Clear as gss, the mirror was. Light bounced off such a crystal surface, refleg the sery before like the surface of a still ke. Every drop of color, every shape and figure, and every movement pying out.

  The figure of a young dy was reflected in front of such a mirror, twirli and right whilst a smile as radiant as the sun bloomed on her face, lovely like a diamond, the air springing up with excitement as she hummed ever so happily.

  She wore an open white bzer, streaks of bck outlining it, and a long sleeve shirt serving as her undershirt, and a marooie hanging by her neck. A crest was embroidered in the right sleeve, bearing the symbol of a tree, and two small snakes ing around its trunk.

  Below her waist was a skirt the same color as her tie, reag just above the knee, and a streak of bck running through it, a belt tug it to her waist. She also wore maroon high socks, and bck shoes to plete the look.

  "Looking at the mirror won't ge the way you look, you know?" ［Grey］

  "I know, but! I'm just so excited, I 't help it!" ［Yuna］

  "Calling yourself excited is a massive uatement. You didn't even have enough sleep yesterday... Geez... You're already an adult." ［Grey］

  "And that's why I'm so lucky to have such a g fiancé～! Teehee!" ［Yuna］

  Yet another day has arrived, and with the end of the weekends, it was now time frey and Yuna to attend their first day of school in Merusia, the young dy already wearing the uniform with such glee on her face.

  Of course, Grey also wore the uniform Headmaster hahem yesterday, fitting them without a single problem. It was as if they already kheir measurements. They don't know whether it's just a ce, but they rather be it that way.

  "Though, I gotta say... Seeing you in a uniform feels refreshing... It suits you. You look beautiful in it, Yuna." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Thank you～! You don't look too bad yourself, Grey. You look handsomeー No! You look super-duper handsome!" ［Yuna］

  Likewise, Grey also wore the uniform of white ahe only difference being that rather than a skirt, there were pants instead of skirts. It has been a long time since he was in a uniform, and it felt much more wonderful that he remembered.

  Well, even if they're treated as adults in Merusia, it was still a fact that they were still teenagers. If it was ba Earth, they would still have been students in their prime. The uniforms fitted them to a tee.

  And as one would expect from the most prestigious Alchemy Academy in the whole ti, the uniforms weren't normal. Other than the fact that they were super high quality, they were also ced with a few entments to repel grime, resist against lesser magid regute temperature. They were outstanding.

  "I wonder how much these will cost in the market..." ［Yuna］

  "The academy provides them for free, but... They'll probably cost a silver or two in the market. Maybe even a little higher?" ［Grey］

  "Hmm... That's expensive for a uniform, isn't it?" ［Yuna］

  "It is, but... Enough about the uniforms and all these nonsense... Shall we head out to the Academy now, Midy?" ［Grey］

  "U's go!" ［Yuna］

  There was not a need for any arguments. As soon as Grey extended his hands, Yuna accepted it whilst her lips broke into a sweet smile. The two used the gate once again and headed out of their room, unnoticed by any eye.

  They once again popped out by an alleyway. A couple dozen steps of walking ter, and a rge gate greeted them by the other side of the street, the Darius Academy standing proud uhe brilliant shimmer of the sun above it.

  The guards stood still by the entrance, examining the students, instructors, and the people that passed, looking stern and serious. It was even livelier thaerday, students p in as the start of csses drew near.

  "e one, Grey! Let's head ioo!" ［Yuna］

  Now, it was her who reached out her hand and grabbed Grey by the wrist. She was full of energy ahusiasm, running towards the gate without paying attention to the onlookers, keeping her eyes straight towards the Academy Gates.

  There was o fall in line nor was there ao wait. All they had to do was show their identification cards, a certain elf's ears fpping up and down as she did so, her eyes beaming with radiance pure as the sky.

  "Alright, you may pass."

  The ID iion came without a hitch, the guards letting pass through without any problems. And a couple steps ter, they were finally uhe gate, aatic whirl of emotions brewing in their hearts with every step.

  They have gohrough the gates the day before, but now that they're wearing their uniforms, it felt much grander, much more fulfilling, and much more humbling. It was the same feeling they felt when they were just about tister in the Guild, a tinge of nervousness rippling in their hearts.

  Grey and Yuna took their first steps inside, and their footsteps started to echo. They had just ehe gate, but it felt like they were already starting their dream school life. There was one ohing ruining the mood...

