NOVEL FROG Chapter 366: Yuna the Alchemist (pt. I)
"It was a lot of fun yesterday, wasn't it? The plaza was full of performers!"
"Ugh... Lucky you... I had to do an assignment... Our Professor is too cruel..."
"Have you seen my vials yesterday? They weren't on the shelf when I checked."
Chatter, chatter, and even more chatter. It was still very early in the morning and the corridors were filled with noise, students talking about their experiences yesterday and some complaining about the work they had to do.
There was slight traffic in the area, everyone heading to their own classrooms before the morning bell rings. Some had heavy bags, some bringing their pens and papers, some already wearing lab coats, and some bringing potted pots to who-knows-where.
Everyone was busy with their own matters, yet the very moment a young lady took the corridor as her runway, everyone's eyes were on her, all in awe at her beauty, the seeping sunlight accentuating her pretty figure as she walked down the hallways.
She was like a goddess who descended down the world, making everyone's hearts flutter like butterflies and bringing about awe in their eyes. No matter how one looks at it, she was an exceptional beauty which no one could compare to.
"Is that the exchange student everyone is talking about? She really is pretty..."
"Right? Didn't I tell you? Should we go talk to her?"
"Hahaha. You go first then. I'll be cheering on you."
Of course, there were also those who were filled with not so pretty desires as they watched her. They were still in their youthful ages, after all. It was only natural that they would try to reach out to such an outstanding lady. However...
"Hahaha. Do you not know who you're talking to? I'll show you how it'sー Hieek!!"
... It wasn't just the young lady who was walking down the corridor. There was also a young man with her, just as gorgeous and alluring, his charms like that of the radiant sun, many ladies' hearts melting at the sight of him.
Well, even if one says that... Unlike his looks suggest, his eyes were cold as the most frozen and barren reaches of hell. A single glance was all it took and chills were sent down everyone's spine, jolting with fear as they saw his sharp glare.
"Y-You know what... I... I just r-remembered we had homework."
"Y-Yeah... L-Let's head to the c-classroom."
The boys scurried around quickly as soon as they were subjected to Grey's sharp and deadly glare. They didn't really know who he was but his glare was enough for them to know he was not to be messed with.
Yuna is already popular when they're out in public, but even more so now that they're in an academy full of teenagers. Many men are aiming for her, most of them having impure intentions rather than innocent ones. Grey needed to be on guard.
『Fufufu! Grey, you sure are being overprotective.』 ［Yuna］
『That's only natural. I'm your fiancé, after all.』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu! I see, I see... Fufufu!』 ［Yuna］
And now, the two are flirting once again. They may not be saying any words towards one another, but their sweet and sappy stares were enough to tell that they were both deeply in love with one another, everyone else hurling from too much sweetness.
From awe to dread, everyone single felt depressed all of the sudden, some feeling a turbulent rage boiling inside them. They were all cursing and damning the idiot couple in their minds, wishing them misfortune as they grit their teeth.
Such a scene continued until Grey and Yuna finally arrived at the latter's homeroom. It was more peaceful than the corridors, a couple familiar faces searing themselves in their seats whilst chatting ever so carefreely.
"Isn't it still too early to cause a commotion, Elena, Shin?" ［Alea］
"Uuu... It's not like we wanted it... They just kept on following us..." ［Yuna］
"Must be nice being popular, huh..." ［Alea］
"No, it isn't. It's really troublesome starting the day like this." ［Grey］
Grey didn't even deny Alea's words simply stating how bothersome it was to deal with a commotion when they just got to school. Though, looking at how many people were peering by the doorway, one really couldn't blame him.
Thankfully, not one of them were brave enough to approach them close, and only peek from afar. The two of them could only wish that it settles soon enough so they can enjoy the "normal" school life they've always dreamed of.
"Anyway, I'll be leaving for my classes now. I'll leave Elena in your care." ［Grey］
"Yeah, yeah, you can count on us. Just treat us to a meal later." ［Kale］
"Sure. I'll see you later then." ［Grey］
Grey didn't linger around for long, and quickly left the room as soon as he finished his task of escorting his beloved. It wasn't like Yuna needed escorting anyway. It was just another excuse to spend more time with her.
