The seari danced and pyed, several ingredients ed by the fmes and devoured by smoke. Fumes and soot rose, the extracts bubbling slowly but surely, sticky saps and soapy dews p out ever so slowly.

  Ingredients were processed oer another, some over scorg fmes and some over freezing cold. Some were so hard, even massive hammers could barely crack the shells surrounding it, gasping breaths ringing all over the pce,

  It was now the sed day of the Final Exams, and the final segment of the practical brewing portion is now eng, the graduating students making the best items they ever did and p it all into one final stride.

  "Ho～! Everyone sure is fired up." ［Fran］

  "Huhuhu! This is their greatest obstacle, after all. Weren't you also the same ba the old days, Headmaster?" ［Darwin］

  "Hahaha. I guess that's true... Though, not that I say muyself. I did skip school quite a lot before. Their lessons were just... Well..." ［Fran］

  "B, wasn't it?" ［Darwin］

  "Unfortunately, yes... I find it much more enjoyable in the mountains and forests than in the s. I wouldn't have bee a Legendary Alchemist if I did." ［Fran］

  Meanwhile, the Judges were freely chatting about one another as they watched the students partake in the Final Exams. None has been able to finish yet, and so they were free to roam wherever, reminisg about the past.

  And while they did so, Yuna was all the students gleefully, happily seeing how different their methods and teiques were. She has Grey's eyes and illusion magic ro thank to be able to see everything happening all over the pce.

  If there was anything she was dejected about, it was the fact that there wasn't so mu the way of materials and ingredients. While there were magits, they weren't so rare that she would go crazy about. It was a tad bit disappointing.

  "You seem dissatisfied, Yuna. Is there something wrong?" ［Fran］

  "Nothing much... I was just w if there are students with rare magits... Though it seems like there's none for now." ［Yuna］

  "Magits aren't easy to e by, after all. Actually, it's more surprising that you have a lot of magits in your colle. It truly is." ［Fran］

  "Mmn... I guess so..." ［Yuna］

  Well, the materials and ingredients may be g, but the processes the students did were more than enough for her to be satisfied. It was especially iing how each student performs the same method ever so slightly differently, adding their own touch to personalize the methods.

  Sihey are graduating students, they also have the highest hurdle to pass. They must be able to make Middle-Grade, Peak-Tier items and make sure to provide why they made su item ter on ohey're done brewing.

  But perhaps the most difficult part of the process was that they only have one ce to prove themselvesー or rather, they would be out of time if they even fail ohe pressure was the highest it had ever been, everyoeeling their hearts.

  K K FWOOSSH CLICK CLICK CLACK

  "Hooh... I do this.. I do this... I do this..."

  "Galde Warts... Raddon Leaves... Heller Sprouts... Mamen Ivies..."

  They each had their own ways to cheer themselves and maintain their focus. Most of them were silent as the dead, few were mumbling the names of the ingredients, and some were repeating phrases again and again to clear their minds.

  The symphony of king gss, bubbling liquids, raging fmes, and fizzling oozes. All were brewing throughout the arena, the sands of time trig down the golden hss as the seds flew freely like the winds.

  Time passed just like that and before long, a whole hour had epsed sihe start of the brewing portion. Everyone's focus was heightened by the pressure, and lost in their own worlds. Such silence was soon broken when....

  "Judges! I-I'm finished with my potion!"

  .. The first graduating student finished his creation. He was almost out of breath and body was stiff like stoill, he mustered his remaining strength to raise his hands and call out to the judges, catg their attention quickly.

  "Good work. Let me see your potion, please." ［Yuna］

  "Y-Y-Yes! Here you go, Yhness!"

  Yuna was the one amongst the judges, and so, she decided to perform the evaluation. She quickly closed the gap between them with a few steps, surprising the student a little, shod surprise painted over his face.

  All it took was a little request, and he immediately snapped back to reality. He then handed over the potion towards Yuna and the tter scruti quickly, her eyes peering towards the clear vial before her and the dark green liquid tained in it.

  At first g looked like a healing potion, but it was too dark for something done by a Tier-4 Alchemist. Yuna soon followed up with a smell test and efficacy test, then p a little bit of it towards the back of her hands.

  "Mmn... This color and acidic smell... There's something off about it, but this is a Night Vision potiht?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes! I made a few improvements in the ingredients and made my own ratios!"

  "Mmn... I see... If it's like this it would shorten the duration, but in exge, it will take effect much quickly. That may be advantageous iain situations." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna, evaluating the produd testing it out with a couple chugs. And as one would expect, it made her vision seem different. There wasn't much ge si was still daytime, but she could definitely feel it.

