CLING CLING CLING CLACK CLACK
A grand and wonderful day has begun yet again, the bright and radiant sun climbing the vast sky of blue and white whilst the birds soared ever so freely and the chimneys were pumping out smoke, slowly drifting in the wind.
The city was full of life and the streets were buzzing, a busy colony of bees zooming left and right as the hands of the clock continued to run. Horses were clopping and store doors were opened time and time again, soft chimes ringing ever so sweetly.
Under such a cheerful and immaculate sky, two figures were wearing smiles on their faces. There was a tinge of sadness and loneliness, but such was easily shadowed by their cheerfulness, waving their hands lightly and joyously.
"Goodbye, Big Sister, Big Brother! See you again～!" ［Liam］
"Thanks for everything, Grey! Yuna! We hope you have a safe trip!" ［Nord］
"Kids, don't forget to eat the lunch we made you, okay～?" ［Norma］
"Un～! We'll surely remember that, Aunty Norma! Until next time～!" ［Yuna］
A couple days have passed since Grey, Yuna, and the familiars were awarded their medals, and it was finally time for another lonely farewell. It was time to depart from Veltofar, taking their steps slowly as they vanished from the horizon.
Grey and Yuna already said their goodbyes to everyone they needed to do so and had also given their gifts to them as well. They gave the usual cellphone to the Royal Family, giving them a way to contact them, and a couple more things to the others.
There was no need to linger in town any longer, their dearest home waiting for them. It was a journey a lot more hectic than they ever imagined, but one also just as fun. It has its ups and downs, but it was also an experience which enabled them to grow.
It was a shame that they couldn't save everyone, but there was no point in blaming themselves so much. They already did the best they could, and they need to move on. They took their steps with pride, not looking back a single time.
"Haah... How tiring..." ［Yuna］
"Hm? What's wrong? Did you eat something funny this breakfast?" ［Grey］
"Grey... Why do you always think it's about food when it's my problems? You really are getting too comfortable teasing me... I'm right, aren't I?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's true... It's because I love you so much, My Dear Yuna." ［Grey］
"Hmph! I won't fal forl that this time! Not again!" ［Yuna］
Well, not that they could afford to look back anyway. The two are too busy flirting and teasing one another, not even minding the stares from the others. They weren't able to properly flirt in the Labyrinth, so they're catching up now.
And by catching up, it meant being so sweet, people die from sweetness overload just from watching from afar. The two are already in their own dreamy world, eyes only looking at one another. It was better to just ignore and leave them alone,
"Mmn... I wish we could stay longer... It's a shame we have to go home..." ［Yuna］
"Then, how about we visit after some time? I'm sure there's still a lot of places we haven't been to, and I can't wait to try them with you." ［Grey］
"Un! That's a great ideaー Ah... But I would hate getting caught up in another evil scheme again... I want some peace next time." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. You're right. It really is quite troublesome, after all." ［Grey］
The two continued to tread their steps, their figures slowly vanishing in the crowd and their feet soon leading them to the gates. They passed by without much difficulty, the two of them heading to the nearest forest soon after.
It was the same forest Grey and Yuna transported the General and the Knights from before, the strong scent of herbs and the faint fragrance of flowers wafting throughout the verdant and precious sanctuary, colors painted all over the place.
Grey soon reached out his hand, and like usual, a portal opened up before them, dim and gentle light emanating from it. Compared to before, with Grey getting much and much more powerful, it is now much more transparent, another scenery playing out.
"Then, after you, Milady." ［Grey］
"My～, what a gentleman～." ［Yuna］
Playing around a little bit, Grey and Yuna then headed inside the gate, brilliant and gentle light swallowing their sights whole. Everything soon returned to normal, quite the familiar and mystical scene greeting them warmly.
However, it wasn't their house nor anything even remotely similar. They have now arrived in yet another large and dense forest. There were tall trees, colorful fungi, fragrant flowers, little critters, and so much more. It is a wonderful place.
