During the banquet, Gildarts was practically glowing with excitement. He held Kana in his arms and paraded her around in front of the guild members like a prized treasure.
"This is my daughter, Kana! Look how cute she is!"
He spun around the tables showing her off to everyone. Kana groaned, pushing at his face.
"Don't do this! It's stupid! Put me down already!"
"But I'm just so happy!" Gildarts said, cheeks flushed with joy.
Noah couldn't help but smile from the side. Since he had revealed Kana's identity earlier, she didn't have to wait another twelve years to recognize her father. She no longer had to be in the same guild as Gildarts while pretending not to know him.
Kana had her reasons for staying silent before, but wasn't it better this way? She wouldn't have to feel that pang every time she saw him. She wouldn't have to stand at the edge of quitting the guild if she failed the S-Class promotion exam.
Watching the smiles on both Gildarts and Kana's faces, Noah felt certain he had done the right thing. In a way, he had patched over one of the regrets he carried about Fairy Tail.
It was then that Laxus strode up, his tone challenging.
"Don't think you're something special just because you became an S-Class wizard. I'll become one next year too!"
Noah answered calmly, "First off, I'm not that great. But if you really want S-Class, you'll have to work hard. I'll probably be your examiner next year, so be ready my standards will be strict."
"Hmph! I'm not scared. If you're my examiner, all I have to do is beat you and that's it!" Laxus shot back before running off.
Noah could only silently wish him luck, hoping Laxus might surprise him when next year's exam came around.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they broke off into smaller groups to chat. Noah took the chance to find Makarov.
"Grandpa, I want to go pay my respects at the First Master's tomb."
"Alright," Makarov nodded, "I'll take you. We can tell her our guild has a new S-Class wizard only eight years old! Hahaha!"
He laughed so hard that his eyes nearly disappeared, clearly enjoying the thought. Noah waited patiently for the laughter to fade before saying,
"Okay, Grandpa, let's go before the sun sets. We'll go early and come back early."
Makarov gave a few instructions to the other guild members, then led Noah into the forest. They turned left, then right, following a winding path until they reached the mouth of a cave.
Inside, the tunnel was dim, but after walking for a while, Noah saw a faint light ahead. The closer they came, the brighter it grew, until he realized they must be close.
When they stepped out into the dazzling glow, a quiet scene unfolded before them a lone tomb stood there. At its center floated a sphere of light, radiating a soft yet brilliant glow over the surroundings.
"This is…" Noah began to ask.
"This is the tomb of our First Master," Makarov said. "Pay your respects first, then I'll tell you more."
Noah pressed his hands together and bowed respectfully toward the grave. After a moment, he straightened and looked to Makarov.
Makarov stepped forward, clasped his own hands, bowed deeply, and then took Noah's left hand to lead him closer.
**"First Master, this is our newest S-Class wizard his name is Noah. He's only eight years old, but his strength is outstanding, and he will only grow stronger.
I brought him here to show you that the younger generation of our guild is thriving, and Fairy Tail is becoming greater than ever.
You entrusted the guild to the Second Master, and he passed it to me. I won't let you down. I will make the guild even better."**
Hearing the heartfelt words, Noah smiled shyly.
"Grandpa, you're talking me up so much, I'm starting to feel embarrassed."
Makarov's tone turned serious.
"You're improving faster and faster, and your power is growing stronger. But remember this always stay true to yourself. Keep your heart steady, your path firm, and never fall into darkness. Understand?"
Noah's smile faded, and he answered Makarov with a steady seriousness.
"I understand, Grandpa. I'll hold fast to my heart and my path, and I'll never fall into darkness."
Makarov's expression softened with relief. He then pointed toward the glowing sphere of light floating at the center of the tomb.
"Try touching it."
Noah stepped forward and reached out with his right hand. The instant his fingers brushed the surface, he was repelled, a sharp jolt of force stinging his hand. He shook it out, wincing slightly. As he did, glowing words appeared across the tombstone.
Noah squinted to read them. They spelled out:
"One of the Three Great Magics of the Fairies Fairy Glory is sealed here."
"What is this, Grandpa?" he asked.
"This is one of Fairy Tail's three legendary magics Fairy Glory," Makarov explained. "Try and see if you can claim it."
"Alright. I'll give it a try."
This time, Noah pressed his hand against the sphere again, pushing past the initial resistance. The deeper his hand sank, the heavier the pressure became, as if the magic itself were testing his resolve. Gritting his teeth, he steadily poured more strength into his arm, forcing it forward until at last his fingertips reached what felt like the very core.
Then, a voice echoed not in his ears, but in his heart.
"Do you seek the power of Fairy Glory?"
"Of course," Noah answered silently.
"Will you use it to protect the guild?"
"Absolutely. The guild is my home. Anyone who tries to harm it I'll take them down."
"Then I shall grant you Fairy Glory. Use it well."
A flood of information rushed into Noah's mind an intricate tapestry of magic theory, seals, and incantations. This was the complete knowledge of Fairy Glory.
Unlike Kana's version in the original events, which had been only a one-time trial, this was the full magic. He could study it, master it, and use it whenever needed.
Noah's face lit up with excitement, but before he could dwell on it, the sphere released a new burst of force. Using that momentum, he withdrew his hand.
Makarov, watching closely, raised a brow. "Well?"
"It's great. I've obtained Fairy Glory," Noah replied, smiling in satisfaction.
"Good. Use it wisely."
"I will, Grandpa."
Together, they bowed one last time to the First Master before leaving the tomb.
As Noah stepped back into the forest outside, a faint prickle ran up his spine. He had the distinct sensation of being watched. Spinning around, he caught only the briefest glimpse of white fabric disappearing into the trees.
Noah thought for a moment before speaking.
"Grandpa, I won't head back just yet. I want to look around here for a while."
Makarov considered this, then nodded. "Alright, but don't stay out too late."
"I understand, Grandpa."
With that, Makarov made his way out of the forest alone, leaving Noah standing among the quiet trees. Once his grandfather was gone, Noah turned toward the direction where he had glimpsed the corner of those white clothes.
He moved carefully through the undergrowth, eyes scanning between the trunks, but when he arrived at the spot, there was no sign of Mavis. Frowning slightly, he began casting every detection spell he knew, sweeping the area with his magic.
Nothing.
No matter how he searched, there wasn't the faintest trace of her presence.
After a long while, he sighed inwardly. So she's hidden herself…
Straightening up, he gave one last glance toward the silent woods. I'll look for her again when I come back.