Loud cheers and a splendid round of appuse. Such was what rang out from the Grand Colosseum, the excitemeo die down as the people talked about the match which had just finished, eyes shimmering brightly.

  The swordsmen had already exited the arehe crowd still cheered their he fans rowdy as one be as they showed their support. There was no she of liveliness in the air, three figures g as well after a wonderful match.

  "That was a good show, wasn't it?" ［Lisandra］

  "Yeah. It was only a short time but we were able to learn something. No wonder swordsmen all flock over to Avalon." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Grey, you're too serious. Just say that you had fun." ［Yuna］

  The three figures were, of course, Grey, Yuna, and Lisandra who had withe fight from start to finish. It wasn't their first time seeing other people battle, but it was still iing heless, especially with such restris in pce.

  Since Grey and Yuna would not be using their main ons, their strengths would surely be affected, still withihreat levels, only that they would be pced on the lower levels. They would still be insurmountable powerhouses.

  However, everything is much different when the barrier is present. Even now, the k Gdiators who just fought could only dispy the same physical prowess even E-rankers could reproduce. It was quite the powerful and potent barrier.

  "Grey, Yuna, if you are only limited to swordsmanship, would you be able against Derris and Ardell?" ［Lisandra］

  "Mmn... It might pose some difficulties but I don't think it's impossible. What do you think, Grey? What are our ces?" ［Yuna］

  "Your judgement is correct, however... That's only when we're sidering pure swordsmanship skills. If we use our abilities... We'll win without a doubt." ［Grey］

  They wouldn't just be winning, it would be winning an overwhelming victory. Though, Grey and Yuna would most likely refrain doing such things. After all, it would take the excitement aspect away if they were to do so.

  Yuna's proficy with the sword is at 62% whilst Grey's is at 71%. If they were to base their ces towards the 50% average of the swordsmen they've seen so far, they would still have the upper hand. The problem would lie against those who were ra the upper echelons. It would surely be a challenge.

  "Waah... Such fidence... I wonder if I could also be like you..." ［Lisandra］

  "Then, would you like us to train you?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh?! Would that be fihen I'dー" ［Lisandra］

  The princess suddenly halted her words, remembering a certain prince's words back when they visited Erdea. The said prince was her than Grey and Yuna's good friend, Julius, warning her about Grey and Yuna's "training" if she ever receives the offer from the two.

  The fight against monsters, the merciless training evehey were exhausted, the use of healing magic so that they have no ce to rest, the nightmares they experie night, and many more. Such words rang inside Lisandra's mind.

  The moment she realized what she almost agreed to, a cold shiver ran down her spine and her heart almost stopped. She wao be strong, but someー no, most of Grey and Yuna's methods are straight up insane. She still wao live a long life.

  "Is something wrong, Lisa? You look pale..." ［Yuna］

  "A-Ah, n-no, I'm f-fine... I just suddenly remembered something unpleasant. Please don't worry yourselves too much, it... It's nothing..." ［Lisandra］

  "Are you sure...? We could go back to the castle if you're sick..." ［Yuna］

  "No, I'm really fine... And about the offer, could I think about it first? I might need Father's permission before I , so it might take some time." ［Lisandra］

  "Fufufu! You're thinking too much about it. It's just a suggestion, you know?" ［Yuna］

  She almost made a deal with the Devils, luckily, Julius' advice came in clutch. She felt a little guilty lying about it to Grey and Yuna, but she still valued her life more. She didn't want to die because of "training". She definitely doesn't.

  With the passing of the camity, everyone tinued watg the duels between all sorts of swordsmen all throughout the day. Despite that, it didn't get any less exg, but rather, they only looked forward more to the fight.

  There were broadswords, longswords, rapiers, sabers, and all sorts of "Swords" used by the gdiators. They may belong to the same css, but there are still subdivisions within, their proficy measured depending on how familiar and adept they were at using their ons no matter what they are.

  Unfortunately, despite waiting all day, they weren't able to witness any of the Top 10 rankers fight in the Grand Colosseum. It was their fault for not cheg the schedule ahead of time, but it was still disappointing heless.

  Just like that, time passed by like the rushing winds. They watched duels, had snack breaks, chatted during intermissions, and watched even more duels. It was a fulfilling day where they learned all sorts of things which they improve themselves.

