"Listederne Fern... Koleunia... Rikalia Roots... Harpen Tropical Cedar... Seven Star Karsialis... Halestraw... Felris Flower... Harpcap..." ［Yuna］

  Words, words, and even more words. Various and difficult words were spokeer ahe one speaking them void of sight. Yet despite the looming darkness, she never wavered, speaking her words with fidence.

  All eyes were on her, silenveloping the whole pce. Everyone's mouths hang in agape, watg the incredible spectacle unfolding before them. Even the Professor could only wat silence, looking at her with eyes filled with both shod awe.

  "A... Amazing... As expected of a Tier 4 Alchemist..."

  "Huh? Could all Tier-4 Alchemists be able to do this?"

  "Does she maybe have an ability to sharpen her senses?"

  "It must be, right? That's the only expnation."

  A few hours have passed sihe 1st lecture, and the afternoon has arrived. After havi another delicious and blissful lunch at the cafeteria, Yuna and the others are now on their 4th period, learning under a new professor.

  The subject is called "Material Processing" which teaches the students what kinds of materials and ingredients there are, how to tell them apart, and where to find them, and how to turn them into useful items for Alchemy.

  Today is a day designated for a test, in which all students must identify the materials and ingredients, crushed into powder and turned iracts, by smell aloheir noses were their only on, their eyes veiled by a thick blindfold.

  There were 50 items in total, and though some had pretty strong and distinct smells, many of them were subtle and hard to tell apart from each other. Some were eveical in smell, only differing by the sensation they offer.

  It was a test where one's familiarity with the various alchemy items is tested. After all, there aren't just one or two items which look alike. One also o use the other senses, especially smell and taste, skills which alchemists must hone.

  "Astorias... Hairy Mothstalk... Blumhorn Wild Rose... Miul..." ［Yuna］

  Of course, though she was an exge student, Yuna could also participate iest, and so she did. After all, there was only more to gain. She was also excited to see how she would fare against the other students.

  Moreover, uhe others who had been preparing for the test, Yuna didn't know beforehand the item list the Professave them. It only made things more exg and difficult, Yuna accepting the challeh a smile on her face.

  "How much does that make it...?" ［Alea］

  "It should be over 30 by now... No, maybe over 40?" ［Kale］

  "Does that matter? What's more amazing is how fast she identify them." ［Edin］

  As to be expected, Yuna didn't get even a sihing wrong, answering all the items without hesitation. The moment the Professor drew the item o her nose, she immediately identifies them in the sed.

  "It's like she's been dealing with them for decades... Is she really e?" ［Edin］

  It wasn't just Edin. Everyone else also thought the same, watg her with marvel and disbelief brewing in their eyes. Even if they didn't have the blindfold on, they would still get a number of them wrong, yet she didn't get any. She was incredible.

  The Professor's hands moved time and time again, items identified oer another, everyone tinuing to watch the se without making a single sound. The test was drawing near, only a couple more items left uified.

  "Okay, here's the final one..."

  And for the st item, the Professor took the dish furthest from him. Uhe others, it was only one which wasn't beled, and was the only item which wasn't in the list the Professave them.

  So far, not a single one of the students have gotten the right answer, most of them answering the ever so familiar "Kalkia Grass", and some trying out other items which came to mind, much to no avail. It was a tricky one.

  "What do you think, Student Elena?"

  Yet despite that, Yuna didn't feel any challe all. Rather, there was only a smile on her faot a single ounce of doubt in her mind. She has found her answer.

  "It's Kalkia Grass... Or at least, most of it is..." ［Yuna］

  "Oh? Are you sure about that?"

  "Un... And, there's also Mikumiku and Madreeds... Mixed in a ratio of 20... No, 21:1:3, respectively. Am I correct, Professor?" ［Yuna］

  "Correct...? That erfect… Good job, Student Elena,"

  It wasn't just a single ingredient, but a bination of 3. Not only did Yuna identify them, she also revealed the ratio in which the mixture was created with. She was dead right on the mark, not missing even a single point.

  "Ohh!! Sh-She got it! As expected of Elena, she's in a totally different league!"

  "No wonder we got it all wrong... That was unfair, Professor!"

  "Kyaa～! You're amazing, Lady Elena! You got them all right!"

  The whole css was sent into an uproar at Yuna's great achievement, every one of them sh her with cheers, appuse, and praises. There andemonium, an orchestra of loud and boisterous cheers eg throughout the .

