"Y-Yes...?" ［Yuna］

  All sorts of beautiful colors, what ainted on her face was the color of fusion. The Headmaster's offer was so sudden, Yuna couldn't even maintain her usual tone, answering formally as her head was flooded with question marks.

  She blinked her eyes again and again, looking at Grey for assistance, but the young man himself was just as puzzled as she was. Only the Headmaster knew what he meant by his words, calmly gazing at the two youths before him.

  "Umm... Headmaster, by judge, you mean..." ［Yuna］

  "Yes. That's right. I want you to supervise the Final Exams with me and pick out the outstanding students that catches your eyes." ［Fran］

  "No, I uand that part, but why... Not only am I not a part of the Academy, weren't the 3 judges already selected? Or was there a ge of ply?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh, so that's what you meant... Actually, about that..." ［Fran］

  Slowly but surely, the Headmaster expined about the Final Exams like Professor Dorothy did just a few moments ago. Everything was about the same, except for one fact... And that was, Grandmaster Lilianne wouldn't be able to attend.

  Apparently, she has been sid bedridden ever since a week ago, and though she is not in any critical dition, she wouldn't be able to move her body like she could before. As for traveling to Xeros, it would be too much for her to handle.

  Unfortunately, the urgent message delivered by the messenger hawk had just arrived yesterday. With the Final Exams just a few days away, there was no way they could find a rept in such a short amount of time.

  There was the current Guildmaster of the Alchemists' Guild, however, he was only a Tier-7 Alchemist, a drop down from the Tier-8 Lilianne. Even if he is selected, he still has a lot of work to finish so we won't be able to attend anyway.

  "Fortunately enough... We just so happeo have another reliable alchemist present. It must have been fate." ［Fran］

  "I see... So you wao repce Grandmaster Lilianne's spht?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes, very much so. I don't think there is anyone else in the whole Kingdom who match your level of alchemy. You're the best and the only one we have." ［Fran］

  Said the Headmaster, but Yuna was still far from vihough the request doesn't sound too bad, she doesn't want to do something so troublesome. She just wants to spend the day with Grey and cheer on their friends.

  Sure, they're pnning to reveal her identity during the sed day, but that's only it. There was no need for her to be physically present and people won't be crowding over her. She could just watch the Final Exams in a carefree manner.

  However, oher hand, It was also an iing offer. If she refuses now, she won't be able to serve as a judge anytime soon. She also wants to look around and see all the potions and iing things the students would make.

  "Of course, I'm not asking you to do this for free. If you accept the offer, then I will pick out one of my most prized magits from the greenhouse and hand it over to you. I swear this on my name as the Headmaster of Darius Academy," ［Fran］

  But such doubt aation was soon cleared as soon as the Headmaster finished his sentence. Yuna was easily baited by the words "magits", her choice leaning more on accepting the offer, barely keeping herself from agreeing.

  After all, it wouldn't just be any magits like the ones she's seen, but rare magits from the Headmaster's personal greenhouse. No matter what it will be, it will surely be a very valuable item even more precious than gold.

  "No, how about we do it like this? I'll let you piy magit in my colle. No matter what it is, I'll more than gdly give it to you." ［Fran］

  "A magit of my choice... Uuu... That's tempting..." ［Yuna］

  "Oho? Then how about 2 magits?!" ［Fran］

  "Deal! I'll be sure to perform my duties perfectly, Headmaster!" ［Yuna］

  Though, all it took was add a couple more iives and Yuan quickly took the job, her eyes sparkling brightly as she shook the Headmaster's hands. Grey could only sigh and smile wryly as he realized once again how gullible his fiancé was.

  Of course, the Headmaster was smiling as well. He had been troubled about how to address the problem if ever Yuo dee, but thankfully, she easily accepted with just a few ditions. Alchemists are very simple creatures.

  "Oh, and that reminds me, I would also like to ask frey's assistance. I need your help with the Final exams as well." ［Fran］

  "My help... Is it a different role from Yuna's?" ［Grey］

  "Yes... Rather than a judge, I would love it if you could join the wardens as well. I hope you to protect the students in case of danger. It doesn't happen often, but I just want to make sure everyone is safe." ［Fran］

  "Hmm... That sounds much easier than Yuna's job, doesn't it?" ［Grey］

  And the Headmaster also reached out his hands to Grey. Though there are already a number of wardens supervising the pce during the time of the exams, there was no harm in being more cautious in the off-ething disastrous happens.

  Morerey was a master of the wind and holy attributes. In the e toxic gas were to spread, he could easily expel them imosphere ahe students with a couple spells. There was er man for it.