  "Mmn～! That was fun! I want to watore tomorrow too!" ［Yuna］

  "Easy now, we still have other things to do, remember? We 't just watch the duels all day, everyday, you know?" ［Grey］

  "Ehh～? Then how about every other day? Is that fine?" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... That doesn't make much of a differe all..." ［Grey］

  It was different pared to how they usually do things ohey arrive in a new city, but it was still enjoyable heless. It was a shame that they didn't get to have the ce to explore the city, but they could always leave it to another day.

  Well, they weren't the only ones who had a lot of fun in their little outing. Lisandra also had a very productive day, now looking at her notes with a bright smile on her face. So much so that she almost wasn't paying attention on the road.

  Normally, she wouldn't be able to jot down so much, but with Grey and Yuna's help, they're able to jot down a lot of things, along with Grey's corres and suggestions to some of them. She's never felt so satisfied.

  "Thank you very much, Grey, Yuna! I'll make sure to put these all to good use! I'll make sure to not disappoint you!" ［Lisandra］

  "Fufufu! It's okay. Just sider it as a token of our friendship." ［Yuna］

  "Right. And if you ever need something, you always e to us." ［Grey］

  "Waah... Thank you... You're the best!" ［Lisandra］

  Happy as one be, Lisandra gave Grey and Yuna a tight hug. She usually doesn't do so, but today ecial occasion. As for the two on the receiving end, they could only smile ever so softly, warmly chug and giggling.

  They tiheir walk, chatting about the duels as if there was no tomorrow, and before long, the Royal Castle Gates were finally in front of them. They soon parted ways, heading towards their own quartersー or so they should have.

  "Haah... I wonder if I could fight against them too..." ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Why don't yister as a gdiator then?" ［Lisandra］

  Just when they were about to part ways, a sudden suggestion came from Lisandra, making the two tilt their heads, soon looking at one another's eyes.

  They haven't really sidered such a thought si was not in their pns, but now that Lisandra had mentio, they started thinking of joining the gdiatorial duels, practig their swordsmanship aed skills while they're at it.

  It might not be very useful to their main csses, but if they were to gain some new insight from su experie would be totally worth it. Maybe they could further their own skills after experieng and fighting in a new perspective.

  And just as they thought of the possibility, a pair of sparkling and expet eyes bored a hole through their heads. Of course, such excited eyes only beloo Lisandra, eagerly and cheerfully awaiting their decision.

  "Hmm... We'll think about it. I'll try to see if I tweak my schedule a bit. I still have some things to do, after all." ［Grey］

  "Uoo. I'll see if I have urgent products to make." ［Yuna］

  "Great! I'm looking forward to your decision!" ［Lisandra］

  They said they'll put it on hold, but Grey and Yuna were already almost certain that they would be participating sooner rather than ter. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up, holding little to no disadvantages for them.

  "Ah! And while we're at it, why don't yister for the ival of Swords as well when you finally arrive at a decision." ［Lisandra］

  "The ival of Swords... Hasn't His Majesty mentiohat before?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes! It's one of the biggest events held in the Grand Colosseum each year! And this year, I heard there will be a lot more swordsmen participating!" ［Lisandra］

  It wasn't just a simple event, it was a grand tour. It was a test hosted by the Royal Family in which swordsmen from far and wide participated to prove their skills against one another, fierd petitive as they e..

  Like previously mentioned, everyone participate in the ival of Swords and it doesn't matter what one's bat power is. What matters the most is that you're fident with your skills and that you prove yourself against the others.

  It was initially just ao honor the death of the First King, Parsifal, but after more than a tury, it has now bee a grand tour which all swordsmen long tn as a champion, a grand and valuable prize from the Royal Family waiting for them at the end.

  'Well, there are still problems though...' ［Grey］

  Grey thought as he heard about the petition from Lisandra. Though the premise and most of its aspects were amazing, there was just a simple yet important element it pletely missed. That was the existence of divisions.

  It may be because it was already a tradition or maybe because no ohought of doing it until now, but as someone who lived his previous life oh, divisioween different categories of people was a need for supetitions.

  Normally, there would be divisions fender and age, but since Merusia ce where magic exists, there ractically little to no differeween the capabilities of men and women. That only leaves it with age.

  With divisioween different age groups, people could clearly see the potential between the younger geions which are usually overshadowed by their seniors. It was a good way to promote petitiveness between the youth and also give them an iive to work harder. It was a must.

  "Maybe I could talk about it with his Majesty..." ［Grey］

  "Hm? You were saying something, Grey?" ［Lisandra］

  "No, it's nothing. I just thought of something." ［Grey］

  It was not that Grey wao keep it a secret to Lisandra, it's just that Grey didn't want to give her false hope. He would surely suggest it to the King sooner or ter, but the final decision would still be up to the tter.

