WHOOM WHOOM WHOOM ZOOM BOOM
Flashes of scarlet and gold soared through the sky, bringing the thunder and chaos along them, explosions ringing all over the place as bolts and feathers clashed ever so magnificently, dancing ever so joyfully in the vast and open sky.
A silver-haired figure dashed in the forefront, chasing after the flashes of light before halting her steps. A bright red halo appeared behind her back and another torrent of scarlet and gold played out, falling towards the ground.
There were several golems rushing towards the young lady, however, they didn't even stand a chance against her merciless downout. They were all struck by lightning, all their bodies crumbling down until there was only rubble.
CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH
However, it didn't just end there. As soon as the first wave of enemies had been defeated, the young lady leaped into the air once more. Her eyes shone brightly and lightning started to crackle her hands, winds gathering like a storm.
⟨⟨Lightning Parade!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
Her voice resounded with lightning and thunder, arcs, bolts, and whips of lightning lashing out heavily as they rushed forth towards the enemy, some coming down from above and some sweeping in like a merciless flood.
The enemies were made of rocks and minerals, their defense amongst the highest of their ranks. However, such defense was still useless, their body crumbling down the very moment the bolts of lightning devoured their bodies, electricity coursing within.
With that, a couple more waves remained. The young lady once again took a deep and calming breath, her eyes glowing a sharp gleam as she gazed towards the horrifying enemies before them. A blue halo appeared before her.
⟨⟨Azure Lane!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
The halo expanded even more and sparks started spewing out towards the air. The very moment enough lightning was gathered, it flashed as a single beam, rushing forth towards the enemies and annihilating them whole.
Some were erased in an instant whilst the more resistant ones were able to remain standing. However, they were no different from dead, their whole bodies far from its peak condition and barely able to move forward a single step.
The enemies trudged and strode towards the young lady, low growls and resonant tremors running along the ground. They raised their arms, hurling large boulders in the young lady's direction and launching a volley of heavy rocks.
CRASH CRASH CRASH THUD THUD THUD
The boulders poured like a heavy storm, falling from the sky and creating deep and massive craters as soon as they fell. They contained enough power to crush large buildings in a single instant, the ground bellowing as they made impact.
However, such power was futile. The young lady's eyes didn't even waver, simply dashing left and right and avoiding all the boulders coming towards her. Her every step was light yet powerful, bridging hundreds of kilometers in an instant.
As soon as she was in range, she clenched her fist tightly and lightning coiled all over her delicate arms. The golem responded in kind, raising its massive fist as well before shooting it towards the young lady before her.
⟨⟨First Howling!⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
GUURRWWWAAAAAAAAAAKKKK
Yuna's lightning fast jab and the enemy golem's gargantuan strike. Their fists clashed soon enough and a shockwave ripped the air apart. Clouds of dust and piled of debris were swept away, booming thunder echoing throughout a couple kilometers.
Most importantly, one of them was left broken. Of course, it was none other than the enemy golem, notwithstanding the brunt of Yuna's fist and the entirety of its right arm blown away, its head decapitated soon afterwards.
The same also went for the remaining golems in the same wave. Not a single one of them was spared, each one either turned to dust or into a pile of useless rubble. As soon as they met Yuna, death followed soon after.
With that, only the last wave remained, containing the largest and most powerful golems, the ground trembling as they marched forward. It was a frightening sight, massive clouds of dust brewing in the air as they drew closer.
"Looks like she's enjoying herself." ［Grey］
"She really does seem like it. It has been a couple hours already, but the Mistress still seems fine and dandy." ［Sirius］
"Argh～... I also want to fight like the Mistress～..." ［Canopus］
"Ohh～! That looks like a lot of fun!" ［Scheat］
Yet despite the numerous enemies rushing towards her, not a single hint of dread nor despair bloomed in Yuna's heart. She was resolute and unwavering, her eyes still bright and radiant as she waved her hands once more.
As soon as she did, the wings behind her broke into thousands of scarlet feathers, gleaming a beautiful light as they neatly aligned themselves as per Yuna's will. The sound of thunder soon followed, chains of lightning appearing the next moment.
FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH
The scarlet leathers darted at breakneck speeds and the chains of lightning chased after it. They drew closer and closer until the latter swallowed the former whole. They have combined into a terrifying weapon, scarlet lightning rushing forth.
The chained feathers of death appeared before the enemies in a split second and laid them to waste. Shockwaves and explosions created a deafening pandemonium, the scent of ruin and perdition brewing in the air.
Some tried to defend themselves using their massive arms, but it was futile as usual. The lightning feathers simply pierced them without much difficulty and broke them apart one after another. It was vicious and merciless.