Of course, if there were those who intended to trouble and cause Yuna harm, he would be more than willing to make life more difficult for them. A "light" beating or two would be more than enough to give them a life-changing lesson.
"By the way, Elena. Did you finish the homework Professor Dorothy gave us? I already have 5, but can I see yours? I just want to compare." ［Alea］
"Un! Sure! I also want to see what you wrote down." ［Yuna］
"Then I'll join you too. Let's compare answers." ［Kale］
"Hey, don't forget about me. I'll let you take a peek at my genius answers!!" ［Edin］
The winds continued to blow and the curtains continued to dance to their tunes. Yuna and the others compared and discussed their answers, explaining their reasons and intentions behind them and learning bit by bit.
Yuna didn't lose out to them either, creating an assignment which was a couple of pages long, with variables written out in great detail. It was her first time answering one so she maybe gotー No, she really got carried away, doing things over the top.
"Elena... Isn't this a little too much...?" ［Alea］
"Teehee! I just kept on writing, and before I knew it, it's already this long!" ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but for an assignment which only needs half a page at most, doing several times more than what's needed wasn't just overdoing it. She already went above and beyond, her answer looking like something that would belong in a thesis.
Time passed by some more, and the morning bells finally rang. Soon after, another Professor entered the room, and everyone greeted him with brilliant eyes. He was quite the serious type compared to Dorothy, but was just as skilled.
The subject was "Alchemy Formulations III" which deals with creating recipes and the likes. It was one which makes sure that you get the best potion using the ingredients you possess, using effective recipes to formulate them.
The usage of materials and ingredients, the ratio and proportion between them, the use of the items, the use of alternative ingredients which produce similar effects and many more. It was a class all about making the best use of what you have.
Their Professor was a middle-aged man who was around their forties, named James. He is a Tier-6 Alchemist like Dorothy, and specializes in magical items such as healing potions, elixirs, and those which contain mana.
"Here we have the Kalkia grass. I'm sure you've already seen this herb many times before. After all, it is the main ingredient of making Lower grade potions." ［James］
Their topic for the day was "The alternatives and variations of "Kalkia Grass", which, as the name implies, teaches students what other herbs could be used instead of it, and what are the uses and effects of "variants" of Kalkia grass.
Of course, there was also a demonstration up front, the Professor bringing a whole ton of Kalkia grass, and many plants to immerse the students with the lesson. He made sure that everyone understood what exactly he was talking about.
"Now then, amongst the herbs on this table... Who can tell me which one can be used as an Alternative to Kalia grass?" ［James］
The Professor asked and the whole class was thrusted in silence. There were a total of 5 herbs in front and each one of them resembled one another very closely. Some students knew the answer, however, they couldn't tell which one it was.
"Would anyone like to answer? This is worth 15 points. You can come take a closer look if you need to." ［James］
Said the Professor, urging the students to move forward and look at the herbs up close. However, no matter how they looked at it, there were barely any differences appearance-wise. They were all having a hard time.
Or at least... All except for one student...
"Oh, looks like we have an answer." ［James］
... and that student was none other than Yuna.
The young lady raised her hands without hesitation. She didn't even have to take a closer look and inspect the herbs. All she needed was a single glance, and already identified which is which, and what uses they serve.
"You're the exchange student, right?" ［James］
"Un. That's me, Professor. It's a pleasure to meet you." ［Yuna］
"Yes, it's a pleasure indeed... Then, would you like to share your answer to the class? Don't worry if you get it wrong, it's fine as long as you try." ［James］
Said the Professor, nor trying to pressure Yuna. After all, even graduating students have a hard time telling such herbs apart from one another. Even he, as a Professor, gets them wrong from time to time, needing to inspect it beforehand.
"It's the rightmost one, the Yalehorn Purslane. It has been proven that it is just as effective as the Kalkia herb, however, it has a fatal flaw in that it can't be stored for too long, and is much less common.
The way to identify it is by the thickness of its leaves and vein patterns which spread thinly over the whole blade. It also has a slimy-smooth texture along its stems, and a mild, minty scent which is attractive to wild animals." ［Yuna］
However, Yuna didn't just identify it. She also shared some facts about it, and also gave some descriptions which can ease telling it apart from others, greatly shocking everyone else in the room.
