"Mmn～! As expected of your cooking! This is really delicious!" ［Alea］

  "I've already eaten this whole week, but Still couldn't get enough of it!" ［Kale］

  "Right?! It's so delicious, I'd believe it was from the Royal Kit!" ［Alea］

  The sky was bright and dandy, beautiful clouds of white drifting ever so slowly as they paihe sky of blue. The rays of sunlight graced the world like it does every single day, shadows barely visible, hiding below the underside of objects.

  There was still excitement in the air, their happiness rising by bounds and leaps after taking a bite of lunch, enjoying a tasty meal surrounded by a green sery and the fragrant st of herbs and flowers. It eaceful time.

  "Elena, tell us the truth. You're a noble in disguise, aren't you? Otherwise, you wouldn't have such delieals everyday." ［Edin］

  "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not～! Me and Shihe ones who cook out meals everyday, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Kuuh... Not only do you have have a handsome fiancé, he also knows how to cook delieals.... Elena, I'm so envious, really..." ［Alea］

  "Right～? I'm so lucky to have met him." ［Yuna］

  Yuna didn't even deny it, fully proud of who her fiancé was. He may always bully her all the time and annoy her whenever he has the ce to, but he's also very g and also very sweet. Above all, he's a good cook. He erfect.

  Even now, whilst she eats lunch with everyone, she couldn't help but think what Grey is doing, missing him a little bit though it hasn't been that long sihey st saw one another. She still has no idea that Grey was away because of her.

  And whilst she was eating the lovely lunch they cooked together, Yuna's eyes once again shifted towards her right, caught by the flower of blue and red, her eyes filled with curiosity once more as she tilted her head a tad bit.

  "e to think of it, everyone. Now that you've successfully cultivated the Frostburn du, what are you three pnning to do?" ［Yuna］

  "Hm? What do you mean?" ［Alea］

  "I mean, like what are you going to do with your research? Are you going to sell it? Are you going to make a business out of it? Or are you going to spread your findings out to the world? There are many possibilities." ［Yuna］

  At Yuna's words, the three childhood friends were put into deep thought. They also looked at the Frostburn du, then to one another's eyes, trying to find answers whilst cupping their s and scratg their cheeks.

  After all, with their researow past the observation stage and they have reached their clusion, there are several pathways an alchemist proceed with with such a wonderful research idea. Their research would surely cause a stir, that's for sure.

  Of course, selling the findings after making a patent is not very unoher. Especially sihey aren't very well off financially, they could earn some big bucks the moment they sign the papers to transfer ownership.

  However, if one is an alchemist... There is only one answer which would e to mind. It didn't take too long before the three stopped thinking.

  "No, I don't think we will sell it anytime soon." ［Edin］

  "Yeah. We'll probably research a little bit more, and try to fihings while we're at it. Maybe we could discover hings." ［Kale］

  "Fufufu! Yeah, that sounds nice, doesn't it?" ［Alea］

  All of them had the same aheir eyes shimmering with a resolute gleam, all of them not agreeing to simply give away the fruit of their bor for some meager sum of money. It was a unanimous clusion reached without even any discussion.

  To seek new knowledge and to expand one's skills. To learruth about the world and the ws of nature. To create ems for the betterment of the people. Te progress and usher in a new age. Such was what it meant to be a researcher.

  Yuna already khe answer, but hearing them say it to her directly, she couldn't help but feel touched. The temptation of money is not oo be overe easily, yet they resisted without aation. She could only smile proudly.

  "Ehh～? I'm sure you earn millions if you earent though. Wouldn't that make your progress in alchemy even faster?" ［Yuna］

  "E-Eh?! Millions?! That much?" ［Kale］

  "Of course it is! Weren't you listening to our Eics?!" ［Alea］

  "But if it's millions then just how much could we buy with that...? Wouldn't we be able to buy a mansion with that kind of money?! No! We buy even more!" ［Kale］

  Though, as it seems, it looks like one of them was unaware just how precious their research is. It was only natural that you'd earn so much for a herb which is essential to the making of high-quality medie. It even reach a higher figure.

  And once again, Alea was scolding Kale for his thoughtless words, smag some seo him. The only thing sure was that her of them would betray one another. Not uhey're prepared to face the demoness called "Alea".

  "But with this, we're much closer to our dreams, aren't we?" ［Edin］

  "Yeah! With this, I'm sure we made a big leap forward!" ［Alea］

  "Your dreams... You mean the pinnacle of alchemy, right?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes. It's been our dream to climb the top ahe best alchemists. We'll make sure to make all sorts of items and cultivate all sorts of herbs to achieve that. Don't you think that sounds beautiful, Elena?" ［Edin］

  Normally, he was an idiot who went on about how genius he was, but for the first time ever, Edin actually sounded like a proper person who could be a great inspiration to others. A role model who ge the very roots of alchemy.

