"Hey, how many goblins did you slay this time?"
"I got about 7... You...?"
"Hahaha. I just hit a new record! I got 10 of them!"
"Ohh! That's great! At this rate, you'll soon reach F-rank!"
Excited and cheerful voices. Such noises were adrift in the air, students from ages 15 to 20 parading around the Academy grounds, trusty weapons by their side and armor attached on their body, amulets and accessories as well.
It was the middle of the afternoon, and after some difficult training, everyone was now resting themselves by the training grounds, sitting on the stone slabs by the stairs and telling one another stories about their recent practical training.
Everyone was lively and well, some still eager to work harder and improve their skills. After all, the Royal Academy was a meritocracy. No matter what one's status is, as long as they have the skills, they can succeed in whatever they want.
"Fufufu! What do you think, Grey? Does it suit me?" ［Yuna］
"Everything suits you, My Dear." ［Grey］
"Mou... That answer again... At least put a little effort in your compliments. I tried hard to dress and pretty myself up, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Well, that's because everything really suits you. That's just how pretty my fiancée is. No matter what you wear, I'm sure I'll be head over heels for you." ［Grey］
"... Hmph! What a sleek tongue you have!" ［Yuna］
The young lady was pouty and puffy after hearing Grey's half-baked compliment, but after hearing more of his words, she couldn't help but feel flustered. She tried to play it off, but there's no way she can hide it. Her ears were red and flapping excitedly.
Grey and Yuna are now in front of the Royal Academy, and unlike most of their day, they have now changed into some new clothing. It was the Royal Academy uniforms Grey and Yuna once received when they were temporary instructors.
They never had the chance nor reason to use it, but now that they want to go inside the Royal Academy, along with their illusion magic, there was no better disguise. As for the reason to go inside... They just want to go sightseeing and to have some fun.
"Well, let's continue with our date, shall we?" ［Yuna］
"A date... I don't think people normally do this on dates..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Don't sweat the small stuff～!" ［Yuna］
A bright smile blooming on her face, Yuna then headed towards the gate, grabbing Grey by the hand and holding him close to her. They lined up after the students and verified their identities with their ID cards.
Of course, Grey and Yuna don't have student ID cards, however, they do have their usual guild and privilege cards. The guards were a little surprised to see some unfamiliar faces, but after seeing their cards up close...
"Y-Your Higー"
... They were quickly taken by surprise. The honorable Heroes of Alfrione suddenly appeared before them, wearing the school uniform and disguising themselves like normal students of the academy. Who wouldn't be surprised?
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna were able to erect a small sound-isolating barrier before things got out of hand. Yuna also placed her index finger before her lips, making sure to ask the guards to keep quiet about it, which they did ever so obediently.
"Sorry for the sudden intrusion, but can we head inside now?" ［Grey］
"O-Of course, but if it isn't too rude to ask... Could I please hear the reason for your visit? We weren't exactly informed that you will be arriving today."
"Fufufu! We aren't here on official business. We just have something to give His Highness, Prince Julius. Oh! And Lady Amelia von Redlocke too." ［Yuna］
"Is it some sort of official package, Your Highnesses?"
"I guess you could say that... But there's no problem with that, right? Don't worry, we'll also tell the Headmaster beforehand." ［Yuna］
Says Yuna with a bright smile on her face, but they don't even know whether the person in question was available or not. It's not like they were lying either. They really were going to give something to Julius and Amelia... Snacks, that is...
Though, there's no need to mention it to the guards. After all, they may not show it but they have quite the influence and authority in the Royal Capital. It would be a bit embarrassing to let it slip that they just wanted to have some fun.
"I see... Then I hope you enjoy your visit, Your Highnesses."
"Hahaha. We surely will." ［Grey］
Not bothering to look back a second time, Grey and Yuna soon headed inside the main grounds of the Royal Academy, parading throughout the open plaza by the entrance before heading towards the different buildings there.
They have been inside the Royal Academy several times before, but since they were acting as instructors, they didn't really have much freedom to explore the whole Academy, and could only visit a few facilities at best.
"Ah! Grey, look there! What do you think is in that building? It's huge!" ［Yuna］
"That's probably the stadium... We've never been there before, have we?" ［Grey］
"Un! So let's go ahead and take a look right now! Ah! We'll also use 'Nihility' so we don't get caught." ［Yuna］
"Mmn... It feels like we're doing something illegal, doesn't it..." ［Grey］
However, now it is different. There were no responsibilities binding them so they could go wild with their exploration, using the veil of Yuna's Nihility in order to sneak around and see all sorts of sights the Royal Academy could offer.