  Though... Grey could already see the oute. With the King's personality as it is, it is more likely than not that he will approve of it. Though, he would probably have to grant his request for a duel with him. Either way, it would be iing.

  "Anyway, The registrations will be opening in two weeks so you still have a lot of time left. You should be able to decide by then." ［Lisandra］

  "There's o go that far. We should have an answer by tomorrow." ［Grey］

  "That's great! Let's register tomorrow then!" ［Lisandra］

  They have yet to give their decisio Lisandra already acted like it was final that they would bee gdiators. With how expet and sparkly her eyes were, they couldn't bring themselves to reject her then and there.

  "Then, I'll be hearing from you ter. Make sure you make a decision by then, okay? I'm going off to train now～!" ［Lisandra］

  "Okay～! Good lu you training～!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes! See you at dinner!～" ［Lisandra］

  And off she goes. With their tour and talk now over, Lisandra then headed towards the training ground, aed expression painted on her lovely face, raring to try out the hing she learned from Grey and Yuna.

  In fact, she was so excited, she ran straight towards the training grounds without any breaks. She almost bumped into some of the servants on the way, also almost tripping because of the rush. Before long, she vanished from their sight.

  "She sure is excited, isn't she?" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! She's just passionate about it. Aren't we the same too?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh, please. Let's not pare ourselves. I'm not oo go crazy over materials and such. Unlike a certain someone, I haven't spent millions to buy ingredients." ［Grey］

  "Hey! That's so mean! I just 't help myself!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, sure, sure, let's leave it at that." ［Grey］

  As for the two she left behind, they were nuing about a silly topic about each other, Yuna puffing her cheeks as she retorted against Grey. No matter how much she loves him, she would still pout if he were to say such words.

  The idiot couple flirting and teasing one another like they usually do, time passed by some more and before long, the sun finally sunk down the horizon, the sky painted bck as the stars showed up oer ahe cold wind blowing softly.

  During dinner with the Royal Family, they shared all the events which transpired during their day, Lisandra excitedly sharing the new learnings she got and praising Grey and Yuna for their sharp eyes and expertise.

  Other than that, they had a hearty meal together. It was a shame that, like the day before, one of the princes couldn't attend dinner because he was very sickly. There was nothing they could do about it, but they'd at least love to meet him.

  The clock tio tick, and after dinner, Grey and Yuna had their own baths before returning to their own quarters. Everyone already khey were engaged so their chambers were one and the same.

  "Fuahh～! What an amazing day... I wish I could eat more..." ［Yuna］

  "Please don't. Your stomach would be upset if you eat this te." ［Grey］

  "How about a midnight snack then? Is that okay?" ［Yuna］

  "You never really give up, do you? Just how did I end up falling in love with such a gluttonous girl. Look, your cheeks are already being plump." ［Grey］

  Or so he says, but there was only warmth in his eyes as he pinched Yuna's cheeks. The tter did not retaliate either, but rather, she felt happy that Grey is paying more attention to her, in her spoiled mode once again.

  No matter what Grey says, Yuna already knew full well how he feels towards her so there were no more insecurities on her part, suddenly ping Grey's cheeks back without any real reason whatsoever. She just wao do so.

  Shenanigans aside, Grey and Yuhemselves loose and wore fortable attire for the night. The tter soon headed to bed, rolling around as she hugged the pillows whilst the former looked at her with warm eyes.

  "Yuna, what do you think about Lisa's offer?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? About the gdiator thingy, right?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, I was w if you wao join or not." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Is there even a o ask that? You already know what my answer will be, Grey, don't you? o aysterious now. Fufufu!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna was absolutely correct. Though they asked for some time to think about it, iy, Grey and Yuna already decided to join. They simply don't want to rush into it and suffer the sequeer down the road.

  But after their talk over dinner with the Royal Family, the ival of Swords only got more and more attractive. Not only the prizes, fame, and the learning experience, but opportuo make es, special privileges, ade equipment, and many more. They were all good things.

  Grey and Yuna weren't particurly ied in them, but there was also the early access to the Labyrinth of Stars. It would only be a couple days ahead of the opening, but that alone already made it worth it. There's no way they back down now.

  Sihey were only the two of them now, Grey and Yuna figured they would head to the deepest floor as quickly as they could. The Labyrinth may not be fully active until the official opening, but such time would be useful enough for their travels.

