I glanced at Tiena.
Our eyes met, and she lifted her teacup with a gentle smile.
Inhaling the aroma, she closed her eyes slightly.
“The fragrance is wonderful.”
“I’m glad it suits your taste.”
I bowed my head slightly as I spoke.
Tiena began to sip her tea.
Behind her, Professor On narrowed his eyes, watching us from above.
Avoiding his gaze, I absentmindedly fiddled with the sofa I was sitting on.
The plush fabric pressed softly against my fingers.
The space that had once been a lecture hall had transformed under Professor On’s magic into what now resembled a reception room.
It felt like a formal hospitality area—though the owner of this room, Professor On, didn’t seem particularly pleased with us being here.
Tiena smiled as she drank her tea.
“I’ve always been curious,” she said, placing her half-empty cup down.
“I heard that you, Evron, are the originator of the tea magic Mauro taught. I wondered just how different the taste would be. But this… it exceeds my expectations.”
The turtle perched on her lap noticed the half-empty cup and activated its magic.
A delicate circuit formed in the air—a flawless display of tea magic.
Through the completed magic circle, the teacup gradually refilled.
Tiena gently stroked the turtle’s head.
The little creature grinned wide, rubbing its head against her thigh.
Professor On’s expression darkened.
His face twisted as he glared at me with even greater intensity.
I remained still.
Because, frankly, I felt a little guilty.
Tiena, oblivious to Professor On’s jealousy, lightly tapped the turtle’s back with her fingers.
Then, she spoke.
“Mauro sent me a letter recently. He mentioned that Evron had joined our doll association. He said you’re a talented individual and asked me to look after you.”
“That’s why I’ve been paying such close attention to this little one.”
At her words, the turtle met Tiena’s gaze and let out a small cry, “Meeeng.”
Then, it burrowed deeper into her arms.
Tiena chuckled softly, finding it adorable.
Meanwhile, Professor On’s glare grew even sharper.
Feeling as though his gaze might pierce through me at any moment, I discreetly turned to Mira, who sat beside me.
I gave her a desperate look, silently pleading for help.
Noticing my gaze, Mira let out a small laugh and wrapped her arms around mine.
A faint mist swirled around us, shielding me from Professor On’s oppressive presence.
The tension eased.
Grateful, I handed Mira the vial that Tiena had given me earlier.
It contained Wriggle No. 1—a gift.
Mira’s eyes gleamed as she accepted it.
“Oh my, I didn’t expect you to give it to me so quickly. I’m truly touched.”
She teased, despite having been present for the entire conversation.
Feeling like I had just needlessly flaunted my generosity, I scratched my cheek.
Mira turned to Tiena with a smile.
“Thank you for the gift.”
“Think nothing of it,” Tiena replied lightly.
“Please, accept it without hesitation.”
“Hehe, then I won’t hold back. Besides, the burden of gratitude will fall on Evron anyway.”
Mira spoke in a playful tone.
Tiena turned to meet Mira’s gaze.
A peculiar tension formed between them as they exchanged silent looks, as if communicating through unspoken words.
Soon, they both smiled and nodded.
It seemed they had reached some sort of understanding.
They continued their conversation, discussing Professor On and me.
I paid them no mind and instead focused on Tiena’s lap.
Or rather, the turtle resting there.
It had the most blissful expression on its face.
I clicked my tongue lightly.
I focused on my connection with the turtle.
Through it, I could feel its emotions—subtle desires buried beneath that innocent face.
The little creature was thoroughly enjoying the warmth of Tiena’s embrace.
Despite its harmless appearance, its thoughts were far from pure.
If Professor On knew what was going through the turtle’s mind, he’d probably tear it apart on the spot.
That was the real reason I felt guilty under his suspicious gaze.
Because in the end, the turtle was a part of me.
It was a new consciousness born from my own.
It was my creation—my offspring, in a way.
That meant it inherited parts of me—my way of thinking, my desires, my habits.
So, its sly, hidden thoughts?
They had originated from me as well.
It had never been this bad before.
But after absorbing Wriggle No. 1 and gaining true life, its desires had grown stronger.
Just like now.
The turtle was relishing the physical sensations of its own body.
I decided to keep this little revelation to myself.
It would remain a secret between the turtle and me.
The turtle and I locked eyes, and I gave it a small nod.
‘A turtle with a preference for humans, huh? Well… to each their own.’
Respecting personal tastes was important, after all.
The turtle nuzzled against Tiena’s leg.
