Crackle Crackle Crackle
The flames flickered and waned, dancing by the gentle winds and shining ever so brightly. The pools of lava which once bubbled aggressively were now calm as the trickling creeks in the forest, streaming slower and slower along its dimming glow.
The Labyrinth of Flames is now closing, and with it, peace has started to return to the place. It wasn't very hot anymore and many of the lava veins have already cooled down to simple rocks. It was hard to believe that it was the same fiery and hellish landscape from before.
"The Labyrinth sure is quiet, huh... Not even the traps are activating." ［Julius］
"Fufufu! It's going inactive, after all." ［Yuna］
"Still, isn't it too easy to loot this way?" ［Julius］
"His Highness is right... It feels so wrong..." ［Amelia］
Chatting ever so calmly, everyone explored the Labyrinth as if they were just walking in a park. With the monsters not spawning anymore, it was the best chance to open treasure rooms and take whatever is left before they disappear.
Of course, with how expansive and dangerous the 9th floor is, the rewards were very excellent. All the equipment they found were at least Superior-Grade, a couple of Legendary-Grades in the bunch, fetching billions upon billions in total.
There were also a lot of High-Grade materials and items but they were nothing in comparison to the former ones. Nonetheless, everyone was very cheerful and excited to get them. It was as if they were playing treasure hunt.
"Ah, Yuna! I've found some vials here!" ［Amelia］
"Waah～! Really?!" ［Yuna］
Especially Yuna. Whenever it comes to magic concoctions, alchemy materials and ingredients, she quickly rushes over and gets it for herself, her eyes sparkling brighter than diamonds under the moonlight.
The journey across the Labyrinth continued and more treasure chests were opened. The lights only dimming and the heat cooling down with every step they took. Such a scene continued for several dozen minutes, their eyes turning left and right as they watched the flames flicker.
"Hmm... It really has been a month, hasn't it?" ［Amelia］
Commented Amelia as she slowed down her steps, looking back at the times she spent in the Labyrinth. Though she couldn't say they were fun and enjoyable, they were ones she would surely remember throughout her whole life.
"Well, yeah... I can't believe it's been so long as well. And come to think of it... We've completely missed the New Year's, haven't we?" ［Julius］
"Hmn? There's a New Year's Festival in the capital?" ［Yuna］
"Of course! It's one of the grandest festivals of the year! Last year, there were a lot of booths and stalls in the central plaza! The central streets would be crowded with how many people there are. I bet there were also a lot of them this year! Yeah... A lot... of... them..." ［Julius］
Full of enthusiasm, Julius proudly told Yuna about the greatness of the New Year's festival in the capital. But such enthusiasm didn't last long. As soon as he realized how much he missed, he quickly sank into gloom, colors fading from his face.
Well, it was only natural. After all, before he was invited by Grey and Yuna to head towards the Labyrinth of Flames, he had already planned to spend the festival with Amelia. Who would've thought they'll spend the day in a fiery and hellish landscape instead. It was the total opposite.
"Agh... To think I'll have to wait another year again..." ［Julius］
"Oh? Wait for what?" ［Grey］
"For the New Year's festival, ofー" ［Julius］
His words only half-finished, Julius suddenly stopped talking. The dejection he felt was no more, only traces of confusion to be seen on his face. He then turned around to see where such a familiar voice came from, soon turning confusion to shock.
"W-What the hell?! When did you get here?!" ［Julius］
"I just arrived. Long time no see." ［Grey］
"Yeah, long time noー No! Don't change the topic, you bastard! Is it really that hard to at least give a little heads up?! I almost pissed my pants!" ［Julius］
"Oh? You did?" ［Grey］
"No, I didn't!" ［Julius］
Such a warm and friendly welcome. They had just reunited with one another after a whole month yet they were already bickering. There wasn't any more Grey and Julius-like interaction such as it. What a great and wonderful friendship.
Fierce like a little tiger, Julius locked Grey's head in one of his arms and ruffled his hair wildly, his eyes turning red and fumes steaming out of his head. Though Grey usually snaps back, he just let it be that one time.
"Welcome back, Master." ［Polaris］
"It's been a long time, Master." ［Arcturus］
"Hello, Grey. Nice to see you again!" ［Amelia］
"Yeah, long time no see, everyone." ［Grey］
Well, it wasn't only Julius who gave a greeting. After Julius, the familiars and Amelia also welcomed him back warmly. But the one greeting Grey was looking forward to the most did not come ringing inside his ears.
