"Hey, what are you so slow for?! It's already starting!"
"Oh! A battle between geniuses! Who do you think will win?"
Clatter, clatter, and even more chatter. The whole crowd was abuzz as they gathered inside the gymnasium. There weren't just a couple dozen of them, but over a hundred students which gathered hurriedly, even more coming in.
The news about Yuna and Jermel's alchemy battle has spread all over the Academy and every student is filled with curiosity about what events will unfold. It wasn't just the students of the same grade, but lower and higher grades as well.
Of course, there were also Professors present to facilitate the whole thing. The two parties "somehow" managed to get the school's permission to use the gymnasium and have Professors oversee them, turning it into a massive event.
After all, it involved the heir of a Prestigious House known for their skills in alchemy and an "exchange student" from another country whose skills were not any less than his. It was a battle between a noble and a commoner, exciting as can be.
"I have my bet on Miss Elena. She's real skilled when it comes to alchemy,"
"I'll have to go with Jermel. He may be a scum, but his skills aren't bad."
"Hey! Watch your words! Do you want your greenhouse destroyed next?!"
Of course, the crowd has different opinions about the matter. Some see it as simply something interesting, some see it as a performance to entertain them, and some as an opportunity for them to learn something new amidst all the chaos.
There were also many who held extreme hostility to both sides. Jermel's entourage hated Yuna for being arrogant, snickering at her, and many hated Jermel for acting as if he owned the Academy. There was tension in the air.
"Heh! Looks like you didn't run away. You really are arrogant," ［Jermel］
"My, I could say the same to you as well. I have to commend you for not chickening out. This is a first, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Why you...! Just wait until this is all over. I will make you eat all those words and make you pay the crime of humiliating me, commoner!" ［Jermel］
"I already knew it... But your words really are as trashy as your personality." ［Yuna］
Needless to say, the one where there was most tension was none other than where Yuna and Jermel was, sparks crackling with their sharp stares as they threw a galore of insults towards one another, obviously infuriated at the sight of the other.
And just when things were getting heated up, a familiar set of footsteps rang out in the air. Yet another figure entered the scene, his eyes peering towards the youths before him, cold and gentle at the same time.
"Looks like both the participants have gathered." ［Fran］
It was none other than the Headmaster, shocking everyone present with his sudden entrance, the whole room sent into a chaos of whispers and gossip as the students wondered why he suddenly appeared, all eyes glued on him.
Jermel was obviously startled, unable to believe his eyes. He hated bowing down to anyone, but with such a prominent figure before him, no matter how arrogant he was, he couldn't dare show disrespect. He lowered his head to greet him.
"Greetings, Headmaster. I hope you've had a wonderful day." ［Jermel］
"Good noon, Headmaster. It's good to see you again." ［Yuna］
Yuna also greeted the Headmaster along with everybody else, but her expressions couldn't be any less different. There was a subtle yet bright smile on her face as she lowered her head, placing her trust on the man before her. After all...
"I did not expect you would come to visit in our meager battle, Headmaster. It's my greatest pleasure to have you watch over us." ［Jermel］
"To watch over you...? That's incorrect, Student Jermel. For I will be the one of the judges who will determine the outcome of this alchemy battle." ［Fran］
Nonchalantly, announced the Headmaster, shocking everyone in the gymnasium even further. He just released a bombshell, yet didn't mind the stares directed at him afterwards, soon enough taking his seat along the other Professors.
... Yuna was the one who invited the Headmaster towards their battle, asking him to be the judge to make sure that there would be no foul play involved in the alchemy battle. He was her secret weapon.
The presence of the Headmaster, the numerous spectators, the large viewing space of the gymnasium, and the many students who will spread the rumor later on. All had been prepared by Grey and Yuna, only Jermel's defeat left to be done,
"Then, without further ado, let's begin the inspection!" ［Fran］
The Headmaster announced with a booming voice, and the crowd immediately went silent. All attention was focused on the two youths standing before them, the people's eyes following every little thing that they do.