Grass, herbs, and shrubs filled the ground and bushes and tall grasses painted the whole scenery even greener. The rustling of the leaves accompanied by the trickling droplets from the water streams nearby, calming and brilliant as can be.
It was just like the first time they traversed through the elven forest, trusting their feet to take them wherever they wanted to. Before long, the water stream was unveiled, an array of houses and structures lying about on the other side.
There were elven children running about and guards patrolling the streets, holding their spears, swords, and bow. And in sight of such a buzzing village, lay a tree which was so huge, you could see it from kilometers away.
"Hey, pass the ball over here! Hurry! Hurrー Huh?"
"Hm? Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just... Aren't those...."
It didn't take too long before Grey and Yuna were spotted by the others. The very first one to spot them was one of the children playing around with a ball. He got quite the sharp eye, able to see the two before the others could.
"I... It... It's Big Sister Yuna and Big Brother Grey! They're back!"
"Eh?! Really?! Where?! I wanna see them too!"
"They're over there! Let's hurry and greet them!"
The very moment they recognized who were on the other side of the water stream, the children immediately stopped playing and started running towards the two with right and blinding smiles blooming on their faces,
They were so excited, they didn't even look at where they were going, some bumping ever so slightly with the adults. Even then, they continued to run towards the two after apologizing to them. They really were too energetic for their own good.
"Big Bro! Big Sis! Welcome back! How long are you staying here?!"
"It's been so long! Can we play with you?! Can we?! Can we?!"
They pounced on the two, clinging like little monkeys as they asked questions and beamed such bright smiles towards the two. It was a pandemonium of noises and voices, the two barely understanding what the children were saying.
But perhaps the most excited of them all was one of the younger elves. She had pure white and beautiful green eyes. And despite her small stature, she was probably the most energetic of the bunch, eyes sparkling brighter than even the sun itself.
It was none other than Ruru, Rozelia's youngest daughter and also Aria's youngest cousin. It has been a long time since they've seen each other, and it seems like the little lass had grown ever since then, cheerful as can be.
"Looks like you've grown up again, Ruru. You look even prettier now～!" ［Yuna］
"Really?! Big Sis also got more beautiful!" ［Ruru］
"Fufufu! Thank you～!" ［Yuna］
Led around by the children, there was a little cohort of little fans around Grey and Yuna, happily showing them around the village and just playing around with them, chattering their time away as they enjoyed each others' company.
Before long, they were dragged in to play with the children and they did all sorts of things, making sure to have a lot of fun and make things entertaining for the children as well. It's been so long yet it seems the children are still attached to them.
Well, it wasn't just the children. As soon as word spread around the village, many curious souls headed their way and greeted them warmly. They were all previous acquaintances, happy to see the two again after some time.
"Hahaha! It really has been a long time, hasn't it, Grey, Yuna?" ［Nestor］
"It really has been. How have you been, Mister Nestor, Mister Alto?" ［Grey］
"We've been doing fairly well. After the Tree of Life transformed, our lives have been so much better. It's much comfortable and relaxing than before," ［Alto］
"I see... Hahaha. That's good to hear, then." ［Grey］
And amongst those who came were Nestor and Alto, the two people whom they met the earliest amongst the villagers. They were the guards from when they entered the village, now looking nothing more like middle-aged merry uncles.
They chatted about a lot of stuff while Grey and Yuna played around with the lively children, the sound of laughter and goggles drifting in the air. It hasn't even been half an hour since they arrived, and it was already very lively.
After Nestor and Alto, many more familiar faces came by to greet them and also hand over some gifts. It was mostly food, sweets and fresh fruits making up most of them. Needless to say, they were all delicious and well appreciated.
After causing a lively ruckus, Grey and Yuna then headed straight towards the Chief's house where Aria and her family reside. It was as beautiful as ever, looking a little bit rustic with different shades of green growing on the roof and walls.
CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG
And in such a peaceful looking house, the sound of metals clashing against time and time again reverberated in the air. It was clear that someone was having a fightー No, rather, it would be more appropriate to call it a spar.
Driven by curiosity, Grey and Yuna quickly hopped towards the roof, their steps lighter than a feather as they landed ever so gently. They eyed the ones sparring in the yard, and surely enough, it was an intense fight... For the challengers that is...
"Is that all you've got?! Strike harder if you don't want to get hit!" ［Kris］
⟨⟨Cleaving Crescent⟩⟩ ［Zeke］
⟨⟨Extreme Thrust!⟩⟩ ［Eldhart］
Two figures rushed towards Kris, one brandishing his sword and the other thrusting his spear. A massive crescent blade flew out at breakneck speed, followed by a raging spiral brought forth by the spear, rushing mercilessly.
However, such attacks were futile against Kris. He calmly raised his legs towards the sky and the moment the blade and spiral drew near, he planted it back towards the ground with great vigor, sending tremors all over the place.
The attacks couldn't handle the sheer brute force of Kris' attack and was broken in an instant. Kris didn't waste any time either and rushed in for a counterattack, the smile of the devil blooming on his face as he swung his fist.
⟨⟨ ⟨⟨Barrier!!⟩⟩ ⟩⟩ ［Zeke and Eldhart］
The two young men were able to erect a barrier in a split second, however, it was still as futile as their attacks. The didn't even flinch at the sight of it and simply clenched his fist, breaking their defense in a single strike.
Exactly as the barriers broke, Kris clenched his other fist and struck Zeke by the flank. The latter was able to block the block, but he was still sent flying quite a distance away, his foot firmly planted on the ground still... Though, not for long.
Kris didn't let up on his attack and chased after Zeke. He was so fast, the young man didn't even have time to react. The moment he gripped his sword, Kris was already in front of him, fist clenched tightly and ready to plunge him towards the ground,
⟨⟨Piercing Torrent!⟩⟩ ［Eldhart］
Eldhart tried to rescue Zeke, but all he received was a counterattack. Kris had quickly summoned his warhammer and struck the former with a little spin. He was blasted a couple dozen meters away, a loud groan echoing in the air as he hit the barrier.
It was a tough battle, but luckily, it wouldn't affect the surroundings. Before they left Malus Village the other time, Grey and Yuna had created a barrier in the backyard that could withstand even an all-out fight between High-Rankers.
And though the backyard would really be ruined, with a little bit of earth magic from Kris and some plant magic from their familiars, it would be good as new. There was no need to hold back and lessen the efficiency of the training,
"Ohh～! Zeke and Eldhart have grown stronger, haven't they? As expected of our students! They're really good!" ［Yuna］
"Well, we did leave them quite a detailed manual." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! That may be right, but isn't it still because of their hard work that they got this strong? Right～?" ［Yuna］
"Of course. It's the fruit of their hard work." ［Grey］
Having been trained for almost three months now by Kris, and also taking into great consideration the detailed notes and manuals Grey and Yuna left for them, they have now grown considerably stronger than before.
Both Zeke and Eldhart are now at the bottom of C-rank, reaching strengths on par with that of veteran Royal Guards. They are now able to rip buildings to shreds with just a couple attacks, not much effort required to do so.
Well, it wasn't just the two of them, their opponent has also grown quite a bit, now stepping into the realm of S-rank after a few years at A-rank. It seems like he reached it last month, and is now used to his new powers.
"This is the end, Zeke!" ［Kris］
Whispered Kris as he clenched his fist for the final time before letting it lash out. It connected beautifully towards the air, the howling winds following soon after. A loud rumble also echoed as the shockwave of the punch struck the barrier.
A subtle thud soon echoed and Zeke fell butt first towards the ground. He was clearly panting and heavily drenched in sweat, extremely exhausted from the spar. It wasn't just him, but Eldhart as well, unable to move a single muscle in his body.