  It was still Yuna's sed day, but she already garhe resped admiration of everyone. Heck, she even has her own fans now, waving banners with her name printed on it and shouting her h great vigor ahusiasm.

  "Hahaha. In all my time teag her, I hought someone could get it right. You really are impressive, Student Elena."

  "Then, hooints is that, Professor?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. Normally, I'd give 70 points to those who guess it right, but... Since you pretty much perfectly guessed it, I'll give you 100 points instead."

  "Un! Thank you～!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, other than challenging herself, the other reason why Yuna participated iest was the points! She is strangely petitive, wanting to garner as many points she could. She's also "Yuna the Hoarder", after all.

  A smile on her face, Yuuro her pce with great satisfa blooming in her heart. The only difference from now and before was that she now knew what the merit points would be used for, and one would expect, it was the "performance" part of a student's grade.

  Though students are also graded based oest results and tier advas, performance is alse portion of their grades. It really doesn't matter much to Yuna, as she isn't even a student to begin with, but she was still happy heless.

  "Elena, do you have a sniffing ability or something?" ［Alea］

  "Hm? Not at all! I'm not a dog, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Ehh... But how did you identify them all... You must be hiding something!" ［Alea］

  "A-Alea! E-Enough! Th-That tickles!" ［Yuna］

  With Alea tig Yuna, and the tter giggling out loud, the test proceeded smoothly, oudent going after ahey all did their best, trying to focus on their senses and trying to get the highest scores they could.

  Of course, with Yuna answering the mystery item, the Professor already switched it with another mixture, just as difficult to identify. Not a single one of them were able to identify them, everyone only getting about half the items on average.

  Time passed some more, and the school bells rang once again. Everyone was soon dismissed by the Professor, then heading to their subjects. However, this time, they all parted ways, heading in different dires.

  "Oh? You also took 'Heavy Brewery' as aive, Elena?" ［Alea］

  "Un. Is it a troublesome subject?" ［Yuna］

  "No, it's nothing like that! It's more on the practical side so there's o study so much. It's the best!" ［Alea］

  "Oh! That sounds really promising!" ［Yuna］

  As for the reason why, it was because it was now time for the electives, ones which the students themselves selected for themselves. There are 3 of them in total, 2 during MWF schedules, and the other 1 during TTH.

  Yued "Heavy Brewery" which deals with the making of able items, other than potions and elixirs, which are mostly used in battles. This includes poison recovery pills, stamina enhancers, beast repelnts, and many more.

  As an adventurer, how could she not take su elective? It was literally made for her. She is already someone iop 10 most powerful people in the world, but every bit of preparation matters. Of course, it seemed fun as well.

  "Though... It seems like Edin and Kale took differeives, huh." ［Yuna］

  "That's right. Edin took 'A Alchemy' while Kale took 'Physical Strengthening' for their TTH schedules.... Ah! We do have 'Eics' is on though." ［Alea］

  "Oh! I have that too! And I also have 'Poison Analysis'!" ［Yuna］

  "Really?! That means we'll be cssmates for all subjects! Is this fate?!" ［Alea］

  "Un! This is the best!" ［Yuna］

  Chattering aloud, Yuna and Alea headed towards their , walking down the hallways while blinding people with their smiles. After all, Alea was also a beauty to behold... If only it wasn't for her fierd violent personality.

  They soon arrived in the , and the others were already present. There were already all sorts of people hanging around, waiting for the Professor to e. Each of them looked pretty carefree, their toolsets already sitting atop the tables.

  "Elena, let's sit over here." ［Alea］

  "Okay～!" ［Yuna］

  The whole was abuzz and aloud, many people gng at the two young dies' dire, the tter paying them no heed as they admired the equipment and materials dispyed atop the table, smiles on their faces.

  Of course, Yuna was already familiar with such things, but that doesn't make things any less iing. She 't wait to tinker around with them, doing alchemy without the aid of her usual equipment. It was very exg!

  "Elena, is your equipment ba your academy like this too?" ［Alea］

  "Ah... The Academy's equipment... I guess you say that." ［Yuna］

  "Waah～! I want to see it one day too! I?" ［Alea］

  "Un, sure... I'll tour you around whe the ce." ［Yuna］

  Or so she says, but guilt oking her heart as she answered Alea, barely making a fortable face. After all, fet the equipment, the "Academy" she transferred from in the first pce doesn't eve. It was already amazing that she could lie.

