"What do you mean, 'win and run'? I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I heard Grandpa say you're going to study medicine. Isn't that the same as 'win and run'?"
"Oh, that?" Noah chuckled. "You think I'm learning medicine just so I can avoid fighting you? You're overthinking it. Sparring with you is way too much fun I'm not stopping anytime soon."
Hearing that, Laxus looked ready to leap up and punch Noah, but Noah pressed a hand on his shoulder to hold him in place.
"Listen," Noah continued, "on one hand, Grandpa's getting older. If I learn medicine, I'll be able to take better care of him.
On the other hand, studying medicine will help me understand my own body better, which means I can get even stronger."
At that, Laxus unconsciously let out a quiet breath of relief. Then, as if struck by a thought, he asked, "Should I learn medicine too?"
Makarov had already told Noah about Laxus's physical condition, including the fact that he had a Lightning Dragon Slayer Lacrima embedded in his body. After thinking for a moment, Noah replied, "I'd need to ask Porlyusica if she's willing.
And even if she agrees, you'd have to memorize a lot. I'm not sure you'd be able to keep up."
"Hmph. You won't know unless I try."
The next day, while studying under Porlyusica, Noah brought it up. "Grandma, Laxus wants to study medicine too. Could you teach him?"
Porlyusica didn't hesitate for a second. "If you want to teach him after you've learned it, do whatever you want. But don't bring him here. Teaching you alone is already more trouble than I care for."
Hearing that, Noah could only sigh. It seemed he'd have to finish learning everything himself before passing it on to Laxus.
Time passed in steady rhythm. With constant study and training, another six months flew by. By now, Noah had been in this world for a full year.
In that time, he had learned all of Porlyusica's medical techniques. Through Fairy Tail's library, he had also absorbed a wealth of knowledge about Ishgar's geography, culture, magic, biology, and more.
Physically and magically, he now matched Macao's level within the guild. In his sparring matches with Laxus, victories were now swinging more often in Noah's favor.
Feeling that his strength and skills were finally up to par, Noah decided it was time to start taking requests and earning his own money. He didn't like the idea of freeloading at Makarov's home forever even if Makarov never minded.
One afternoon, after wrapping up his training, Noah walked over to the counter where Makarov was sitting.
"Grandpa, I want to start taking requests."
"No. You're still too young. Taking on missions right now is too dangerous," Makarov said at once, not even pausing to think.
Noah understood the concern, but he had prepared his counterargument.
"Grandpa, you know how strong I am now. I'll only take requests close to Magnolia no traveling to far-off places, so you won't have to worry.
I've been training and studying for an entire year, and I want to explore the area around Magnolia. I also want to earn some money to help with household expenses. I can't keep living off you forever, can I?"
During Noah's training over the past year, Makarov hadn't always been by his side like in the early days, but he often came by to offer guidance. He knew very well that Noah's abilities already surpassed those of some guild members.
After thinking it over carefully, he decided that as long as Noah stayed close to Magnolia and only took safe jobs, it wouldn't be too risky.
"What do you mean, freeloading?" Makarov said with a snort. "Grandpa doesn't mind supporting you.
But if you want to take requests, fine I'll allow it. On two conditions: first, the jobs must be within Magnolia. Second, I have to approve every request you take. And you'd better be back for dinner every night, understood?"
"Understood, Grandpa. I'll go see if there's a request that suits me right now."
"Go on."
Noah walked over to the request board, scanning the papers pinned there one by one. Before long, his eyes landed on a job in Magnolia helping a client locate a lost item.
It was simple, close by, and a good way to start. He pulled the request form down and brought it to the counter for Makarov to review.
After reading it over, Makarov said, "This one is fine. But are you sure you don't want a senior to go with you the first time, just to get familiar with the process?"
"No need," Noah replied with confidence. "You already explained the mission process to me before, Grandpa. I've also asked some of the seniors about how things work. I can handle it on my own."
"In that case, be careful," Makarov reminded him.
"Understood, Grandpa. I'm heading out now."
With that, Noah tucked the request form away and left the guild to meet the client.
Makarov watched him go, still feeling a faint unease. After a moment's thought, he quietly instructed a few nearby members, then left himself, following Noah from a distance.
From the shadows, Makarov observed as Noah went about the task, locating the missing item and returning it to the client within two hours.
Satisfied that the boy had handled the job without issue, Makarov turned back toward the guild.
Not long after, Noah came striding in, request form in hand. He submitted the completed mission and passed over the client's payment, deducting the guild's portion for processing and operating costs.
"How was your first request?" Makarov asked.
"It went well," Noah replied. "The client was friendly, and the job wasn't difficult it just took a little time."
"That's good to hear," Makarov said with a nod. "The people of Magnolia are kind to Fairy Tail members. We've lived alongside them for so long that we know each other well.
But it will be different when you travel to other places. You'll meet all kinds of people, face all sorts of challenges, and be tested in many ways.
Always remember who you are. Never forget your true self."
"I understand, Grandpa."
After completing the job, Noah returned to his usual cycle of study and training. That evening, Laxus learned that Noah had been approved to take on requests.
He immediately confronted Makarov. "Grandpa, I want to take on requests too!"
Makarov shook his head. "You're not ready yet."
"Why not? I'm three years older than Noah! If he can take requests, why can't I?"
"Because your strength still isn't enough. You haven't been winning against Noah in your sparring matches, have you? At your current level, taking on requests would be too dangerous.
And remember Noah is only doing jobs within Magnolia. He isn't going far."
"Tch… Fine! I'll beat Noah first, then I'll take on requests!"
With that, Laxus stormed out. Makarov sighed and hurried after him.
Noah didn't see or hear Laxus return until bedtime.
The next morning, when Noah spotted him, Laxus looked completely drained. As it turned out, he had gone out for extra training the night before, but had overworked himself and collapsed. Makarov had been the one to bring him back.
Noah couldn't help grinning at the sight. Laxus caught it instantly and turned red with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
"What are you laughing at?!"
"I'm laughing at a fool."
"Who are you calling a fool?!" Laxus shot back, glaring.
"Whoever answers is the fool," Noah replied with a smirk.
"Damn it, I'll definitely beat you!"
"I'll be waiting," Noah said, his tone calm but clearly teasing.
Laxus wolfed down the rest of his breakfast, then dashed out the door to train.
Noah, still wearing that faintly amused smile, finished his own breakfast at a more leisurely pace before heading out to begin his own training for the day.