In order to win, one simply needs to brew a higher-ranked potion than the others. Seeing as how they are both Tier-4 Alchemists in the students' eyes, it was quite an exciting battle to look forward to, all curious who will come out victorious.
"Shin... Will Elena be fine? I know that she's strong, but..." ［Alea］
"Don't worry, Alea. This may be the first time Yuna participated in an alchemy battle, but her skills aren't something someone like Jermel can take on." ［Grey］
"How can you say it so confidently?" ［Alea］
"Hahaha. That's because I'm her fiancé." ［Grey］
There were also Grey and their friends present in the gymnasium, the three worried as can be as they watched the scenes unfold, unable to relax themselves even after hearing Grey's confident words, their hands trembling ever so slightly.
First in the order came the inspection of equipment, materials, and ingredients to be used in the alchemy battle. It was decided that everything they would be bringing would be their personal equipment and taken from their own pockets.
This only meant that Jermel could finally show off his luxurious equipment and the high-class items and ingredients he gathered using money. He was too gaudy with his setup, not sparing a single penny to grasp victory.
"As expected of Caraquel. They can afford to waste money without batting an eye."
"Tsk! Just because he's rich. This is why I hate nobles."
"H... Hey... Are you seeing what I am seeing? Miss Elena's items..."
However, the same couldn't be said for Yuna. Rather than her Divine Alchemist's Toolset, she was using a basic and regular toolset, and rather than overpowered ingredients, she was using the destroyed herbs she collected from the greenhouse.
The herbs were barely even recognizable, all in tatters and looking even worse than reject products in the Herb Market. Her alchemy setup was the complete opposite of Jermel's, looking even poorer than most alchemists.
It was a sight which made many people laugh and many people be filled with worry, yet despite how terrible her setup looked, Yuna was relatively calm, her eyes just as unwavering as it was before. She was completely determined to win.
"You...! Are you mocking me right now?!" ［Jermel］
"Mocking you...? Oh my, it seems that we have a misunderstanding here. I am simply using what I can. I am a 'lowly commoner', after all." ［Yuna］
Using his own words against him, Yuna retorted against Jermel's words, making the crowd burst out laughing. The battle has yet to start, but he was already making a fool out of himself, his face red from embarrassment.
"And... I believe these items are more than enough to defeat the likes of you. I will show you the difference in our skills." ［Yuna］
Yuna ended her words, a cold tone ringing in her voice. Her eyes were serious and stern, burning with a raging yet strangely calm determination. They were only a few words, but they were enough to send shivers down everyone's spine.
"You...! Fine! I'll make you eat your words later!" ［Jermel］
"Fufufu! I look forward to it!" ［Yuna］
The young lady ended her statement with a sweet smile, infuriating the already angry young lord at her. He wanted to rip her apart and make her beg on the ground, but with the watchful eyes around him, there was only so much he could do.
A couple minutes passed and the inspection was finally over. There was not a single thing suspicious about the setups of Yuna and Jermel, the Professors nodding their heads to give the Headmaster a signal.
"Let the Alchemy Battle begin!" ［Fran］
The Headmaster's words rang out in the air, and silence swallowed the gymnasium whole once more. Yuna and Jermel's hands moved fast like lightning, lighting the fire ablaze and taking out their ingredients one after another.
FLICK FLICK CLICK CLACK CLACK CLACK
Jermel swiped his hands and turned on all the fancy equipment he brought, a bit of mana brewing around in the gymnasium and mechanical sound echoing all over the air. He then slipped in a couple more mana crystals, empowering them even more.
Normally, he could only make Middle-Grade, High-Tier items in the academy, but with his equipment, he could take it a big step further and make Middle-Grade, Peak-Tier items. It was the power of wealth and influence he was so confident in.
Meanwhile, Yuna's setup was very simple. She simply turned a couple knobs and valves, making the flames burn bright and filling her flasks and vials with water. She looked pretty simple compared to the opponent she was up against.
