The fires roared and soared, illuminating the pd dev the darkness. The amber and crimson lights dominated all which could be seen, only a single figure standing firm and unfazed in front of such heat and iy.

  g g g

  The sounds of metal g with one another reverberated in the air along the tiny sparks fluttering freely, extinguished from existen just a matter of seds, such was the short lives of such beautiful sparks.

  Each strike was filled with power to crush boulders into mere rubble. Yet despite the loudness, one could hear a harmonious melody between the crag fire and the sistent strikes which shaped the metals. It was a glorious se where man quered the almighty fmes.

  It has been a few days since Kris and Aria returned, and sihen, a lot of things have happened. For one, Grey's mert rank has increased from broo silver. Ahing was that Yuna reached tier 4 in bcksmithing whilst bonding with Grey. A lot ress was made.

  g g g

  The sounds tio resound, getting clearer and clearer with each strike. Grey's eyes didn't falter a si, focused on each of his strikes and distributing the force evenly and tempering the bde carefully, utilizing his eyes to the fullest.

  'No... Still not enough...' ［Grey］

  But despite how graceful Grey looked, his face was still full of dissatisfa. But despite the swirliive emotions in his heart, he tio remain calm, reigning in his emotions and using it as fuel to motivate himself.

  G

  Arike ected to the metal, but despite how loud it was, Grey felt a sense of ess after hearing it as if all his troubles were swept away. A stro gentle surge of mana oured into the metal sistently, not only shaping it but altering its very nature.

  G G G

  The strikes tinued eg to the metal at different spots, getting louder and louder, faster and faster, and clearer and clearer with every passing sed. The metal also ged siderably since Grey first started. It was now thinner, lighter, more pact, and full of mana.

  Fwisshhhhh

  After finishing the bde, what was was grinding, polishing and attag the decorative pieces on the sword. After all, a higher-grade sword should not only be strong and sturdy, but also beautiful.

  Time passed, sweat dripped towards the ground, and rough breathing filled the air. With each passing sed, Grey's body started to tire out, but his determination was stronger. He did not succumb to his exhaustion and tinued persisting.

  "Huff... Huff... Huff... I'm finally finished... Huff... Huff..." ［Grey］

  His eyes filled with exhaustion aement, sweat trig down his forehead, and his rough breathing creating steam in the workshop, Grey proudly raised the sword to the air, taking a good look at it.

  It was a crimson longsword with a jet bck border and golden crystals embedded. There was a scaly pattern on its grip and scabbard with a number of decorative runes embedded on it. Of course, Grey's star crest was also carved to mark that it was his creation. It was a beautiful sword.

  "Well, it's time to see the truth..." ［Grey］

  A lengthy sigh came out of Grey's mouth as he loosehe tension on his shoulders and calmed himself down. He was nervous, but also excited at the same time. He could barely stop his handsー No, his whole body from trembling.

  ??Appraisal?? ［Grey］

  -----------------------------------

  [Equipment]

  [Name] Crimson Noirite Longsword

  [Grade] Superior (Low-Tier)

  [Power Value] 2,513

  [Entment Value] 50

  [Creatrey Silverdrake

  [Description]

  A magnifit longsword made from noirite, blood diamonds, and bck gold as the main materials. It is sharp enough to cut through boulders easily with adequate strength and is a good ductor of mana.

  -----------------------------------

  "Superior"... The moment Grey saw that word, a rush of relief filled his heart. It was to the point that he lost strength on his legs, falling ft on his butt. Soon enough, what repced that relief was excitement and happiness.

  It has been almost a year since Grey reached Tier-6, and after much effort, he finally reached Tier-7. He was now a full-fledged master bcksmith. One of the couple hundred which exists in the whole world. He has succeeded.

  "Yeah～!!" ［Grey］

  A loud and resonant shout echoed towards the sky as intense joy rushed in his heart. Despite beiremely tired, he was still happy. All his efforts were finally rewarded and he was brimming with satisfa and pride.

  And as he celebrated by himself, a certain figure popped up in his mind. It was, of course, her than Yuna. He wao share his happiness with her, w about what kind of rea she would make. Just thinking about it makes him feel that his fatigue was lifted.

  "Ah... But I should probably take a bath first, huh..." ［Grey］

  Said Grey as he realized how much he was drenched i. The smell of grease and char was also stig to his clothes. Not to mention the dust and scum from the fe. He was quite dirty, unfit to meet his dy.

  ??Recuperate?? ［Grey］

  With a quick fix from a holy magic spell, Grey's tensed and exhausted body was easily rid of fatigue. He quickly stood ba his feet with a little front flip and stood ba his ground, rotating his shoulders oer another.