She paused her conversation and gently stroked its head.
Meanwhile, Professor On’s magic began tearing through the mist Mira had wrapped around me.
If we lingered any longer, I wasn’t sure how he would react.
So, I quickly changed the subject, steering the conversation back on track.
“You mentioned that Mauro contacted you?”
Tiena nodded slightly.
The fact that Mauro had reached out personally to ensure my well-being stirred a bit of emotion in me.
“Yes. So, Evron, please help Mauro whenever you can. He’s a pitiable child.”
A faint sadness flickered in her eyes as she spoke.
Then, she turned her gaze behind her.
Professor On, who had been scowling deeply, suddenly relaxed his expression upon meeting her eyes.
Tiena sighed softly.
“If only his body had been intact… he might have been able to inherit the tower from my husband.”
I blinked.
‘Inherit the tower?’
Her tone was affectionate when referring to Mauro.
It was clear they were quite close.
Even Professor On had a slightly bitter expression.
Tiena gently took Professor On’s hand, pressing herself into his embrace.
He traced her sorrowful face lightly with his fingers before lowering his head to meet her lips.
Their kiss lingered.
With it, her sadness seemed to gradually melt away.
The turtle watched the scene with great interest.
I coughed and averted my gaze.
But there was Mira.
She met my eyes with an impish grin, then tapped her lips playfully.
“Shall we try it too? I feel like I might need Evron’s love if I want to consume this.”
She held up Wriggle No. 1 from her coat, her eyes gleaming mischievously.
I quickly shook my head, letting out an awkward chuckle.
Lately, she had been teasing me more and more.
But this shift in her behavior hadn’t started with her—it had started with me.
After realizing the nature of a doll’s love, I had begun to feel a faint sense of warmth from her gestures.
She, too, was partially my doll.
That was why my initial wariness toward her had gradually faded.
And she had definitely noticed.
I took a step back from her.
Instead, my thoughts drifted to Mauro.
‘I had heard glimpses of his talent from Mira before, but I hadn’t realized he was remarkable enough for even Professor On to covet him.’
‘I knew little of his position or how far he had climbed in the tower.’
‘Even when I tried using information guilds, there were no clear answers.’
‘They had told me someone had erased all traces of him.’
Professor On and Tiena finally broke their kiss when she placed a hand on his chest and gently pushed him away.
She turned to us with a sheepish smile.
“Apologies. My husband never lets go of me when I’m feeling down.”
“It’s alright. There’s no need to be concerned. If anything, we should apologize for intruding. We’ll leave as soon as possible.”
I glanced at Professor On.
He gave a satisfied nod.
Sensing the timing, I carefully spoke.
“So… may I ask what your request is?”
Tiena’s eyes widened slightly before she clapped her hands together.
“Oh, I completely forgot! Conversations always seem to take unexpected turns.”
“Maybe it’s because I want to spend more time with you all.”
She lightly patted the turtle’s back.
It lifted its head toward her.
She met its gaze.
“My request is this little one.
“I want a doll just like this.”
She lifted the turtle in her hands.
It let out a small cry, “Meeeng,” and nestled against her cheek.
Professor On’s eyes narrowed sharply.
I stiffened.
‘She wanted a turtle like mine?’
That was a request I could never grant.
“That’s why I’m asking you, Evron. Because I saw that mysterious magic of yours. The potential within this child.”
At those words, I blinked. So did the turtle.
It tried to slowly slip away from her lap, but she held it tightly, refusing to let go.
“No matter how much life an artificial body holds, it cannot conceive a new soul. But this child is different. Is it your unique magic, Evron? I realized that a soul has settled within this child.”
Saying so, Tiena gently stroked the turtle’s shell.
The turtle stiffened under her gaze.
She continued speaking.
“So one day, please gift me a doll. One that I can call my and this child’s own.”
I fell into thought.
‘It was an intriguing request, one that made me ponder deeply. A child born of both a doll and a person… Was that truly possible?’
For now, it was impossible.
My unique magic, the false soul, only responded to wood carved from my own tree.
I glanced sideways at Professor On.
Even he, a professor, hadn’t solved this problem.
There was no way I could figure it out so easily.
Tiena looked at me and gave a gentle smile.
She spoke in a relaxed voice.
“There’s no time limit, so don’t feel pressured. Just remember that I made this request. If you ever think it’s possible, you can come to me then.”
‘If that was the case, then it was fine. I felt the weight pressing on my chest lighten a little.’
With a firm expression, I nodded seriously.
