A vast view of blue, expanding as far as the eyes see. Patches of white and gray littered from time to time as roations and foams appeared here and there. Only the seagulls' cawks and the waves' spshes could be heard eg in the cold sea breeze.

  Winds burst forth and a ptinum figure darted throughout the sky. The pierg winds were nothing to her beautiful yet tough scales, just like diamonds shining uhe moonlight. The only things which glimmered brighter were her eyes and the sun above.

  Riding on such magnifit creatures, two people sat idly. One of them, turning her pretty little head left and right as she sed through the water's surface, soon frowning as she couldn't find anything iing.

  "Grey... I 't find anything here... There's only water... In the first pce, what am I even searg for?" ［Yuna］

  "You sure? Maybe you're just not looking hard enough," ［Grey］

  "Mou... You're teasing me again, aren't you?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I'm not, I'm not." ［Grey］

  A soft chuckle echoed in the air and the young dy tio pout. Yet even when he was chug, there was only curiosity to be seen inside Grey's eyes. Curiosity he just couldn't take his mind off as he once again looked at the sea.

  After helping out all the fishermen, Grey and Yuna are now off to god know where, flying on Sirius' back. Grey suggested they go on an adventure, but Yuna was still in the dark about what he was talking about, fused as one be.

  Well, it was only natural. Grey himself was also unsure about the silhouette he saw, but after seeing Yuna's reas, he finally firmed something. And as such, they are now heading further west in search of an answer.

  "Alright, Sirius, I think it should be fio nd here." ［Grey］

  "Uood, Master." ［Sirius］

  At Grey's behest, Sirius slowly but surely cut down her speed and at the same time, ged her aooping like a peregrine fal catg its prey. There was just one problem... It was that they were stooping down straight towards the water

  "H-Hey, Grey! Stop it! This is not funny! We're going to crash!" ［Yuna］

  Her scream booming in the air, Yuna closed her eyes and braced herself for what's about to e. Though it wouldn't hurt her, gettier on her eyes would really sting. It was something she wao avoid at all costs.

  But a few seds passed yet no sounds of spshes could be heard. In fact, there was no sound of waves nor water at all. Rather, there was only the rustling of leaves and rolling sounds of sand scattered in the air.

  "Hmm? What just... Hap... pened..." ［Yuna］

  The sery of blue was now gone, only greens, grays, and browns filling the verdant ndscape. The sea was no more, only mountains and forests ying in front of them as they slowly desded from the sky.

  At such a sight, Yuna could only remain frozen and speechless, her mind still uo get a grasp of what just happened. She only snapped back to reality the moment she heard a light chug from behind. It was from Grey.

  "G-Gr-Grey! An isnd! There's an isnd!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I know, I know. But... Aren't you a little too excited?" ［Grey］

  "W-Well, I mean! An isnd just appeared out of nowhere! Everyone would be surprised! I mean, look! Just look! It's so beautiful!" ［Yuna］

  Admiration, fusion, aement. Three emotions swirled inside Yuna's heart as she made some weird yet cute poses, trying to express herself. She just couldn't find the right words to describe what she was feeling.

  It was just like Grey had expected. After all, it really was a strange isndー or rather, it was a strange archipego. It may be small, but an archipego is an archipego heless, one sisting of a couple sizable isnds.

  Strangely enough, the archipego itself was coated in both barrier and illusion magic which prevents people seeing through the other side, all their eyes could perceive was a thick mist looming over the deep waters, currents preventing ships from getting in.

  Not only that, it also wasn't located in any maps he saw nor had he heard people talk about it. It was like a hidden sanctuary isoted from the whole world. One veiled in such high level magic, even Sirius and Arcturus, who were specialized in illusion and barrier magic, respectively, could only barely se.

  If it wasn't frey's eyes, they would have totally missed it. Whoever caused such magi such a rge area was surely an unparalleled genius. They may be a single individual roup, but they are all very skilled heless.

  Tap Tap Tap

  Sirius soon desded, ndily on the solid ground. Grey and Yuna followed suit and also hopped down her back, standing on the ground once again after a few hours. It has only been a short time, but they missed it already.

  "Thank you, Sirius. you head back to the others for us? Oh, and please tell Missus Vilma we'll be returning te." ［Grey］

  "Uood, Master." ［Sirius］

  Bursts of winds forth once more and a ptinum figure soon streaked across the sky like a mystical shooting star. The clouds parted and the winds boomed. Only a couple moments ter, Sirius could be seen no more.