  ...

  Mmm～ Mmn～ Hmm～

  A sweet melody filled the air as a silver-haired figure stood in front of the stove, her hair fluttering freely in the wind as a bright smile bloomed on her face along with an appetizing aroma wafting through the air.

  Noon roag and so Yuna took it upon herself to cook lunch, doing her very best to cook Grey e best meal. Grey has mostly haheir meals, and now that she got the ce, there was no way she was going to waste it. She wants to capture his heart even more.

  "Mistress... Help me...!" ［Capel］

  "Capel! Here, catch!" ［Vega］

  "Waah!" ［Capel］

  Well, she wasn't alone in the house, the familiars were also with her. And as usual, it was Vega who was causing trouble once again. Sirius was also there, but after some time of dealing with the former's antics, she has now given up.

  And the one Vega was once again bullying was Capel, the you and one who ractically her twin sister. Well, rather than bullying, it was her way of showing affe. It's just that sometimes, she goes over the board.

  "Now, now, Vega, why don't you behave a little. Don't you see Capel's almost g already?" ［Yuna］

  "Mou... Fine..." ［Vega］

  "Fufufu, that's good to hear. Also... Kentaurus, don't you think you're off the hook either. As the older one, you should scold Vega, not ence her." ［Yuna］

  "Uuu... Sorry, Mistress..." ［Kentaurus］

  Well, for Yuna, it was like she was babysitting them, or maybe it's closer to say that she was like a mother scolding her children. It was quite fun in its own way. She was giggling silently to herself as she tio watch over the familiars.

  With the familiars finally behaved, Yuna tihe dishes cooking and oer another, an appetizing dish ced atop the dining table. There were appetizers, the main course, side dishes, and of course, the desserts. It was a full course!

  Clop Clop Clop

  Just as Yuna was about finished cooking lunch, a familiar pattern of footsteps filled the air. Of course, it was her than Grey's. Yuna was excited to get another pliment for cooking a delicious lunch. Just another young dy in love.

  "Oh, Greyー" ［Yuna］

  But she couldn't even utter two words pletely. The reason was simple. It was because in front of her was Grey. Not just any Grey, but a Grey who was just fresh out of the bath, hair still drippi, and body half-naked, showg his well-built muscles and lean physique.

  Attractive face, check. A toned and hot body, check. The appeal of someone just fresh out of the bath, a.k.a. a "wet look", check. To Yuna's heart, it er effective surprise attack, making her face beet red in just a fra of a sed.

  "G-Grey! What are you doing?! Get dressed immediately!" ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Is there something wrong? We're in our own house anylus, I'm wearing a towel. Isn't it just fine?" ［Grey］

  "What do you mean 'fine'?! Go upstairs and dress yourself!" ［Yuna］

  "That's... Yuna, why are you still ag shy? You've already seen my everything. It's too te to get embarrassed now..." ［Grey］

  "I don't care! Just get dressed already!" ［Yuna］

  Closing her eyes, Yuna shouted oop of her lungs. It was another one of her strange ways of thinking. Despite having seen Grey's naked body in its full glory multiple times already, she was still as meek as a maiden. Well, to Grey, it was just another one of her cute points.

  "Haah... Alright, I'll get going now." ［Grey］

  "Good, and don't fet to e down quickly, okay? Lunch is almost ready." ［Yuna］

  "As you wish, Midy." ［Grey］

  Grey wao tease Yuna more, but he decided to give up for the time being. Other than it was also embarrassing for himself, the familiars were also present. It would just be pin awkward if he stayed whilst still half-naked. He still has his dignity as a proper human being.

  Shortly after Grey went upstairs, he quickly came back down, now dressed properly. It was pletely different from his previous look, but it still made Yuna's heart race wildly. After all, no matter what he wears, Grey is till Grey.

  "Wow～ Is there all for lunch? They smell and look fantastic." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, thank you! Now, why don't you take a seat first? I'm almost finished with the stew, so please wait a little bit." ［Yuna］

  "Sure... Ah, right! Yuna, I have something to show you." ［Grey］

  Successfully garnering Yuna's attention, Grey quickly grabbed a certain something from the "Iory". Of course, it was the longsword he just fed not long ago. Even though he'd seen it a number of times, it still felt that he was dreaming.