  "Couldn't you just set up an array for that?" ［Grey］

  "We could, but... There isly a good amount of great enters in Xeros. Even uildmaster is only Tier-7. It's impossible for now." ［Fran］

  "Hmm... In that case, I'll do it. I may not look it, but I'm still a Tier-8 enter. If it's just an array to dispel harmful elements, then it shouldn't take too long." ［Grey］

  "T-That would be fantastic! But are you sure it's fine?" ［Fran］

  "Well, I'm not doing this for free. You give Yuna some more magits as payment. That shouldn't be too difficult, right?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! sider it a done deal!" ［Fran］

  There was no need for hesitation. As soon as the Headmaster heard Grey's offer, his decision was already set and he was willing to pay the priatter how high it is as long as he has the ability to pay for it, eveying his pockets.

  After all, a prote array is not just a oime thing. As long as they replenish the mana in order to run it, they could use it almost indefinitely as long as it isn't too damaged. Grey was basically doing it for free. The deal was secured.

  "Oh, and don't worry about the magic crystals needed. Yuna and I already have a surplus of them so I get started immediately." ［Grey］

  "That would be most wonderful, but at least let me pay for them. I'll make sure to add a couple more magits to your payment. Is that fih you?" ［Fran］

  "Yeah. I'm sure Yuna would be happy about that." ［Grey］

  She wasn't just happy, she was extremely happy. Yuna's eyes were already twinkling when the Headmaster offered her 2 magits, but now that the Headmaster said he would give some more, it twinkled even more to the point it was blinding.

  If it wasn't for the fact that the Headmaster was there, she would have already given Grey a right and loving embrace to show hoy she was. Her ears were fpping up and down, Grey chug to himself at the adorable sight.

  The Headmaster soon took out a pieagic paper from his desk and made a written tract with Grey and Yuna. It wasn't really necessary, but it was needed for the sake of formality. Signatures were soon writteer another.

  "Now then, now that that's done... Didn't you say there were 4 topics you wao talk about, Headmaster? We already talked about 3 of them. Should we proceed with the final ohen?" ［Grey］

  "Ah, yes... That one...." ［Fran］

  "Hm? Is something wrong, Headmaster?" ［Yuna］

  "No, err... Well, it isn't really that serious... It's more of a personal request." ［Fran］

  Said the Headmaster, all the while scratg his cheeks, a flicted and troubled expression on his face. Grey and Yuna didn't eveo guess. Just his gestures alone was more than enough to tell them it wasn't his own request.

  "Actually... My wife and daughters asked if they could purchase Yuna's etic products. They have been nagging me all weekend. Hahaha...." ［Fran］

  And they were right. It wasn't his own request, but her wife and daughters', the man now ughing wryly as he expined himself to Grey and Yuna.

  Apparently, rumors and talks about her new products have spread throughout the various branches of the Alchemists' Guild, every womaly ied in it. Noble dies were especially impatient, wanting to buy it as soon as they could.

  The Headmaster has been quiet about it since he k would get troublesome, but just the other day, he made a slip of the tongue and his wife and daughters caught wind of the fact that Yuna was now in Xeros. He was interrogated a lot that day,

  Even then, he was thankful that it was only his wife and daughters which were there that day. Had his granddaughters bee, he surely would have been in a lot of trouble. He just barely made it out alive.

  "I really don't uand women. They are already beautiful and charming, but they still want to use etics. Haah... I just don't get them..." ［Fran］

  "Well, that's just how wome must have been tough, Headmaster." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha... To be ho, I really don't want to go hht now. I don't know what kind of demons are lurking and waiting for me there. Hahaha..." ［Fran］

  "I... I'm sorry..." ［Yuna］

  He was ughing, but there was no light in his eyes. Grey and Yuna didn't eveo ask. They could already tell that the Headmaster had been through a lot, his eyes and expression flickering with exhaustion. Such a pitiful man.

  "Then, Headmaster, how much would you need? I only have a feles here right now though." ［Yuna］

  "Thart's more than enough. Thank you, Yuna... Thank you very much..." ［Fran］

  He has been through so much, he ut to tears with just the mere sight of soaps, shampoos, ditioners, and lotions in Yuna's hands. Grey and Yuna couldn't even ask for payment, simply giving them away to the poor man.

  Jokes aside, everything progressed quickly after the deal with the Headmaster. The days flew by quickly, and other than the fact that Grey worked in the examinatioo y out the arrays, everythi by like they always do.

  Yuna tio do alchemy, Alea, Kale, and Edin hoheir skills even further, and the Headmaster could finally be at peace after giving all the etic products to his lovely wife and daughters. Everyone was happy and satisfied.

  The days quickly passed, and before long, the day of the Final Exams had arrived. There was only less than an hour left before things finally start, Grey and Yuna now readying themselves before heading towards the Academy.

