Disfort, chaos, and suffocation. Such a heavy atmosphere was about the guild as two opposing parties went against one another. All eyes were on them. Some tried to look away but their curiosity still got the better of them.

  The one causing trouble was a group of muscle-headed and rough looking men who were adorned with scars all over their bodies. And as one would expect, Grey's "eyes" judged them as "red". There was no need for further discussion. It was clear who were the offenders and who were the victims.

  The group of offenders were people Grey and Yuna were unfamiliar with. They were a k party posed of 5 members, their leader being k, and the others at D-rank. It was the reasoher adventurers could do as much as go against them.

  "Huh? Aren't those..." ［Yuna］

  "Yuna, do you know them?" ［Grey］

  "Un... They're Larren and Nonna. Remember the people I told you about when you were away for an iigation? It's been some time since I've seen them." ［Yuna］

  Surely enough, Grey didn't reize the two of them, but all he knew was that they were "green". No matter where one looked at it, it was clear that the ones who started the trouble were a bunch of shameless middle-aged offenders.

  "Grey, I'll go help them out for a moment. I'll be back soon." ［Yuna］

  "Alright, just make sure to be careful, okay?" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, of course. Who do you think I am?" ［Yuna］

  It was needless worry. Even if Yuo just use a huh of her power, she could still easily beat up those men without breaking a sweat. If there were people Grey was worried about, it would be the two youths being scared.

  Yuna's facade erfect. Oside, she looked more calm than anyone else, but deep inside, her rage was starting to boil. It was not only because it was unjust, but also because she 't stand it when those she siders as friends are being treated in such a way.

  "Excuse me, Mister. Is there a problem here?" ［Yuna］

  "Ha?! Where did this b*te from?!"

  "Oi! Who does that wh*re think she is?"

  At Yuna's interventioive feedback from the offending adventurers were garnered oer another. But rather than Yuna, Grey was the one most angered by their words. He was smiling, but it was a smile hiding an o-deep killing i. Those who saw it felt cold chills run down their spines.

  The silver lining was that the ruffians were only aggressive lowlives. If they tried to sexualize Yuna, there would be no telling what Grey would be doing. The spot they might be found is six feet uhe ground.

  "Listen here you little b*tch, even if something is wrong, it's none of your business! Get lost before I snap that neck of yours into two." ［Boss］

  "Sorry, but you see, it is my business. Larren and Nonna are my friends. Whatever happens to them, it is of my ." ［Yuna］

  "You must think you're oh, so smart, aren't you? Do you know what happens to those who try to cross us?" ［Boss］

  The leader of the ruffians said as he tried to poke Yuna's shoulder, trying to make her falter. But her attempt was useless. No matter how much force he exerted, Yuna didn't budge a single inch. She was as firm as an immovable mountain.

  Some adventurers were about to talk about Yuna, but when they saw Grey pg his index finger in front of his lips, they stopped. After all, it was better to subdue them thhly rather than just using mere aura. It was an effective termeasure.

  "Would you mind not toug me so lightly? Also, your breath stinks. When was the st time you brushed your teeth?" ［Yuna］

  "What did you say?!" ［Boss］

  "Looks like you're also deaf. I said your breath stinks!" ［Yuna］

  Irked veins popped out on the ruffian's leader's head and neck as rage filled his head. It was only a simple provocation from Yuna, but it was very effective. The man's eyes were bloodshot with intense rage.

  Meanwhile, Grey who was once filled with boiling anger was now filled with fusion instead. He uzzled when Yuna learned such a manner of speaking. It was only when he remembered that they have been with Kris for a month that he realized just exactly who influenced her.

  The way Yuna provoked the ruffian adventurers was so resembnt to how Kris would provoke Grey when they are bantering back at the vilge. The pure and childish Yuna was now go was a sad sight.

  "You b*tch... You're c death!" ［Boss］

  "Heh. If you're so annoyed, why don't we settle our differe the training grounds behind the guild... Or, are you perhaps chiing out?" ［Yuna］

  "Damn b*tch! I'll make yret being born!" ［Boss］

  As easy as taking dy from a child, Yuna easily provoked the leader of the ruffians. There wasn't even much to think about. All she had to do oke fun at his pride and he quickly took the bait. It was a walk in the park.

  Well, the ruffian adventurers weren't the only one who received damage. Grey also felt depressed by Yuna's ge. While she was still cute, it was just not the same anymore. Well, she was still cute. It was so important it o be said twice.

  Incited by Yuna, many of the adventurers headed towards the training ground. Some were worried, some were excited, and some just went with the flow. The lobby was almost emptied as the headed out like a flock of sheep herded by a shepherd.

