The sun was now climbing down the sky, the shadows moving with the passage of time and the clouds drifting along them. Such peace could also be felt in the city, a grand and majestic structure standing higher than those around it.
It was made with glass and stones, massive windows letting the sunshine in, gracing the empty rooms and those crowded with people. Peace reigned over them as the students listened to the lectures of their instructors.
Some raised their hands and asked questions, some were trying to keep themselves awake, and some earnestly jotted down quite a lot of notes, their notebooks filled with scribbles and mumbo-jumbo, fitted to their own understanding.
TAP TAP TAP TAP
Steps and strides echoed in the stagnant air, shadows casted on the ground as the pillars stood firm and proud. The corridors were spacious and humbling, banners of many a colors hanging by the arches and sculptures etched in the darkest of stones.
Three figures walked down such a corridor, one leading the other two. The leader's eyes were looking upfront whilst the other two's lingered all over the place, barely holding themselves back from exploring the place themselves.
TAP TAP TAP STOP CLACK
The footsteps soon stopped, a grand and massive pair of doors standing majestically before them. The guide placed the back of her hand towards the door, and hit it time and time again in regular intervals, a series of knocks ringing clearly.
"Headmaster, I have brought your guests."
"Ah, the door is open. Just let them in, please." ［???］
"Understood."
The guide heeded the Headmaster's words and she placed her hands on the door handles. With a little bit of pushing, she then opened the doors, the aromatic and earthy scent of herbs wafting through the corridors, accompanied by the sweet yet mild scent of wild flowers.
In the fragrant paradise, a man in his early twenties greeted them. His hair was the color of the dark oak, stretching all the way to his back. His eyes were like diamonds, clear as water and sparkling brightly like the lens of the spectacles covering them. He exuded a calm and curious aura, smiling ever so gently.
And though one might think that he was an assistant of the Headmaster, the truth couldn't be any farther. After all, appearances can be deceiving.....
《Appraisal》 ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
【Salferine】
【Name】Fran ro Silva
【Race】Human
【Sex】Male
【Age】74
【Status】Healthy
【Mana Capacity】1.103 【Mana Quality】C
【Combat Power】1,301 【Threat Level】B
【Attribute】Fire 【Magic Proficiency】High (55%)
【Class】Rogue 【Weapon Proficiency】High (51%)
【Physical Enhancement】55%
【Ability】『Extra Sense (3☆)』
-----------------------------------
... After all, he was old enough to be the grandfather of the King. But all because he was a High-Ranker, he looked no older than 25. If Grey didn't have "Judgement", he would have believed he was just as a peer of Kris.
Of course, the moment he revealed such details to Yuna, the young lady was also just as shocked, looking at the Headmaster as if he was some sort of art exhibition, much to the latter's confusion. He possessed youth everyone would be envious of.
"Thank you for bringing them here. I hope I didn't trouble you too much." ［Fran］
"Not at all, Headmaster. I'm only doing my job... Then, I will be taking my leave now."
"Yes. Please keep up the good work." ［Fran］
The guide bowed her head ever so slightly, leaving the two with the Headmaster, an unfounded silence looming all throughout the room. The two parties stared at one another, one gazing with curiosity, and the other with tension.
There was no hostility, no malice, no greediness, and nothing suspicious at all. But there was something about the Headmaster's gaze which poked Grey and Yuna's curiosity. It wasn't long before the reason was revealed by the Headmaster himself.
"Haah... And here I thought the Azure Sword Emperor had come to visit... This turned out to be even more of a surprise..." ［Fran］
""!!!"" ［Grey and Yuna］
A sudden statement, shock alarming all throughout Grey and Yuna's nerves whilst they looked at the Headmaster with vigilance burning in their eyes. They have yet to sense any ill intentions, but they were ready to lash out at any moment.
Though the Headmaster's words may sound simple at first, but at a more thorough examination, his words were something they never expected to hear... They were found out... A brilliant smile on the latter's face.
As for the reason why, it was none other than "Extra Sense". It was an ability which grants the user something akin to a 6th sense, sharpening not only intuition but also one's perception of things, making one sense the unordinary.
"Oh my, looks like I said something I shouldn't have. Please spare this old man, Your Majesties. I didn't mean any harm with it," ［Fran］
"Your Majesties, huh... That's new, alright..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Then you should get used to it soon, Your Imperial Majesty, Emperor Grey, and Your Royal Majesty, Queen Yuna. Right?" ［Fran］
And to top it all off, the Headmaster's reading was much more accurate than Kris'. He could tell that Yuna was in the higher end of Calamity-Class, and that Grey was now nearing a combat power of 30,000. It was reliable enough.