  "Ohh～! As expected of Lord Jermel! You really are the star of Darius!"

  "That's only natural with my skills. Which house do you think I hail from?" ［Jermel］

  "Of course, House Caraquel is amazing, but even if you didn't e from it, Lord Jermel would still be outstanding!"

  "That's right! Lord Jermel's talent is only something we could hope for!"

  "Naturally. After all, I am 'Jermel ro Caraquel'!" ［Jermel］

  And just as Yuna and Alea were fortably chatting with one another, a loud group of men and women were orchestrating a ruckus at the back of the , quite a few people garnering around a blond-haired young lord.

  He wasn't particurly attractive nor was he outstandingly strong, but there was ohing he possessed which everyone else didn't. He was the heir of House Caraquel, allowing him to warrant the attention of many, people buttering him up.

  While it was normal that students are noisy without a Professor around, there were many who were irritated by such boisterousness. The young lord's narcissistic words were also a pain, everyorying hard not to pay them much attention.

  "Tsk! They just couldn't keep quiet..." ［Alea］

  Even Alea was annoyed by them, a different and deeper sense of irritation when she was bantering with Kale and Edin burning within as she gred at the group. Still, she kept her voice as low as she could, making sure no one else could hear her words.

  "Hmm... Is he a great alchemist or something?" ［Yuna］

  "Well... He's a Tier-4 Alchemist just like you, amongst the best in our year, but that's not what matters. It's all because he's from House Caraquel." ［Alea］

  "House Caraquel... Is it a promi House?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, very... And not just any promi House... They're a House of Alchemy." ［Alea］

  The ital House of Caraquel, along with the Marquessal House of Silva which was once headed by the Headmaster, is one of the most promi Houses of Alchemy, produg tless genius Alchemists in every geion.

  In fact, the current Head of House Caraquel is a Tier-7 Alchemist, on the verge of breaking through Tier-8. The Previous Head was also a Tier-8, only sed to the Headmaster in terms of skill in the whole of Foltriesse.

  Jermel just happeo be the heir of such a house nurtured in alchemy ever since his youth and tempered with the best materials and equipment there was. He was a h power, influence, and talent.

  "I see... But... Aren't they chumming too mu? I thought status is irrelevant here in Darius." ［Yuna］

  "Ah, the merit system... Actually, about that..." ［Alea］

  Alea was scratg her cheeks with trouble brewing in her eyes. She soon opened her mouth, expining everything to Yuna all the while keeping her voice down.

  And, Yuna was right. There is, in fact, a merit system taking p Darius Academy and that everyone is treated equally regardless of social status. It was a skill in whily skills matter, everyone punished accly the moment they break the rules.

  However, those rules oend in the Academy. Iside world where there is endless petitioween various powers and authorities, many people try to g to those with power and influen order to survive.

  While the Academy is mainly a pce to learn, it is also a pce to build es. It has been a deeply rooted problem, people finding loopholes in the room and making sure they get the best out of everything. A political battlefield.

  "Worst of all, he's also our cssmate in 'Poison Analysis'! It's so annoying seeing his face every single day!" ［Alea］

  "You really hate him, don't you?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course, I do! If only he wasn't a noble, I would have sent him flying!" ［Alea］

  Angrily procimed Alea, still keeping her voice down. It wasn't just simple hatred, but deep rese brewing in her heart and showing in her eyes. It wasn't the first time she felt the urge of wanting to punch su annoyi like him.

  Yuna could only ugh wryly at Alea's feisty remarks. She doesn't know what really happened, but seeing how mad the tter was and hant aled Jermel sounded, she could more or less guess what happened.

  "Well... Haah... Even if I say that... They really 't do anything to you here in the Academy. The Headmaster has been vigint on that front." ［Alea］

  The only saving grace was that Alea was one who could keep her temper in cheot wanting to get her life ruined all because of a single mistake. Everything she has poured in so far would have bee worthless otherwise.

  "But...! Elena, no matter what, don't get involved with him, okay?" ［Alea］

  Of course, Alea also reminded Yuna to not get involved with such people, not wantio be put in danger. Especially with how skilled and pretty she was, it wouldn't be a surprise if someone holds ill iions towards her.

  Well, even if he does something funny, there was no way someone would be able to harm her unless it was something along the likes of True Dragons. Still, she found it quite heartwarming, a subtle smile blooming on her face.