As he looked towards her direction, she didn't utter a single word. Rather, she was fervently averting her eyes, cheeks red as one can be, unable to control her facial expressions and contain the emotions boiling in the depths of her heart.
She was happy, she really was. But the emotions which had built up over the past month suddenly started rushing wildly, flooding her heart. If it weren't for the fact that there were others present, she would have already rushed towards him, crying like a spoiled child.
"Yuna, I'm back." ［Grey］
"Un... Welcome back..." ［Yuna］
Answered Yuna meekly, her head still hung low as she refused to let the young man before her see the expressions veiled by her silky silver hair. Well, no matter how she hid it, everyone could already guess what she looked like.
Though Grey would have preferred her greeting him more enthusiastically, such a greeting with Yuna acting ever do meekly also wasn't bad. He was already satisfied to see her after a long time. They still have a lot of time ahead of them, after all.
After the greetings, everyone took their sweet time chatting with one another and tried catching up with what they missed. Of course, it also included Julius' long rant about how difficult the Labyrinth was. He was practically fuming.
"So, Grey, how was the 10th floor?" ［Julius］
"I'm also curious. Is it as hard as everyone says it is?" ［Amelia］
"Hmm... How to put it... It's hell." ［Grey］
"Yeah, figures. The 9th floor is already so tough, after all." ［Julius］
It wasn't just though, it was deadly. If it weren't for Grey, Yuna, and the familiars' protection, they would have died hundreds of times already. But it was also thanks to such a difficult situation that they managed to get a lot stronger.
Both Julius and Amelia were now on the upper ranges of E-rank, their strengths now more than four times than when they entered the Labyrinth. It was safe to say that they could go toe to toe with the top graduates of the Royal Academy.
If only they were on the same level of "Adaptability" as Grey and Yuna, they would have already broken to D-rank long ago, and even reach the upper ranges. Even then, their progress was already more than satisfactory. People their age as strong as them were rare, after all.
'Hmm... Everyone sure got a lot stronger, huh...' ［Grey］
Well, it wasn't only them. The familiars were also much more powerful now. Polaris' was now over 15 thousand, Sirius' was over 9 thousand, and the others at least in the middle-ranges of S-ranks.
Yuna also got extremely powerful. She was now at the peak of S-rank, stuck with the same situation Grey was. The moment one of her proficiencies reach "Superior" mastery would be the time she breaks through the final wall and reach Calamity-Class. It was only a matter of time.
"Oh, right... Grey, I forgot to ask. And correct me if I'm wrong... You've reached Calamity-Class, haven't you?" ［Julius］
It was all too sudden. The moment Julius ended his words, the atmosphere in the corridors quickly tensed up and became more serious. His eyes locking with Grey's ever so intensely.
Such was a natural reaction. After all, the emergence of a new Transcendent is a phenomenon which could shake the whole world, both politically and diplomatically. Not to mention that Grey was currently residing in Alfrione. It was only natural for Julius, a prince, to make sure of it.
Though Grey had declared neutrality, other countries could take it differently. Not to mention, his familiar, Polaris was also at Calamity-Class. Any country looking at them would be shaking in fear, keeping alert at all times.
"Hmm... I don't know what you're talking about." ［Grey］
There was no hesitation in his voice as he denied Julius' question. After all, Grey has no obligations to tell him everything. They already have it hard enough being known as S-rankers. He doesn't want any more troubles.
"Why you...! Don't you dare lie to me! We already know you've reached it! Yuna slipped up a little while ago! Just admit it already!" ［Julius］
"Hah?! If you already knew, then why are you asking?!" ［Grey］
"I just wanted to hear it from you directly! But to think you'll be lying with a straight face, you're unbelievable!" ［Julius］
Unfortunately for Grey, the cat's already out of the bag long ago. Though it was not intentional, Yuna and the familiars did leave a hint before. Some time after it, Yuna accidentally slipped her tongue and confirmed their suspicions,
It was only a small matter, but Grey and Julius were bickering again. Even when the familiars were already resting soundly and peacefully in the shadows, the Labyrinth only became much noisier.
"Grey, let's quiet down, okay?" ［Yuna］
"You too, Your Highness. Please behave properly." ［Amelia］
""Y-Yes, Ma'am..." ［Grey and Julius］
Thankfully, Yuna and Amelia were there to quell their arguments. They may be tough against other people and rough with each other, but when it came to the two ladies before them, they were very obedient. Silence soon returned to the Labyrinth.