Soon enough, the storm of ruin has ceased to exist, leaving only a battlefield of dust and smoke behind. The winds blew and the battlefield was unveiled, hundreds, if not thousands, of craters, both large and small, scattered all over the place.
Not a single enemy remained and before long, there was silence. Yuna's wings had regrown once more and an angel of scarlet and gold was unveiled. She was pretty with eyes cold as ice and sharp as her daggers.
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Silence was soon broken by a series of loud applause. A few figures descended from the hill and cheered on the young lady, adoring her lovely performance. It was Grey, the familiars, and the spirits, lively as can be.
"You've worked hard, Yuna. You've improved again." ［Grey］
"Really? It didn't seem like I did though?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's because you still haven't seen yourself from afar. I recorded a video so should we watch it together later?" ［Grey］
"Ah! That would be great! Thanks a lot, Grey!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Anything for my lovely fiancée." ［Grey］
"Geez... You're acting all sweet again this time, and you're going to start bullying me again later. You are, aren't you?" ［Yuna］
The young lady asked quite curiously, but not a single response could be heard. The young man simply smiled at her, sweet as honey, clearly teasing the young lady. In response, the latter could only pout and sulk, pounding his chest softly,
It has been a few days since Grey and Yua returned from the Labyrinth, and ever since then, they have been through a lot of things. An example of which was the Awarding Ceremony just yesterday, the two traveling to the Capital.
There, they were awarded the Medal of Honor along with the General, the familiars, and other key figures to the success of the operations, some rewarded other medals as well. It was held in front of the citizens, cheers and applause echoing in the air.
And much like before, what followed after were tiring affairs. There was the knighting of many soldiers, the ennoblement of some knights, and the promotions of a couple nobles. All rewarded for their fair share of trouble.
Of course, Grey and Yuna also had ro join an exhausting party afterwards where they were the stars amongst many others. It was annoying and troublesome, the two taking their leave as soon as they could. The elite life was not for them.
"By the way, Grey, can you teach me more about lightning magic later?" ［Yuna］
"Hm? But you're already doing well right now? Is there any need to rush things? You can just go at your own pace, you know?" ［Grey］
"I know... It's just that I'm curious about Gleipnir's power once I reach 'Advanced' mastery. I'll be able to use a new 'Authority', too!" ［Yuna］
"I see... I'm curious about that as well..." ［Grey］
Now, Yuna is practicing lightning magic now that she has gotten her hands on her new toy, Gleipnir. She has been balancing all other attributes before, but now, she has decided that lightning will be her secondary attribute after ice.
Yuna has peak "High" proficiencies in most attributes and weapons, and Grey has "Advanced" in all of them. She already knows it would be like hell to be taught by Grey, but it was the fastest way to improve.
After all, there is just so much she could learn from practical training against golems summoned using summoning magic. She needs to learn some theories and concepts as well, and for that, Grey is the best teacher there is.
"I thought you didn't want to be taught by me anymore?" ［Grey］
"I never said that... I just said you're harsh, strict, and extreme... There's a large difference, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. What a horrifying description... Then, can I ask anyone to be Yuna's sparring partner as well? Is anyone willing to?" ［Grey］
"Ohh! Me! Me! Pick me, Master!" ［Procyon］
"It would also be my greatest pleasure, Master." ［Kentaurus］
Grey asked and the familiars joyfully raised their handsー no, wagged their tails. They are still in their wolf pup forma, adorable as can be with their fluff and softness. They were all determined to be chosen, wanting to spar with the Mistress.
To avoid trouble, it was decided that they'll be taking turns sparring against Yuna, and on days he's free, they'll go fight against Grey as well. Only the Spirits will undergo a different regime as they are still far weaker than everybody else.
"Well, enough about training... Let's head back to the inn, shall we?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's eat a lot of sweets again, today!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. You sure love sweets, huh, Yuna." ［Grey］
"Un!ー But, ah! Of course, I love Grey even more! Much, much more!" ［Yuna］
There was sweetness, there was sappiness, and there was fluffiness. The air was pink and red, hearts and love drifting in the air as Grey, Yuna, and everyone headed back to the inn to rest themselves and rest comfortably after some good exercise.
Yuna had used magic to clean herself, but she still took the liberty to take a nice, hot bath and just melting in the goodness of the warm water. She soaked and washed herself in the large bath very thoroughly, making sure she was beautiful as can be.
Of course, Yuna was already beautiful, but she would be even more so if she tried her own handmade products. She has been getting back into alchemy lately, using new ingredients they found to make new cosmetic products.