"Heh! Look at that lowly commoner. How could she win like that?"
"I know right? This is obviously Lord Jermel's victory."
And as one would expect, many mocked and snickered at her for having such a lowly and basic set-up. They were mostly the arrogant people from Jermel's side, not even trying to lower their voices and looking down on Yuna very openly.
"Alea, don't. We'll only make it worse for Elena." ［Kale］
"I know... But these bastards... How dare they..." ［Alea］
Everyone could hear them, loud and clear, Alea barely able to contain their anger. If it weren't for the others, she would have already lashed out and sent them flying out of the gymnasium, beating them up with a couple punches to end it all.
Well, it's not like she doesn't understand where they're coming from. No matter which angle one looked at it, using trash and reject materials and basic equipment was a foolish mistake on Yuna's judgement, only making herself look bad.
'Elena... Just what the hell are you thinking...' ［Edin］
They were her friends, but even they couldn't help but be concerned about Yuna's decisions. They appreciated that she was doing it for them, but they could only feel anxiety as they continued to watch the scene. Only Grey was smiling.
The battle continued and the materials were processed one after another. Jermel used the precise mechanisms of his equipment to create the finest materials, whilst Yuna only used the basic process to make crude materialsー or so it would seem.
But in reality, Yuna wasn't just using the equipment, but her body as well, using mana and magic in the finest details and determining the exact moments to shift the processes. Her movements were flawless and graceful.
CLANK CLANK THUNK BLUB BLUB BLUB
Jermel finally started heating the solution, mixing the materials, stirring time and time again, and adding bits and bobs of other materials which had already been weighed appropriately beforehand. He was accurate and precise.
He then added the extracts of a magic plant into the mix, the solution bubbling ever so aggressively and puffs of smoke rising into the air. The potion then changed its color, looking clearer as it continued to bubble over the scorching flames.
"Hahaha. Look at Lord Jermel. He's almost halfway there, isn't he?"
"As expected of Lord Jermel, he really is a prodigy. It was foolish to challenge him,"
"Tsk? Is that bastard really going to win?"
Meanwhile, Yuna continued with her brewing as well. With how fast she was moving, it might look like she was panicking from the outside, but she couldn't be any calmer deep inside. Her concentration was at its peak, her eyes shining brightly.
The temperature of the flames, the amount of force as she stirred, the minuscule and vital margins between measures, the timing of each step, the flow of mana within the system, and many more. She was controlling everything perfectly without a hitch.
Yuna's concoction barely changed color, so it would seem that there was nothing really noteworthy happening, but both Grey and the Headmaster could sense the subtle differences as time passed. Like wine aging perfectly over time,
Time passed just like that, and the processes continued to unfold. Yuna and Jermel both poured it their al, into their work, bullets of sweat trickling down their foreheads. Their eyes were burning fervently, both determined to attain victory,
CLICK CLICK CLACK FWOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH
And finally, the series of mechanical sounds echoed once more, Jermel turning off the flames and finishing his product before the young lady. It was an amber-colored potion which resembled the sky at dusk. A pretty concoction.
"Headmaster, this is my proud creation. It is called a 'Spirit-Enhancing Potion'. Please evaluate it well." ［Jermel］
Jermel handed over the potion to the Headmaster, the latter looking at it with eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny. The other Professors also examined it long with him, nodding their heads as they continued to look at it.
It wasn't just the look. They also examined the taste, the smell, the sensation, how quickly it takes effect, and how it reacts to mana as well. It didn't take too long before they finished their evaluation, everyone coming to the same evaluation.
"This is indeed a Spirit-Enhancing Potion, and a Middle Grade, Peak-Tier one at that. Good work, Student Jermel. This is a wonderful potion." ［Fran］
"Your words are more than enough for me, Headmaster." ［Jermel］
"Ohh! Did you hear that?! The Headmaster says it's Peak-Tier! Peak-Tier!"