  "They sure are staring a lot, aren't they?" ［Yuna］

  ... It was that many of the students were looking at them, dazed at the sight of them walking side by side. After all, no matter where you put the two of them, their looks were simply outstanding amongst the rest. They were picture perfect.

  "Did we ever have students like them before?"

  "It's also the first time I'm seeing them, but they look seous!"

  "Do you think they're children of renowned families? They must be, right?!"

  Suents floated around as the two of them walked dowrance areas, all eyes gazing at them as if they were just bewitched by a powerful spell. If cameras were already widespread, many of them would have taken photos already,

  The two iion knew each other was geous, but they have gotten so used to each other that they almost fot such a faot just noble dies, even royalty would be envious of their looks which made them look like living artworks.

  Many of them wao approach the two, but just didn't possess the ce to. Though it was because of that that Grey and Yuna aren't having too much trouble dealing with them. A riot is the st thing they wao happen.

  This is a problem... Would the Headmaster scold us ter? ［Yuna］

  Probably not, but yeah... This is quite the troublesome situation indeed... Should we just go and make a run for it? A single sed should be enough. ［Grey］

  Uuu... That's true... But I don't want the uniform to be ruined... ［Yuna］

  Well, we just got them, after all. ［Grey］

  It was a little unfortable, but there was simply nothing they could do about it. Not only for the sake of their uniforms, but to ceal their identities as well. It would only beore troublesome if the tter does ever happen.

  Grey and Yuna already experienced being surrounded by a crowd of people, not just once or twice, but many times, each just as terrible as the others. The st thing they want to do is cause a otion during their very first day.

  "Oh dear... It's still your first day but you've already kicked up quite the fuss already. This is really troubling, isn't it? Mister Shin? Miss Elena?" ［???］

  But before all hope was lost, a familiar voice echoed before them, holding a couple books and notes in her hands. She was their guide the day before, and now, she is their guide once again to deliver them to their s.

  "Sorry, Professor Dorothy, and good m too." ［Yuna］

  "Yes. Good m as well, you two～! ［Dorothy］

  Though, she wasn't just a guide. She was also the one who will be handling the css which Yuna will be a part of. She was a Tier-6 Alchemist who was also a graduate of Darius Academy more than a decade ago already.

  Of course, as Grey and Yuna's admission was all but a simple yet secret deal, the teacher wasn't knowledgeable about anything. Only the Headmaster knew about the secrets of the two, keeping his mouth shut. Such a trustworthy fellow.

  "The's nor dilly-dally any longer, shall we? Let me lead you to your s now. Css is almost starting." ［Dorothy］

  "Yes. That is much appreciated." ［Grey］

  "Un! We'll be in your care, Professor Dorothy." ［Yuna］

  There was no time to waste. As soon as Grey and Yuna agreed to Dororthy's words, they sooed and their steps which were abruptly stopped started to flow again, the three of them heading towards the main building in front of them.

  Laboratories, s, libraries, offices, and so much more. There were all sorts of rooms present as they walked down the corridors, each serving a purpose vital to the growth of the students and tailored to their needs.

  And like what happened he entrahe passing students couldn't help but be starstruck by Grey and Yina as they walked down the corridors, talks and whispers spreading like wildfire amongst the students.

  DONG DONG DONG DONG DONG

  Thankfully, the academy bell rang just in time. With it was the signal that csses will be starting soon, the students hesitantly dispersing as they headed towards their own s, not wanting to be te to the lectures.

  "Hey, what are you all doing, still dazed and standing there? Don't you have csses to attend to? Or... Are you that eager to have your points deducted?" ［Dorothy］

  "N-No, not at all! But before that... Professor, could we ask who they are?"

  "Th-That's right, Professor! And which csses do they belong to?"

  But of course, there were also some stubborn ones who remained despite the bell having rang already. They were all eager to learn about Grey and Yuna, risking it all despite only having a couple minutes left.

  "Haah... Fine... Just this once, okay?" ［Dorothy］

  "O-Oh! Thank you, Professor? I knew we could tー"

  "In exge, tell me your names and csses. I want to have a 'heart-to-heart' talk with you when the day is over. That much is fine right?" ［Dorothy］

  Dorothy said with expression on her face, a bright smile blooming like flowers at the advent of spring. It was the smile on an angel which many men would have easily fallen for, like the sweet st of ar to bees and butterflies.