  "Are you ready now, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Un! I've never been more ready! I 't wait for the exams!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. If someone heard you, they might think you're taking the exams. You're a judge, you know?" ［Grey］

  "Hehehe! I'm just so excited, I couldn't help it!" ［Yuna］

  Today, Yuna is just as adorable as ever, her ears fpping up and down once more as she thinks of the uping Final Exams. She is itg to see the performance of students, wanting to see how far everyone has e.

  Of course, they will also be cheering on their friends so they must be present at all costs. They know how hard they've been w for the sake of the Final Exams, and want to be there for them. They are quite the supportive friends, after all.

  "Then, shall we head towards the Academy now, Midy?" ［Grey］

  "U's go! Let's go!" ［Yuna］

  The two didn't waste any more time and quickly headed towards the Academy. They left the Camellia Valley with bright smiles on their faces. Yuna was cheerfully skippieps, humming merrily to herself as she grabbed Grey by the hands.

  A few mier and several hueps, they finally reached the gates of the Academy, showing their IS cards and passing right through. The atmosphere of the Academy was much quieter than usual, not many students to be seen.

  Everyone was holding books and flipping through their papers, clearly studying for the uping exams. There was tension in the air, everyorying their best to make sure they could answer as many questions as possible.

  "Hmm... How nostalgic. This sure reminds me of the past..." ［Grey］

  "That's right, you also attended schools before, right? How was it? Is it any different from the ones here in Darius? Those... Umm... Uies, I mean." ［Yuna］

  "Not really. Apart from the culture and teology, it's pretty much the same. I was also like that during exams, you know? There was oime I haven't slept for several days trying to pass the Board Exams. Hahaha. Such memories..."" ［Grey］

  "I... I see..."" ［Yuna］

  Yuna didn't ask any further questions, only keeping her mouth shut as she shifted her eyes away from Grey. He was ughing and smiling brightly, but there was only dread and anguish in his eyes, seemingly remembering the hell he experienced.

  After all, taking Board Exams was no joke, Grey wanting to suppress all the memories where he was suffering through hell. He was thankful he didn't have to gh the same hellish situations again in his new life, otherwise, he'd have gone insane.

  "Grey... Sorry..." ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Why are you suddenly apologizing?" ［Grey］

  Grey asked, but Yuna didn't answer any more, simply holding his hands in silenot wanting Grey to remember the painful past, much to the young man's fusion as he tilted his head ever so slightly.

  Meanwhile, the spectators' were full of envy and irritation as they watched the se unfold. The students were even more fired up, cursing the idiot couple as they buried their hearts in the anguish of the hellish examinations before them.

  All jokes aside, Grey and Yuna tio head towards the examinatiohe atmosphere of Darius tinuing to be tense as more and more students arrived at their s, mumbling and grumbling eg in the air.

  "Waah～! It's even bigger than I imagined... This is amazing..." ［Yuna］

  "Right? I also thought so too when I first entered. It's even several times rger than the gymnasium before. I heard it hold more than 100 thousand people," ［Grey］

  "Ohh～! That's amazing! It must have taken a lot to make!" ［Yuna］

  Before long, they finally arrived in the examinatiohe stadium. Yuna had seen it form the outside before, but never i was only now that she was ihat she realized how truly massive the whole pce was.

  It was just as big, maybe even bigger, as the Grand Colosseum in Avalon, able to house a copious amount of people. There were also private chambers for the special guests, a rge chamber located in the highest ptform for the Royal Family.

  And in the arena itself, there were several huables and brewiups that were present, ready to be used by the students. They were all properly set and had already been checked by the staff. Everything erfect.

  Grey had already finished installing the array, thousands of invisible runes engraved all over the examination area. He also set up a barrier in case of ued attacks. Even if a High-Ranker were to strike, it would remain standing.

  The two were there to test the array, and make sure everything was w as they intended. Grey already checked everything the day before, but there was no harm in cheg it again. The more secure, the better.

  "These are quite the intricate circuits, Grey. How did you make these in just 3 days? Are you a genius or something?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I'm not Edin to be saying those things. I still o do a final check before I say that it's perfect. We 't be having any issues, after all." ［Grey］

  "Oh, I'll help you out then." ［Yuna］

  "Thanks, that is muchー" ［Grey］

  "Oh? Looks like we have some early birds here." ［Fran］

  Yet befrey could evehings out, a familiar voice called out to him. Both him and Yuna turned around, a familiar faceー or rather, familiar faces greeting them. All the judges are now present in the examination area.

  There was the Headmaster, looking as dashing as ever, greatly looking forward to the performance of the students, and Grandmaster Darwin whom the two have met before on the way to Xeros, his strides calm as be.