It was especially obvious for the Professor. After all, all the ways Yuna said in order to identify it using sight, touch, or smell which can only be done closely. Yet she who was the farthest amongst them all, was able to identify them in but a jiffy.
"Th-That's correct... 15 points forー" ［James］
"And... The Nellponia Spurge at the second-most left. Though it has a toxin in it, as long as you detoxify it using Heller Sprouts and add a solution made from Mikumiku and Kole Balm as a base, you can use it as a substitute for Kalkia Grass." ［Yuna］
No, Yuna didn't just surprise him, she surpassed all his expectations, giving another answer which he himself is not knowledgeable about. He could only stare at her in silence, his body then moving at lightning speed.
"Sorry, umm... Student Elena, was it? Could you help me for a second?" ［James］
"Do I also get bonus points for this?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. It depends on what the results are." ［James］
The Professor suddenly whipped out a brewing toolset out of nowhere and started preparing his materials, having Yuna help him out. He wanted to test out whether the young lady's words really were true or not.
Of course, with merit points on the line, Yuna happily and excitedly accepted the Professor's request and helped him out in his endeavor. She doesn't really know what the points could give her, but she was excited nonetheless.
As for everyone else, they all watched Yuna and the Professor prepare and mix the ingredients, eyes glued to the process, and anticipating what the result would be. A number already took out their notes, writing everything down at lightning speed.
"Does anyone have Heller Sprouts here? I will borrow some." ［James］
"I-I have some over here, Professor!"
"Thank you! I will make sure to repay this later!" ［James］
It was a sudden decision, so there were not enough ingredients. Thankfully, some of the students kept some materials on them, coming in useful when they just needed it. It was a fast-paced demonstration, and the result was....
"My God... It really is a healing potion..." ［James］
... A healing potion. Not just any healing potion, but one which was much more cost-effective than using Kalkia Grass. Only Tier-3 and above alchemists would perform the process, but it was still an amazing breakthrough.
Everyone was in shock at the sight before them. Even the most knowledgeable ones amongst them didn't know of such a method, nor a thesis which suggests such. Even if there was such a great thesis out there, there was no way a student would know if it was before a Professor could.
In the first place, Nellponia Spurge already had a stigma of being a poisonous plant so no one even dared to use it for healing. After all, poison is the complete opposite of it. It was already a deeply-rooted conception.
"Student Elena, right? How did you learn about this?" ［James］
"Hm? I just found out about it when I had free time." ［Yuna］
"I... In your free time...?" ［James］
"Un. Don't you just have to experiment?" ［Yuna］
Moreover, the young lady herself doesn't know how revolutionary her own creation was, looking at the Professor as if she just did something ordinary, not showing that much interest about what she just did.
And no, such a recipe wasn't one Grey taught her, but one Yuna put together on her own when she tested out the properties of common herbs, creating it through her own efforts and many small but progressive adjustments every single day.
Of course, there is even a more cost-effective way to make a healing potion, but since she's introduced as a Tier-4 Alchemist, she really doesn't have the right to perform it. She wasn't just a genius, she was a prodigy who was born for Alchemy.
"M-Miss Elena! Can you tell me what you just did there?"
"That's right! Could you explain the concept behind the process?"
"I-I also have some questions to ask!"
Of course, with such a breakthrough, everyone in the room was greatly interested. They were all aspiring alchemists, after all, and so, they can't pass up the chance that they could learn something which can be considered phenomenal.
Now, rather than crowding over her over her appearance, everyone is looking at her with respect as an alchemist. Everyone was hungry for knowledge, wishing to know more about what Yuna just did.
"Everyone, quiet down! Those who are still not back to their seats in the count of 10 will be deducted 300 points!" ［James］
"300 points?! That's a total scam, Professor! At least give us aー"
"10!... 9!... 8!... 7!... 6!..." ［James］
"Hieekk! Hurry! Hurry! It's over if you're even a second late!"
Thankfully, the Professor was there to settle down the class. A single statement from him and everyone hurried back to their seats without wasting any time. Everyone was in a panic, not wanting to receive such a severe punishment.
It didn't matter to the professor whether they were nobles or not. As long as they are in Darius Academy, they are the laws. The moment they get a 300 point deduction, their grades would be in jeopardy, and so would be their future.
