https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-4-Missing-Out-on-a-Hundred-Million/12809303/
Chapter 3: Where is the Man Attacked by a Dragon?
Chapter 3: Where is the Man Attacked by a Dragon?
Elfman wheeled a wheelchair over.
Under Mirajane’s direction, he helped Rod into the wheelchair and pushed him around the guild hall.
Rod actually felt he could walk, but his left leg was a bit sore.
However, since it was a kind gesture, he accepted it.
The first place Elfman took him to was the bathroom.
Rod felt a bit embarrassed but was grateful for the thoughtfulness, as he did need to take care of some business.
The guild hall was equipped with all the necessary facilities: a bathroom, a shower room, a medical room, a library, and a kitchen. If needed, one could easily live here.
Following the corridor, Elfman wheeled Rod to the main activity area of the guild—both the task hall and the tavern.
The hall had around twenty long tables in the center, with round tables along the edges, and a dozen stools at the front counter. It could easily accommodate a hundred people drinking and socializing.
It was late, and the once bustling tavern was now quiet. Only a purple-haired girl with a red bow and glasses was tidying up the tables and chairs.
Mirajane waved at her. “Thanks, Laki. Did everyone leave?”
“Everyone’s gone home. It was super busy today, but at least there wasn’t much fighting.”
Laki continued arranging the chairs under the tables. “I’m about to go home and use water to cool off and clean the dust.”
“She means she’s going to take a bath,” Elfman interjected.
Mirajane was used to Laki’s way of speaking. “Sorry, the Master had me take care of something today, so I left the tavern to you.”
“It’s fine… Is that the person the Master asked you to help? He looks pretty cool. Who is he?”
“I’m not sure myself.” Mirajane glanced at Rod and smiled apologetically. “Right now, I’m still teaching him the common language.”
“Ah~~ sounds like a lot of trouble.” Laki stopped asking and placed the last chair. “Well, see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.”
The guild usually didn’t keep anyone overnight, but Rod’s situation clearly meant he had to stay.
However, leaving him alone wasn’t appropriate, so Mirajane decided to stay the night with Elfman.
After a brief tour of the guild, Rod attended a short evening class with Mirajane.
Rod noticed there were no electrical appliances here; the tables and walls were lit with oil lamps and candles.
However, he had seen a ceiling fan in the tavern earlier, though he wasn’t sure what powered it.
During the class, Elfman left for a bit, probably to fetch some items for the night.
That night, Rod slept alone in the medical room, while Mirajane and Elfman found other rooms to rest in.
“Good night. I’m in the next room, so just call my name if you need anything.” Mirajane used gestures to help Rod understand her words.
“Thank you.” This was one of the few phrases Rod had learned and had already said many times today.
The lights were out, and the moon’s crescent glow filtered through the window.
Rod leaned against the headboard, looking out the window. There were no sudden car lights, no engine noises, and no annoying hum of air conditioners.
Many things he used to dislike were gone, but he couldn’t feel happy.
Outside… was a completely unfamiliar world.
When one is idle, the mind tends to wander. Curiosity and fear about the unknown, anticipation and unease about the new environment…
During the day, with Mirajane, Laxus, and Elfman around, it didn’t feel so bad.
But at night, with the lights out and alone in the dark, various thoughts flooded his mind uncontrollably.
Would he be able to return, or would he stay here forever?
What would his future life be like?
“Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
“Good morning… I did.”
Rod, of course, hadn’t slept well, but he forced a smile for the person who had come to check on him so early.
However, his answer wasn’t important, as his tired face already told the story.
“Seems like you’re still adjusting, huh?” Mirajane noticed his fatigue and encouraged him, “You should be able to walk around a bit today. Elfman, could you take Rod to freshen up?”
Elfman flexed his muscles. “If you’re a real man, cheer up and get moving!”
Rod shrank back. Was this a challenge to a wrist-wrestling match?
My injuries aren’t fully healed yet.
"Elfman~"
"I know, sis."
Today’s schedule is similar to yesterday's: eating, drinking, studying, and attempting to communicate. The only difference is that Rod can now walk around, though his left leg is still a bit stiff. He can manage to make his way to the front tavern and sit by the counter, watching the servers bustle about.
The sun slowly rises, and the guild gradually fills with activity. Some members order breakfast and chat with friends, while others check the bulletin board for new missions. Occasionally, someone tears off a mission sheet to register with Mira, then rushes off. Some just stand there, reading the postings.
Laxus, whom Rod met yesterday, arrived early, set up his easel, and began painting. Mira, with her warm smile, bustles about—serving plates, wiping tables, and registering missions. She occasionally chats with members and, when she has a moment, teaches Rod a few words.
Rod curiously observes each person entering the guild, straining to catch familiar faces or words in their conversations. Most of the time, it feels like watching a foreign movie without subtitles. Although he’s getting used to the language, understanding it remains a challenge. The people entering are all distinct, but none are recognizable to Rod.
Until a pink-haired teenager kicks open the door, shouting, "Old man! Where’s the dragon? Where’s the person attacked by the dragon?"
"Natsu, don’t be so noisy first thing in the morning!"
"Quit your whining, Macao!" Natsu says to the middle-aged man with short purple hair, "Tell me where the old man is, and where the person attacked by the dragon is!"
A small blue cat follows Natsu in, jumps onto the table, and explains to a middle-aged man with a plane-shaped hairstyle and a pipe, "Hey! Natsu heard that the Master brought back someone who was attacked by a dragon, so he rushed over here."
"Dragon? Is that true?" Wakaba blows out a smoke ring, "I heard there were wild beasts rampaging in the eastern forest, destroying a lot of trees."
"That’s it!" Natsu leans forward on the table, his hands braced, and asks urgently, "And then, did a dragon appear? Did the old man fight the dragon?"
"How should I know?" Wakaba shrugs, "The Master left for a routine meeting yesterday. He didn’t look like he’d been in a fight."
"However, the Master did bring someone back," Macao interjects, pointing at Rod at the front counter, "That’s him. He seemed pretty injured yesterday... Hey..."
Natsu had already dashed to the front counter.
Rod stares at Natsu, noting the pink hair, the grid-patterned scarf, and the black jacket. This must be Natsu.
Confirming his location, Rod isn’t sure whether to be happy or not. On one hand, he remembers Daisuke mentioning that Fairy Tail has a happy ending, and there’s a running joke that no one can beat Natsu in his BGM. So, as long as he stays here, his safety should be secure. On the other hand, he’s firmly in a different world, and while there are a few familiar names, there’s not a single familiar face.
Natsu rushes over and looks Rod in the eye, shouting something incomprehensible.
Though Rod can see the urgency in Natsu’s face, he doesn’t understand a word. He turns to Mira for help.
Mira stands beside Rod, "Natsu, calm down. Rod still has a hard time understanding our language."
Natsu blinks, "Huh? What do you mean?"
Mira explains, "His native language and script are completely different from ours. He’s trying his best to learn."
"..." Natsu clenches his fists, frustrated, "After finally getting some dragon intel, this is a joke?"
"Natsu, your expression is too intense," Mira gestures for Natsu to be gentler, "Try getting Laxus to help, or we’ll have to wait for the Master to return, or for Levy to come back and try."
(End of Chapter)
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