https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-81-Launch-and-Three-Rivers-Reflections/12810297/
Chapter 82: The Strongest Rookie is Busy
Chapter 82: The Strongest Rookie is Busy
“Master,” Mira handed over a towel.
Makarov waved it off, “No need, I’ve already cleaned up.”
Rod tugged at his clothes, “Are you being polite?”
Makarov, relieved he wouldn’t have to write a second report, laughed heartily, “Hahaha, don’t worry about it.”
Mira reminded him, “But Master, there are words on your face.”
“Really?” Rod hadn’t noticed until now. He squinted, trying to read, “Punishment, report?”
The words were written backward, making them hard to read.
“Ah, I must have fallen asleep while writing the report!” Makarov wasn’t the least bit embarrassed, naturally taking the towel to wipe his face.
“By the way, Rod, why don’t you come with me? Porlyusica has finished the antidote.”
“Great!” Rod was happy. With the antidote, he could summon the Magic Bog Frog with greater safety.
Of course, he needed to go home and change clothes first.
On the way back, Rod bought a copy of Sorcerer’s Weekly.
His status wasn’t high enough to receive a complimentary issue, unlike Mira, who always had it delivered to her home.
The 15th-anniversary special issue was thicker than usual but didn’t have an extra edition. The cover featured a specially designed congratulatory illustration instead of the usual mage photoshoots.
Rod flipped through the pages. Mira and Jenny, who had participated in the performances, each had their own sections.
The “Fairy Tail’s Strongest Rookie” was relegated to a small corner at the back.
And the only photo was a group shot with him and Crab, not a solo shot.
“From this angle, Crab does look quite intimidating. Mr. Reiper Ter, the photographer, is quite talented.”
The interview content was mostly accurate, with only a few added lines expressing hope for Rod’s future active participation.
Since it was still afternoon, Goodman hadn’t packed up his stall yet, “Hey, Rod, it’s been a few days, hasn’t it?”
“Goodman, I’ve been on a mission the past few days. It took a bit of time.”
“Oh~ So you’ve finally become a full-fledged mage? Impressive!”
Goodman had always heard Rod refer to himself as an apprentice mage.
“Haha, sort of. I might have to focus on training for a while again.”
His home was the same as always, but a few days without ventilation made it feel a bit musty, though it might have been just his imagination.
Rod opened the windows, watered a few potted plants, and punched the punching bag a couple of times before changing clothes.
The room needed cleaning, so he had a busy evening ahead.
...
Walking down the street with Makarov drew a lot of attention. As one of the Ten Wizard Saints, the most distinguished mages on the continent, his reputation was well-known.
Strangers addressed him with honorifics like “Sir.”
Of course, to the residents of Magnolia, Makarov’s kindness far outweighed his authority.
After all, in his younger days, he was just as rowdy as Natsu and the others.
Thanks to the Master’s presence, the residents were quite friendly to Rod. If he rode on Crab, he might even make the Master look good.
Once they were out of town, Rod hesitated for a moment before finally asking, “Master, is there any magic that can bring the dead back to life?”
Makarov turned and stared at him, “Why are you asking such a thing?”
“I heard about Lisanna the other day. Mira and Elfman have been deeply affected by it. If there’s a way to bring Lisanna back to life…”
It might not be the perfect analogy, but it would be like pulling the rug out from under their pain, addressing the root of their suffering.
“Don’t pursue that!” Makarov’s tone was stern, “The value of life is incomparable, and desecrating it is a taboo!
Not only is it illegal, but the act of researching resurrection magic is itself taboo. It will lead you down a path from which there is no return.”
Rod rarely saw the Master so serious. He nodded, acknowledging the warning.
But Makarov was still uneasy. Although Rod was steady and reliable, he had only recently stepped into the world of magic and might not fully grasp the gravity of the situation.
Moreover, a steady person can become even more terrifying when they lose their composure.
Makarov said, "I've heard such stories. Someone lost a loved one and kept researching resurrection magic, only to touch upon the forbidden secrets of life. As a result, that person was cursed by the god Ankhseram, and everyone they loved would die."
"God?" Rod asked, "Do gods really exist?"
"Of course," the Guild Master replied. "Ankhseram, the god of life and death, and Chronos, the god of time, are both recorded in our histories. However, no one knows what they truly are, and as long as no one touches the forbidden, they won't intervene."
Rod frowned. Dragons, demons, and now gods—this world seemed to have more depth than he initially thought. But following the usual tropes, gods were likely just powerful beings. Regardless, it was best not to provoke them.
Hearing the Guild Master's words, Rod realized he needed to expand his knowledge of magic. He needed to read more books.
Seeing that Rod was taking it in, Makarov breathed a sigh of relief and steered the conversation back on track.
"Lisa's decision... That was her own choice. She stepped in front of her sister and took the blow. She protected Mirajane and also brought Elfman back to his senses. Between life and family, she chose to protect her family. I mourn the loss of my child, but I am also proud of Lisa. She was a child I could be proud of. If I could, I would trade my life for hers, but I would never study forbidden magic. It not only endangers oneself but also brings disaster to the guild."
Just after emphasizing the weight of life, Makarov was now willing to trade his own life for another's. Rod wondered, who would he be willing to risk everything for right now?
But that wasn't the right question. Before considering such risks, he needed to focus on growing stronger. Without the strength to back it up, any decision would be meaningless.
"Guild Master, I want to learn Receiving Magic."
"?"
This kid, who was just talking about resurrection magic, was now interested in Receiving Magic. How did he make that leap?
"Why the sudden interest in this?"
"Because during the mission..."
Rod explained his reasons, and Makarov responded, "You're worried about your safety when summoning monsters to fight? There's no need for that."
"Why not?"
"Because the fastest way to solve this problem has already been tested," Makarov said. "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Isn't it better to leave the things you're not good at to your comrades? Forming a team with your comrades is the quickest way to achieve your goals, faster than learning any new magic."
"That's true, but even comrades can't be together 24/7," Rod said. "It's important to have some defensive magic to rely on."
Makarov felt the difference in their thinking. Why focus on this? Even with defensive magic, could anyone stay vigilant 24/7?
This kid, Rod...
"Fine, if you want to learn, you can give it a try, but—"
Makarov thought about Rod's personality and asked, "You do understand the risks of Receiving Magic, right?"
Rod nodded. "A little. I'll research more before I start practicing. I won't rush into anything."
Makarov nodded in satisfaction. This was one thing he could trust Rod with. He was a cautious child who wanted Makarov to watch over him even when summoning a Poros, to avoid any risks.
But he quickly became conflicted. Was this cautious nature a good or bad thing?
(End of Chapter)
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