The sun was now climbing down the sky, the shadows moving with the passage of time and the clouds drifting along them. Such peace could also be felt iy, a grand and majestic structure standing higher than those around it.

  It was made with gss and stones, massive windows letting the sunshine in, grag the empty rooms and those crowded with people. Peace reigned over them as the students listeo the lectures of their instructors.

  Some raised their hands and asked questions, some were trying to keep themselves awake, and some early jotted down quite a lot of heir notebooks filled with scribbles and mumbo-jumbo, fitted to their own uanding.

  TAP TAP TAP TAP

  Steps and strides echoed iagnant air, shadows casted on the ground as the pilrs stood firm and proud. The corridors were spacious and humbling, banners of many a colors hanging by the arches and sculptures etched in the darkest of stones.

  Three figures walked down such a corridor, one leading the other two. The leader's eyes were looking upfront whilst the other two's lingered all over the pce, barely holding themselves back from expl the pce themselves.

  TAP TAP TAP STOP CLACK

  The footsteps soon stopped, a grand and massive pair of doors standing majestically before them. The guide pced the back of her hand towards the door, and hit it time and time again in regur intervals, a series of knocks ringing clearly.

  "Headmaster, I have brought yuests."

  "Ah, the door is open. Just let them in, please." ［???］

  "Uood."

  The guide heeded the Headmaster's words and she pced her hands on the door handles. With a little bit of pushing, she then opehe doors, the aromatid earthy st of herbs wafting through the corridors, apanied by the sweet yet mild st of wild flowers.

  In the fragrant paradise, a man in his early twenties greeted them. His hair was the color of the dark oak, stretg all the way to his back. His eyes were like diamonds, clear as water and sparkling brightly like the lens of the spectacles c them. He exuded a calm and curious aura, smiling ever so gently.

  And though one might think that he was an assistant of the Headmaster, the truth couldn't be any farther. After all, appearances be deceiving.....

  ??Appraisal?? ［Grey］

  -----------------------------------

  [Salferine]

  [Name]Fran ro Silva

  [Race]Human

  [Sex]Male

  [Age]74

  [Status]Healthy

  [Mana Capacity]1.103  [Mana Quality]C

  [bat Power]1,301  [Threat Level]B

  [Attribute]Fire     [Magic Proficy]High (55%)

  [Css]Rogue     [on Proficy]High (51%)

  [Physical Enha]55%

  [Ability]Extra Sense (3☆)

  -----------------------------------

  ... After all, he was old enough to be the grandfather of the King. But all because he was a High-Ranker, he looked no older than 25. If Grey didn't have "Judgement", he would have believed he was just as a peer of Kris.

  Of course, the moment he revealed such details to Yuna, the young dy was also just as shocked, looking at the Headmaster as if he was some sort of art exhibition, much to the tter's fusion. He possessed youth everyone would be envious of.

  "Thank you fing them here. I hope I didn't trouble you too much." ［Fran］

  "Not at all, Headmaster. I'm only doing my job... Then, I will be taking my leave now."

  "Yes. Please keep up the good work." ［Fran］

  The guide bowed her head ever so slightly, leaving the two with the Headmaster, an unfounded silening all throughout the room. The two parties stared at one another, one gazing with curiosity, and the other with tension.

  There was no hostility, no malio greediness, and nothing suspicious at all. But there was something about the Headmaster's gaze which poked Grey and Yuna's curiosity. It wasn't long before the reason was revealed by the Headmaster himself.

  "Haah... And here I thought the Azure Sword Emperor had e to visit... This turned out to be even more of a surprise..." ［Fran］

  ""!!!"" ［Grey and Yuna］

  A sudden statement, shock arming all throughout Grey and Yuna's nerves whilst they looked at the Headmaster with vigince burning in their eyes. They have yet to sense any ill iions, but they were ready to sh out at any moment.

  Though the Headmaster's words may sound simple at first, but at a more thh examination, his words were something they never expected to hear... They were found out... A brilliant smile oer's face.

  As for the reason why, it was her thara Sense". It was an ability which grants the user something akin to a 6th sense, sharpening not only intuition but also one's perception of things, making one sehe unordinary.

  "Oh my, looks like I said something I shouldn't have. Please spare this old man, Your Majesties. I didn't mean any harm with it," ［Fran］

  "Your Majesties, huh... That's new, alright..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. Then you should get used to it soon, Your Imperial Majesty, Emperrey, and Your Royal Majesty, Queen Yuna. Right?" ［Fran］

  And to top it all off, the Headmaster's reading was much more accurate than Kris'. He could tell that Yuna was in the higher end of Camity-Css, and that Grey was now nearing a bat power of 30,000. It was reliable enough.