  "Well, I'm sure I reach it sooner or ter! I'm a genius, after all! I just don't know about these two, maybe it will take them a loime." ［Edin］

  "Huh?! What did you just say, you punk?!" ［Kale］

  "Edin, have you already fotten how bad I beat you up st time? It sounds like you're asking for another one, huh?" ［Edin］

  Unfortunately, he just had a terrible personality and an inability to read the atmosphere. He's not only a genius in alchemy and research, but also iing himself in trouble, once agaiien up by his ever so feisty childhood friends.

  "Agh! That hurts, you girl! Be mentle!" ［Edin］

  "Huh?! Who are you calling a goril, you dumbass?!" ［Alea］

  Meanwhile, Yuna simply tinued eating her lunch while peacefully admiring the sery. Edin's scream echoed in the background, but she just tio eat, a bright and happy smile blooming on her face as she tio p and munch.

  Time passed by quickly, and the two were finally doing their anger on Edin. He was beaten bd blue, his hair ruffled wildly and his clothing disheveled. He was pletely roughed up, but luckily, his body was still intact. He just barely survived.

  "Haah... Sorry that you had to withat, Elena. We just o teach that dumbass a lesson. He just never learns his lesson, you see." ［Alea］

  "Yeah. He's already a lost cause, to be ho." ［Kale］

  "No, it's okay. I've already gotteo it." ［Yuna］

  You are also lost causes... Is what Yuna really wao retort with, but she could only smile wryly and nod awkwardly. It was better to just keep quiet, and just enjoy lunch without any troubles ing her way. It was for the best.

  "Then, how about you, Elena? What is your dream?" ［Alea］

  Now, it was Yuna's turn to be questioned by the same question, everyone looking at her with curious eyes at the same time. However, there was not a o think too much as she has pretty much the same answers as the others.

  "I also want to reach the pinnacle of alchemy like everyone ahe best alchemist there ever is! Now, there are four of us, isn't there?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh! The pinoo, huh?! Then how about your reason?!" ［Alea］

  However, what Yuna did not expect was the following question. She was asked why she wao reach the top and what exactly was driving him to go so far. She was frozen at the question, not a single answer afloat in her mind.

  After all, Yuna doesn't have a particur reason to pursue such a faraway dream. She was already strong enough, so even if she didn't go dowh of alchemy, she would always be at the top, be it in fame, prestige, or strength.

  If there was any reason why she's practig alchemy, it's because it was fun and iing, and it was satisfying to make things and watch the process evolve. She doesn't have a true dream like everyone else around her.

  "For me, I want to make the best medie so that everyone doesn't have to suffer anymore from diseases and grieve a loss." ［Alea］

  "Mine's not that deep. I just want to earn a living and create the biggest alchemy business in the whole world, maybe evee a market or two," ［Kale］

  "I just want to pursue knowledge and make new discoveries. After all, I've been in love with alchemy ever since I was a kid. I want to create a world where alchemy serves a better purpose and makes people's lives better." ［Edin］

  Alea wants to help the sick, Kale wants to start a business, and Edin simply wants to know more. They were dreams that they have always held onto evehey were still young, w towards achieving it every single day.

  While Yuna does have a couple simirities with them, it isn't as deeply rooted as the other three. She doesn't have a reason which keeps her heart pumping and makes her burst with determination. Rather, she was feeling a little empty.

  "Umm... Elena, did we say something wrong...?" ［Alea］

  "A-Ah, no, not at all! I... I was just thinking of something." ［Yuna］

  "Really? Are you sure?" ［Alea］

  "Un... It's just... Up until now, I never really asked myself about why I have such a dream... I'm just thinking about it..." ［Yuna］

  Replied the young dy, a troubled look on her face. She tried to probe deep into her heart, but she still found nothing. The more she tried, the more empty it felt. It's like she was blindly grasping for things in the abyss.

  Why... Why... Why... Why... Why...

  Such questions spun around her mind, and her sciousness was thrust into a turbulent storm of thoughts. She wasn't in despair or dread, simply in shock about why she couldn't answer a seemingly simple question.

  "Elena, you don't o force yourself. I'm sure you'll find your answer sooner or ter. Let's just take it slowly. Just take it at your own pace, okay?" ［Alea］

  "Ah... Un... You're right..." ［Yuna］

  Thankfully, there was Alea and the others present there to fort and reassure her. They always saw Yuna as someone so perfect, but never did they think she too also has her own shortings. She felt more like any other person at that moment.