  And though the cut in duration was extremely disadvantageous, the fact that it takes effect almost instantaneously makes it useful for emergency situations. Even if one has a hard time adapting, if one is used to the effects, it was very practical.

  "Hmm... This is barely a Middle-Grade, Peak-Tier potion... but in terms of practicality, there's nothing more I could wish from it. You did well. You passed." ［Yuna］

  "Y... Yesss!! Thank you! Thank you very much, Yhness!"

  "Fufufu! gratutions. You are now a graduate of Darius Academy!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes! It is my greatest honor!"

  After the first student, more and more students fiheir cos and raised their hands as if they were rag. The Judges were now busy, dashi and right to evaluate the students' performand give them judgement.

  It may be because they have prepared for it their whole lives, but so far, not a single one of the students failed, many of them even surpassing the needed requirements and going a couple steps further, crossing a ier.

  The best amongst the students mao make a High-Grade, High-Tier potion, qualifying her for a Tier-6 Alchemist examination. She was already on par with the Professors, her future shining bright like the sun above.

  "Good work. This is a High-Grade potion. You pass!" ［Fran］

  "Yes! I did it! I'm now a Tier-5 Alchemist! Thank you, Headmaster!"

  "Hahaha. It's all because of your efforts. Make sure to eat well tonight." ［Fran］

  "Yes! I'll keep that in mind!"

  Before long, ead every student was finally doh the Brewing Exams, not a single one of them failing. They were all happy and merry, shouting their hearts out as they filled the whole stadium with life and joy, appuse eg all over the pce.

  The Brewing exams finally finished and the people soon came p out, smiles and ughter floating in the air. It was a moal moment for many. A bright and wonderful future is now waiting for them. It was a wonderful day.

  "Such a big smile you have, Headmaster." ［Darwin］

  It was so wonderful, the Headmaster couldn't help but smile at the thought of all his students graduating. It is going to be a bit sad to see them leave the Academy, but it's just the way life works. A life full of meetings aures.

  "I'm just happy for everyone. I'm sure every single one of them will bee wonderful alchemists iure. It's just moving to see them grow." ［Fran］

  "Huhuhu! I know what you feel. It feels like you're sending yrandchildren off. It really pains me every single year." ［Darwin］

  "That's right... I wonder how many of them will bee Professors in Darius iure. No... Would I still be around by then?" ［Fran］

  "What are you talking about? Your bones are still strong. I'm sure you still st a decade or two. You're a High-Ranker, after all." ［Darwin］

  It wasn't just the Headmaster, but Darwin also felt a sense of mencholy as they watched the students' backs as they left, their eyes wandering off to the distance as the students' figures shrank by the sed, disappearing into the horizon.

  They have experie again and again, but they just couldn't get used to it. There were only a couple thoughts in their minds, w what the future holds for old men like them. It was a future full of wonders and mysteries.

  "What do you think, Yuna? Would you like to bee a Professor of Darius? I'll make sure to pay you well and give you a lot of bes." ［Fran］

  "Fufufu! I'm thankful for the offer, but I'm afraid I have to dee, Headmaster. Such a responsibility is still too heavy for me." ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Even if I promise to pay you with magits as well?" ［Fran］

  "That does souempting, but I'll still have to dee the offers. Alchemy is not the only thing I love, you see. Some things are far more important." ［Yuna］

  Answered the young dy with a bright smile on her face. Though she does love and hold alchemy in high regard, there are also a couple more things she was fond of, just like cookiing, adventuring, and pying with friends and the like.

  Most importantly, she loves a certain young man even more than those other things. It was him who taught her everything she knew about fighting and alchemy. If it's him, she was ready to give up alchemy, because she knows he'll do the same for her.

  "I see... There's nothing I do about that then." ［Fran］

  "Huhuhu! It seems like I have to give up as well." ［Darwin］

  "Fufufu! Thank you for uanding～!" ［Yuna］

  With Yuna putting it like that, there was nothing more the two old men could do about it. While it was a shame that they couldn't get a talent such as her to joihere was more to lose if they tried to force it more. It was much better to just give up.

  Just like that, the three of them finally took their exit. But things didn't just end there. The practical brewing portion may be finished now, but there was still one more thio do. The three of them soon headed to the gymnasium.

  Of course, that thing was her than the Research Presentation of the students. Not all were required to join, but those who present their research get a ce to get sponsored and have their projects be developed further.

  They would be judged by several criteria, and those whose research deemed to be useful enough would be marked by the Judges. It was a ce for the students to show that they aren't just capable alchemists but researchers as well.