  Some of the newer adveried to propose a bet, and the older adventurers quickly agreed. After all, the result was already decided. Not only will they see an iing sight, they will also earn some cash while at it. A profitable deal.

  "hat are we going to do?!" ［Nonna］

  "Wait, we should calm down a little first. I'm sure Miss Yuna has a pn." ［Larren］

  Meanwhile, Larren and Nonna, who were the reason why Yuna got in a fight, were left behind, terrified and worried for Yuna's safety. The reason was simple. It was because her of them knew of Yuna's true identity.

  For the past few months, they have been in other towns and vilges doing quests and it hasn't been long sihey've returned. While they have heard rumors about the new heroes, there was no possible way they would expect that one of them would be the young dy they met before.

  The two only khat Yuna was a k advehe same as the leader of the ruffians. Still, judging by their ages, it was only natural that one would expect the tter was stronger. It was the reason for their worries.

  "You're Larren and Nonna, right?" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, yes..." ［Nonna］

  "Yuna has told me some things about you. I'm Grey, Yuna's partner. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." ［Grey］

  It was a warm greeting, but rather than a simirly warm respohe two's faces were painted white, pale as if they had just seen a ghost. A quiehey then bowed their heads, their bodies trembling a little.

  "So-Sorry for the trouble. Because of us, Miss Yuna got into trouble! We're really, really sorry!" ［Larren］

  "Ah, no. That'sー" ［Grey］

  "I-If Miss Yus hurt, we'll p-pay the costs. We might not be rich, b-but we'll help as much as we !" ［Nonna］

  "No, like I saidー" ［Grey］

  "Please don't hesitate to ask us! Even if we have to do quests for a whole month. We wouldn't mind. As long as we help Miss Yuna." ［Larren］

  Grey couldn't even say much. Every time he tried to expin things, he would always get cut off. While he could uand where the two of them were ing from, it was holy too much. If things tinue in such a way, the versation wouldn't progress any further.

  "Then, how about we head towards the training ground. I'm sure your worries will disappear once you see Yuna fight." ［Grey］

  It was the only solution Grey could think of. If words couldn't get through them, then showing Yuna's capabilities would do the trick. Grey couldn't wait to see their reas after seeing how powerful Yuna was.

  Slowly but surely, Grey, along with Larren and Nonna headed towards the training grounds. The closer they came, the louder the noises became, most of the voices cheering on the people who were about to fight.

  "By the way, why did you get in trouble in the first pce? Did you do something to them? Like provoking them or something?" ［Grey］

  "N-No, not at all! They just suddenly approached as saying we were looking at them funny and started yelling at us." ［Larren］

  Grey was dumbfou Larren's answer. He already expected a stupid reason, but what Larren said was beyond his expectations. They reminded him of the addicts in his neighborhood ba Earth who would pick a fight for imate reason.

  "Missy, go get them!"

  "Oi! Gerod, I bet my money on you! Don't you dare lose!"

  "Hahaha, yoing down, you bastards."

  What was a simple training ground has now bee a gambling den in just a matter of seds. Strictly speaking, there aren't any rules prohibitiing over sparring matches. After all, it was only simple eai between adventurers.

  Just in time whehree arrived at the training grounds, the fight was about to start. Both Yuna and the leader of the ruffians, Gerod, was already oraining ground itself, the spectators watg on the seats by the side.

  "Take out your ons already. Don't tell yetting scared now? Well, it's already too te! I'm going to snap those thin arms of yours." ［Gerod］

  "Fufufu, scared? Why would I be? It's just that ons are too much of a luxury to waste on you. My fists would be enough for the likes of you." ［Yuna］

  "You b*tch...!" ［Gerod］

  Gerod tried to provoke Yuna, but Yuna's provocation was even stronger. While she was not lying, to those who don't know her, it would simply sound like baseless arrogance. Anyone would be pissed at such a statement.

  "How about it? Should I give you the first strike?" ［Yuna］

  "Don't uimate me, you f*g b*tch!" ［Gerod］

  With another provocation from Yuna, Gerod quickly jumped at her, raising his rge great sword towards the delicate-looking girl. It packed enough force to bst a rge boulder into smithereens. Of course, to a normal person, such a powerful punch was very dangerous, life-threatening even.

  Unfortunately ferod, his serious strike didn't even do so much as to leave even a single scratch to Yuna. Without much effort, she skillfully caught it with her delicate hands. Gerod tried to push stronger, but it was all in vain. Yuna didn't budge an inch.