"See? What did I tell you? Lord Jermel's skills are the best!"
It was just as he expected. With the help of his equipment, he managed to make a Middle Grade, Peak-Tier Potion which even students 1 or 2 years higher than him have a hard time making, greatly riling up the crowd.
His eyes looked at Yuna, a snickering smile plastered on his face. With how great his potion was, he was completely certain, greatly looking forward to the moment when the results would be announced. He was excited to crush the one who humiliated him.
Meanwhile, Yuna couldn't be any less indifferent and continued to brew her potion. Her eyes were as clear as the sky and her passion was immovable like a mountain. She was almost finished as well, only a couple more steps left.
'Finally... The concentration of mana...' ［Yuna］
Only the final steps were left, and Yuna added the final ingredients along a strong surge of mana. It seeped in slowly but surely into the concoction, enriching it with magic and awakening the mixture's latent potentials.
The more mana Yuna poured in, the darker the color of the potion became. What was once lime in color has now become a dark shade of green. Soon, Yuna heaved a breath of fresh air, her potion now done and finished.
"Heh! Looks like that b*tch is done now as well. Let's see how arrogant she is once the Headmaster announces her defeat."
"Hahaha! He shouldn't have challenged Lord Jermel to begin with."
"I know right? These lowly commoners should just know their place."
However, unlike the many people who were full of cheers and support for Jermel, she only received the mockery of the crowd. The ones who supported her before are now quiet, unsure whether she could still win after all her plain display.
"Headmaster, Professors, here is my creation. It's a simple Healing Potion," ［Yuna］
Just like Jermel before her, she also handed over her concoction towards the judges, letting them evaluate her work and having them test it out for themselves. Soon after, one of the Professors finally opened his mouth.
"This... This isn't a Middle-Grade Potion..."
"No... No way... Elena... This can't be..." ［Alea］
His words reverberated all over the whole gymnasium, eliciting all kinds of surprises from the crowd. Some nodded as if they had expected it, some were smiling as if to mock her, some were indifferent, and some were filled with concern.
Of course, those who were close and precious to Yuna had their faces painted pale and their hearts beating in gloom. Their hearts sunk towards the ground, unable to believe the Professor's conclusive words. A smile bloomed on Jermel's face,
"Hah! I knew it! That's what you get for using those cheap herbs! Youー" ［Jermel］
"Headmaster, I am right, aren't I?!"
"Yes, you are right.... This isn't a Middle-Grade Healing Potion... This is a High-Grade, Mid-Tier Healing Potion!" ［Fran］
However, with words from the Headmaster, the whole crowd was thrusted into chaos, everyone's reactions turning a complete 180 as a cacophony of noises filled the air. There were cheers and sighs, the whole gymnasium in an uproar.
Normally, it would be hard to make a Middle-Grade Healing Potion with such herbs, not to mention with defective and trashy ones Yuna just used. But Yuna isn't one who can be judged by common sense. She has long surpassed such a league.
Nor only did Yuna win over Jermel's creation, her potion was even 2 tiers higher than his. And that's only when she is using such basic equipment and trashy ingredients. It was a landslide victory, Yuna triumphing over Jermel overwhelmingly.
"No... No! This can't be! There must be foul play involved in this!" ［Jermel］
"Foul play, you say...? When the Professors have already inspected the equipment and the ingredients? Are you insulting the dignity of my Darius Academy?" ［Fran］
"N... No! That's not it, Headmaster! I... I would never...!" ［Jermel］
Jermel tried to accuse Yuna of cheating, but with the Headmaster standing against him, there was nothing he could do about it. All he could do was clench his fist and accept his defeat with a begrudging and irritated heart.
"With this result, I declare Student Elena the winner of the Alchemy Battle!" ［Fran］
The Headmaster declared and the whole gymnasium burst into a boisterous uproar once again. Everyone was celebrating, cheering Yuna's name again and again as if they were cheering for a heroine who just came back from battle.