  Lunch tinued and time passed by with the shifting of the shadows. They tiheir lund enjoyed a hearty meal together, merrily chatting their time away whilst discussing their steps after pleting such a lengthy task,

  DONGGGG DONGGGG DONGGGG

  The school bells s with the ending of lunch break, and it was finally time for the afternoon csses to ence. Everyone ed up after themselves, then heading back towards the s together with bright smiles on their faces.

  Their footsteps soon ceased to exist, and peace returo the greenhouse. The shadows tio shift with sinking of the sun, and the chirping of the birds resounded all over the pace filling it with sweet melody,

  But such tweets and chirps couldn't be any less fitting than the current situation, a few figures suddenly appearing out from behind the buildings, soon stepping foot ihe greenhouse, their heads turni and right.

  "Kukuku! What a beautiful greenhouse. They also have a rare flower here too."

  "Hahaha. It's just a shame that they went against the Master. A shame indeed."

  "Well, less talking and more a. Let's get this party started!"

  There were disgusting smiles pstered on their ugly faces, their hearts bck as coal as they cracked their firsts. They had nothing but ill iions towards the serene aiful greenhouse, their eyes glimmering a despicable light.

  The sound of crashes and smashes soon reverberated into the air, pots shattered oer another and gsses broken into smithereens. The pnts were uprooted from their earthy pnts and ripped into pieces, thrown towards the ground soon after.

  "Oi! Wasn't this the pretty flower they were just talking about before?!"

  "Yeah, what of it?! Are you going to spare that one?"

  "Hahaha! God no! I was just thinking of giving it some special care."

  Said one of the figures, a violent smile spreading all over his repulsive face. He raised his hands and the winds started to whistle. The winds blew more violently and swept away both dust and pollen into the air, creating quite a show.

  Petals of red and blue fluttered in the air, its leaves soon torn apart and shredded into pieces. Not a single leaf of it was left unharmed, the violent dance of the wind ended with a heavy stomp. It died the very same day that it bloomed.

  A beautiful flower no more.

  ...

  DONGGGG DONGGGG DONGGGG

  The clock struck 4 on the smaller hand and 6 on the longer ohe eternal sky had ged its colors into a deeper tone and the shadows had shifted from before, the bells had been rung once again, marking the dismissal of the students.

  With csses endi and right, the cm noises of the excited students filled the hallways and echoed all over Darius Academy, eae pag their bags and ing up after themselves before heading out.

  "Hey, hurry up! We're going to leave you behind!"

  "Haah... So muework... Our Professors must be devils..."

  "Have you heard about the new desserts released by the White Princess' Pace? I heard that they're very delicious. Do you want to try them out?"

  "Oh! You should have told me sooner! I'd love to!"

  The students had differeions, monologues and dialogues eg all over the pce as they greeted the end of the school day. Some went home alone, and some headed out with their friend groups, wanting to have some fun,

  "But who will be making all the papers? I'm sure it would take a long time." ［Kale］

  "Haah... Just leave it to me. In exge, you'll hahe iations ter, okay? I don't want to deal with those sly merts." ［Alea］

  "That's fih me. We might o notify the Headmaster first though. I think we'll have a better ce if we have him bag us up." ［Edin］

  "We know, we know. That's the first thing we'll do." ［Alea］

  Yuna and the others were amongst the st ones left behind the , chatting amongst themselves as they tiheir versations from before, waiting for a certain someone before they head out of the .

  "Oh! Elena, your husband is here!" ［Alea］

  "A-Alea! How many times have I told you already?! He's not my husba! Not yet, okay?! Geez!" ［Yuna］

  The person they were waiting for was her thahe young man now silently standing by the doorframe and waving his hand towards them and greeting them with a smile sweet as honey, obviously directed to Yuna.

  Of course, Alea did not miss the d teased Yuna about it, poking fun at her before running towards the doors, a mischievous smile on her face. She also greeted Grey, the others following suit after her.

  "You all sure look happy. Did something good just happen?" ［Grey］

  "Yeah, something really good! Our 2-year project finally bore fruit today!" ［Alea］

  "Oh, that is something good. Should we celebrate a little?" ［Grey］

  "Oh! That's a great idea, Shin! But, ah! Before we do that, we should show you roject I'm talking about, shouldn't I? I'm sure you'll be surprised!" ［Alea］

  Decred Alea with a proud tone in her voice, puffing her chest with fidend smiling a triumphant smile. Behind her were two ures, also as proud as her and as excited to show Grey the fruits of their bors.