  However, the student saw it differently, their bodies jolting with fear as her words rang iheir ears. It was the smile of a devil who is ready to take them to hell. After all, Dorothy was also known to be an instructor who won't spare a sed ce to the misbehaving students, dedug points mercilessly.

  "A-Ah, s-sorry, Professor! L-Looks like I'm out of time! I-I'll be going now."

  "M-Me, too! My css is already starting! Ha-Have a good day, Professor!"

  "H-Hey! Wait for me!"

  The moment they saw her devilish smile, they all scurried away with their tails tucked between their legs, all looking pale. They ran as if their lives depended on it, having no thoughts of getting punished due to simple curiosity.

  In just a quient, everyone quickly vanished out of sight, leaving only the three of them in the corridors. A smug and triumphant expression bloomed on Dorothy's face, proud to have chased the stubborn students off.

  "Sorry for the invenience. Did I make you wait for too long?" ［Dorothy］

  "No, no, not at all. It was fasating to see Professor Dorothy chase the students away. It was quite a spectacle." ［Grey］

  "Un! Professor Dorothy must be an amazing Professor!" ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! Well, let's just say that I am... Then, shall we tinue?" ［Dorothy］

  With the distras of the way, everyohen tireading dowh and headed towards their destinations, seeing a couple more sights unfolded as they passed through the corridors and climbed the stairs.

  Soon enough, they finally arrived at Grey's designated , leaving him to the care of his advisor. He was assigned in 4th year, 2nd css as is only behind the graduating students, registered as Tier-4 Alchemist.

  "Then, we'll be parting here, Elena." ［Grey］

  "Un... Take care. I'll see you ter." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah. I'll t on you on that," ［Grey］

  A quick goodbye ter, and Grey finally started his css, the Professor's voice ringing in the air, clear and resonant, as he introduced Grey to the css, a pandemonium of cheers and squeals eg all throughout the corridors.

  Meanwhile, Yuna and Dorothy tinue down their path and desd another floor before heading to anrand buildiing the current one using a bridge which ects the tieces them together.

  "Did you hear about the Liliosa Troupe? I heard they arrived yesterday."

  "Hehe! The Explorer's Lily I pnted just bloomed yesterday. Would you like to see?"

  "Hey, what did you d the weekends? Mine was super b."

  A couple more steps ter, and they finally arrived at their as well, the loud and merry voices of an unsupervised group of students rog the halls. They were all waiting for their instructor, chattering their time away with their friends.

  "Oh dear, looks like they're getting rowdy inside... Really... These kids..." ［Dorothy］

  And their advisor was the plete opposite of them, slightly ashamed that such a rowdy atmosphere was what greeted Yuna as soon as they arrived. One just couldn't leave a whole css by itself. There is bound to be trouble,

  "Miss Elena, please follow behind me. Lectures will be starting soon, but before that, I will be introdug you to the css. Is that fih you?" ［Dorothy］

  "Un. No worries, Professor. I'm good with that." ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! Then, please excuse me." ［Dorothy］

  Dorothy didn't waste any time. As soon as Yuna agreed, she then resumed her steps and headed ihe room, Yuna following behind her, her eyes sparkling brightly, greatly looking forward to learning aing to know her cssmates.

  The very moment Dorothy ehe room, the students immediately got quiet, aed themselves properly, eae of them behaving quite differently in an instant as if they switched to "work mode" or something of the sort.

  But such attitudes were quickly broken the moment Yuna made her entrance. All their attention was captured by her captivating looks, time seeming to slow down as they saw her enter, whispers and rumors spreading amongst each other.

  "Quiet down, everyooday, I have a special annouo make. This may be sudden, but we will be having an exge student join us in Css 1 until the end of the school year. That would be one whole month,....." ［Dorothy］

  The Professor tio expin, but the students could barely hear her, every one of them distracted by the ination of beauty before them. It didn't matter if they were a birl, all fell prey to Yuna's gmor.

  "She's an exge student from Alfrione, and is also at the peak of Tier-4. Make sure to not treat her lightly, okay?" ［Dorothy］

  "Ohh～! As expected of an exge student! She's amazing!"

  "Not only is she beautiful, she's skilled as well!"

  Of course, Yuna's information was ged to match the expectations of the students of what an exge student would be capable of. After all, introdug her as a Tier-8 would only cause chaos. It was too absurd.

