Chapter 93: 'The One' Is Coming
Chapter 93: 'The One' Is Coming
Natsu's "Fire Dragon" moniker is slowly spreading, but not around the Fairy Tail guild. It started from his last mission location and only reached Magnolia much later, around late September, by which time the story had already been distorted.
It will probably take another major event for Natsu to set the record straight and for the rumors to slowly correct themselves. Nonetheless, the guild's reputation has grown even more because of it.
In Oshibaru, the city of Phantom Lord:
"What Fire Dragon? We'll see about that! This sky doesn't need two dragons!"
Gajeel, the Iron Dragon Slayer who was once impersonated by Rod and Mira, declared with a scowl.
...
Near a lesser-known guild:
"Natsu-sama is so strong! One day, I want to be just like him and spread the name 'White Dragon' across the entire continent!"
A young boy with light yellow hair, about 11 years old, expressed his ambition. A deep red cat followed him, saying, "If it's Sting, he can definitely do it. Sting is the strongest."
...
On the other side of the mountains, in the southern part of the Fiore Kingdom:
A young blue-haired girl said wistfully, "Sharo, there are dragon legends near that guild again. Do you think they know where Grandeeney is?"
The white cat dampened her spirits, "Don't get your hopes up. By the time those stories reach here, they're far from their original meaning."
"Uh..."
The white cat panicked, trying to maintain a stern face, "Don't cry so easily. Try to be a bit stronger."
...
"Partial Reception: Beast Arm—Lizardman!"
Elfman's arm sprouted scales, and his hand transformed into a beast claw.
"Partial Reception: Shadow Wolf Claw!"
Rod's arm shimmered and changed into a wolf's claw.
The two stepped forward, their arms cutting through the air with a whoosh, and Elfman shouted, "Manliness!!!"
Punch! Elfman's fist hit the padded palm of Rod's hand, producing a dull thud.
Rod's Shadow Wolf claw had a padded palm, which provided some cushioning.
Despite this, Elfman's Beast Arm was incredibly strong, making it difficult for Rod to handle.
Shadow Wolves aren't exactly known for their prowess in direct combat.
They exchanged a few blows, and Rod found himself on the defensive.
If he extended the claws and tore at Elfman's scales, he could probably break through. But fighting to the point of bloodshed among guildmates just isn't a good look.
Rod stepped back, and his Shadow Wolf arm disappeared. "It seems using Partial Reception alone won't be enough to beat you."
"Full Reception is fine too. If you're a man, come at me with everything you've got!"
Bro, if I go all out, a horde of wild monsters would already be trampling your face.
"Alright, Full Reception: Rift Scuttler!"
Going all out is impossible. How can I go all out against Mira's brother?
This is just a practice session to improve my Reception Magic and bond a bit.
Elfman was slightly taken aback by Rod's Full Reception form, and his eyes almost welled up with tears.
"This form is truly! Manly!!!"
Compared to the fluffy wolf claws, the mechanical crab armor hit all the right notes for Elfman's aesthetic.
His eyes shining, he charged forward to engage Rod in close combat.
"Beast Arm: Iron Bull!"
Elfman's right arm transformed into a metallic mechanical arm, as strong and hard as a bull.
Rod exchanged a few hard blows with him, feeling the risk of his armor cracking.
This is water combat armor, an agility set!
He nimbly dodged Elfman's punch, and his left arm transformed into a crab claw, firmly gripping Elfman's wrist.
Then he grabbed his arm, rammed his shoulder into Elfman's chest, and used his waist and arms to throw the large man to the ground.
Bang! Elfman landed on his back. If the rules were to count a fall as a loss, he had already lost.
Rod felt he had won a bit too cleverly, but he knew he had to win against Elfman at least once.
Elfman sat up, rubbing the back of his head, and grumbled, "Why do you fight like Natsu one moment, Cana the next, and sometimes even Jet?"
Fighting Rod was like facing a series of opponents, each with their own style. One moment, the pace of the battle would be thrown off guard, and the next, he would be caught off balance.
"Ha ha, I can't help it. Since I lack combat experience, the fastest way to get stronger is to learn a bit from everyone during fights. I haven't had the chance to develop my own style yet."
If he had to describe his style, Rod was most proficient in ambushes and coordinated attacks.
Shadow Wolves would lie in wait, striking from the shadows; Beak Birds would swoop down from the sky; Stone Beetles would emerge from underground...
He couldn't use the same tactics he used against the Ghost on Elfman.
Rod canceled his Magic Reception, extending a hand to help Elfman up from the ground. "Thanks for taking the time to practice with me."
"It's no big deal. My sister asked me to, and your Magic Reception is... impressive."
Elfman's demeanor was friendly as he pulled Rod to his feet, but his expression suddenly changed. "Wait, are you learning Magic Reception just to get closer to my sister?"
Rod shook his head. "No, it was just a coincidence. I decided to learn it because it's powerful."
But... what is a coincidence if not fate? Sooner or later, you'll be calling me brother-in-law.
Elfman patted the dirt off his clothes and prepared to leave. "Next time we fight, I'll be even stronger! That's what a man does!"
"Sure, keep it up."
Rod genuinely hoped Elfman would grow stronger, the stronger the better. He needed to overcome his psychological barriers and fully utilize his Magic Reception. That way, Mira's concerns would also be alleviated.
After all, she cared deeply about him now.
Just then, Mira appeared at the door, and Elfman stopped in his tracks. "Sister? Were you watching the whole time?"
Mira waved her hand. "No, I just got here. How did it go?"
"Ah! A man never loses! A man!" Elfman shouted his catchphrase as he headed into the guild hall.
Mira turned to Rod.
Rod smiled and raised his hand. "Yes, I'm the man he was talking about."
Elfman couldn't argue, and Mira understood the outcome. She smiled. "Don't get discouraged, Elfman.
"And, Mr. Man, can you help out? We're short-handed today."
"No problem."
...
The guild hall was packed, with over twenty tables and even the bar stools occupied.
"One order of Poro Delicacy over here!"
"Two orders here! And two beers!"
The Poro Delicacy had officially made it onto the guild's menu. Many were intrigued by the dish named after the cute, fluffy creatures.
Of course, there was some initial confusion—people thought Rod, the heartless guy, had cooked Worm.
After a busy noon, Rod and Mira were tidying up the dishes.
He asked, "Why are there so many guests today? It seems to have been increasing since the day before yesterday."
Mira said with a hint of mystery, "Because many people are returning from outside, and recently, everyone has avoided long and distant missions.
"Every year around this time, it's the same. 'That' is coming soon."
Rod looked at Mira. While her slight forward lean, raised index finger, and wink were adorable, her teasing was...
It made him want to play along.
"What is 'that'?" Rod asked.
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Author: Mo Shou Bu Cheng Gua, a seasoned Fairy Tail author.
His "Fairy Tail: Capturing the Fairy Queen Erza at the Start" is one of the few high-quality Fairy Tail fanfictions on Qidian.
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(End of Chapter)
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