  But as one would expect, Grey and Yuna weren't so proud about such titles. Rather than majestic, they only sounded burdensome, a whole lot of responsibilities attached to them, sending cold and eerie shivers down their spines.

  Just hearing the titles echo again and again in their minds, Grey and Yu like they were going dizzy. It was already more than troublesome as it is that they're addressed to as "Yhnesses", and now "Your Majesties". It ain.

  "Ah, are you perhaps unfortable with such titles, Your Majesties?" ［Fran］

  "Yeah... It's really troublesome..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. This reminds me of my youth, but don't worry too much, Your Majesties. I'm sure you'll get used to it sooner or ter." ［Fran］

  "Uuu... Please stop..." ［Yuna］

  The Headmaster was having fun, but the same couldn't be said for the two. It's good that the former didn't harbor any ill feelings for them, but hearing them repeat such words again and again was troubling. It felt like they were being teased by their grandfather.

  But apart from that, it was even more amazing that they were in the presence of one in the only three Legendary Alchemists in the whole world. He is a living legend who is only below the King in the whole of Foltriesse.

  'I guess His Majesty wasn't joking whealked about him...' ［Grey］

  Fran ro Silva... A man who once held the title of Marquess Silva, which is now held by his grandson. Still, he wasn't any less iial, possessing the rank of "Archduke" due to his prowess in Alchemy alone.

  Like threat levels, bcksmiths, alchemists, and enters also gain privilege as they climb up the ranks. Tier-5 is treated the same as the Gentry, Tier-6 like Knights, Tier-7 the same as Vists, Tier-8 as Marquesses, and Tier-9 as Archdukes.

  Of course, there is also the Tier-10, Mythical Alchemists, which are treated like Kings, and the Divine Alchemists which are hailed the same as Emperors, but no one alive has reached it yet. A title buried in the sand of time.

  And even without his alchemy prowess, he was still a High-Ranker, having the same privilege as a t. He o be strong to collect rare ingredients and materials, and trek the harshest of biomes, after all. It wasn't all just heaven.

  The man before them was one of the pilrs of the Alchemy...

  "Well, before anything else... Should we take a seat, Grey, Yuna?" ［Fran］

  "So you do know about it..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. I did hear from His Majesty that you disliked formalities. Sorry for teasing you all this time. It's been some time since I had this much fun, you see." ［Fran］

  "Uuu... So you were teasing us, after all..." ［Yuna］

  The young dy was grumbling and the young man was sighing. They soon took their seats, and the headmaster did the same, making himself feel fortable in his seat. The tension in the room was now gone, only sighs and smiles.

  "ht. Would you care for some tea, Grey, Yuna?" ［Fran］

  "Ah... Yeah... Gdly...." ［Grey］

  "I also heard from His Majesty that you're fond of sweets, so I prepared some. Go and help yourselves. I made these ones myself." ［Fran］

  "Mmn～! So tasty～! The sweetness just melts in my mouth!" ［Yuna］

  And now, the Headmaster enly treating Grey and Yuna as if they were his own grandchildren. The way he acted and sounded erfed all, but how he looked was quite off-putting. He just looked like some random older brother.

  It was only wheook their seats that they realized they really were in the office of a Legendary Alchemist, pills and potions dispyed in the gss ets, apparatus and tools hanging in the open, and a handful of papers taining some hypotheses.

  Even their snacks were made with alchemy. The tea was calming and refreshing, a therapeutic effect kig in as one drinks it, and the sweets had rejuvenating sugars which were made with the extracts of a magit found in the nearby Lorinia Forest.

  "Do you like it?" ［Fran］

  "Un! I love it! Alchemy really is the best!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I'm gd that you think so too, Yuna." ［Fran］

  They just got to know each other but the two already seem to be getting along pretty well, the young dy happily mung on the snacks, whilst the Headmaster giving her even more, looking proud that someone appreciates his creations.

  But other than pride, there was also a trace of wonder in his eyes. He kept on looking at the young dy, tilting his head left and right, albeit slightly. Soon, he heaved a sigh filled with relief and a bit of amazement.

  "Still, to think of a young dy like you is already at Tier-8... When I was ye, I was barely at Tier-6. Even Ophelia has yet to reach Tier-7." ［Fran］

  "Ophelia...? You mean one of the 3 Legendary Alchemists?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes, that's her. Though I'm ashamed to admit it, she's much more of a genius than I am. Though it's a shame she has such a fierce temperament." ［Fran］

  Ophelia... One of the 3 Legendary Alchemists which is widely regarded as the best alchemist in the world. She is youhaher at 56 years of age, but is even more skilled. One who is expected to reach Tier-10 sooner rather than ter.