  Crack Shatter

  Cracks soon appeared on the sword, and a few moments after, it shattered into hundreds of small pieces, destroyed to oblivion. Such a show only served to shock Gerod and the spectators alike, leaving them all in shock

  BOOOOOMMM

  A loud boom echoed in the air as Yuna struck a swift kick terod's sor plexus, bsting him towards the walls and leaving a crater behind. Yuna made sure to hold back, but it was still enough to rehe man immobile.

  "Seriously. You're this weak and you dare to mess with me? Tell me the truth, you're just a bunch of thugs, aren't you?" ［Yuna］

  "You b*tch... Don't get ceited!"

  "You're f*g dead!"

  Not even thinking after seeing their boss get bsted, the four minions followed suit and charged recklessly towards Yuna, their eyes filled with anger. And as one would expect, they were sent flying oer another with a sirike.

  Unlike Gerod, the minions were quickly out cold after crashing towards the wall, their eyes white and their mouths frothing with bubbles. With it, the match was cluded. It was as one-sided as one be.

  The old adventurers quickly celebrated as they wo, whilst the newer ones were just in pin shock, still not uanding what just happened. Larren and Nonna were also in such a state.

  "You damned b*tch... Do you knoe are?!" ［Gerod］

  "No, I don't. And I have no i in knowing." ［Yuna］

  "Listen here, you little b*tch. We are the 'Blood Wolves'! You hear me, the 'Blood Wolves'!. We have es with the Jade Ribbon Merts!" ［Gerod］

  Like a crazy dog, Gerod kept barking aggressively towards Yuna. Now that he knew he couldn't win with strength, he started using his es to threaten Yuna. Of course, Yuna just ignored him, not paying him any heed.

  The surrounding adventurers became worried the merod mentioheir es. Of course, they were all a lie. Even their party name was something they only made up just for the sole purpose of intimidating people.

  "Are you finished barking? The me ask you the same question... Do you know who I am?" ［Yuna］

  "Ha! Who cares about who you are?! All that matters is that you're all going to be f*cked up for messing with usー" ［Gerod］

  "Ugh... you quiet down? Your breath really stinks...!" ［Yuna］

  Gerod was giving his all to intimidate the young dy before him, but Yuna quickly dismissed his threats, not eveely giving him attention. It only served to anger Gerod even more. A deep, boiling rage was inside him.

  "Well, since you're already dorodug yourselves, I might as well do so. It wouldn't be polite otherwise." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna as she looked around the training ground. Now that she looked again, there sure were a lot of adventurers gathered nearby. Her head only stopped turning wheopped a random adventurer in front of the seats.

  "You, over there." ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes?!"

  "Do you know who I am?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes, I do!"

  "Then, would you be so kind as to enlighten this rude adventurer over here? I'm a little scared of his es, you see." ［Yuna］

  A smile afloat Yuna's face, she softly requested the said adveo introduce her iead. The adventurer looked around for help, but everyone quickly averted their eyes from him. He has no other choice left.

  "Y-You are H-Her Highness, Lady Yuna, Hero of Alrfione!"

  A short introdu. But that introdu was all that was o clear everyone's minds. Her strength, her absolute authority, and everything about her. A "Hero of Alriohere was no eople still haven't figured out her identity.

  Of course, it went without saying that Gerod was shocked, terrified even. His face was now pale and his heart swallowed by fear. He challenged a person he shouldn't have. In front of him was a domineering mountain he could never cross. A dominator who is amongst the stro powerhouses there is.

  "Oh my! It seems I'm quite the famous one, aren't I? Isn't that right, Mister Rude Adventurer?" ［Yuna］

  That was the finisher. As those words rang inside Gerod's ears, a deep, freezing fear swallowed him whole. Even though Yuna was smiling, he only saw doom in front of him. T wasn't long before he fainted.

  After the show, everyone quickly went out of the training grounds. Some had faces of satisfa while some were the opposite. Of course, those who were satisfied were the bunch who wos.

  The only ones who remained were Grey, Yuna, Larren, Nonna, and the unscious bunch of ruffians. The former two repairing the walls they have just broken, not wanting to get another earful from the Guildmaster.

  "Yhhank you very much for saving us. We will never fet this debt." ［Larren］

  "I-If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask us! We will do our best to fulfill your wishes!" ［Nonna］

  While it was only like they expected, it was still unfortable hearing people be formal with them. Especially when those people were acquaintances whom they already sidered as friends. Yuna was a little sad.

  "Then... How about this, why don't you just call me Yuna, just Yuna. As for the debt... Don't worry about it. After all, we're friends, aren't we?" ［Yuna］

  Larren and Nonna's hearts were moved with Yuna's words, a warm feeling surging in their hearts. It was just pin and simple happiness. The pure happiness of being accepted as a friend by someohey look up to.

