitive."
Sullivan handed him a human phone.
"To explore ideas. I know you'll make good use of it."
Cale hugged him.
"Thanks, old man."
As he walked out, Cale looked at Babyls' chaotic sky. With Kira on his shoulder, Blanca buzzing contentedly, and his heart pounding with excitement, he knew: interesting days were coming.