'Now then... How should I handle this...' ［James］
The only problem remaining was how to make sure the class stayed silent about what just happened. Even if Yuna doesn't care much about it, he can't just have the fruits of her efforts be stolen. That would be a disaster.
'Haah... Damn it all... It should be fine, right?' ［James］
Thankfully, even if someone does go around and spread rumors about it, only Yuna knows the full process. Even he who was assisting her, still couldn't totally grasp it, much less the students who were just watching.
The only problem here is if some greedy and small-minded people try to cause harm to the young ladyー or so he thinks. But there was no need to worry in that regard. Not that he knows of it now.
"Listen up, everyone. Make sure you keep your mouth shut about his matter. The moment I hear that someone is spreading rumors about it, I will make sure you'll be expelled with all my power." ［James］
"E-Expulsion?! Isn't that too much, Professor?!"
"Too much? Not at all. And... I'll also be talking to the Headmaster about this. He might even use his influence to strip you of your status, and that you pay the price. Try it if you have guts. Just remember that I warned you," ［James］
Well, there was no harm in being too careful. The Professor may be unsure about what he just said since he made them on the fly, but there was also some truth to it which couldn't be easily disregarded, no matter who they were.
"The Headmaster... H-His Highness would surely not let that slip..."
"Even nobles wouldn't be safe... How terrifying..."
"Well, it's a big deal, after all. I think it's reasonable."
And though it was made on the fly, it was terribly effective towards the students. No matter what their status was, they still wouldn't be a match to the Headmaster who was the most powerful person in the whole Academy.
While his words may not be able to protect Yuna for long, it will buy enough time so that the recipe will be patented to her name and for her to receive protection from the Alchemists' Guild. It was more than enough.
Moreover, it was also partly the Professor's fault that Yuna's true worth was revealed. If he didn't get carried away by his excitement and curiosity, such a commotion wouldn't have happened. He was guilty and ashamed to admit it.
"This may be sudden, but can we meet after class, Student Elena? I have a couple of things to talk about with you." ［James］
"Un. I can make time for that." ［Yuna］
"Good... You can take your seat now." ［James］
The commotion already settled, and Yuna was heading back to her seat, all eyes on her. When suddenly, she stopped on her tracks, turning back, and looked towards the Professor with curious eyes.
"Right, Professor... How many points do I get for that?" ［Yuna］
The young lady asked, with a seriously curious look on her face. She wasn't even a bit worried about her situation, but she was very interested in the amount of points she would get, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Well... That's hard to say since this is a first, but... 300... No, 500 points. That's the best I could give you." ［James］
And such eyes sparkled even brighter the moment she heard the amount of points she just garnered in a single question. She returned to her seat with a bright smile on her face, looking very satisfied about what she just did.
Meanwhile, the students' reactions couldn't be any more different, all their mouths wide open in agape. After all, it was the amount of points which would take them a couple months to gather, yet Yuna did it in just a day. Who wouldn't be shocked?
"Well, we went a bit of course, but let's continue with the lesson." ［James］
The lecture continued and the Professor continued to discuss the topics for the day, explaining the concepts as clearly as he could and showing visual examples so that the students understood him.
He also asked more questions with every part of the lesson finished, and for each and every single one of them, Yuna enthusiastically raised with such a blinding and excited smile on her face, even waving it to get his attention.
Of course, as a Professor, he just couldn't pick out a single student every single time, and play favorites. He made sure to pick other students every time, and let them earn points as well. However, for those questions no one can answer...
"Yes... Student Elena..." ［James］
"Un! It would be the Carioca White Pine!" ［Yuna］
... He could only pick Yuna.
The latter always gives him a comprehensive and comprehensible answer, without sparing a single detail, earning her more and more points every time she answers. She was like a walking library, knowledge instilled in her brain.
Thankfully, her classmates didn't mind it much, as they were also learning from her words and explanations. There was even some new knowledge she just carefreely spouted without a care in the world, everyone greatly interested in it.
"Th... That's correct... 20 points..." ［James］
"Thank you, Professor!" ［Yuna］
It couldn't even be called a class anymore, but a one-on-one interview with Yuna and the Professor, with some audience (classmates') participation from time to time, the whole lecture continuing on just like that.
That day, Yuna earned a record-breaking 920 points! The first in history!
CHAPTER 366 END