  "Un! I'll keep that in mind." ［Yuna］

  "Css, settle down. We'll be starting the lesson shortly."

  "Ah, the Professor's here..." ［Alea］

  Before long, the Professor finally arrived bringing with her a couple of books, a number of helpers carrying crates of materials with her. The subtle st of herbs drifting in the air, the moment she opehem up.

  "Now, everyone, form a line and take your herbs."

  Annouhe Professor whilst she fixed the positioning of her eyegsses. Soon enough, the students then lined up ly and promptly, eae of them taking fair numbers of materials and heading back to their tables.

  And as fshy as usual, Jermel's ente proudly marched towards the front of the room. They were like a group of chicks following after the mother hen, loud as be and very annoying. It was one of the reasons Alea hates him so much.

  Even the Professor had given up on them. She had been reprimanding them before, but after several months of nress, she finally gave up, just letting it pass off as the students' merriness aing points whenever necessary.

  "Our topic for today will be about 'Paralysis Potions'. As you may know, these are potions which are often used in hunts, and..."

  The Professor finally started the lecture, drawing figures on the boards and making sure every single one of the students uood it, answering various questio and right the moment she got the ce to.

  K K CLACK TACK FIZZLE

  However, the lectures didn't st too long, the sounds of clig vials and bubbling liquids as the students started the practical applications. They all made their hands move with the goal of making a paralysis potion in mind.

  The herbs and materials were crushed uhe mortar ale, the extracts were mixed and diluted ihe vials, the fmes were turned on, fumes building up and swept by the winds, a number of processes happening simultaneously.

  POOF POOF FIZZLE POOF

  It was also worth saying that many students failed oer aheir solutions overflowing and some ht evaporating into thin air. Thankfully, there weren't any violent explosions, everyoively unharmed by the experiment.

  Even then, everyone made sure to be careful, their b coats and protective eyewares making sure they're safe. Their gear was al ented, not a single ounce of hazard in sight. Finally, b coats which literally protee from great danger.

  "Hmm... What am I doing wrong..." ［Alea］

  "Mmn... Try adding another 20mL. Maybe the solution is too trated." ［Yuna］

  "Okay. I'll give it a try." ［Alea］

  Yuna also participated in the experiment, doing her best with the materials she was given and moving her hands perfectly, not making a single mistake and handling the whole process with both precision and accuracy.

  She could easily finish the paralysis potion in a matter of a few minutes, but there was o expose her real abilities just to show off. It was also fun to have a couple of handicaps, humming to herself as she finished oep after another,

  A drop of this, a pinch of that, and a bit more of shaking. The solution's color ged time and time again, the temperatures dropping and rising like the whims of the wind. With the passing of time, everyone slowly progressing towards the finish line.

  "Ohh! The solution is already turning red! You're almost there, Lord Jermel!"

  "Be quiet. 't you see I'm trating?" ［Jermel］

  "A-Ah... I apologize for my rudeness."

  If only it weren't for the annoyie around Jermel, everything would have been much better. They weren't even making that much progress, praising Jermel for every little thing rather than making an effort in their own works.

  No matter. Their frivolous attitudes weren't one which was long lived. As while they go about praising and cheering on the arrogant young lord, Yuna was steadily making a lot ress despite the handicap. All until which...

  "Phew... That was a little tiring..." ［Yuna］

  ... That she finally finished her potion, the colorー or rather, the crystal clearness of the solution shimmering like transparent gss. It seemed like water, but wouldn't be any mretful the moment they take even the slightest gulp.

  "Ehh?! You're done already, Elena?!" ［Alea］

  "What?! How is that possible?! It hasn't even been 20 minutes yet!"

  "Waah～!! It really is a Paralysis Potion! Look, it's so clear!"

  Everyone crowded around Yuna the moment Alea squealed about her achievement. They all looked at the potion with sparkly eyes admiring it closely and examining it as if they were looking at something straight out of the Royal Treasury.

  "Oh dear, it's even at the Peak-Tier of Middle-Grade. This is amazing."

  Even the Professor couldn't help but be amazed at her feat, w how she could use the materials effitly without wasting any time redients. She could only praise Yuna, asking her a couple questions here and there.

  Everyone was excited, enthusiastically gathering around Yuna to get some tips and tricksー or at least, almost everyone was full of fervor. There was a dark expression painted on his face, eyes sharp as daggers as he grit his teeth and ched his fists.

  That person was her than Jermel....

  CHAPTER 367 END