Alea and the others also rushed over the young lady to embrace her for a tight hug. Alea was crying tears of joy and relief, Edin was trying to hide his tears, and Kale was cheering for her loudly, only a bright smile to be seen on his face.
『Grey, I did good, didn't I?』 ［Yuna］
『Yeah... Yeah, you did. I'm proud of you, Yuna.』 ［Grey］
But perhaps the best reward she got was the words of praise from her beloved. They were only short and simple, but she couldn't be any happier. A surge of joy flooded her heart, her beaming and lovely smile even brighter than before.
However, there was still one more business left to do. After the people have settled down, Yuna shifts her attention towards the still frozen Jermel, then approaching him soon afterwards, her steps subtle but resonant.
"Jermel... You haven't forgotten about the bet, have you?" ［Yuna］
And the reason was none other than the wager they had made yesterday. The one who loses will take responsibility for everything which happened the day before. A wager which Jermel wouldn't honor so easily.
"Bet?! What bet are you talking about, you lowly b*tch?! I know you planned this all along! You must be in cahoots with the Professors! I'm right, aren't I?!" ［Jermel］
There was a dark and enraged expression painted on his face, still unable to accept what had happened. Not only is his reputation now destroyed, he was also humiliated greatly in front of a couple hundred people. He couldn't even pretend to be okay,
Now, not just Yuna, but he is also accusing the Professors of joining forces with Yuna in order to bring him down. He was slandering them openly, showing everyone and the whole Academy of the repulsive person he truly was.
"Haah... I knew you wouldn't honor your words, but to think you would dare act out like this. You really are the lowest kind of scum." ［Yuna］
"You wh*re! Do you know who you are talking to! I am a Caraquel! I'mー" ［Jermel］
"Well, no worries. We already made countermeasures, after all." ［Yuna］
Jermel kept on yapping like a crazy dog, but the moment Yuna snapped her fingers, he was immediately frozen still. A couple familiar figures entered the room, making him halt his words. They were the thugs he was with the day before.
Though Yuna had already planned to defeat him honorably, she also knew that it wouldn't be so easy to have him owe up to his sins. That's why she already prepared another plan which he wouldn't be able to ignore no matter what he does.
With the help of the Headmaster, Grey and Yuna had "peacefully convinced" quite a number of Jermel's followers into confessing his crimes and every ugly acts he had committed so far, each one of them already signed to contract magic,
"Bullying... Assault... Battery... Coercion... Stalking... Encouragement of harassment... Destruction of Public Properties... Destruction of School Properties..... Need I say more?" ［Fran］
And there wasn't just one or two, but a long list of crimes he had committed using his Houses' name towards other students. It was hard to get evidence at first, but with Grey's abilities to see the past and expertise in interrogation, it was easy as 1, 2, 3.
His crimes are now being exposed to everyone present in the room, the people feeling a mix of emotions brewing all over the gymnasium as the Headmaster continues to list down everything injustice he has done, his reputation crumbling to dust.
"H-Headmaster, this is a mistake! I'm innー" ［Jermel］
"A mistake?! Your followers have already confessed and many witnesses have shown up, and you still insist this is a mistake?! Is Darius a joke to you?!" ［Fran］
"N... No! It's not like that, Headmaster! I'm sureー" ［Jermel］
"Enough! I don't want to hear any more of your excuses! You will receive appropriate punishment for your acts. I will make sure your Father hears of this." ［Fran］
He tried and tried to convince the Headmaster of his innocence, but no matter what he did, it was futile. The glory and prestige he once had is now but a passing lie, nor even his followers looking him in the eyes anymore.
He wanted to retaliate, but with an insurmountable mountain before him known as the "Headmaster", he could only grit his teeth and clench his fists as tight as he could. An intense anger burnt in his heart, his eyes turning red as he lowered his head.
"Do I make myself clear?" ［Fran］
"Yes... Headmaster..." ［Jermel］
CHAPTER 379 END