  And though Fran was talking lightly of himself, he wasn't any less amazing. He is the only one amongst the legendary alchemists who is also a High-Ranker, who had also joihe fight against the floods before. A man known as the "Warring Alchemist".

  Of course, what he was most known for was his famous Legendary creation which he dubs the "ar of Youth", which, as the name suggests, makes ain the look of their youth, aain it until death. A potion worthy to be called Legendary,

  "Though... Not that I met you in person... I'm sure you'll be able to reach even higher heights and reach for the stars." ［Fran］

  "Fufufu! You're exaggerating, Headmaster." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. Well... Who knows..." ［Fran］

  The Headmaster said, looking at Yuna's hands, hands which were ced with the st of herbs, magits, and rare materials. A st which was chaotic, but at the same time, just as harmonious, developed by endless efforts.

  Though people normally wouldn't be able to notice such sts, Fran's "Extra Sense" could pick up the slightest particles and patterns without that much difficulty. He even knows that Yuna has stayed up the night, doing even more alchemy.

  "And speaking of which, did you ever have a teacher, Yuna?" ［Fran］

  "Ah... That would be me..." ［Grey］

  "Pardon...?" ［Fran］

  A troublesome question, and a troublesome ahe Headmaster looking at Grey with fused and suspicious eyes. After all, Grey was still at Tier-5 whilst Yuna was at Tier-8. It should have beeher way around.

  "Well, at least the basics... For the other things, I only told Yuna the theories my grandmother oold me." ［Grey］

  "Yrandmother...?" ［Fran］

  "Yes. Though she isn't as promi as the Headmaster, he was a Tier-7 Alchemist. She taught me everything I knew about alchemy, from the basics all the way to the most plex of theories. She was one of my idols." ［Grey］

  Though, after Grey's simple expnation, things became much clearer. With a Tier-7 Alchemist overlooking them, it was much more uandable that Yuna reached Tier-8 at such a tender age. There's only one problem... It was a lie...

  "Grandmother was so in love with alchemy, we had to live in Haltea Forest, saying things like 'Herbs are more abundant here!' or 'The best herbs grow here!'. It was never b with her." ［Grey］

  And that too, was a lie...

  "She always bothers me everyday to test out her theories everyday and make me help her out with all her nonsense. I learned so many things about alchemy because of her antics... Or rather, I was forced to." ［Grey］

  That was another lie as well...

  Grey spewed out one lie after another, not fling even a little bit nor ging his expressions, as if he was telling the whole truth. His lies were so believable, even he was almost vinced by his refined ability in lying.

  "I see... Yrandmother sounds like a wonderful woman." ［Fran］

  The Headmaster didn't even stand a ce against Grey's lies, believing every bit of his words. And Yuna could only sip her tea a her sweets in silerying to not blow Grey's impromptu excuses, in awe and terrified of Grey's glib tongue.

  Grey tio tell stories about his "Grandmother" and his life with her, sounding like a proud grandson who 't help but chatter away when talking about her, never wavering in his act. It was a little scary, actually.

  "So, where is this grandmother of yours now? I would like to meet her." ［Fran］

  "Ah... That... Actually, she passed away several years ago already." ［Grey］

  "Oh, dear... It seems like I said something unnecessary. I'm sorry." ［Fran］

  "Ah, no. It's alright. It's been a long time, after all. And though she may be gone, her teags and memories still remain in me. I'm sure she's happy that someone has reached greater heights with her teags." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. What a positive outlook... You truly are admirable, Grey." ［Fran］

  Yeah, admirable, sure... For those dreaming to bee scammers, that is. He was very fluent and eloquent with his lies, even criminals and corrupt politis would be scared of him. A man who was the ination of deception!

  Shenanigans aside, with all the reasons Grey crafted with his all, there shouldn't be any more suspi on the Headmaster's side. Even if oo iigate if such things were true or not, they wouldn't be able to, and not like they have a reason to.

  But with all things said and dohe Headmaster still looked at Yuna with a certain look in his eyes. It was her curiosity nor envy, but something more akin to desire. The pure desire to nurture and teaeone.