  The wind blew, only two figures remained by the isnd. They looked towards the isnd once again, only to be greeted by such a wonderful sight. Yuna's eyes were especially glued to the sery, her heart pumping with excitement.

  "Waah～! So beautiful!" ［Yuna］

  Truth. Such was the only thing in Yuna's few words. Though she had seen a lot of forests before, the one before her was undoubtedly the most unique o was very open, light seeping through the opies, illuminating the different shades of green.

  The diversity was no joke either. Even just in their viity, they could already see hundreds, if not thousands of pnts. Many of which Grey and Yuna haven't seen before. It was a treasure trove of herbs and fruits. A green paradise.

  "Grey, is this where we'll be having our adventure?!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, with herbs and pnts involved, Yuna's alchemist blood pumped hot and quick, excitement beaming on her face. Her eyes were sparkling brightly, ready to collect everything she could get her hands on.

  "That's right, but don't get overboard, okay? We don't want to clear out this whole forest just because of our excitement, now do we?" ［Grey］

  "Geez! Just what do you think of me? I'm not like that, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "You say that, but... I know those eyes of yours. The moment I take my eyes off you, I'm sure you'll disappear to collee herbs before I know it." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... That's..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna couldn't refute Grey's words. After all, he was totally correct. Even now, Yuna is barely holding herself back from going wild and going on a colleg rampage. There were just too many herbs to see and pick.

  Well, it's not like Grey couldn't uand her feelings. If they were on a mih a ton of precious ores, he probably would have reacted the same. He was also quite passioh his smithing, after all.

  "Haah... Don't worry, we'll go colleg as much as we once we finish expl. We'll get as much as you want." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～! You're the best, Grey!" ［Yuna］

  Well, in the end, Grey couldn't really win against Yuan's pleas. Even if he were to act tough and all, he still wants to spoil her rotten. He was a doting father, older brother, and boyfriend all in one package. A troublesome bination.

  "Still... I didn't think there would be such a beautiful uninhabited isnd here. We could use this as our base!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That's a good idea, but... It's not uninhabited though." ［Grey］

  "Eh?" ［Yuna］

  A short and sweet reply came out of Yuna's mouth as she looked Grey in the eyes. She was fused, only able to tilt her head slightly as she gazed at Grey's gently smiling face, enjoying the former's adorably puzzled expression.

  Yuna couldn't see it since she closed her eyes while they desded, but Grey could clearly t a number of settlements scattered across the isnds. Their civilization level may not be like the ones in the ti mainnd, but it was a funing society no less.

  It reminded Grey of the tribal settlements he saw a lot ibooks and movies. Some were quite sizable too, evehan the vilges ba the mainnd. It really icture perfect example of an isoted tribe.

  "Uuu... So there's people here, huh... That means we won't be able to get the herbs without their permission." ［Yuna］

  "Well, we could always just ask them. The problem is whether they would be friendly or hostile to us. It's a gamble." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... That's true..." ［Yuna］

  They were still in Alfrioerritory for sure, but with a civilization as isoted as the ohey were in, there was no telling whether the inhabitants would have the same values and cultures. It was a very uhing.

  Well, Grey and Yuna could simply just subdue them if things get sour, but that would be only their st resort. They still preferred to do things peacefully, not wanting to stir the pead tranquility amongst the inhabitants.

  "Grey... If we don't get permission from them... Should we just steal the herbs and run away?" ［Yuna］

  "Huh?" ［Grey］

  "I mean, I have 'Nihility', don't I? We could just ceal ourselves and they'll never know! This is a forest, after all. I'm sure they won't notice if a few thousand herbs go missing! I'm sure of it!" ［Yuna］

  And there it was. An absurd and dangerous idea had popped up inside Yuna's head, one so absurd, Grey could only stay speechless. Yuna may be a kind girl, but when alchemy was involved, she sure does think of some silly ideas. It was a little w.

  Also, a few thousand herds was simply just too much. The natives would surely notice that so many herbs and pnts went missing ht. The alchemist inside Yuna really was one who doesn't know moderation. Yuna the hoarder is back.