"Still... To think you reached Calamity-Class this early... Should I start addressing you 'Your Majesty' now?" ［Julius］
"His Highness is right. This is also the first time I've learnt of such a thing happening. I'm a little envious of your talent..." ［Amelia］
"Well, there's always a first for everything. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"Un! I'm also going to work hard and beat Grey's record!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I'm looking forward to it then." ［Grey］
Completely ignoring Julius' question, Grey and Yuna calmly replied to Amelia, talking as if reaching such a stage was no big deal. Especially Yuna, she was super excited and determined to break Grey's record.
"Oh, come to think of it... Now that the Labyrinth is done. What are you planning to do with the remainder of your school break?" ［Grey］
"That... I haven't really thought that far... What about you, Amelia?" ［Julius］
"Hmm... I think I'll be spending time with my family. It's been so long, after all. I already miss all of them." ［Amelia］
"Haha. Then I suppose we should hurry up then." ［Grey］
"Un! Let's gather all the treasures!" ［Yuna］
Such a happy atmosphere continued as everyone tried to salvage the last remaining treasure roomsー or so it should have. But not even a minute later, it was completely broken. All because of a tiny bit of information they all forgot about.
"Ah! Since we're already on the topic! Julius, Amelia, when is your school break going to end?" ［Yuna］
"Well, if I remember things correctly... The Royal Academy will be opening the new school year at the first Lunae (Monday) of the year... That would be the 6th, so... Our last day would be on the 5th!" ［Amelia］
"The 5th, huhー Wait... Isn't that today?" ［Grey］
"Huh?" ［Julius］ "Eh?" ［Amelia］
An awkward silence brooded over everyone as Grey's words resounded clearly inside their ears, looking at each other with awkward faces. But such a quiet scene did not last very long. What followed after was chaos.
"What the hell! You're telling me I won't have time to relax anymore?!" ［Julius］
"No, Your Highness! That's not what is important right now. How can we go back to the capital so quickly? We'll be late!" ［Amelia］
"There's no need to panicー" ［Grey］
"You're right! Wait, isn't that practically impossible?! We'd already be late by the time we exit the Labyrinth. We'll surely get demerits!" ［Julius］
"Hey, you twoー" ［Grey］
"Your Highness, what should we do?! We won't get expelled, won't we?!" ［Amelia］
It was useless. Grey tried his best to calm down the two, but panic has already struck their hearts way too deep. They couldn't even hear what Grey was talking about. As for Yuna, she was only observing from afar, enjoying the drama ever so cheerfully.
Giving up on talking to them, Grey just headed a little ways away and heaved a short sigh. After which, he then opened up a gate leading straight to the Royal Castle, dim lights of white and blue illuminating the corridors.
"Waah～! Is this the 'Gate' Polaris was talking about?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah... Though I can only connect it to places I've seen or visited, it's still very useful. Wanna try it later?" ［Grey］
"Un! Could I?" ［Yuna］
"Of course, but first... I should calm those two down..." ［Grey］
Said Grey, his eyes looking towards where Julius and Amelia were. They were still in panic, their statements getting more and more chaotic with the passing of time. It was a little concerning, to be honest.
"Should I just use my influence to blackmail the Headmaster?" ［Julius］
"Your Highness, that's a littleー" ［Amelia］
"Oi! You two! Come over here!" ［Grey］
His voice booming in the Labyrinth, Grey finally caught the attention of the two. It was just in time. Any longer and Julius would have started thinking of more shady ideas improper and unbecoming of a prince.
As soon as their heads turned towards his direction, Julius and Amelia's eyes quickly shifted towards the mysterious thing which looked like a crack between worlds. It was the gate Grey had just recently opened.
"Grey, that is...?" ［Julius］
"It's a gate, and long story short, it will take us instantly to the capital. I know it sounds ridiculous but trust meー Eh?" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't even finish his words. As soon as he gave his little explanation, there were no such traces of hesitation in the eyes of Julius and Amelia as they quickly rushed towards it head first.
Of course, since they were standing in front of it, Grey and Yuna were also pushed inside by the panicking couple. Before they realized it, they were already inside the gate, their eyes still full of contusion. As for what happened next...
"And that's the contents of the reー" ［Anderson］
"Aghh!!" ［Julius］
"Kyaa!!" ［Amelia］
... A cut off statement, a grunt, and a squeal rang throughout their ears, followed by a heavy thud as they all fell towards the tiled floor. As soon as they opened their eyes, they were greeted by a familiar sight they haven't seen for quite some time.
The stony, cold, and monotonous walls of the Labyrinth were no more. There was only a fancily decorated hall with large pillars and a throne up in front. Completing the package were a couple of familiar yet confused faces of the King, the Crown Prince, the General, and the Prime Minister.