“Understood. Since it’s your request, Tiena, I must do my best to fulfill it.”
I wasn’t sure what kind of reward awaited, but surely, she would take care of it.
And if I truly thought it was impossible, I could simply give up.
That was my conclusion.
And it was what I told Mauro as well.
***
We had stopped by the city on our way back to Professor Irien’s tower.
After hearing my story, Mauro let out a hearty laugh.
“Haha! So that’s what happened. Well, don’t think too much about it. Many others have received the same request.”
I blinked at his words.
Mauro stroked his beard slightly, his gaze drifting into the air as if lost in old memories.
“I received that request long ago too. Feels like forever. Not that I ever managed to fulfill it… I can only apologize to the lady.”
He stood there for a moment, lost in thought, before shaking his head.
Then, looking at us, he smiled, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening into a bright, cheerful expression.
“It’s just a rumor floating around among our dollmakers, but some say our guild still exists because of that request. Of course, it’s not the only reason, but still!”
With that, Mauro let out another loud laugh.
Beside me, Mira chuckled as well, as if finding it amusing.
She gently took my hand.
From her fingers, I felt a warmth unfamiliar to me.
It was no longer the cold touch of an artificial body.
I flinched slightly.
I still wasn’t used to that warmth.
It carried a vivid sense of life, flowing into me.
After leaving Professor On’s tower, she had immediately transferred into Dreamtide Unit 1.
Leaning against me, she smiled with a face full of warmth and color.
Her smile carried a deep scent, almost like blooming roses.
“Oh my, then the reward must be quite impressive.”
“Hmm, I suppose so. The lady was generous even to those who failed, whether with points or materials.”
Mauro nodded as he spoke.
Mira squeezed my hand and smiled mischievously.
“Hmm, then this calls for experiments. Many experiments to create their child. Don’t you think so, Evron?”
“That’s a great idea! Seeing you today, you really have become a person, both in body and heart. Looks like the professor’s elixir worked wonders!”
“Fufu, what are you saying? I’ve always been like this.”
Mauro and Mira shared a laugh.
Watching them, I could only let out a small, helpless chuckle.
It was clear they were having fun teasing me.
I had to stop this conversation before it got out of hand.
“I heard from Tiena. You sent a letter on my behalf. I didn’t expect such kindness.”
Mauro gave a small nod before responding.
“Well, didn’t you give me a lot of points last time? I should return the favor however I can. Besides, you’re a newcomer to our guild.”
“Hmm… In that conversation, your name also came up. I heard you were once considered for succession at the tower. That surprised me.”
Mauro stroked his beard and let out a hearty laugh.
He didn’t seem too bothered by the topic.
He patted my shoulder lightly.
“Oh, the lady mentioned that too? She must really like you. Well, there was a time like that, about five hundred years ago. Nothing worth dwelling on.”
He suddenly clapped his hands together, his eyes brightening.
“Ah, come to think of it, are you planning to attend the next gathering?”
“A gathering?”
“Yes, the one held by our city’s guild. You missed the last one. There’s about eight months until the next, but we can adjust the date for you. Many are curious about the new recruit.”
“I have no objections. Just let me know the date.”
I nodded lightly.
Joining the guild wasn’t just about gaining influence—it was also to meet other dollmakers.
Through them, I could find new possibilities for growth.
I was also curious about them.
Seeing my agreement, Mauro laughed.
“Well, I understand you’re busy, so we’ll schedule it around Professor On’s classes. Come comfortably. Everyone will welcome you with open arms.”
“I’m looking forward to it. And I also have another reason to thank you. The advice you gave me last time helped immensely. Almost no other students passed.”
“Haha, it was just a simple tip. It only worked because you’re talented. Have confidence in yourself!”
We continued talking for a long while.
Strangely, being with him made me feel at ease.
We talked about dolls, about classes, about many things, letting time pass naturally.
And then, after parting ways with him, I headed back to Professor Irien’s tower.
The journey back was peaceful.
No beasts dared approach with the turtle’s size and Mira’s mist.
We arrived at the tower, and I opened its doors with a light heart.
But that didn’t last long.
Soon, I was clutching my head in frustration.
It hadn’t even been a full week since I left the tower, yet a huge incident had occurred in my absence.
Once again, Hao was behind it.
I sighed as I set about cleaning up the mess.
***
Six months passed.
We conducted six more treasure lectures.
Two more rules were added.
And we fully explored the warehouse on the sixth floor.
No locked doors remained.