  Though, even if Yuna is restricted, she is still pnning to give it her all and make sure to not waste the learning opportunity. It was her ce to learn more about the world of alchemists, so she was more thaed to test herself out.

  "Then, Miss Elena..." ［Dorothy］

  "Good m, everyone. My name is Elena. I will be in your care." ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes! We'll be in your care too, Miss Elena!"

  "Waah～! What a pretty suits her very much!"

  All Yuna did was introduce herself and everyone was in an uproar, praises throw and right, and some even introdug their names fervently with a burning passion lit abze in their hearts, trying to make the young dy notice them.

  And though they may be rowdy, they make up for it with their skills. They were still 3rd year students between the ages 18 and 19, all at very least at Tier-3, and some even reag Tier-4, enough to be sidered true practitioners of alchemy.

  Of course, there were also some exceptions which are at the higher end of Tier-4, able to make Middle Grade, Peak-Tier items without a hitch. They are the pride of Darius Academy, and the future pilrs of the alchemy world.

  "Now then.... Where should I pce you..." ［Dorothy］

  "Over here, Professor! We still have ay spot!"

  "No, over here is better! You see the lectures more clearly!"

  "What are you talking about?! he windows is obviously the best!"

  Now yet another otion broke out as soon as the Professor pondered over which seat Yuna shall be in for the rest of the year, the whole css fighting over where the new exge student will be sittingー or rather, who will be sitting with her.

  The girls were all simply curious, but the boys were on a different level, their true iions leaking in their voices and painted all over their faces. Yuna couldn't even feel happy or horrified, utterly overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.

  Thankfully, Grey wasn't around, and things would have gotten a little dicey. He may be level-headed most of the time, but who knows ossessiveness might bring them. It was scary just thinking about it.

  "Then, Miss Elena, you take a seat in the furthest left er at the 1st n. Is that fih you, or would you like to pick your seat yourself?" ［Dorothy］

  "No. It's fine, Professor. Thank you very much," ［Yuna］

  Not that the Professor allowed them to decide anyway. Because rather than have her sit with the enthusiasties, she made her sit the farthest away from her, only omate beside her, a bright, beautiful, and well-behaved young dy.

  The boys screamed "Nooooo!!" to the top of their lu ga, despairing as they lost the ce to be seated with such a beauty. Despair whily got deeper as Dorothy deducted points from them for being too rowdy.

  With her seat now decided, Yuna then headed towards it with a bright smile on her face. She moved the chair backwards albeit slightly and sat on it. Her seatmate greeted her with a friendly smile and she replied in kind.

  "Hello～! My name is Alea. o meet you." ［Alea］

  "o meet you too, Miss Alea. I will be in your care from now on." ［Yuna］

  "Yes, likewise." ［Alea］

  The two quickly became friends and started chatting over friendly topics, both smiling just as beautifully as the flowers by the garden. It was a sight everyone was jealous of, the people wanting to scream out as they despaired.

  With the introdus out of the way, the Professor then took the chalk and started writing on the board, drawing a multitude of symbols, figures, aions Yuna was ever so familiar with. All were theories of Alchemy

  The lecture has already started, and everyone finally settled down. The students had now taken out their notebooks, and started jotting down aking note of those written on the board and the lengthy expnations of their Professor,

  ...

  And on another side of the Academy, a room quite some distance away from Yuna's, the very same thing was happening, the professor making his lecture and everyoaking down notes of it.

  "And here, you'll see why we 't use hipukute grass to make blindness-indug pills. We o ge this for the Palethorn Bluet to make this possible. Who tell me why this is so."

  "Professor!"

  "Yes, go ahead."

  "It's because the essence of the Hipukute grass is too acidid would often csh with the extracts of redients. Pethorn Bluet has a lower acidity and also has a milder effect which makes it perfect for the job."

  "That's correct. 10 points for you,"

  It was a lecture as normal as the ones Grey remembered. The Professor would talk and ask questions, and the students would a, receiving participation points in exge. There was just one slight problem...

  STAAAAAAARRREEE～～

  ... It was that many of the students' eyes were all ohe girls g him with shy and bashful looks on their faces whilst the men stared at him ily and fervently at him with a death stare, eyes filled with envy and hostility.

  It was still the first day of school and Grey already made enemies with all the boys in css. It was like a situatioen read in fi works before, but he never k would be so unpleasant and unfortable. He's rather fight mohahere,

  'Haah... Just when will this day end...' ［Grey］

  CHAPTER 362 END