  "It's decided then. We'll register first thing in the m." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! I'm looking forward to our duel, Grey!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna, please don't say suinous things." ［Grey］

  Things were pretty much decided, smiles blooming on their faces. And with things out of the way, a certain idea popped inside Grey's miending his hands out to open a "Gate" in the middle of their room.

  Yuna couldn't be any more fused by Grey's as, but the tter simply hummed as he pulled out a scabbard he just retly put away. And apart from it, he also took out some treats and sweets, ag nont as one be.

  "Grey, are you heading out somewhere?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, it's been a while since we properly wielded swords. I figured I might have gotten rusty... What do you say about a little sparring session, My Dear?" ［Grey］

  "U-Un! I'm in! I'll go with you!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I knew I could t on you. What a reliable fiancée I have, I really am the luckiest and happiest man in the world, aren't I?" ［Grey］

  "Oh, you... Stop it already... Just you wait, I'll get back to you ter." ［Yuna］

  Grey poking fun at his fiancée again, the two soon headed into the light, vanishing without making a sound. The very moment they popped out to the other side, they were greeted by a familiar yet empty sery, darkness looming over the pce.

  There was no shred of light all over the pce, jagged roations and narrow depressions running throughout the ground. The walls were tough as be and signs of devastation peppering the ground, a strange sense of pead quiet brooding over the desote nd.

  ??Illuminate?? ［Grey］

  Grey ted and a ball of light formed on his palm. What was initially small and dim soon shone bright as it soared towards the ceiling of the room, illuminating even the farthest of ers and atuating the terrain's bizarre futures.

  It was an enclosed area with nothing much to see other than its ruined formations. Yet strangely enough, however rge the cavern was, there was no life to be seen. There were no bats, snakes, tipedes, crickets, worms... Nothing at all. There was only silend darkness.

  "Hm? This pce looks familiar... but also not at the same time..." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That's to be expected. This is the Boss Room of the Labyrinth of Fmes. Pretty massive, right?" ［Grey］

  "Ehh?! This is the Boss Room?!" ［Yuna］

  No wonder she found it familiar, it was actually the Boss Room of the Labyrinth of Fmes they dove at many months ago. The terrain was surely different but the atmosphere of the pce was the same. It was ominous and intimidating.

  Though, sihe Labyrinth of Fmes was still inactive, the veins of flowing va and the deadly pools of molten rocks were o be found. Its signature heat also wasn't present, making it even stranger of a pce.

  "Grey... Remind me why we're in the Boss Room again?" ［Yuna］

  "To train. This is the quietest pce I could think of that we could go all out. It has plenty of spad challenging terrain as well. Isn't this perfect?" ［Grey］

  "Uuu... You're right, but please warn me ime, okay?" ［Yuna］

  The man was nont as ever, simply taking out the swords out of his "Iory" and handing the Divine Sword to Yuna once again. A ptinum and scarlet glint shone in the lonely room, ole and one fierce as be.

  "Grey, if I win this match, promise to e something delicious, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Haah... I already do that everyday though, but sure, I'll make you somethira special. That is... If you win against me, My Dear." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Let's see where that fidence goes ohe match is over." ［Yuna］

  "Oh my. I didn't think my fiancée would be this cocky. I wonder where you learnt to say such things." ［Grey］

  Provoking one another with smiles on their faces, Grey and Yuna then increased the distaween them. In just a split sed, there was over 50 meters of distance created, the two now uhing their sword as they speak.

  Suddenly an even more deathly silence swallowed the air, sharp glint glowing in Grey and Yuna's eyes as they watched on another. A single drop of water was created with magid it fell from the ceiling. The moment it hit the ground...

  G G BOOM

  ... A fierce csh started to unfold. Grey and Yuna exged blows, shockwaves reverberating throughout the lonely halls every time their swords strue another. Violent sparks of ptinum and scarlet paihe pce with color.

  Grey sshed and Yuna faded into the air, the moment she appeared, so did a sword heading towards the former's neck. Unfortunately for her, his eyes sees everything, easily defleg the attad f Yuna to back off after a heavy blow.

  "Looks like you haven't gotten rusty at all, Yuna." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Look who's talking." ［Yuna］

  The csh tinued and so did the violent howling of the wind and boisterous roars of the ground. As they cshed, the already shattered terrain was broken even more, rushes of excitement surging in their hearts with each strike.

  A steamy aing night it was... Albeit differently than one would imagine...

  CHAPTER 305 END