  "Really, you... Haah... Why don't we just explore the pce for now? We'll think about it wheime es, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Mmn... Okay! That's fih me as well!" ［Yuna］

  Thankfully, with her so excited, she is quite easy to distract. Grey was able to avoid Yuna cooking up more dangerous and shady schemes. Now, the happy and i Yuna is back, a smile blooming on her face.

  "Then... Grey, let's tinue, shall we?... Our advee, that is..." ［Yuna］

  Yup, Grey really couldn't uand her. One moment, she is ag excitedly like a child and the moment, she gets all shy and embarrassed by her own words, her face turning rosy. She really was a girl unlike any other.

  "Then, please follow my lead, Midy. I'll make sure you have the best and most memorable tour on this isnd." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! I'm looking forward to it!" ［Yuna］

  Grey extended his hand, and Yuna accepted it quickly. As her giggles resounded in the air, Yuna held Grey's hand tight and hummed to herself as she ehe warmth of Grey's rge hands. The tter was also the same.

  They hopped across the boulders, skipped the rivers, hiked the hills, and jumped from tree to tree. Though they were just traveling aimlessly, they were having the most fun they could, doing all sorts of things with their time.

  The more they explored the isnd, the more beautiful sights they saw. There were waterfalls, creeks, springs, kes, and all sorts of roations. It wasn't just all forests either, there were also grassy mountains, meadoins.

  Of course, the beaches and coves were no joke either. Not only were the waters of lighter blue than the sky, the sandy beaches were white as well. It was the perfect spot if one wants to have the most memorable vacation.

  "Grey～! I'm tired～! Piggyback me～!" ［Yuna］

  And as they were all alone, Yuna didn't miss the ce to act gy and needy. She pyfully squatted on the ground, ag as if her legs were ag and opening her arms trey. She was ag mischievous again.

  "Hmm... It's unfortunate, but it seems like we'll have to leave you here. There's still quite a lot to explore, after all." ［Grey］

  "Eh? Huh?" ［Yuna］

  "Don't worry, I'll be back before the sus. So, just rest for now, okay? I'll make sure t a lot of fruits once I'm back." ［Grey］

  "Eh? Ah! Grey, wait!" ［Yuna］

  Unfortunately for Yuna, as her gy side surfaced, Grey's mean and teasing side also did. It was fortuhat he was fag away from Yuna, otherwise, she would clearly see his chug face, having as much fun as he could.

  Not wanting to be left behind, Yuna quickly stood up and chased after Grey, skippieps with a hurried expression on her face. She was fused and pouting at the same time as she burned a hole through the tter with her stare.

  "Hm? Is something wrong?" ［Grey］

  "No... Nothing..." ［Yuna］

  Oh, she outing alright, and so openly as well. Whilst puffing her cheeks, she poked Grey's side again and again. Every time Grey asked if there was nothing wrong, she would simply shake her head, tinuing to poke his side once more.

  It was a very Yuna-like way of protesting, and Grey couldn't help chuckle inwardly as he enjoyed such a treat to the eyes. Though he feels a little sorry for bullying Yuna, he just couldn't help it. Her expressions were just too adorable.

  "Waah!" ［Yuna］

  And as sudden as their whims, Grey suddenly bent his knees and scooped Yuna by the back of her knees and her back. Before Yuna could eve, she was already being carried in Grey's arms, princess carry style.

  "G-Grey! Put me down!" ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Didn't you say ys were tired? With this, I'm sure you'll get some rest. Just rex, alright?" ［Grey］

  "That's right... But this is too embarrassing..." ［Yuna］

  Now, the pouting dy was no more. All that there was to see was an embarrassed young dy who could only cover her flustered face. Meanwhile, Grey was smiling ever so happily, his smiles extending from ear to ear.

  "Grey, you meanie..." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. Then, should I put you down?" ［Grey］

  "Umm... That's... I'm still a little tired..." ［Yuna］

  But protest as much as she could, she couldn't hide the desire to be in Grey's warm embrace. With her still embarrassed face, she leaned her head close trey's chest, listening to his calmibeats. Warmth and silence was in the air.

  For a couple of mihe two tinued walking with Yuna still in Grey's arms. It was only when they both snapped bato reality that they stopped doing such things, finally feeling the embarrassment. Both their faces were red because of their own silly doing.

  The exploration tinued and the two found more amazing pces. They climbed the peaks and dove into the deepest depths of the forests, yet strangely enough, even with all the exploration they did, they haven't met a single one of the natives.