Apart from Darius Academy, the Royal Academy was the only other academy the two have ever experienced. And as one would expect from the best academies of their countries, they have quite a bit of similarities.
First, there were cutting-edge training facilities, high-end machinery and equipment, large indoor halls, a wonderful cafeteria, a few stadiums, numerous training grounds, and all sorts of things. The whole place was massive like an expansive maze.
Of course, Grey and Yuna also searched for the Headmaster and notified him, but it seems like he was still busy with work. There seems to be a meeting amongst the instructors about an upcoming school event.
"John, will you enter the hunting competition this year too?"
"Of course I am! Do you even know how good the prize is?!"
"I heard His Majesty will grant it to the winner himself."
"Dream on, you bastards. I'll be the one to snag the grand prize!"
An event which is to be celebrated by the whole student body, everyone obviously excited to take part in it. Not only the students, but the school staff members were also talking about it too, all the while reminiscing about the past events.
It seems to be a hunting competition of some sorts, and from what Grey and Yuna gathered, the participants will be scouring the nearby forest and hunt the best beast they could find. It was an event the school hosts every year for the aspiring knights.
And as one would expect, Grey and Yuna quickly became interested in such an event. They have hunted all sorts of beasts and animals, but they have yet to attend a formal hunting competition. One could only wonder how exciting it was.
"Grey... Do you think they'll allow us to join?" ［Yuna］
"As judges, maybe... But participants, that's a little difficult." ［Grey］
"Mmng... Should we just sneak in and participate anyway?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, no... That ain't happening. Are you trying to get us in trouble?" ［Grey］
Unfortunately for the two, it would seem like only the students are allowed to sign up and participate in the event. After all, it wasn't just a festive event for fun and games, but also a way to measure the knights' potential.
Well, even if that wasn't the case, it was still doubtful if the two could really join in. They aren't just normal people, after all. Even if they only lift one finger of theirs, they could easily win the competition already. It was impossible.
"Mou... I want to play too... What a shaー" ［Yuna］
"Kyaa～! It's Lady Amelia! She's so cool!"
"Ohh! That's His Highness for you! What a sharp strike!"
"As expected of class 5-A! They're all monsters!"
Yuna couldn't even finish her words, abruptly interrupted by the sudden squeals of the young ladies and the booming cheers of the boys. They were all excited and enthusiastic, their eyes flashing with joy as they cheered out loud.
They were before a large training ground, and training there were the students of class 5-A which Grey handled when they were still in their 3rd year. They are now sparring against one another, sparks and booms all over the place.
Compared to when they last saw them, they are all now much stronger than before, everyone already stepping into the realm of D-rank and possessing enough power to crush and shatter boulders in just a single strike.
Not only are they stronger, their battle instincts are now much sharper than before, many moving swiftly as if gliding on the ground, smartly evading difficult attacks with the use of sleek and smooth maneuvers to compliment their body movements.
"Ohh～! Your students sure grew a lot. They are now like elite knights." ［Yuna］
"Well, not quite yet... If they want to get in the Royal Guards, they need to do better than that. Well, it's still praiseworthy though..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I think they're already fine as they are." ［Yuna］
Compared to before, other than just relying on theoretical and practical lessons, they also now supplement their learnings with their experience from taking quests from the Adventurers' Guild, pushing through the difficulties of reality.
However, it was thanks to that desperation that they are able to grow stronger and reach such heights. Grey had given them a quick boost, but everything was still the result of their painstaking efforts. It would have been strange if they didn't improve.
⟨⟨Flame Burst!⟩⟩ ［Amelia］
⟨⟨Lightning Bolt!⟩⟩ ［Julius］
But perhaps the most eye-catching amongst the sparring students were none other than Julius and Amelia. Unlike the other A-Class students, they were now at C-rank rather than D, packing enough power as Royal Guards.
Julius swung his sword and a myriad arcs and bolts of lightning lashed out towards Amelia's direction. Thankfully, the young lady managed to dodge just in time, taking a quick leap backwards and leaping away from danger. Thunder rang soon after.
As soon as she landed on her feet, Amelia then switched to counter attacking, rushing towards Julius at breakneck speeds as she released the binds of her whip. It was fast and dangerous, like a deadly cobra pouncing towards its prey.
⟨⟨Silver Pythons!⟩⟩ ［Amelia］
Amelia's whips multiplied to a couple dozen pythons, rushing towards Julius without an ounce of hesitation. Julius was able to leap backwards, but unfortunately for him, Amelia's metallic whip had more reach than his spear.