But as one would expect, Grey and Yuna weren't so proud about such titles. Rather than majestic, they only sounded burdensome, a whole lot of responsibilities attached to them, sending cold and eerie shivers down their spines.
Just hearing the titles echo again and again in their minds, Grey and Yuna felt like they were going dizzy. It was already more than troublesome as it is that they're addressed to as "Your Highnesses", and now "Your Majesties". It was pain.
"Ah, are you perhaps uncomfortable with such titles, Your Majesties?" ［Fran］
"Yeah... It's really troublesome..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. This reminds me of my youth, but don't worry too much, Your Majesties. I'm sure you'll get used to it sooner or later." ［Fran］
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
"Uuu... Please stop..." ［Yuna］
The Headmaster was having fun, but the same couldn't be said for the two. It's good that the former didn't harbor any ill feelings for them, but hearing them repeat such words again and again was troubling. It felt like they were being teased by their grandfather.
But apart from that, it was even more amazing that they were in the presence of one in the only three Legendary Alchemists in the whole world. He is a living legend who is only below the King in the whole of Foltriesse.
'I guess His Majesty wasn't joking when he talked about him...' ［Grey］
Fran ro Silva... A man who once held the title of Marquess Silva, which is now held by his grandson. Still, he wasn't any less influential, possessing the rank of "Archduke" due to his prowess in Alchemy alone.
Like threat levels, blacksmiths, alchemists, and enchanters also gain privilege as they climb up the ranks. Tier-5 is treated the same as the Gentry, Tier-6 like Knights, Tier-7 the same as Viscounts, Tier-8 as Marquesses, and Tier-9 as Archdukes.
Of course, there is also the Tier-10, Mythical Alchemists, which are treated like Kings, and the Divine Alchemists which are hailed the same as Emperors, but no one alive has reached it yet. A title buried in the sand of time.
And even without his alchemy prowess, he was still a High-Ranker, having the same privilege as a Count. He needed to be strong to collect rare ingredients and materials, and trek the harshest of biomes, after all. It wasn't all just heaven.
The man before them was one of the pillars of the Alchemy...
"Well, before anything else... Should we take a seat, Grey, Yuna?" ［Fran］
"So you do know about it..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I did hear from His Majesty that you disliked formalities. Sorry for teasing you all this time. It's been some time since I had this much fun, you see." ［Fran］
"Uuu... So you were teasing us, after all..." ［Yuna］
The young lady was grumbling and the young man was sighing. They soon took their seats, and the headmaster did the same, making himself feel comfortable in his seat. The tension in the room was now gone, only sighs and smiles.
"Oh, right. Would you care for some tea, Grey, Yuna?" ［Fran］
"Ah... Yeah... Gladly...." ［Grey］
"I also heard from His Majesty that you're fond of sweets, so I prepared some. Go and help yourselves. I made these ones myself." ［Fran］
"Mmn～! So tasty～! The sweetness just melts in my mouth!" ［Yuna］
And now, the Headmaster was openly treating Grey and Yuna as if they were his own grandchildren. The way he acted and sounded was perfect and all, but how he looked was quite off-putting. He just looked like some random older brother.
It was only when they took their seats that they realized they really were in the office of a Legendary Alchemist, pills and potions displayed in the glass cabinets, apparatus and tools hanging in the open, and a handful of papers containing some hypotheses.
Even their snacks were made with alchemy. The tea was calming and refreshing, a therapeutic effect kicking in as one drinks it, and the sweets had rejuvenating sugars which were made with the extracts of a magic plant found in the nearby Lorinia Forest.
"Do you like it?" ［Fran］
"Un! I love it! Alchemy really is the best!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I'm glad that you think so too, Yuna." ［Fran］
They just got to know each other but the two already seem to be getting along pretty well, the young lady happily munching on the snacks, whilst the Headmaster giving her even more, looking proud that someone appreciates his creations.
But other than pride, there was also a trace of wonder in his eyes. He kept on looking at the young lady, tilting his head left and right, albeit slightly. Soon, he heaved a sigh filled with relief and a bit of amazement.
"Still, to think of a young lady like you is already at Tier-8... When I was your age, I was barely at Tier-6. Even Ophelia has yet to reach Tier-7." ［Fran］
"Ophelia...? You mean one of the 3 Legendary Alchemists?" ［Yuna］
"Yes, that's her. Though I'm ashamed to admit it, she's much more of a genius than I am. Though it's a shame she has such a fierce temperament." ［Fran］
Ophelia... One of the 3 Legendary Alchemists which is widely regarded as the best alchemist in the world. She is younger than the other at 56 years of age, but is even more skilled. One who is expected to reach Tier-10 sooner rather than later.