  And if there was ohing Grey noticed, it was that there were many fruit trees and pnts from his previous world's try which were present in the isnd. There were guavas, saba bananas, rambutan, tamarinds, and many more.

  "Grey, are you sure these are bananas? They look weird..." ［Yuna］

  ented Yuna as she poio the saba bananas in front of her. Not only did they look short and stubby, they also had rger seeds as well. Not to mention that they were much harder. It was just too different.

  "Yeah, that's a banana alright. Do you want to eat some?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? But didn't you say we shouldn't get something without permission?" ［Yuna］

  "That only applies to you. We both know you'll gather everything you see when you ging. I'm sure you'll wipe this forest ." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... That's unfair..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna pined but she couldly retort as they both k was true. If she really were to go all out, not just the herbs, but all the fruits and iing looking pnts would be picked. Heck, she might even hunt some animals for the sake of curiosity. She was dangerous,

  In fact, Grey couldn't begin to fathom how much of a hoarder his girlfriend is. It didn't just extend to edible things and potions stuff, but monster drops and treasures as well. If there is no oo supervise her, she would surely go ham.

  "Now, now, don't be too sad. I'll make sure you enjoy what I'll cook ter." ［Grey］

  "Hm? We wo it right now?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, it's a little straing saba banana on its own. We o cook it, you know? Frying and all that stuff." ［Grey］

  "Eh～? You cook these little guys?" ［Yuna］

  Yuna tilted her head left and right as she observed the bunch of saba bananas in front of her. She never fried bananas before nor had she ever thought of doing so. As a cook, she found it very iing.

  Of course, there are a lot of differences between European and Asian cuisine, after all. And with all the ingredients in the isnd, Grey could finally any of his favorite Filipino dishes a Yuna have a taste. He was very excited.

  "Grey, how about these things?" ［Yuna］

  "Those are tamarinds. It's quite sour so we could use it as seasoning or make dies with it." ［Grey］

  "Ehh～? Then these, what are these?" ［Yuna］

  "Those are cottonfruits. They're sweet and sour, but we usually eat them with salt. I think we could try some of them right now." ［Grey］

  Yuna asked and Grey answered. It was like they were in a zoo, only that they were looking at pnts and fruits rather than animals. Though Yuna asked quite a number of questions, Grey didn't fail and answered them all.

  Of course, they also had a little tasting session with the various fruits found on the isnd. Some were sweets, some were sour, and some were very juicy. They were having a feast on their own, enjoying their time to the fullest.

  There were also a number of beautiful animals to be found on the isnd. From the on boars, snakes, and squirrels, all the way to the beautiful foxes and birds of paradise. Heck, there were even pangolins and tarsiers Grey only saw on televisions back then. It truly aradise.

  "Yuna, what do you want for dionight? With the ingredients we have today, I could make something new, or do you want the usual?" ［Grey］

  "Hehehe! What a silly question. Of course, we'll have to go with something new! We're cooks, after all." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. Then, could I ask you to help me out ter?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! I'll do my best!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna decred proudly and Grey chuckled to her words. Little did they know, they haveen lunch yet. They were so excited about expl the isnd, the sea, and all such things that it totally slipped their minds.

  Though they ate a couple fruits here and there, with Grey and Yuna's appetites, they could barely be sidered a snack. Fortunately, the two were still unaware, their minds still focused on expl.

  "Oh?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Is something wrong, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "No, it's just... It seems like we have pany..." ［Grey］

  Replied Grey as he observed little ants move from above. Well, rather than little ants, they were actually a small band of people heading towards their dire, rushing at speeds no normal person could follow.

  "Oh? Are they the natives? I hope they're friendly!" ［Yuna］

  "Friendly, huh... That might be a little..." ［Grey］

  Rustle Rustle Rustle

  It didn't take too long before the natives Yuna was looking so much forward to meeting finally reached them, but uhe former, the natives werely looking forward to meeting. They were one you could call friendly...

  "Stop, you evil spirits! Don't take aep!" ［???］

  Rather than a handshake, what greeted Grey and Yuna were a number of sharp spears, poiowards them as the people circled around them. All wore fierd wary eyes on their faces, ready to attack at any moment.

  Silence was in the air, tension running along the same lines. A dangerous glint glimmered in the warrior's eyes, shimmering ever so fiercely like their spears which reflected the radiant sunlight. It was an awkward situation to say the least.

  CHAPTER 225 END