One of the pythons managed to grab him by the ankles, successfully slowing him down. The moment he was bound, more pythons bit him and bound him even tighter, the young lady following up with a blazing spell crackling on her hands.
⟨⟨Fire Trident!⟩⟩ ［Amelia］
"Sh*t! ⟨⟨Extreme Thrusts⟩⟩!" ［Julius］
A massive trident of fire rushed out towards Julius, and with no chance of evasion, all he could do was grip his spear. He thrusted with all his might, creating a gaping hole through the fire trident and blowing away everything before him.
However, just as the dust cleared up from his attack, the young lady before him had also disappeared. The next moment, before he even knew it, a sharp sensation had already pricked his neck, cold sweat dripping down from his forehead.
There was no mistaking it, it was Amelia. And before Julius could even brandish his trusty spear, a sigil of flames was already revolving before her palms. Had it been a real battle, he would have already been burnt to a crisp.
"Do you surrender, Cadet Julius?" ［Amelia］
"Haah... Really... You sound so scary when you say that... I surrender..." ［Julius］
"Fufufu! Then that would be another victory for me!" ［Amelia］
With that the battle between Julius and Amelia was finally over. Soon enough, the other class-A students also finished with their own sparring matches, concluding the training session. A cacophony of cheers and applause echoed in the air.
The spectating students were cheering and squealing, shouting the name of their idols and showering them with all sorts of praises. They were mostly 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students, looking up greatly to their seniors.
As for the students themselves, they soon seated themselves on the benches, getting some bottles of water and refreshing themselves to make a good match. It wasn't really part of the curriculum. It was something they decided on since they had the time.
"Fuwaah～! That hits the spot! Cold water really is nice after some good sparring. Have some too, Amelia." ［Julius］
"Your Highness, please watch your words and actions while you are in public. You are still a prince of the Royal Family." ［Amelia］
"Haah... You're just too stiff sometimes, Amelia. I would have loved it if you were your usual cute self when we're alone together." ［Julius］
"C-Cu...?! Please refrain from making such comments, Your Highness!" ［Amelia］
"You're blushing, Amelia." ［Grey］
"Your Highness!" ［Amelia］
As one would expect, with Julius around, shenanigans were always afoot. He is now teasing his lovely fiancée and making her red as a beet. Fortunately for the young lady, they were quite some distance away from the crowd so her dignity was saved.
Well... Almost saved... With how sharp their senses were, Grey and Yuna could clearly see that the two were flirting out in the open. They may have a different dynamic from them, but they were still lovers through and through.
Whilst Julius and Amelia were busying themselves with their little lover's spat, one of the class-A students spotted a certain pair of people from the crowd. They were now in disguise, but her sharp and brilliant eyes could never be wrong.
"W-Wait! Instructor Grey?! Instructor Yuna is with her too!"
"Huh?! Instructors Grey and Yuna are here?! Where?!"
"Ah! Th-They're over there! Look! The one with blue hair and red golden eyes!"
Grey and Yuna didn't apply that high of a level of illusion magic, but they didn't think they would be caught so early. Well, not like they were trying to hide their identities in the Royal Academy anyway. They were planning for a quick chat, after all.
Though, it was quite a shock for the other students near them when they removed their disguises and revealed their identities. Some screamed "Eh?!", some screamed "What?!", and some even passed out from shock. It was quite entertaining to watch.
It was the Royal Academy anyway. Even if their identities were revealed, there won't be much of a commotion due to the simple fact that not everyone can enter without a valid ID. The students were also well-mannered.
"Hey, I didn't hear you were visiting today." ［Julius］
"That's because we just visited on a whim." ［Grey］
"Un! We were on a date and happened to overhear some students, so we decided to drop by. What do you think of our uniforms?" ［Yuna］
"It suits you both quite well, Yuna, Grey. It's beautiful." ［Amelia］
"Right～! I'm glad～!" ［Yuna］
Unlike before when their relationship was between instructors and students, they are now just casual friends and acquaintances. There was no need for formalities, not that there was one to begin with. Everyone was friendly and casual.
Of course, the most casual of them all was none other than Julius. Rather than a hello, he greeted Grey with a play punch towards the latter's side, getting a heavy smacking on the head in return. Yup, they really are good friends.
"You lot sure got a lot stronger. I wouldn't be surprised if you all become Royal Guards or Senior Officers immediately after graduating." ［Grey］
"You really think so, Instructor?"