  "Yuna, what do you think of this sword?" ［Grey］

  "Hmm... It's beautiful, and it looks sturdy too. I think Elise would love this sword... Why do you ask?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, nothing really. I just wao hear your opinion, and I agree with you. It really is a beautiful sword, and it's Superirade too." ［Grey］

  "I see... It's Superirade, huh... Eh? Then that means..." ［Yuna］

  Realizing Grey's iions, Yuna looked at the former with curious and expet eyes. Iurn, what she received from him was a bright smile as Grey closed his eyes, further affirming her suspis.

  "Waah～! You've finally reached Tier-7! Grey, I'm so happy for you!" ［Yuna］

  "gratutions, Master." ［Sirius］

  "Grats, Master! You're the best!" ［Vega］

  "gratutions..." ［Capel］

  Yuna was even more excited than Grey after learning the truth. With her on the lead, the familiars also gave him their warmest and most sincere gratutions from the very bottom of their little furball hearts.

  Full of sparkles, Yuna looked at the sword in Grey's hands with muterest. While her main side-occupation was being an alchemist, she was also a bcksmith and enter at the same time. She couldn't help but feel excited at the Superirade longswrey made himself.

  "No, this little lunch won't do! Grey, everyone, let's hold a party to celebrate Grey's adva! Let's do our best, okay?!" ［Yuna］

  "No, Yuna, that won't be needed. Just your thoughts are enough." ［Grey］

  "No do! You've always made the best celebratory parties for me! Now, it's my time to repay the debt! Plus, it's also my responsibility as yirlfriend! Don't worry, I'll make the best feast you've ever seen!" ［Yuna］

  Her eyes lit abze with such stroermination, Grey khat there was no stopping her now that she was fired up. While he was happy, he was also a little ed about her. Especially si was most likely him who influenced her.

  "Haah... Alright. Then, I leave it all to you. I'll just head to the Bcksmiths' Guild to deliver this sword. I'll be ba a short while." ［Grey］

  "Un! You rest assured, and take care～!" ［Yuna］

  "Alright. Then, see you ter." ［Grey］

  A little bit of aation in his heart, Grey left the house and headed towards his destination. While he was ed about Yuna, the familiars were with her, there was o worry. He left her in their care.

  All his worries put aside, Grey tinued his journey. He was now in his disguise, the usual silver hair and blue eyes. Even though he has used it quite a number of times already, he still 't believe it still proved useful. Well, it was only a plus for him.

  As soon as he ehe guild, yet another familiar sight greeted him. Thankfully, he didn't have to search for the person he was about to look for. Just along the reception desks, there was the Guildmaster, talking with a few receptionists.

  "Good m, Guildmaster!" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Oh, Lad, you're here! Have you fihe assig?" ［Chiron］

  "Yeah. It was a tough job, but thankfully, I made it through... Anyway, are you still busy now, Guildmaster?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, I was, but I'm doh my business now. So, how about we head to the offiow? I'm itg to see what you made this time." ［Chiron］

  It was the usual, ever since Grey joihe Bcksmith's Guild, the Guildmaster was always excited to see what creations Grey came up with. His excitement was especially evident when what was ordered was a high-grade equipment.

  His heart filled with vigor, the Guildmaster led Grey towards his office. It was just as big as the Guildmaster's Office of the uilds. The only difference was that there were a lot more crafts dispyed all over the pce. It ractically a small showroom for equipment and crafts.

  Of course, it wasn't the first time Grey had seen the room. Other than the fact that it was the Guildmaster's office. It was also his and the Guildmaster's meeting pce where they discussed their outlooks as bcksmiths. If it was in a school, it would be like a club room dedicated for the smithihusiasts.

  "Now then, Lad, why don't you show me that creation of yours? I feel like I could see something amazing today." ［Chiron］

  "Hahaha. Well, you're n, Guildmaster. I sider this my best work yet. I'm quite proud of it." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha! Now, I'm looking forward to it even more!" ［Chiron］

  By the Guildmaster's request, Grey quickly took out the Crimson Noirite Longsword from his "Iory", the former's eyes quickly fixated on it as soon as he took it out. There was no greater delight for a bcksmith that see a finely crafted equipment.

  "Oh! What a beautiful sword! As expected of Grey, evei details are perfect! There's even a blood diamond at the pommel aer of the guard! It's a fine work of art, I say!" ［Chiron］

  Praises were sung oer another as the Guildmaster observed the sword closely. He was very enthusiastic, even more than Grey when he fihe sword. He was truly a smithing maniac who was fit to be the Guildmaster, just like Rina.

  "Hm? Wait a minute... something feels off..." ［Chiron］

  The praises only stopped when the Guildmaster noticed something peculiar about the sword. pared to High-Grade items, it emanated a subtle yet domineering aura. A sensation the Guildmaster could never mistake. A sensation only those with a good sense could tell.

