Chapter 39 Awakening

Number One has already lost the sense of time from all the practice he did in the training room. He has also lost the count of the pill recipes he went through as he stopped counting after the first hundred.

"Was that really the last one?" Number One spoke the words he was waiting to say for the longest time and the golden silhouette confirmed it by sending him back to his heavenly space.

Number One was definitely exhausted mentally but he was satisfied with his progress. Alchemy turned out to be much easier than he thought as the golden cauldron was doing most of the job for him. All he had to do was manage the temperature of his flame while throwing the ingredients at the right time.

"I guess I just need to find the right Soul Herbs before I can try for real," Number One commented as he rubbed the golden cauldron with a bright smile. "We are going to make lots of money together."

All Alchemists that Number One met in the past were extremely rich and they weren't even that good. The pills they made were the most basic pills that he studied first. All the Revitalizing Pills that refreshed Soul Energy were nothing compared to the rare pills that let you skip ranks with a huge boost in power.

Number One could be rich in no time but that also brought some problems which he had to avoid. Skilled Alchemists were highly sought after and he wouldn't be able to escape from the powerful Soul Artists' radar.

"I guess I will focus on improving myself first and only sell pills if I can protect myself," Number One thought of an idea and gazed at the second golden door. Besides all the alchemy knowledge, he also learned what it took to open them.

He needed Ten Legendary Pills that would fit into ten holes spread across the doors' surface.

Number One could already feel the headache of finding all the rarest herbs necessary for the pills and he didn't hope to proceed further anytime soon. Most of them could only be found in dangerous locations so he couldn't even get them right away.

"Maybe I can use the Academy's influence to get some of them… I'm sure Headmaster Blake wouldn't mind helping me out for a few pills," Number One figured after a short thought and left his heavenly space without wasting any more time. He has been away for far too long and his body was definitely starving.

That turned out to be a correct guess as his stomach immediately welcomed him with intense hunger. Number One could only ignore it for now as he checked his surroundings and he sighed in relief when he found himself in the same position. Nothing changed besides Nami who was cuddled into his naked body.

"Wait… I'm naked?" Number One muttered in confusion and pulled up the quilt to confirm what he felt. Not only was he completely naked with his golden crystal exposed but Nami didn't have any clothes either.

"Mhmm…" Nami let out a pleased murmur as if she sensed his troubled gaze but she didn't wake up. She rubbed her cheek against his chest before shifting to the most comfortable position.

Number One was trying his best to get mad but all the anger was gone as he stared at Nami's innocent smile. He started thinking of her reasoning for violating his decision and he quickly found it just by inspecting his body. He smelled like flowers as if Nami washed his body and the towel hanging on the chair only confirmed his theory.

How could Number One get angry at Nami when she simply tried to take care of him? She even helped him with his training which only stacked her good points.

"Hey… Wakey, wakey…" Number One spoke softly as he pulled Nami closer but she was way too comfy to wake up this easily. He decided to just wait for her while enjoying her warm embrace.

It took Nami almost an hour to return from her dreamland and her eyes snapped open as soon as she felt his affectionate touch. "Ah! You are back!"

Number One couldn't even respond as Nami instantly grabbed his face and planted a deep kiss on his lips. Each time she pulled away to look at him, she would smile brightly before diving back for more.

"I think that's enough kisses for now…" Number One pointed out after a minute and stopped the maniac by holding her face. "You act as if I was away for a whole week."

Nami raised her eyebrows. "That's because you were. It has been six days since you started your training and everyone has been asking about you. I was also worried but you breathed normally so I didn't try to wake you up."

Number One was rendered speechless for a moment but it did make sense. He felt like only a few days had passed in the training space but he might have miscalculated.

"I also had to clean you a bit because you were sweaty," Nami continued as she rubbed his naked chest. "I know you didn't want to show me your secret but I promise I actually forgot about it. I only realized after I took off your shirt to wipe you."

Her words caused Number One to smile and he assured her while kissing her himself. "It's alright, I already figured that out. I am not mad at you."

Number One hesitated for a moment and pointed at the golden crystal. "It's like a Storage Ring with a space inside where I can train using my consciousness. I wouldn't be able to be a Soul Artist without it which is why it is so important to me."

Nami froze at his explanation before tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She wasn't sad but rather overwhelmed with happiness and she hugged him tightly to hide her tears. "I'm so glad… You finally trust me enough to tell me that…"

"Well… It's not like I can hide it from you anymore," Number One replied to stay cool but he still hugged her tightly. He couldn't lie that he did enjoy her company and was grateful that she forced her way into his life.

If it was anyone else, it would be hard for Number One to open up but Nami somehow brute-forced her way into his space. It was all too surreal considering how her sister killed him not too long ago and he blamed it all on the Heavenly Feathers that possibly affected his feelings for her.

"I would love to cuddle with you more but I'm currently starving. Can we continue after we eat? We can even shower together," Number One proposed only to see Nami's puppy eyes.

"I doubt we will be able to cuddle after," Nami replied with a sigh. "Many things happened while you were gone. One of them is a visitation of students from the main Academy. They came for a cultural exchange with the top class but all they do is cause chaos."

Nami paused as she sat up and added, "They even injured Luna after she challenged one of the seniors for a duel. If they didn't stop in time, that girl would probably kill her."

"What…? Is she okay now?" Number One questioned abruptly while getting up as well. "When did they arrive?"

"Luna's life is not in danger but her arm is a mess. I doubt she will recover quickly unless she receives a least an Earth Rank healing pill. The Academy asked the local Alchemist to make one but I don't think he will make one in time," Nami explained without stalling. "It all happened yesterday. The Headmaster tried to reach you and ask if you have any healing pills left but I told him you are still training."

"Gosh… Why would the Academy even allow them to fight?" Number One questioned in frustration. He wanted to focus on training in peace for the next three weeks yet someone had to mess up his plans.

Best

"It was Luna who sent a challenge so they couldn't stop them. Apparently, it's common for the main Academy students to teach the new recruits a lesson. It is supposed to motivate them to work hard," Nami replied as she scanned Number One's face. "They were also the ones asking for you because they want to see the man who dares call himself Number One."

"That's fine. I will handle them later," Number One replied casually and got up to take a quick shower. "Do you know where I can find Luna?"

"Why? Do you actually have more legendary Pills?" Nami asked in surprise as she followed suit.

Number One pursed his lips and only asked back, "Would you believe me if I said I know how to make them?"