  "Huhuhu! It seems that we meet again, young ones, Miss 'Elena' and Mister 'Shin'. Or… should I say... Yhnesses?" ［Darwin］

  "Oh? Do you know each other already? That's a surprise." ［Fran］

  "Huhuhu! I had the pleasure of meeting them in Alia before. Though... I didn't think that the young ones I met would be such great figures." ［Darwin］

  "It's our pleasure to meet you again, Lord Darwin. How have you been?" ［Grey］

  "Huhuhu! I've been more than fihank you for asking. And it's a great pleasure for me as well. It must be fate that we meet again this way." ［Darwin］

  They have already figured out that the old man from before was amongst the judges, but seeing him before their eyes, it felt a little flig. They've only met him for a short while, after all. They were more like strahan acquaintances.

  Still, that doesn't remove the fact that Darwin was a great alchemist. He may not be a Legendary Alchemist, but he was still a Grandmaster who has devoted his life in the name of alchemy, making several creations himself. He was a fantasti.

  "I heard that you have reached yoal as I've said... Still, I didn't think you'd have bee a Legendary Alchemist so quickly." ［Darwin］

  "It's all thanks to your help. Without the Bluestone Bellflower you gave me before, it would have been hard to create the 'Fairy's Blessing'." ［Yuna］

  "So that's the name of the Legendary Potion, huh... I feel incredibly hoo be a part of your story, Yhness. I feel like I could die at ease now." ［Darwin］

  "What are you saying? You still have a lot of years to live." ［Fran］

  "Huhuhu! Hopefully so." ［Darwin］

  The old man was just as carefree as before, simply ughing things off as if they were a joke. He was quite shocked at first, but seeing Yuna standing before him, it was very clear that she was no ordinary young dy.

  The st of herbs was strong in her hands and her eyes sparkled as if it tained all knowledge in the world. It might be a long and far future, but he was more than sure that she would be able to reach the pinnacle. A smile bloomed on his face.

  "Anyway, what are you two lovebirds doing here?" ［Fran］

  "That... We were just cheg to see if the array works for the final time. It's perfect that you're here to observe, Headmaster." ［Grey］

  "Ohh～. That sounds promising. I'd be more than willing to." ［Fran］

  With chit-chat and everything else now done and dusted, it was finally time to test out the array and see if it would truly st. Grey quickly retrieved a gss bottle from his Iory and moved towards the ter of the area.

  FWOOSH BOOOMMMMM SHATTER

  He raised his hands and threw the gss towards the top of the arena, the sound of shattering gss eg as it struck a transparent force. It was her than the barrier of the array, keeping what's in and out as it should be.

  Grey didn't put his full strength ihrow, but he still exerted enough force to equal an A-ranker. Still, the barrier remained retively unharmed, not a single scrator a crack to be seen. The barrier stood perfectly still.

  "Grey threw that with the strength of an A-ranker. Even if it's an S-rahe barrier should still be able to hold out over a dozen hits." ［Yuna］

  "Ohh～! What a powerful barrier! I didn't think Grey was capable of this." ［Fran］

  "Incredible indeed... If a camity were to ever strike, the stadium could be used as an emergency shelter. His Highness is amazing." ［Darwin］

  However, the test didn't just stop there. As soon as the gss was broken, a thick veil of dark green smoke swallowing the field. It oison gas which otent enough to kill an adult elephant, rushing out towards all direー or so it tried.

  But before the gas could even try to spread throughout the pce, the runes around the arena suddenly started glowing and purified the air, sug away the poison all the while casting holy magic all over the pce.

  "This won't be able to heal rge injuries, but if it's just a small wound, Grey said the holy magic spell should be able to help." ［Yuna］

  "And even holy magic as well? This is beyond incredible!" ［Darwin］

  To protect from dangers, to disperse poison and harmful substances, and to even heal light wounds and injuries. Nor matter whigel one looks at, it was a great array which wouldn't lose to the prote in the Royal Castle.

  And to think that it was only made in a mere 3 days, no one would be able to believe it uhey saw it for themselves. The young man was now smiling, fully satisfied that the task left to him had finally been finished.

  "Then, Headmaster, what do you thinkー Woah!" ［Grey］

  "Young manー No, Yhness! Please install an array like this in Alia as well. I will make sure to pay for everything, just name your price!" ［Darwin］

  "P... Pardon...?" ［Grey］

  "And don't worry, our stadium is much smaller, so it shouldn't take too long! Could you start when the Final Exams are over?! But, ah! I could also wait if you want! What do you think, Yhness?! Is it alright with you?! Is it?!" ［Darwin］

  However, what was not finished was Grey dealing with the old men. He is normally calm and posed, but after seeing Grey's magnifit work, Darwin couldn't help himself but ask Grey for a favor, eyes burning with passion.

  Grey tried to look at Yuna and the Headmaster, but it was of no use. Both shifted their eyes away, not wanting to have anything to do with the situation. Now, it was time frey to be ignored like the times he ignored Yuna's pleas for help before.

  The Final Exams approaches...

  CHAPTER 387 END