"With that! I declare Kris as the winner of the battle!" ［Falroe］
"Kris! I told you to go easy on them! You really never learn, do you?!" ［Aria］
"Eh?! That's troublesome! They won't learn fast that way!" ［Kris］
"That's not the point! What if they sustained injuries, you idiot!" ［Aria］
After the fight, there was clamor from the spectators. Falroe declared the victory of Kris, whilst the lovely wife berated her husband. They've already been married for a year, but it seems like they're relationship is still the same as ever.
Well, other than them, there were also three other figures in the audience. There was Valka, Reina, and an unfamiliar little elf Grey and Yuna had never seen before. He was so small, still unable to open his eyes, dreaming in his mother's arms.
"Don't worry about the injuries... Hey, you two. You aren't just gonna watch there, are you? Can you heal these two for me? I'll owe you one." ［Kris］
"Hahaha. You really are as rough as ever, Mister Kris." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! When did you notice us?" ［Yuna］
"How could I not when you're standing so conspicuously on top of the roof? I would be blind if I didn't." ［Kris］
Well, he may have reached S-rank, but Kris personality was still crass and rough as ever, not sugarcoating his words even a little bit. Grey and Yuna soon landed on the ground, much to everyone's surprise.
Though, before the surprise, they still needed to heal the exhausted two and have their minds be relieved of fatigue as well. They felt more alive than ever as soon as they were basked in the gentle light of holy magic.
As soon as they healed they quickly stretched their bodies and thanked Grey and Yuna. The whole place became very lively in just an instant, the two showered with lots of questions as soon as everyone crowded around them.
"Haah... Seriously... I should really get used to this already..." ［Kris］
All except one... Kris had once again tested Grey and Yuna using his aura and surely enough, they have gone stronger yet again. He couldn't exactly tell how much since the gap between them is widening, but he knows they are both Disaster-Class.
He had worked his ass off for a few years just to reach S-rank, and the two seemingly just got stronger effortlessly. He doesn't even know what insane training they are undergoing, though he wouldn't be surprised if they even spar against the Boss.
"Grey, Yuna, next time you head to a Labyrinth... Invite us, yeah?" ［Kris］
"Umm... Sure...?" ［Grey］
With happy smiles blooming on their faces and a still dumbfounded expression on Kris', they soon headed inside the house after fixing the backyard with a flick of a finger. Magic really is an extremely convenient tool.
And so, like they usually do, the household served tea, juice, and snacks for the guests and sat around the living room, taking their comfortable sears and making themselves home whilst Falroe, Reina, and Aria prepared the refreshments.
Whilst such was happening and they chatted merrily, Grey and Yuna couldn't take their eyes off one adorable figure. The way he squirms about and the way he flails his little hands. It was even more adorable when he woke up, still looking groggy.
"Fufufu! I haven't introduced our baby, haven't I?" ［Valka］
"A-Ah, un! S-Sorry for staring so rudely!" ［Yuna］
"No, no, it's fine. Rather, I'm happy that you seem curious about our Uldred. He looks so cute, doesn't he? He's our little treasure～!" ［Valka］
"Of course! He's our child, after all!" ［Falroe］
As one would expect of Aria's family, they were also extremely doting on their new member of the family. Even Falroe in the kitchen yelled out loud just to brag about their son, only to be scolded by his daughters afterwards.
After all, even now that Aria has married, they still treat her like a precious baby, doting on her to the point that the former is extremely embarrassed. It seems like Zeke also inherited such doting nature, looking fondly at his younger brother.
"Uldred... Uldred... That's a cool name... How about 'Ul' for a nickname?" ［Yuna］
"Oh my! We had the same idea, Yuna. Actually, Aria and Reina also had nicknames when they were young, but now that they're older, they don't want to use them now. They were really pretty, too..." ［Valka］
"Right? It was so cute when Aria was still 3... She would go 'Papa! Papa! Pick Ria up! I want to piggyback!'... Ah... So nostalgic..." ［Falroe］
"Dad! You don't have to bring that up!" ［Aria］
"Fufufu! But it's true, though? Aria was really cute back then. Well, she's still cute even now. She's our precious first baby, after all." ［Valka］
"Uuu... Mom... Not you too..." ［Aria］
Even the usually gentle and graceful Aria couldn't help but raise her voice and act like an embarrassed child inside their household. She was happy that her parents showered her with so much love, but sometimes, it's just too much.
