"I see..." Andrew listened, feeling happy for Barbara, yet deep in thought.

He previously felt that Barbara's Warm Fire Order was somewhat similar to his own Water God Mark. Both could integrate into the body and were located at the forehead between the eyes.

Now, upon hearing about the magical power amplification effect of the Warm Fire Order, he couldn't help but think, "How come it also resembles my Gate of Enlightenment a bit?"

He couldn't help but ask, "Does anyone else in the Commerce Association besides you and your father have a Warm Fire Order?"

"No one else." Barbara shook her head, "The Warm Fire Order is a consumable. I only found this out during the special training over the past three days. After generations of consumption, only the two in my father's and my possession remain.

Didn't Dean Charlie tell you? My father's Warm Fire Order has mostly been used up in the Twin Fire War..."

"Is that so? Dean Charlie didn't tell me." Andrew raised an eyebrow, inwardly sighing, "So that's how it is. Not only is there little time left in this world, but even the Divine Artifact used to battle the three Earth Fire Scholars is nearly exhausted — no wonder Beiru is in such a hurry..." Although he still didn't fully agree with the first step of the specialized training directed at him, he somewhat understood Beiru's situation better.

"Alright, enough about me, what about you, Andrew?"

Barbara looked at Andrew with curiosity, "Don't tell me the only change in these three days is that you look more mature now!"

"I..." Andrew found himself at a loss for words, "Well... I suppose I've acquired a preliminary understanding of how to fight."

"Oh, still so humble." Barbara laughed, her eyes curving into beautiful crescent shapes, then she slightly reined in her smile and said seriously, "Andrew, if you say you have a preliminary understanding of how to fight, it means you are already quite capable! Just like how you always say you only think about the needs of the common people living in this world, claiming you haven't done anything special, while in reality, your business ability has greatly improved many lives, impacting this world!"

No one dislikes being praised.

And no man dislikes being praised by his girl!

Andrew felt a bit embarrassed by the compliments, yet couldn't help but feel a bit elated. The persistent gloomy mood from the first step of the special training finally lifted completely, and he laughed, saying, "Wow, I didn't know you worshiped me that much!"

"Come on, just complimented you a bit to encourage you, don't get too carried away!" Barbara joked while secretly thinking, "You're already amazing. Otherwise... Otherwise, I wouldn't like you this much, Andrew!"

For a moment, the two were silent.

Barbara gently leaned her head over, resting it on his shoulder.

Andrew naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

Up high in the sky, with the girl in his arms.

In this moment, Andrew quietly resolved: Even if this world really only has three years left, or even if the situation is more dire, he must figure out the problem and solve it! Because if this Flame Realm is really on the brink of collapse, then the one most likely to defy the odds and revive it, is none other than himself, the Water Magic Lord, right?

Never before had Andrew so intensely desired to make the world beautiful, to marry Barbara under clear blue skies, have children, and live a blissful (and shameless) life!

What's that? You say it's a bit out of place to think about being shameless in the face of a potential apocalypse?

That's because you don't know how strong the natural affinity and attraction brought about by "Water and Fire United" can be! It's so hard to endure!

The key is that sometimes — like now — Andrew can clearly feel that he's not the only one enduring! And realizing that "Barbara is also enduring" makes it even harder (for him as a man) to resist!

The atmosphere in the observatory quietly changed.

At some point, the air became slightly sultry.

"Barbara, could you... could you cover up this transparent glass?" Andrew asked slightly breathlessly.

Before Barbara could respond, a firm voice came from nearby, "Sorry, can't do that! This function doesn't exist."

"Cough cough!" Andrew almost choked on his own saliva.

Barbara quickly jumped up, separating from Andrew, her face flushed as she looked at the figure, towering like a small mountain, who had somehow arrived on the scene, "A-Aunt Susan, w-when did you get here?" she stammered.

Susan showed no emotion, completely ignoring the immediate awkwardness she caused between the young couple, and instead gave Andrew a stern look.

Andrew did not back down, meeting her gaze confidently.

Susan snorted and said, "Alright, get ready." She no longer glared at Andrew, her tone becoming serious: "The Royal Court has arrived."