  "Oh, Grey. You're already here?... Kale, Edin, and Alea too!" ［Yuna］

  "Ah... Good m, Yuna..." ［Alea］

  "M..." ［Kale］

  "Good m..." ［Edin］

  As soon as Yuna arrived, she was greeted by a number of familiar faces. Darwin and the Headmaster proceeded before her and headed towards the gymnasium, but she stayed there for quite some time, wanting to chat before break was over.

  It wasn't just her beloved fiancée, but their friends as well. But rather thaing her back with a smile like they usually do, their responses were not as lively as the young dy's voice. They were like corpses, pale as be,

  "Did something happen, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "Well... I guess you could say that?" ［Grey］

  As for the reason why, it was all because of the uping research presentation they have. They have already prepared everythierday aed their lines many times already, feeling proud and fident before they headed to sleep,

  But now that they were before the gymnasium, they were finally hit by the harsh sp of reality, nervousness and ay flooding their hearts without rest. It has already been several hours sihey have arrived, but they have still yet to calm down.

  "I see... So that's how it is..." ［Yuna］

  Though, it's not like Grey and Yuna couldn't rete to it. It remihe tter of the sce fares he's been into before, and Yuna of the social ay she once felt when she was just a meek little elf. They were not so fond memories.

  "Fufufu! I know it's nervewrag, but there's o be so nervous, you know? We all know how hard you've worked for this. You all got this in the bag!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna's right. And tell you what. If you make it out without any problems, I'll cook any dish you want. If you get the top spot, then eveer. I'll make you all a fest you'll never fet. How does that sound?" ［Grey］

  "... Seriously... Is food the best you e up with to cheer us up?" ［Kale］

  "Do you not want it?" ［Grey］

  "Who said I don't? t me in! We'll make sure to wipe the floor in this presentation. You should already think of what to cook ter." ［Kale］

  "That's right! I want something sweet and creamy for dessert! Ah! I would also love some chocote! Extra sweet, please～!" ［Alea］

  "I'm fih anything. I'm sure it would be delicious anyway." ［Edin］

  Though, all it took was a little encement and a promise for rewards from Grey and Yuna, and everyone was quickly on board, hearts lit up with raging and burniermination. The nervousness was swept away in a single moment.

  Grey and Yuna didn' know whether they should ugh and cry at how simir the three of them were. They may fight most of the time, but their thoughts really match from time to time. They couldn't wish for a rowdier group of friends.

  "Yhness, the 1st group is about to present. If you would please."

  "Looks like they're already calling me. I'll see you ter, everyone. Good lud make sure you nail it, okay?!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah! You t on us! We'll make sure to surprise you." ［Kale］

  Before long, the research presentation has finally started. Yuna has been called by one of the staff and she promptly headed ier she said her final words, leaving the trio in the care of Grey, silence looking over the pce.

  "Then, since we still have time left, why don't we have a mock presentation? I'll be the ag judge and you'll be the presenters. Sounds good?" ［Grey］

  "Yeah! If you would, please. That would definitely be helpful!" ［Alea］

  "Great! It's settled then!" ［Grey］

  Of course, they didn't just waste their time away chatting. With Grey volunteering for them, they quickly started a mock presentation with Grey ag as a judge. He nodded his head along and took down some notes, ag like the real deal.

  Grey also corrected a couple mistakes of the team and gave them tips based on his experiences in the past. The st thing he did was ask questions, making sure to prepare everyohe best he could with as many questions as possible.

  To switch things up a notch, he also selected from time to time who will answer what questions, and also gave ao it himself. Such a process was repeated over and ain, the three of them gettier aer every siime.

  The studeered aed, groups moving along the line and group numbers called oer another. Some headed in solo, while some groups headed in with numbers far exceeding 3 or 4. They drew closer and closer every minute.

  "Group C-24! I repeat, Group C-24! Are you here?"

  "Yes, ma'am! That would be us." ［Edin］

  "Good. Please head inside now. The judges are waiting."

  Soon enough, it was finally the trio's turn and they were called inside by one of the staff. Grey bid them a final good luck before sending them off, the three of them sooering the gymnasium and greeting the three judges.

  They first bowed their heads and paid their respects to the three great and honorable alchemists before them, then handing in their research papers to each of them. They were a couple pages long, taining a whole lot of letters and numbers.