Surprisingly, despite how noisy and chaotic the house is, Uldred wasn't bothered by it and didn't even cry a little bit. He is just barely two and a half months yet he is already used to the rowdiness of his family. They really are amazing... In many ways...
About Uldred, it seems like he inherited the same traits as his older siblings, having blonde hair and blue eyes. He was also very cute, melting Grey and Yuna's hearts just by staring at them, clearly curious about the unfamiliar voices he's hearing.
"Then, Yuna, do you want to hold Uldred? Don't worry, he's very well behaved, so it won't be difficult to hold him." ［Valka］
"O-Oh, can I? I'm not really that experienced though..." ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! It's fine. Just think of this as training. Here, I'll teach you." ［Valka］
"U-Un! Thank you very much!" ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but she was a natural. She was only able to hold Antoinette a couple of times before, but from that, she already mastered the art of carrying a baby in her arms. Her hold was secure yet gentle and comfortable at the same time.
It was Yuna's first time holding Uldred, but she was extremely good at it, even adding a few sways and a bit of rhythm to her movements almost instinctively. The little one was very comfortable in her arms, soon beaming a brilliant smile.
"My... I've thought about this before, but... You really are good with children, Yuna... I'm sure you'll be a great mother one day." ［Valka］
"I agree... I'm sure any children you'll have will grow up wonderfully." ［Falroe］
"A-Ah, un! Th-Thank you! I'll do my best!" ［Yuna］
The compliments came out of nowhere, and now, Yuna is flushed red. She isn't even married to Grey yer, and now, they're already thinking about having children. It was far too embarrassing, her face now slightly flushed... The same goes for Grey...
Meanwhile, whilst Valka and Falroe spoke of such topics to Grey and Yuna, and the others enjoyed the snacks and refreshments, Aria slowly and very silently made her escape towards the kitchen, anticipating the topic coming up next.
"Oh, speaking of parenthood... Kris, Aria... When are you going to show us our grandchildren? We've been waiting, you know?" ［Valka］
However, such an escape was all in vain. Before she could even step foot in the kitchen, her mother had called her and her husband out, both flinching at the latter's words. It was a topic which came up everyday, still unanswered to this point.
"M... Mom... It's still too early... We just got married last year..." ［Aria］
"What do you mean 'too early'?! You're already 24 years old and we still haven't any news! I had you when I was 18, and all your peers already have a child or two! You're already very late, if anything!" ［Valka］
"Th... That's...! It's fine because High-Rankers live a long life." ［Aria］
"But I want to see my grandchildren soon! At this rate, Reina is going to have children first before you! Even Zeke might surpass you!" ［Valka］
"N-No! And it's also Mom and Dad's fault! It would be weird to have a child now that I have a younger brother! It feels strange!" ［Aria］
"It's only normal for husband and wife to love each other and have a child!" ［Valka］
And just like that, the whole place was turned into a scene of chaos, Valka and Aria now arguing about one another, persistent on their views. They may usually be gentle, but there are also times they are fierce. They really are mother and daughter.
Though, it seems like it's just another regular occurrence in the household, everyone not even batting an eye as they two continued to argue. Eldhart was especially quiet, not wanting to get on the bad side of his future in-laws.
As for Grey and Yuna, well... They simply played around with Uldred and Zeke, now looking like a young married couple with their newborn. It was no use listening to the two's banter. Playing with the baby was much more fun.
"Kris, my boy, I want a grandson and a granddaughter if possible." ［Falroe］
"Yes... I'll try my best..." ［Kris］
CHAPTER 448