  "In that case, just call me Grey, too." ［Grey］

  "Th-Then thank you, Grey, Yuna..." ［Nonna］

  "Yeah... Thanks..." ［Larren］

  It was a little embarrassing, but their happiness was even higher. Their faces showed a reddish tint as they headed back to the lobby, smiles pstered on their faces as they chatted about a couple trivial topics.

  After dealing with the ruffian adventurers, Grey and Yuna then picked five k quests from the request boards and processed them in the reception desks. It was just the usual plowing through the high-ranking quests for a couple of days.

  With their business in the Adventurers' Guild done, Grey and Yuna quickly headed out of the city after saying their goodbyes. Their first destination was a meadow a couple dozen kilometers away, a distahey easily closed with the help of Sirius.

  Oer ahe two cleared the quests in rapid succession. Sihe quests were usually about monster a subjugation, it only takes them a couple mio clear one. After all, a sirike is all it takes to defeat the monsters as in the quests.

  The only time Grey and Yuna stopped was for a lunch break. It was the only part of the day that went acc to their pns, and needless to say, they e until the very end. It was a time of fort aion.

  After lunch, it was time for quests once again. Due to their insane clearing speed, there was only one quest left. The destination was a forest a little away from the Aldridge territory. Dense and lush, reminding them of their previous home.

  Hiiisssss Crash

  Without any warning, a rge serpent luself trey and Yuna. Its body reag over 30 meters, breaking a couple e trees along the way. It was like it was just breaking a couple of twigs.

  Grey and Yuna didn't even budge from their portions. Grey simply caught the snake's rge body without much effort and threw it back to where it came from with force so great, it broke a couple dozen more trees which happeo be in the way. The way Grey did it, it seemed like he was simply throwing a ball.

  HIIISSSSSS

  The sood up, eyes red with rage as it shed around its massive tail left and right, breaking trees and boulders alike. It was now attag blindly, hoping to get the two with its reckless rampage.

  ??Swift Guillotine!?? ［Yuna］

  Unfortunately for it, before it could even do so much as to hurt the two of them, a rge bde of mana came towards its neck, lopping its head off. A fountain of blood gushed out from its body as it squired around, soon falling helplessly to the ground with a loud thud.

  "Good job,Yuna... Now, let's disma, shall we?" ［Grey］

  "Un!" ［Yuna］

  The killing was the easy part, but the same couldn't be said with dismantling. While fighting it only took a quient, it took them almost an hour to dismahe whole snake. Needless to say, they were covered in blood after the task.

  Why are they doing something as annoying as dismantling, one might ask? It was because they needed proof of subjugation. Not only that, the meat of stros was also quite tasty. It was what Grey and Yuna looked forward to.

  "Grey, I'm going to go wash up." ［Yuna］

  "Sure... Ah, by the way, there's a creek just a couple hundred meters to yht. Just saying if you ever want to go there." ［Grey］

  "Un, thank you!" ［Yuna］

  Leaving Grey to store the snake's materials, Yuna headed to the creek first to wash up. While she could just do the same with magic, she preferred using creeks, rivers, and natural bodies of water. It was more refreshing that way.

  The sound of water trig down the creek and hitting the rocks resouhe air, eg clearer and clearer as Yuna drew near. She the down as she dipped her hands into the water, washing away the blood stains.

  Grey soon followed after and joined her in washing up. In just a couple minutes, and using magic to the hard to reach spots, they quickly became sparkly as if they didn't even bee dirty to begin with.

  "Ahh～! That was refreshing!" ［Yuna］

  "Yep. Fresh spring water really is the best!" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, it makes me want to eat something sweetー" ［Yuna］

  "Wait, Yuna, be carefulー" ［Grey］

  "Kyaaa!!" ［Yuna］

  Grey couldn't even warn her properly. Yuna tried to seat herself down a rock by the creek, but unfortunately for her, it was just too slippery. The very moment she sat, she quickly slipped off, falling towards the creek. A spsh resounded in the air.

  "Hahaha, that's why I told you to be careー" ［Grey］

  Spsh

  Another spsh resounded, but this time it wasn't because the creek was distrurbed. Rather, Yuna fired a little bit of water magic trey, soaking him wet. It was her little revenge for him chug at her.

  "Hehehe, now there's two of us!" ［Yuna］

  "Alright... Now you've do!" ［Grey］

  Along with his words, balls of water maed afloat Grey's hands, ready to soak a certain silver-haired elf. In respoo it, a mischievous smile bloomed on Yuna's face as she once again shot a stream of water towards the former.

  The sound of giggles and ughter filled the air along with the spshing of water and the rustling of the leaves. In the peaceful and viridest forest, two figures danced around as they spshed water everywhere.

  CHAPTER 157 END