  "So you're Students Alea, Edin, and Kale... This says your research subject is the Frostburn du... Isn't this a dual-attribute magit?" ［Fran］

  "That is correct, Headmaster. It is a magit whily grows in areas with both extreme fire and ice attribute mana. Otherwise, it would wither." ［Alea］

  "No wo sounds familiar... And it says here that you've found a method to grow such a pnt in greenhouses. How iing..." ［Fran］

  "Oho? That is fasating indeed. If I recall correctly, Frostburn dus are magits vital to the making of cures for on siess. If what they say is true then this would be revolutionary. What do you think, Lady Yuna?" ［Darwin］

  "I have actually seen this pnt bloom myself, so I won't be making muents on this research. I'll only say what I ." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna with a calm voice, inf the other judges of herself witnessing the fruits of the research itself. Now, there was no doubt that it was true. The only problem here is whether they present it clearly and successfully.

  "I see... That only makes it all the more iing... Then, Group C-24, the floor is now yours for the taking." ［Fran］

  """Yes!"""

  Following the Headmaster's signal, the group quickly briefed the three judges of the research, the hypotheses, the process involved, the materials used, the background of the study, the data, and so much more.

  They made sure to make their expnations cise, cutting straight to the point all the while making sure all signifit details were mentiohey spoke turn after turn, eae of them assigo a particur portion of the research.

  What would have taken over an hour to read was briefed ihan 5 mihe judges nodding their heads as they listened carefully. They also took down notes and erased some when their questions had been answered.

  They were nervous at first, but after getting Grey's help before and anizing their thoughts, they were as fluent as be, words and information flowing smoothly like the cool creeks in the verdant forest. All the judges were stunned.

  "Huhuhu! It seems like you practiced a lot for this. That was very easy to uand. I'm sure even 1st Years would uand that." ［Darwin］

  "I know that yreenhouse from before... Yet it seems like your research papers have no problems. Did you get help from someone?" ［Fran］

  "Ah, yes... We had help from Grey and Yuna. Is that... not allowed...?" ［Kale］

  "No, no, not at all. Gathering help is also a part of research. As long as you made this with hoy and iy then that much is fine." ［Fran］

  The presentation was soon over, and the judges had now finished jotting down notes. However, the process was still far from over. They were still halfway through and the difficult part was just about to start.

  "Then... Now that that's all over. Let's start with the questions, shall we?" ［Fran］

  rompted them to do the research, how long it took then to fis, what are things you o be wary of when perf the research, how they dealt with extraneous variables, how much everything cost, and many more.

  The judges took turns and asked the students oer another, and asked a couple questiarding things which weren't specified during their presentation. The trio didn't back down, and answered them with fiden exge.

  "For Student Alea, what do you think is the importance of this research? How would it affect alchemy as we know it?" ［Yuna］

  "As we know, the Frostburn du is a magit..." ［Alea］

  And as they had practiced, the judges also picked a specific student to answer some specific questions, throwing them around in fusion. However, they all answered the questions without fw, remaining calm and collected.

  Albeit differently, some of them were already asked by Grey before, and they have already prepared some questions to ahey simply answered truthfully, and made sure to vey their iions as clearly as they could.

  "Then, for the final question... Why did you bee an alchemist?" ［Fran］

  The final question soon came, and uhe ones before it, it wasn't reted to their researd was simply a general question the Headmaster asked every single one of the groups which headed inside. A question to learn about the presenters.

  "... We have different reasons for it, Judges. For me, I simply want to help people in any way I and create a world free of siess." ［Alea］

  "I also think about that, Headmaster. But to tell you the truth, I am more ined into making profits than helping others. I want to create the biggest pany in the world which specializes in alchemy and the sort." ［Kale］

  "As for me, I just want to learn more about the world. I think the world is a fantastid amazing pce, and alchemy is the way to learn more about it." ［Edin］

  There was ation in their eyes as they spoke, everyone only speaking what was iheir hearts. They were desires which pushed them to strive higher, and something one shouldn't be ashamed of. Smiles bloomed ever so subtly.

  "What wonderful aspirations... gratutions on your presentation, Group C-24! Please look forward to the results ter on." ［Fran］

  """Yes!!!"""

  Like before, there were no real results nor were there any firmation or reje from the judges. They simply gratuted the three of them and shook their hands, then sending them away for the group to enter.

  Kale, Edin, and Alea were finally out of the gymnasium, smiles blooming on their lovely faces. The nervoushey once felt was now gone, only delight and a touch of excitement remaining in their hearts.

  "So? How did it go?" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! I'm looking forward to dinner, Grey!" ［Alea］

  There was no direswer, only relief ahusiasm in the air. Grey didn't o ask any further, a soft yet bright smile blooming on his faow, he was the one who o prepare himself, a silly little challenge noearing before him.

  "Looks like I'll have to do my best, huh..." ［Grey］

  CHAPTER 390 END