"Why would we lie? It's true that you got a lot stronger, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Of course, we did! Did you see how we just performed?! Pretty amazing, right? That's the result of all our hard work." ［Julius］
With just a little praise, everyone was over the moon over their achievements. They weren't just praised by their former instructor, but also by the great heroes of Alfrione. There was no greater honor for the young aspiring knights.
Of course, with such praise, there was also someone who was getting carried away and acting too merry. It was none other than Julius, and for some reason, his face looked really punchworthy in Grey's eyes right now... Such an obnoxious man...
"Speaking of which, I heard your guys are now all C-rank and D-rank adventurers. You must have fought all sorts of beasts and monsters already." ［Grey］
"Yes... We have fought all sorts of beasts and monsters in the vicinity of the Royal Capital. I think the strongest we've fought was a C-rank Cretan Bull." ［Amelia］
"Oh! That one! We partied with other adventurers to take that down!"
"It was a troublesome opponent, but it was worth it! The meat was so tasty!"
"Yeah! It was something to die for!"
They also talked about all sorts of adventures everyone faced during their time in the Adventurers' Guild. It seems like they have experienced all sorts of experiences and hardships, everyone sharing the things they learned throughout the way.
It seems like everyone also became quite the gourmet, bringing home meat from the beasts they hunted and edible plants from their journey, turning them into some great meals, some even cooking them by themselves.
Buying some expensive and gourmet ingredients was great, but it was even more delicious when it was food they hunted and foraged themselves. They felt a sense of satisfaction they never did before, filling a spot in their hearts.
"Fufufu! Looks like everyone has a lot of stories to share." ［Yuna］
"Right... Speaking of which, have you all fought against Greater Ogres and Ogre Commanders? They're quite tough..." ［Grey］
"Those rarely spawn near the capital, so no... Not yet..." ［Julius］
"Same here. We haven't seen one either."
"We've seen one, but we haven't fought it!"
Grey asked, and a handful of answers came springing up left and right. It seems like despite all the experiences they had, they were still a little hit lacking when it came to variety. There was still more to learn, and more to experience.
Luckily for them, Grey and Yuna were with them. They were people who are willing to share their experience with others, a devious thought brewing in their minds. Little did they know, they were just set up by a boredー no, concerned couple.
"That settles it then." ［Grey］
"Huh...? What do youー Wait... It couldn't be... Grey, Yuna, you..." ［Julius］
There was no answer to the confusion, Grey and Yuna only smiling silently, sending cold and freezing chills down everyone's spines. Before they knew it, Grey and Yuna already casted recovery magic, bringing everyone to their peak conditions.
At the same time, they also summoned some worthy opponents for the cadets, 8 Greater Ogres and 2 Ogre Commanders to be exact. They assigned one for each and every student, the latter's faces turning white as a sheet of paper.
"Let's celebrate our reunion with a little bit of practical training. And don't worry about getting injured, we can just heal you from afar." ［Grey］
"Oh right, we also brought some snacks for everyone! They'll be really delicious, and we'll treat everyone once you're all done! Do you best～!" ［Yuna］
"That's that. Good luck." ［Grey］
"Hey! What do you mean by that! This isー !!!" ［Julius］
GUUURAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKK
Julius couldn't even complain when he wanted to, the summoned monsters moving at high speeds without any delay. They rushed towards the cadets with the intention to cripple them, not a shred of mercy to be seen in their eyes.
Of course, the cadets didn't just let themselves be overwhelmed either. They hastily armed themselves with their trusty weapons and immediately started attacking, taking advantage of the range between them and shooting spells as quickly as they could.
Some were screaming, some were cursing, some were focused, and some were panicking a little bit. Needless to say, everyone adapted to the situation at their own pace, then quickly got used to the battle before them.
The battle had only started just a minute ago, but Grey and Yuna could clearly see how much all of them had improved. Had it been before, they would have still been panicking. They missed the days they put them through the wringer.
"Hello, everyone～! You're enjoying the show, right?" ［Yuna］
"You must be new students... Nice to meet you." ［Grey］
"Y-Yes! It's also a pleasure to meet Your Highnesses!"
"C-Can I shake your hands?!"
The class 5-A Cadets were suffering, but Grey and Yuna were happily chatting with the spectating students. They were all overwhelmed by the sudden hellish training and the casualness of Grey and Yuna in such a situation.
"Oh, right! Would you like to get some pointers too? We'll give you some sweets if you do. They're really delicious!" ［Yuna］
Everyone shook their heads firmly.
"Aww... What a shame..." ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 473 END