The Art of Breaking Rules

Sneaking a six-foot-tall delinquent into the most secure dormitory in the Academy was not something they taught in "Advanced Etiquette."

They waited until nightfall. Sera cast a simple illusion charm over Ren, making him look like a very tall, very broad-shouldered servant girl.

"This is humiliating," Ren grumbled, adjusting the skirt Sera had stolen from the laundry.

"Quiet," Sera hissed, gripping his hand tightly (the timer had reset, demanding contact again). "If we get caught, I get expelled. You probably just get a high-five from your friends."

They slipped past the warden and up the marble staircase. When they finally reached Sera’s room, she locked the door and collapsed against it.

Ren looked around. The room was pristine. Everything was white or pale green. The books were alphabetized. The bed was made with military precision.

"Wow," Ren said, peeling off the illusion. "It’s like living in a dentist’s office."

"It is tidy," Sera defended, moving to light the incense burner. "Order reflects the mind."

"Order reflects boredom," Ren countered. He flopped onto her pristine rug. "So, System check. Why us? I’m the worst student here, and you’re the scary perfect one."

"I am not scary," Sera said, sitting on the edge of her bed.

"You are," Ren laughed. "You walk around like you’re carrying a vase on your head and you’re terrified of dropping it. When was the last time you did something just for fun?"

Sera opened her mouth, then closed it. Fun? Cultivation wasn't about fun. It was about ascension. It was about proving to her father that she was worthy of the Lin name.

"Focus on the System," she said stiffly.

**[New Quest: Nourishment.]**

**[Objective: Share a meal. One partner must feed the other.]**

**[Reward: Meridians Cleansed.]**

Sera stared at the screen. "Feed the other? This is ridiculous."

Ren sat up, pulling a paper-wrapped package from his sash. "Well, I’m starving. Want a meat bun?"

Sera recoiled. The bun was greasy, steaming, and smelled of pork and onions. "I only eat Spirit Grain and morning dew. Greasy food clogs the pores."

"Suit yourself," Ren took a bite, groaning in pleasure. "Mmm. Spicy pork."

Sera’s stomach growled. It was a traitorous, loud sound in the quiet room.

Ren paused, eyebrow raised. He tore a piece of the bun off and held it out. "Come on. The System wants it. And your stomach wants it. Live a little, Princess."

Sera hesitated. She leaned forward. She meant to take it with her hand, but Ren didn't move his fingers. To complete the quest...

She flushed crimson. She leaned in and took the piece of bun directly from his fingers with her mouth.

The flavor exploded on her tongue. Salt, fat, spice. It was the best thing she had ever tasted.

**[Quest Complete. Meridians Cleansed.]**

A wave of relaxation washed over her. She slumped slightly.

"Good, right?" Ren grinned, his eyes softening. "You know, you’re not as made of stone as you pretend to be, Sera."

Sera chewed, wiping a speck of grease from her lip. "Don't call me Sera. Only my... actually, no one calls me that."

"Well," Ren laid back, looking at the ceiling. "I'm calling you Sera. Seraphina takes too long to say."

Sera looked at him. He was lying on her rug, getting crumbs everywhere. And for the first time in her life, the room didn't feel empty.