Chapter 132: The Mastermind, the Evil Sorceress Mirajane
Chapter 132: The Mastermind, the Evil Sorceress Mirajane
"Ah, it's Dablin," Makarov said leisurely. "No problem with joining the guild, but if you want to join Levy's team, you'll need to ask her, Jet, and Droy."
Rod looked at the man talking to the Master. He had a small, flat head, a scruffy beard, and dull eyes. Even in late autumn, he was barefoot.
There was a sense of 'depression' about him that was hard to miss.
Rod had seen him a few times in the guild hall, and he seemed to be quite familiar with Jet and the others.
Dablin scratched the back of his head. "I already asked Levy, but she turned me down."
Makarov asked, "Why did she refuse you?"
Dablin replied, "Because I'm not a mage."
Rod: "..."
Levy's team was going on missions. What business did a non-mage have joining them?
But thinking back to his own experience when he joined the guild, Rod suggested, "Why don't you try learning some magic?"
"Can I?"
Makarov nodded, never one to turn away someone eager to learn. "What kind of magic do you want to learn?"
"Something like Levy's!"
"Three-dimensional letter magic, huh? Rod, why don't you explain it to him?"
"Me?" Rod was taken aback. Wouldn't it be more natural for Levy to teach him?
Makarov nodded. "Go ahead."
"Alright." Rod gathered his thoughts. "Three-dimensional letter magic is a technique where you use magic to write letters in the air..."
"Actually, never mind. It sounds too complicated."
Rod hadn't even finished his sentence before Dablin gave up, faster than Jet when his confession was rejected.
"???" Rod watched Dablin walk away, unsure if he really didn't want to learn or if he was just being stubborn and wanted Levy to teach him.
"Don't worry about it. He's always been that way. If something is even a little bit troublesome, he gives up immediately."
Makarov sighed. "I have a feeling that even if he joins the guild, he'll end up like Nab, never going out to work."
Rod thought about it. "That sounds familiar."
"Because for a while, I was worried you might become the next Nab."
Rod turned to look at Mirajane. "Mirajane, you're awake?"
"Yep, feeling energetic." Mirajane smiled and flexed her arm to show her vigor.
She had just washed her face, and the damp strands of hair around her ears made her look playful.
Makarov continued, "It was just a normal concern. Rod is doing well now, isn't he?"
Rod looked at him. When he didn't go out, he was the next Nab, but when he helped earn praise, he was doing great.
The Master was a real hypocrite.
Makarov felt uncomfortable under Rod's gaze and jumped off the counter. "I'm leaving the guild in your hands. I have something to take care of."
"Master," Rod called out, "could you please deliver two items to Porlyusica when you have the chance? They're small tokens of appreciation from me and Wendy."
The last part sounded a bit odd.
It was a cloak chosen by Rod, a sachet made by Wendy, and a packet of herb seeds that Rod had suggested Wendy ask everyone to help collect.
Makarov took the items and left.
Mirajane flipped through the ledger and registration book, praising, "You've done a great job."
Rod smiled. "Of course. Once I become an S-Class Mage, I'll come and take your job, Mirajane. You should start worrying about unemployment."
"Is that so?" Mirajane thought for a moment and said with a grin, "Then why don't I just fire you now? I'll deduct your salary and confiscate the reward from your last mission."
Rod said in a mock tone, "Abuse of power! Is there no one to stop this?"
"Of course there is. The person in charge of such matters is me." Mirajane sat down, resting her chin on her folded hands. "Feel free to voice any complaints, Mr. Rod."
Rod put on a pained expression. "Sigh, the evil clutches of Sorceress Mirajane have spread throughout the guild, and all power is in her hands."
Even the strongest new recruit and future star of Fairy Tail, Rod, had to temporarily bow to her, silently seeking a chance to rebel.
But just wait, the power of the oppressed is boundless, and Mirajane's dark reign won't last long!"
What a mess, Mirajane laughed. "It seems that after your trip, you've become quite the chatterbox. Don't turn into another Marcus."
Rod continued, "To prevent Rod from escaping her control, the evil Mirajane even interfered with his growth direction."
Mirajane raised her hand as if to strike, and Rod stopped his antics with a grin.
...
After finishing his chores, Rod took advantage of his break to head to the backyard. It was time to get back into his regular training routine.
This mission had deeply exposed his shortcomings.
Despite the help of Gray and the Stronghold Squad, it took a great deal of effort to wipe out a dark guild.
And Gray got injured, though part of it was his own fault.
But compared to Erza, who casually took on an entire dark guild to get back in time for dessert, he was still far behind.
For the next half-month, he wouldn't have to worry about living expenses, so he planned to focus on his training.
First, he couldn't afford to neglect his physical and magical power. This was the foundation of all magic, and he couldn't be careless.
Next, he needed to speed up his exploration of Summoner's Rift to see if he could obtain the Blue Buff to compensate for his magical power deficiency.
He also needed to practice new forms of his magic reception.
It was going to be a busy time.
After work, Rod planned to put in some extra practice. Mirajane, naturally, changed into her workout gear and joined him in the backyard.
Rod asked, "Are you still practicing in the evenings?"
Mirajane, while tying her hair, replied, "Of course. Don't underestimate my determination."
There was something uniquely charming about a woman tying her hair.
Rod watched her finish and asked, "Where's Elfman?"
Mirajane complained, "He went out to work this afternoon, saying a man can't lose to you. He only got back two days ago."
"..." What does that even mean? Anyone who can take on more than two missions a month is already not losing to me.
Rod awkwardly said, "He... doesn't have to be that 'determined.'"
He suspected Elfman was already preparing to be a roadblock for him.
Mirajane rolled her eyes, "You, on the other hand, said you'd rest after the mission. Now it's turned into a period of intense training?"
Rod laughed, "This is a kind of rest too. As long as I'm in the guild, I feel relaxed, mentally."
Rod found that as soon as he returned to the guild, his entire body relaxed.
Of course, when others were brawling, he would still feel a bit tense, but it was a different kind of tension that didn't make him feel tired.
Mirajane thought for a moment and asked, "How about teaming up with Elfman next time?"
"Sure, when?"
"Whenever you're well-rested."
"I..."
"No," Mirajane quickly corrected, "I mean, whenever I think you're well-rested."
Rod smiled, "Alright."
The two of them chatted while doing their warm-up exercises, then began their respective training routines.
Although they were training in different ways, and once they entered their serious mode, they stopped talking and weren't always in each other's line of sight, it was comforting to know someone was there with him.
Training, resting, wiping sweat, applying medicine.
Then, sending her home.
For some reason...
When Elfman wasn't around, Rod's magic was never enough to summon a river crab.
But he wasn't entirely clueless.
The autumn night was cool, and Mirajane and Rod walked side by side down the empty street. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Are you free tomorrow?"
(End of Chapter)
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