  "Lad, this might sound crazy, but... This sword, could it be..." ［Chiron］

  "Yes. It's Superirade." ［Grey］

  "S-Su-Superirade, you say?! Ladー no, Master! Let me call you Master right now! To achieve such a feat before even turning twenty, you're amazing! A geniusー no, a prodigy!" ［Chiron］

  The Guildmaster's enthusiasm only rose as soon as he learnt that the sword was, in fact, of Superirade. His reaade Grey wonder how he will reace he sees the Legendary-Grade items he and Yuna acquired in the Labyrinth.

  'Hmm, the Labyrinth, huh... e to think of it...' ［Grey］

  And it was also then that Grey remembered a very important point which almost slipped his mind. Just thinking about it made him excited. Still, he o deal with the Guildmaster before things go out of trol.

  Sihe sword was of a higher grade than what was ordered, the prices and reward would be adjusted for a fair trade. Grey would be given more money whilst the t would be asked if they would still take the sword even though its value has increased.

  Thankfully, all iations would be handled by the guild. All Grey o do was sit back, rex, and wait for a firmation from the guild. Unfortunately, he couldn't rank up his guild card in Galderia's branch. Just like Yuna, he o go to the capital first before having the ce to do so.

  With all the matters in the guild settled, Grey went bae, looking forward to what kind of party Yuna prepared. At the same time, he was also worried that Yuna might have gone overboard. It was a tradictory feeling.

  "Grey, gratutions!" ［Yuna］

  """gratutions, Master!"""

  As soon as Grey ehe house, not only their greetings, a shower of sparkles also greeted him. It was one made from light magic, breaking light into tiny fragments. It reminded Grey of fetti ba Earth.

  It wasn't only the wele, the whole house itself looked festive. There were even bandanas and party decorations Grey used in Yuna's birthday party before, ad the living room and kit. Yu above and beyond Grey's expectations. It was amazing, one way or another.

  "Wow... Yuna, you made all these?" ［Grey］

  "Not only me! Everyone also helped! So? So? So, what do you think, Grey? Is it the best party you've seen?!" ［Yuna］

  Asked Yuna with a bright expression painted over her face, but Grey didn't answer her immediately. His heart was still overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions, all were warm and positive. He was happy, very happy.

  "Hahaha! It is. Thanks, everyone." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, I'm gd you liked it!" ［Yuna］

  "We're honored, Master." ［Arcturus］

  "Thanks, Master! We really did our best, you know?" ［Vega］

  Grey couldn't be any more satisfied. Not only does he have the sweetest and cutest elven girl there is, he also has reliable familiars who are nothihan family to him. He felt like he was the luckiest man there is.

  "Then, what are we waiting for?! Everyone, let's start the party!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah!" ［Kentaurus］

  "Yay～!" ［Vega］

  Yuna on the lead, the party quickly started and music yed from a small music box. Even though it was just the two of Grey and Yuna, plus the familiars. It was still very lively as if they were at a ball or event of some sorts.

  Of course, it went without mentioning that the food was amazing. When Yuna said she was going to make the best feast, she really meant the best. Both the quality and quantity of dishes were a sight to behold. Grey was very proud and amazed at the same time.

  The party tinued and everyone had their fun. Amongst the familiars, Kentaurus, opus, and Vega were the most eic. Grey and Yuna even had to scold them a few times because they had gone overboard. It really felt like they were parents.

  "ht. Yuna, before I fet... Would you like to go on a trip?" ［Grey］

  Asked Grey as he remembered something important. It was the same topic he thought of back at the Bcksmith's Guild. An important topic he and Yuna would have to fae way or another.

  "A trip...? Why so suddenly?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, the Labyrinth of Fmes up north in the Valliarta Empire is just about to open. I was thinking of heading there. What do you think?" ［Grey］

  "Fufu, is there even a o ask? Aren't we adventurers for a reason? Of course, we'll challehe Labyrinth!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha, I guess it was needless to ask." ［Grey］

  "Un! And this time, we're going to quer it!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna's eyes were lit abze with stroermination. But when she remembered what happened back at the Labyrinth of Death, she quickly became timid, her face beet red. She was reminded of Grey's fession and was now really embarrassed.

  The Labyrinth of Fmes located far north where the nd is covered with snow all year around. The nd where fmes lit abze uhe deep, unmoving frost. It was time to test their strengths once more.

  Up , the sed Labyrinth! The Labyrinth of Fmes!

  CHAPTER 163 END