Chapter 26: A Lesson in Humility
Chapter 26: A Lesson in Humility
"Pretty good, but..."
Erza took two steps forward, leaped, and planted her foot on the crab's head, using it as a springboard to soar toward Rod.
"The best way to deal with a mage like this is to attack the mage directly!"
"Huh?" Rod, who had barely ever been in a fight, could only watch helplessly as Erza charged at him. Before he knew it, her sword vanished, and her right fist connected with his forehead. The world went dark as he fell backward.
Erza landed gracefully, facing Rod. "Come on, attack me with all your strength!"
"No, no..." Mira, holding a first-aid kit, walked over and laughed, shaking her head. "He can't even stand up."
"Figures!" The crowd had been impressed by the crab's sudden charge, but the outcome was no surprise. Even if they had been in Rod's place, they might not have fared much better.
This made it hard to assess Rod's true strength, and Erza had certainly botched the evaluation.
"For a beginner who just started learning magic, his mana level is quite impressive, and his spellcasting is smooth. But his combat experience... is practically zero."
Makarov observed that Rod had the potential to become a valuable member of the guild. As for combat experience...
That would come naturally with time in Fairy Tail.
...
"Gray, can you help me?" Mira held out a small bag in front of Gray.
"Sure." Gray clenched his right fist and placed it in his left palm. "Ice Make: Ice Bag."
A blue magical glow enveloped the bag, filling it with ice.
"Great, I made a fool of myself..." Rod sat on a stool at the bar, questioning his life choices.
"Rod, lift your head."
Rod complied, and something cold landed on his forehead.
"Ouch~~" Rod's eyes widened as he looked up. It was an ice bag, carefully wrapped in a towel.
Mira leaned down to meet his gaze, smiling. "Don't move. A cold compress will help reduce the swelling faster."
"Thanks." Rod held the ice bag in place.
Mira noticed his dejection. "Losing to Erza isn't embarrassing. She's one of the strongest in the guild."
"But I spent so much time chanting and summoned such an impressive crab, only to be taken down in one hit with just a punch, not even a sword!"
Mira tilted her head. "Would you prefer she used a sword? Erza doesn't hold back in battle, you know."
Rod imagined the gory details. "No, that's not necessary."
Bang! Something heavy was slammed on the counter.
Rod, still holding the ice bag, turned to see Erza. He straightened up. "Erza... Miss?"
"You can just call me Erza. And I need to apologize." Erza placed her left fist on her chest, looking genuinely remorseful.
"I'm sorry. I went too far. Attacking a fellow guild member who only wanted to spar is inexcusable. I was bullying a new member!"
Rod was taken aback by her serious demeanor and waved his hands frantically. "No, no, it's not that bad."
"No, your forgiveness only highlights my wrongdoing." Erza opened the large box she had placed on the counter, and various items tumbled out.
A quick glance revealed bandages, band-aids, iodine, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs among other medical supplies.
"I’ve bought all the first-aid supplies from the pharmacy. Please, use them as you need!"
"Actually, I just have a bump on my head. It’s only a little painful."
"Is that so? My actions have caused you such a headache. Please, let me find a way to make it up to you."
Did I say something wrong again? Rod looked at Mira for help.
Mira, who was enjoying the show, explained, "Erza is like that. She takes things seriously. If you don’t take the medicine, she’ll insist on bandaging you herself."
Before Rod could respond, Erza had an epiphany: "Of course! The only way to show my sincerity is to bandage you myself!"
"Really, no—"
"Change of clothes!"
In a flash of light, Erza had already changed into a nurse’s outfit that perfectly accentuated her figure.
"Oh~ oh~ oh~" The guild hall erupted in wolf whistles, with many men’s eyes turning to hearts.
Seeing Erza in armor all the time, it was a shock to realize that, aside from her terrifying combat skills, her beauty was also top-notch.
If it weren’t for the fear of a beating, old perverts like Wakaba and Macao would have already swarmed around her.
"Alright, let’s start the bandaging!" Erza picked up a roll of bandages.
"Really, no—uh, actually, no need—"
Rod’s heart raced uncontrollably, and his resistance crumbled in a second.
As Erza started unwrapping the bandages, Rod internally scolded himself for his lack of resolve, but quickly turned to regret...
"Aaaah!!!"
Erza’s outfit was as professional as her technique was amateur. She managed to turn a simple roll of bandages into a makeshift rope.
Normally, a small injury like Rod’s would only require some anti-swelling ointment, or at most a few wraps.
But Erza’s bandages somehow ended up around Rod’s neck, binding his arms, and were about to wrap around his legs...
It was as if she was trying to tie up a criminal!
"Murder... cough, cough, cough..."
Rod was choking, but some people in the guild seemed even more excited, looking at him with envy.
"Stop, Erza. Rod is going to die!"
Mira, who had never seen Erza treat someone before, was surprised by her brutality. She intervened just as Rod was about to pass out.
Erza apologized sincerely, "I’m sorry, my healing skills are a bit rusty."
But your killing skills are quite polished.
Rod, ‘moved’ to tears, said, "No, you did a great job. Thanks to your treatment, my head doesn’t hurt as much."
"Really?" Erza’s eyes sparkled.
Rod nodded earnestly, "Absolutely. Thank you for your treatment! The rest can be left to my recovery!"
He was sure his head didn’t hurt as much, compared to his arms.
Rod felt like his bones were about to break. Were bandages really that strong, almost capable of snapping bones?
"That’s great." Erza, seemingly believing him, contentedly changed back into her armor, leaving the large box of first-aid supplies behind as she left.
Rod, rubbing his arm and staring at the ceiling, reflected, "The character for 'lust' has a knife above it."
After this ordeal, his spirit needed to grow.
Mira stifled a laugh, covering her mouth.
(End of Chapter)
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