"Ahh! We're really back! It's the castle! The castle!" ［Julius］
"A-Amazing... We really are back..." ［Amelia］
"Waah～! So that's how it works!" ［Yuna］
One full of intense joy, one full of amazement, and one brimming with excitement. Three diverse reactions came from three different people as they realized that they have actually returned.
"You three... Save the comments later and get off my back..." ［Grey］
But perhaps the most noteworthy one was the one from Grey who was squashed under the three of them. Hearing his words, they quickly got off and apologized, allowing the former to get up and fix his clothes.
"G-Grey... That... How did you do that..." ［Ernes］
One problem was solved, but now he was faced with another. Grey totally forgot to set the exit at a more hidden location, and now, there are four confused faces in front of him. All he could smell was trouble.
"Umm... It's a long story, but first, could we stay at the castle for a little bit, Your Majesty? We're quite tired, you see." ［Grey］
"... Haah... There's nothing we could do about it, then. But make sure to tell me later, alright? I'm looking forward to it." ［Ernes］
"Of course." ［Grey］
Well, if he was going to get in trouble anyways, there was no harm in delaying it a little longer. He wanted to at least rest and relax his body a little bit before dealing with such a tiresome situation.
Thankfully, the King had quite the busy schedule so he wasn't able to interrogate Grey. As for the troublemaker prince, he fell fast asleep as soon as he ate a little snack, unable to share his stories. It may only delay the troubles but for now, it was more than enough.
Time passed and night soon fell, silence swallowing the Royal Capital whole. After having dinner with the other members of the Royal Family, Grey and Yuna were led to their room to retire for the day.
"Mmn～! Hot baths here really are the best!" ［Yuna］
"Haha. You can say that again. It feels as if all my fatigue is relieved!" ［Grey］
"Un! It feels so refreshing!" ［Yuna］
It was already late in the night yet Grey and Yuna couldn't be any more lively. Despite having spent a whole month in the Labyrinth, they could still hold up the urge to just jump in the bed and head to dreamland. They only continued chatting as they sat by the bedside.
"Dinner was also great! It's been some time since I've eaten something so well prepared! It feels like heaven!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Haven't you been cooking and baking in the Labyrinth? I'm sure I gave you a lot of ingredients." ［Grey］
"You did, but I only cooked what was necessary. We were there to train, after all... I can't have you be the only one working hard and burdening yourself..." ［Yuna］
Her voice getting smaller and smaller, Yuna mumbled such an answer as she started pouring for unknown reasons. Such words only served to make Grey happy, hearing about how thoughtful and considerate she was when she didn't need to.
Grey hasn't even taken the full cuteness of Yuna, when out of the blue, a little finger started poking at his side. Of course, it was from Yuna who was now stealing glances at him time and time again, still pouting her face.
"I missed you... I really, really missed you... Grey, I missed you so much..." ［Yuna］
Changing ever so slightly, similar words came out of Yuna's side as she continued poking at Grey. The flustered face she once hid from everyone was now in full view, redder than ever, little tears forming on the corner of her eyes.
Well, she wasn't the only one with such emotions brewing in her heart. Just like her, Grey also missed her very much to the point he always appeared on his mind. He just wanted to hold her again.
"Hahaha! My girlfriend really is cute, aren't you?" ［Grey］
"Mou... Why are you saying those things so suddenly...?" ［Yuna］
"Why...? That's also because I also missed you very much..." ［Grey］
Yuna couldn't reply to Grey's words. Before she could even open her mouth, Grey already closed in on her and sealed her lips with a kiss. One deep and passionate, full of the overflowing emotions which has been built up over the past month.
As they shared their kiss, their hearts only raced even crazier, bodies feeling feverish and minds filled with thoughts of one another. It was only a month yet it felt very long. They couldn't stop their emotions from flooding their hearts anymore.
Their fingers interlocking with one another, Grey pinned down Yuna towards the bed, ever so gently. It was only then that their lips separated from each other, a thin silver string glimmering before it was quickly broken.
"Yuna... I don't think I can hold myself back any longer..." ［Grey］
"No... It's okay... I also want to feel your warmth again... Grey, I love you..." ［Yuna］
"Me too... I love you too, Yuna..." ［Grey］
No more words were said as they shared another kiss, one more passionate and filled with emotions. A flick soon followed after, the room covered in a barrier in a mere fraction of a second.
The night went on and the stars continued twinkling. The cold, night breeze which swept throughout the whole city was nothing. All there was was warmth and comfort as they deepened their love. It was yet another rosy night.
CHAPTER 197 END