And though Fran was talking lightly of himself, he wasn't any less amazing. He is the only one amongst the legendary alchemists who is also a High-Ranker, who had also joined the fight against the floods before. A man known as the "Warring Alchemist".
Of course, what he was most known for was his famous Legendary creation which he dubs the "Nectar of Youth", which, as the name suggests, makes one regain the look of their youth, and retain it until death. A potion worthy to be called Legendary,
"Though... Not that I met you in person... I'm sure you'll be able to reach even higher heights and reach for the stars." ［Fran］
"Fufufu! You're exaggerating, Headmaster." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Well... Who knows..." ［Fran］
The Headmaster said, looking at Yuna's hands, hands which were laced with the scent of herbs, magic plants, and rare materials. A scent which was chaotic, but at the same time, just as harmonious, developed by endless efforts.
Though people normally wouldn't be able to notice such scents, Fran's "Extra Sense" could pick up the slightest particles and patterns without that much difficulty. He even knows that Yuna has stayed up the night, doing even more alchemy.
"And speaking of which, did you ever have a teacher, Yuna?" ［Fran］
"Ah... That would be me..." ［Grey］
"Pardon...?" ［Fran］
A troublesome question, and a troublesome answer, the Headmaster looking at Grey with confused and suspicious eyes. After all, Grey was still at Tier-5 whilst Yuna was at Tier-8. It should have been the other way around.
"Well, at least the basics... For the other things, I only told Yuna the theories my grandmother once told me." ［Grey］
"Your Grandmother...?" ［Fran］
"Yes. Though she isn't as prominent as the Headmaster, he was a Tier-7 Alchemist. She taught me everything I knew about alchemy, from the basics all the way to the most complex of theories. She was one of my idols." ［Grey］
Though, after Grey's simple explanation, things became much clearer. With a Tier-7 Alchemist overlooking them, it was much more understandable that Yuna reached Tier-8 at such a tender age. There's only one problem... It was a lie...
"Grandmother was so in love with alchemy, we had to live in Haltea Forest, saying things like 'Herbs are more abundant here!' or 'The best herbs grow here!'. It was never boring with her." ［Grey］
And that too, was a lie...
"She always bothers me everyday to test out her theories everyday and make me help her out with all her nonsense. I learned so many things about alchemy because of her antics... Or rather, I was forced to." ［Grey］
That was another lie as well...
Grey spewed out one lie after another, not flinching even a little bit nor changing his expressions, as if he was telling the whole truth. His lies were so believable, even he was almost convinced by his refined ability in lying.
"I see... Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman." ［Fran］
The Headmaster didn't even stand a chance against Grey's lies, believing every bit of his words. And Yuna could only sip her tea and eat her sweets in silence, trying to not blow Grey's impromptu excuses, in awe and terrified of Grey's glib tongue.
Grey continued to tell stories about his "Grandmother" and his life with her, sounding like a proud grandson who can't help but chatter away when talking about her, never wavering in his act. It was a little scary, actually.
"So, where is this grandmother of yours now? I would like to meet her." ［Fran］
"Ah... That... Actually, she passed away several years ago already." ［Grey］
"Oh, dear... It seems like I said something unnecessary. I'm sorry." ［Fran］
"Ah, no. It's alright. It's been a long time, after all. And though she may be gone, her teachings and memories still remain in me. I'm sure she's happy that someone has reached greater heights with her teachings." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. What a positive outlook... You truly are admirable, Grey." ［Fran］
Yeah, admirable, sure... For those dreaming to become scammers, that is. He was very fluent and eloquent with his lies, even criminals and corrupt politicians would be scared of him. A man who was the incarnation of deception!
Shenanigans aside, with all the reasons Grey crafted with his all, there shouldn't be any more suspicion on the Headmaster's side. Even if one were to investigate if such things were true or not, they wouldn't be able to, and not like they have a reason to.
But with all things said and done, the Headmaster still looked at Yuna with a certain look in his eyes. It was neither curiosity nor envy, but something more akin to desire. The pure desire to nurture and teach someone.