  "Hmm... Yuna... I know you already have a teacher right now, but... Would you like me to give you a hand as well? In alchemy, I mean." ［Fran］

  "Hm? By that... You mean, like an instructor, Headmaster?" ［Grey］

  "That's right. If you would allow it, it would be my greatest pleasure to take you in as one of my disciples. I want to guide you ih of alchemy." ［Fran］

  A sudden offer. One which many alchemists could only ever dream of. An offer which would not only give one a strong bag, but greatly improve their skills in alchemy. Being a Legendary Alchemist's disciple is a great honor.

  Fran has eowards the young dy, and all she o do t his hand to advance further. However...

  "Sorry, Headmaster. But I have to dee your offer. Though I may sound arrogant, I want to carve this path with my own hands. I hope you uand." ［Yuna］

  ... Yuna deed the offer with a resolute expression on her faot a single ounce of hesitation in her eyes and her lips breaking into a gentle smile.

  If any other alchemist were to hear her, they would have called her mad. But Yuna's mind wouldn't waver at the thought. She had climbed to where she is with her own efforts, and she would tio do so. She was fident.

  "I see... Looks like I was just being meddlesome." ［Fran］

  "A-Ah, not at all, Headmaster! I just want to see how far I go! I'm n to mock you or anything! I'm really sorry if it came out that wayー" ［Yuna］

  "It's fi's fine. I'm not that petty tue with someone over such a trivial reason. Rather, it's refreshing to hear someo my offer." ［Fran］

  "Uuu... Sorry..." ［Yuna］

  Yu apologetic, but Fran couldn't be any prouder. Though it was a shame that he wouldn't be able to help and guide the former, he felt relief to see the young dy act stubborn, seeing his old self in her.

  An alchemist doesn't only o be smart, skilled, and talented, but also be resolute in their values and beliefs. A heart which yearns for freedom unbound by anything in the world is what makes one soar even higher, pierg through the clouds.

  "Well, anyway... Now that those things are settled, should we decide on how your stay will be in the academy?" ［Fran］

  "Oh? We decide on our arras?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. Normally, you wouldn't, but... We 't have you be unfortable in your stay here now. Isn't that right, Your Majesties?" ［Fran］

  Said the Headmaster, a teasing smile on his face. And as soon as the couple heard such words, uneasiness and disfort painted on their faces. The expressions of the two parties couldn't be any more different.

  "Ugh... Headmaster..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't help myself." ［Fran］

  The agreement ements soon proceeded smoothly, Grey and Yuna deg on what they will be doing in their stay in Darius Academy in which they will be ag as exge students from a fn try's academy.

  Sihe school year was ing to an end, it was decided that they'll be staying 'til the end, learning with the students and sharing all the programs. The only difference would be that they won't be joining the Final Exams which are still a month away.

  Of course, as they'll be treated like normal students, they are also given access to boratories, greenhouses, testing facilities, and many more. The only thing they didn't accept were dormitory rooms. The inn was already enough for them.

  And as if the Headmaster already khey were going to accept his offer in the beginning, they were even given the uniforms and identification cards. It was a little off putting, to be ho.

  "Then, that should be all... Are there any other questions? About the school, or even if it's about alchemy. Anything is fine." ［Fran］

  "Ah, then I do have a few questions, Headmaster." ［Yuna］

  "Alright, go on. I'll ao the best of my abilities." ［Fran］

  Said the Headmaster with a smile on his face, but such a smile soon vanished in all but a few moments. After all, Yuna's "few" was now few at all, b the former with all sorts of questions she had been curious about.

  There was a feisty passion burning fiercely in Yuna's eyes, her questions firing rapidly like bullets of a mae gun, not letting the Headmaster escape her grasp. She was like a predator, pying with her pitiable prey.

  Meanwhile, Grey...

  'Good luck, Headmaster." ［Grey］

  ... He only wished the Headmaster good luck,

  Yuna's bombardment of questions tinued and the Headmaster tio ahem, not that he had the leeway not to. Such a se unfolded as the sky ged crey pying a game of chess by himself.

  The sun soo and night befell towards the world. Grey and Yuuro the inn, and soon to their room, happily reminisg about the events which happened all throughout the whole day, smiles blooming in their faces.

  And though it was now time to retire for the day, Yuna was still smiling, holding in her hands a pair of white and red garments, holding it high, her eyes sparkling brightly. It was the very uniform she received from the Headmaster.

  Yuna has been staring at it for more than an hour already, hugging it, examining it, and pg it in front of her in the mirrrey could only watch over her warmly, a subtle smile blooming on his face.

  "Fufufu! I 't wait!" ［Yuna］

  A new adventure awaits them.

  CHAPTER 361 END