  There was o refuse, and Grey accepted the invitation without much thought. They soon headed towards their greenhouse, excitement springing from their steps a singing with joy, all three of them ag like happy little children,

  But rather than a beautiful sery of herbs, flowers, vines, and orchids, what greeted them was a rge crowd of busy students, gathering around their greenhouse. They were all buzzing and murmuring, grim expressions painted on their faces.

  "Excuse me... What's happening here?" ［Alea］

  "Ah, Alea... Kale and Edin too..."

  Alea asked, but there was not a direswer to be heard. The student she asked simply stepped aside, the crowd following suit after him. They revealed a ruinous sight, not a sembnce of beauty to be seen.

  The pots were shattered, the gss was broken, the ground was cratered and dug up, and the pnts have been uprooted. Some were torn to pieces, some were burnt to ashes, and some have been violently broken and ripped apart.

  It was a sight nothing short of disastrous, everyone's heart which was high in cloud nine now sunk to the depths of despair. Their faces were pale, uo utter even a single word, shod disbelief brewing in their hearts.

  "No.... This... This 't be..." ［Alea］

  Such was all Alea could say as she ko the ground, watg the sight before her. Tears soon followed, trig down her beautiful face as an untrolble surge of emotions turbulently stormed her heart. She was devastated.

  "Elton... ... you tell me what happened here?" ［Kale］

  Kale tried to act tough, asking one of the co-owners of the greenhouse about what just happened, but it was evident that his whole body was trembling. He grit his teeth with rage, trying to keep his head cool and calm.

  Meanwhile, Edin could only walk towards where the Frostburn du used to be. He crouched on the ground and picked up what seemed to be the petals of the pnts, scraping them silently as he tried to hide his dread and sadness.

  "I see... So it's already like this when you arrived..." ［Kale］

  "Sorry I couldn't help much."

  "No, it's alright. I know this is hard for you as well." ［Kale］

  Even when Kale asked the other owners beside them, all of them had the same ahey were all clueless as to what just happened, simirly devastated as them. Kale could only ch his fist in gloom and anger.

  The happihey once felt was now gone, only ive emotions swirling deep iheir heaths. The greenhouses they have cared for almost 3 years already have been reduced to rubble, barely reizable.

  Grey... Please... ［Yuna］

  Of course, Yuna didn't remain ued as well. She already had an inkling as to who was responsible for what happened, a seething rage boiling deep inside her heart. Her cheerful and adorable smile was o be seen.

  Uood. ［Grey］

  Grey granted her request without any question, using his "Eyes of Destiny" to see into the past and using illusion magic to share the sight with Yuna, pying all the ses which had transpired without missing a single one.

  Who were the ones who did such a despicable thing, how many of them there were, how vicious and unjustifiable their as were, the versations that took pce, and many more. Many questions were answered in a couple minutes of silence.

  But perhaps the most important part was the mention of a single name. He did not appear in the se, but his name had beeiohroughout the whole time, the ugly thugs repealing his name over and ain.

  Yuna had firmed her suspis... It was Jermel...

  Jermel...! You lunatic...! ［Yuna］

  She was angryー no, she was extremely infuriated. She may look calm and cool from the outside, but inside was a scorg and thundering rage making her heart tremble untrolbly. It was rage even dragons would be wary of.

  There was a dark expression painted on Yuna's face, the young dy barely reining in her anger. She stood there in silerying to maintain reason as she watched the unfivable ses py out before her.

  Calm down, Yuna. Take a deep breath and cool your head a little. ［Grey］

  Grey... I am calmー No, that was a lie... Srey... I don't think I keep my calm for now... ［Yuna］

  Grey had been with Yuna for more than 4 years already, but he barely sees her get angry. She may be cute and adorable most of the time, but when she's angry, she turns into a pletely different person. An unrivaled force of destru.

  It would have been easy to solve if the oppo was a beast or a monster, but the one before them erson, and of noble li that. They couldn't afford to be reckless and cause needless strife over something so retively trivial.

  Grey... I'm going to crush him. ［Yuna］

  Yuna, we might get into trouble with that, you know? ［Grey］

  Don't worry, I wouldn't do something so reckless. I'll properly settle this matter not as a warmage, but as an alchemist. Please trust me. ［Yuna］

  Yuna's words were soft ale, but firm and immovable. She had already decided to crush Jermel without showing any merot with brute force, but honorably as an alchemist. There is no more stopping her.

  Haah... Fine... Do whatever you want... I'll be cheering for you. ［Grey］

  Un. Thank you... ［Yuna］

  Grey could only heave an exasperated sigh.

  CHAPTER 377 END