"Hmm... Yuna... I know you already have a teacher right now, but... Would you like me to give you a hand as well? In alchemy, I mean." ［Fran］
"Hm? By that... You mean, like an instructor, Headmaster?" ［Grey］
"That's right. If you would allow it, it would be my greatest pleasure to take you in as one of my disciples. I want to guide you in the path of alchemy." ［Fran］
A sudden offer. One which many alchemists could only ever dream of. An offer which would not only give one a strong backing, but greatly improve their skills in alchemy. Being a Legendary Alchemist's disciple is a great honor.
Fran has now extended towards the young lady, and all she needed to do was accept his hand to advance further. However...
"Sorry, Headmaster. But I have to decline your offer. Though I may sound arrogant, I want to carve this path with my own hands. I hope you understand." ［Yuna］
... Yuna declined the offer with a resolute expression on her face, not a single ounce of hesitation in her eyes and her lips breaking into a gentle smile.
If any other alchemist were to hear her, they would have called her mad. But Yuna's mind wouldn't waver at the thought. She had climbed to where she is with her own efforts, and she would continue to do so. She was confident.
"I see... Looks like I was just being meddlesome." ［Fran］
"A-Ah, not at all, Headmaster! I just want to see how far I can go! I'm nor trying to mock you or anything! I'm really sorry if it came out that wayー" ［Yuna］
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm not that petty to argue with someone over such a trivial reason. Rather, it's refreshing to hear someone reject my offer." ［Fran］
"Uuu... Sorry..." ［Yuna］
Yuna felt apologetic, but Fran couldn't be any prouder. Though it was a shame that he wouldn't be able to help and guide the former, he felt relief to see the young lady act stubborn, seeing his old self in her.
An alchemist doesn't only need to be smart, skilled, and talented, but also be resolute in their values and beliefs. A heart which yearns for freedom unbound by anything in the world is what makes one soar even higher, piercing through the clouds.
"Well, anyway... Now that those things are settled, should we decide on how your stay will be in the academy?" ［Fran］
"Oh? We can decide on our arrangements?" ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Normally, you wouldn't, but... We can't have you be uncomfortable in your stay here now. Isn't that right, Your Majesties?" ［Fran］
Said the Headmaster, a teasing smile on his face. And as soon as the couple heard such words, uneasiness and discomfort painted on their faces. The expressions of the two parties couldn't be any more different.
"Ugh... Headmaster..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't help myself." ［Fran］
The agreement on arrangements soon proceeded smoothly, Grey and Yuna deciding on what they will be doing in their stay in Darius Academy in which they will be acting as exchange students from a foreign country's academy.
Since the school year was coming to an end, it was decided that they'll be staying 'til the end, learning with the students and sharing all the programs. The only difference would be that they won't be joining the Final Exams which are still a month away.
Of course, as they'll be treated like normal students, they are also given access to laboratories, greenhouses, testing facilities, and many more. The only thing they didn't accept were dormitory rooms. The inn was already enough for them.
And as if the Headmaster already knew they were going to accept his offer in the beginning, they were even given the uniforms and identification cards. It was a little off putting, to be honest.
"Then, that should be all... Are there any other questions? About the school, or even if it's about alchemy. Anything is fine." ［Fran］
"Ah, then I do have a few questions, Headmaster." ［Yuna］
"Alright, go on. I'll answer to the best of my abilities." ［Fran］
Said the Headmaster with a smile on his face, but such a smile soon vanished in all but a few moments. After all, Yuna's "few" was now few at all, bombarding the former with all sorts of questions she had been curious about.
There was a feisty passion burning fiercely in Yuna's eyes, her questions firing rapidly like bullets of a machine gun, not letting the Headmaster escape her grasp. She was like a predator, playing with her pitiable prey.
Meanwhile, Grey...
'Good luck, Headmaster." ［Grey］
... He only wished the Headmaster good luck,
Yuna's bombardment of questions continued and the Headmaster continued to answer them, not that he had the leeway not to. Such a scene unfolded as the sky changed colors, Grey playing a game of chess by himself.
The sun soon set and night befell towards the world. Grey and Yuna returned to the inn, and soon to their room, happily reminiscing about the events which happened all throughout the whole day, smiles blooming in their faces.
And though it was now time to retire for the day, Yuna was still smiling, holding in her hands a pair of white and red garments, holding it high, her eyes sparkling brightly. It was the very uniform she received from the Headmaster.
Yuna has been staring at it for more than an hour already, hugging it, examining it, and placing it in front of her in the mirror. Grey could only watch over her warmly, a subtle smile blooming on his face.
"Fufufu! I can't wait!" ［Yuna］
A new adventure awaits them.
CHAPTER 361 END