"Mistress... Do we really need to do this?" ［Procyon］
"Why not? Didn't you also take a bath with me when you were in your wolf pup forma? This isn't really exactly new, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"I know, but... Uuu... It feels embarrassing right now..." ［Procyon］
"P-Procyon, stay still! I can't w-wash your hair l-like this!" ［Capella］
Well, it wasn't just her trying out her products, the familiars were also helping her out, using them in their Salferine forms to see the results. After all, much like Yuna, they were also great beauties as well. They would surely be stunning afterwards.
Even Procyon who was usually rough and reckless was now shy and embarrassed like a pure maiden. Her cheeks were red and flushed, clearly embarrassed about bathing together with the others in her Salferine forms.
Normally, it would be Sirius taking care of her as the eldest, but now, it was Capella's turn to wash her lengthy, platinum hair. She was the only one who could do so as it would have been a warzone had Vega been assigned to do it.
"M-Mistress! Th-This thing! H-How do you use it?" ［Capella］
"Hmm... For the conditioner... You have to apply it after rinsing the shampoo. Make sure to not use too much, though." ［Yuna］
"T-Too much? H-How much is too much?!" ［Capella］
"Un, right... Let me help you..." ［Yuna］
It was usually just Yuna who took her baths alone, the familiars and spirits hopping in from time to time, and it was relaxing and refreshing. However, bathing with the others doesn't seem too bad as well. The liveliness was very lovely.
Well, not like Yuna hasn't taken baths with Amelia, Iris, Helen, Tilda, Eliza, and other ladies as well. She had also taken a couple with her beloved and... Well... It had a different kind of liveliness... Just thinking about it was enough to make her red.
"A-Ah! S-Sorry, Eldest Sister! W-Was I too rough?!" ［Achernar］
"No, it's fine. Rather,.. It feels quite nice. Just go at your own pace." ［Sirius］
"Let me help you too, Eldest Sister!" ［Vega］
"A-Ah! Second Sister, watch out! The soaー" ［Achernar］
"Huh? What didー Uwaahh! Ack!" ［Vega］
As for Vega... Well, she just slipped and fell from stepping on a bar of soap. She fell quite splendidly and spectacularly, her towel flung to the air as she did. Thankfully, there was the ever so reliable fog to cover her body.
Well, if there was anything more puzzling about the scene... It would be the spirits who joined them in their new forms for the first time. They don't have clothes or something of the sort so they simply soaked in the hot bath as is.
What's puzzling is their attributes. After all, Alpheratz was made entirely of vines and flowers, Algenib was made of snow and ice, and Scheat was covered in flames. Yet despite that, Alpheratz wasn't cooked, Algenib didn't melt, and Scheat's flames were not entirely extinguished either
No, rather than extinguishing, it was more like it cooled down. Scheat's flaming hair was actually real hair and not just flames. As soon as it was wet, it lost its flare and dripped down, looking like Amelia's scarlet hair when wet. It was dumbfounding.
"Scheat, don't your scales get hot? The temperature is quite high." ［Alpheratz］
"No...? This only feels lukewarm, if anything. How about Algenib?" ［Scheat］
"Hmm... She seems like she's enjoying herself..." ［Alpheratz］
"Please don't worry about me..." ［Algenib］
Rather, it seems like the spirits are far too comfortable for Yuna to worry. Algenib was even making snowmen with magic and watched them melt, whilst Alpheratz added a lot of flowers for a nice refreshing scent. They were all just playing around.
The more she looked at them, the more she was puzzled. Even Grey only knows a little bit about the spirits, so he would surely be surprised later the moment she tells him such an absurd tale. She was both curious and speechless.
"Is something wrong, Mistress?" ［Alpheratz］
"No... It's just... Ermm... No, it's nothing..." ［Yuna］
There was no use thinking any further about it. Yuna simply accepted such a show as a fact and moved on with her life. She then applied cosmetics on the spirits, working quite splendidly and spectacularly, much to her surprise.
Meanwhile, whilst Yuna and the ladies were taking their sweet time in the bath, Grey and the others are already back in the inn, Grey now helping out in the kitchen and the familiars playing and Markab playing around with Liam.
Only a couple days remain before Grey and Yuna depart from Veltofar, and to make sure they spend their remaining time the best they can, they decide to simply relax and play around in the inn. It has been peaceful so far.
"What should I do next, Grey?" ［Nord］
"Oh, that... Let's see... Just place them on a rack and let them cool." ［Grey］
"Alright. That seems simple enough," ［Nord］
Now, the young man is making a lot of sweets to make their remaining days in Veltofar as memorable as can be. Of course, the sweets he decided to make were themed to the Middle Eastern type sweets back in his former world.
There are a lot of similarities between Vartes and the Middle East, however, there are also a lot of differences. Such differences could be seen in all the different cuisines, a lot of recipes missing here and there.
It was a shame Grey couldn't get a taste of authentic Middle Eastern treats back in his previous life, but thankfully, he was given the chance in Vartes. It may not be exactly the same, but it was much, much better than nothing at all.
"Grey～! I'm done chopping the nuts. What should I do next?" ［Norma］
"Ah, Aunty Norma... Please wait a minute..." ［Grey］
One of the dishes Grey and the others made was Stuffed Dates. It was simple and easy to make, but delicious at the same time, requiring only a few ingredients and is easy to personalize with one's favorite ingredients.
All they needed was dates, almonds, pistachio, coconuts, chocolate, salt, sugar, maple syrup, honey, sprinkles, a couple of herbs and spices, and of course, dates. The method of making chocolate has yet to reach Vartes, so Grey also taught them.
It was easy as one-two-three. They only needed to slit open the dates, remove the pits, fill them with some type of butter, cream, or cheese, add some almonds and nuts, then dip them in chocolate before chilling them.
After which, all that's needed to be added was the toppings. It could be maple syrup, honey, fresh and minty herbs, crushed nuts, chocolate chips, powdered sugar, coarse salt, and a lot more. Everyone can make their own.
"Mmn～! This is delicious, Big Brother!" ［Liam］
"Oh? You already had some? Here, share some with your friends." ［Grey］
"Okay～!" ［Liam］
Other than Stuffed Dates, there was also Honey Baklava. It was a dish which has quite a few similar ingredients with Stuffed dates such as chopped nuts, cinnamon, sugar, honey, butter, and a lot more. Phyllo dough was also a must.
Grey buttered the pans, chopped some nuts, and added some cinnamon. After which was the dough's turn, unrolling them before cutting whole stacks towards the pan. A little bit more butter and sprinkling some chopped and crushed nuts in.
The dough was layered and layered time and time again, creating several sheets and cutting some square shapes before doing some diagonal cuts. A little bit of magic and it was baked in just a single minute, golden and crispy.
After which was the sauce, using sugar and water before adding in some honey and vanilla extracts into the mix, letting it simmer and cool a little before adding them to the Baklava. A bit of toppings later, and it was ready to be served.
"How nice～! It smells sweet too～!" ［Shelma］
"Then, would you like to have a bite, Missus Shelma? I'd like to hear your feedback." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I'll take you up on that offer, then." ［Shelma］
After the Baklava, Grey and the others cooked a handful more Middle Eastern and some Mediterranean treats. There was Atayef, Shirini Naopoleoni, Halva, Kanafeh, Turkish Delights, Rice Pudding, Pistachio Cookies, and many more.
The whole kitchen was filled with a sweet and tempting aroma, everyone's stomachs starting to grumbling as their appetites were aroused by the delicious sweets cooked, baked, and chilled, one after another.
And just when it was almost time for everyone to finish, with almost perfect timing, a familiar set of footsteps came echoing from above. It was subtle, but judging from the tempo of her steps and the soft hums in the air, Grey already knew who it was.
"Waah～! So many sweets～! Can I have some?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. You came just right on time." ［Grey］
"Then, I'll be helping myself～!" ［Yuna］
It was none other than Yuna, bringing the other familiars and spirits with her. She also brought a number of enjoyable card, board, and puzzle games in her hands, most of which stored away inside her storage ring.
Well, for now, such games don't really matter much. What Yuna's eyes had locked on were the freshly made sweets sitting atop the kitchen table and the counters, the young lady happily picking one up and stuffing her mouth with it.
"Mmn～! So good～! I can eat these all day～!" ［Yuna］
And as usual, she has the best and most elated expressions out of anyone as soon as she had a taste of the sweets Grey poured his heart into making. They were sweet and flavorful, each and every single one unique in their own way.
"Here, have some too, Grey. Ahh～!" ［Yuna］
"Then, I'll be much obliged." ［Grey］
Of course, what is a scene of Grey and Yuna without a little bit of flirting. Yuna picked up another piece of stuffed dates from the tray and fed it to the young man, beaming a sweet smile as she did so, enough to make Grey's heart melt.
Grey had already tasted it, but it feels much sweeter now that Yuna had fed it to him. It may be because it was some sort of mystic phenomena, or just because he loves Yuna too much.,. Either way, he's a total total fool for her.
"It's sweet." ［Grey］
"Right～?" ［Yuna］
Yup... A total fool, indeed...
CHAPTER 447 END