"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6... 8 A-rank Summoned Beasts, and 24 B-rank Summoned Beasts..." Elfman muttered to himself as sweat beaded on his forehead, one crystalline drop after another, accumulating more and more.
Finally, he sighed helplessly and slowly sat back in his chair, his eyes revealing an unconcealed look of awe.
Natsu's gaze was also drawn to the spectacular group of Summoned Beasts, and for a moment, he stood frozen in place.
He slowly shifted his gaze from Ezreal's Summoned Beasts to the ground beneath his feet, falling into a brief silence.
Over the past week, Natsu had been learning alongside Makarov and the others.
The 15-year-old boy had undergone numerous trials and tribulations during this period, gaining a lot of valuable experience.
Although his impulsive nature still surfaced from time to time, it was undeniable that he had learned to think and consider more before acting on impulse.
After a short period of silence, Natsu raised his head again. The burning fighting spirit in his eyes, though not completely extinguished, had clearly become deeper and more rational.
He silently pursed his lips, then quietly returned to his seat.
Seeing the atmosphere gradually grow somewhat awkward, Ezreal's lips curled into a slight smile, and he chuckled softly.
To be honest, he was not surprised by this at all.
After all, given the number and formidable strength of his Summoned Beasts, within the Guild, it was indeed difficult for anyone other than the existing S-rank Mages to have a chance of defeating him.
Just the six Shadow Worgen fighting in coordination, their power and synergy were far beyond what an ordinary person could handle.
Ezreal had personally tried fighting his own Summoned Beasts before. Even with the lightning-fast movement provided by Arcane Shift, he could only barely manage to fight the six Shadow Worgen to a draw; winning was practically impossible.
Even without relying on these Summoned Beasts, Ezreal's own strength alone made it very difficult for anyone to defeat him in a one-on-one battle.
Therefore, the current awkward situation was entirely within his expectations.
Seeing the atmosphere become quiet, Makarov let out a hearty laugh, his laughter instantly breaking the somewhat awkward silence: "It seems everyone knows their limits well. Then, today's practical training will end here. Ezreal, come with me."
Ezreal nodded slightly, his expression calm and composed.
He snapped his fingers crisply again, and with that snap, the majestic forms of the surrounding Summoned Beasts began to fade little by little until they completely vanished into the air.
"Erza, you'll be the referee for the upcoming combat training in my place. Make sure no one gets too seriously injured, or Porlyusica will start nagging me again," Makarov instructed Erza before leaving.
Erza nodded solemnly in affirmation, then gracefully rose and walked with firm steps to the center of the open space, loudly calling out the names of the two participants for the next battle.
Ezreal quietly followed behind Makarov, and the two walked together towards the Guild Master's office.
Upon entering the office, Makarov plopped down into the large chair, then pointed to the sofa nearby with a finger, smiling as he gestured for Ezreal to sit.
"You performed exceptionally well in eradicating the Dark Guild Skull Gang, EZ," Makarov's face was full of approving smiles, his gaze brimming with genuine affirmation for Ezreal.
Ezreal smiled humbly and said in a calm tone, "Guild Master, it was just a small matter."
Makarov nodded, crossing his hands over his chest, his expression becoming serious as he asked, "So, what are your specific plans next?"
Ezreal pondered for a moment, then said with a resolute gaze, "Guild Master, I might continue to take on various missions in the near future to further enhance my strength."
A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Makarov's eyes as he said, "Mm, having such a proactive mindset is a good thing. However, I hope you can spare some time every Monday to give practical training lessons to everyone. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Ezreal frowned slightly, looking a bit troubled, and said, "Guild Master, that might not be possible for now. I've spotted a mission on the S-rank mission board on the second floor of the Guild."
Makarov immediately became interested, leaning slightly forward as he asked, "Oh? What mission is it?"
Ezreal's expression was serious as he replied, "It's to lift the demon's curse on Galuna Island."
Galuna Island is the main storyline at the beginning of the original anime.
Gray's senior, Lyon, along with several of his subordinates, had somehow transported the Undead Demon Deliora, frozen in the northern continent, to Galuna Island.
They then attempted to use the Moon Drip to melt Ur's Absolute Zero and release Deliora.
Lyon wanted to defeat Deliora again to prove his strength.
The entire incident was not difficult.
Moreover, this mission was only posted two months ago.
In the original anime, it was said that Lyon and his group had been on Galuna Island for three years.
It took them three years to accumulate enough moonlight energy to gather enough Moon Drip to melt Deliora.
Based on the current timeline, there are less than two and a half years until the main storyline begins. At this point, Lyon and his group should have just recently arrived on the island.
Absolute Zero is a magic that can freeze life force. Even though Deliora was called the Undead Demon, he was already dead when Lyon used Moon Drip to unseal him.
Based on the current timeline, Deliora is very likely alive and at his weakest.
Ezreal had coveted this Demon for a long time. Although Black Wizard Zeref created many Demons, only Deliora was referred to as the Undead Demon.
Judging by the destructive power Deliora displayed in the anime, he was no less powerful than the guys from Tartaros.
Ezreal's Life Alchemy has a way to solve the ice of Absolute Zero; he can unseal Deliora even without the Moon Drip.
With his current strength, defeating a weakened Demon is basically a piece of cake.
As for Lyon and his group of subordinates, Ezreal didn't even put them in his eyes.
Upon hearing about this mission, Makarov couldn't help but frown slightly, falling into deep thought.
After a moment, he looked up, his gaze profound, and slowly said to Ezreal, "This mission is not simple. The client posted it two months ago, but no one has taken it on. Originally, the client specifically requested Mira, as she wields the power of a Demon."
"You've been in the Guild for a while now, and you should be aware of Mira's situation; she can't perform missions right now. Missions involving Demons are never simple. Are you really sure you want to take this one?"
Ezreal nodded firmly without hesitation and said, "Guild Master, I want to try. I believe that with my abilities, I can definitely complete this mission. For lifting curses, my Light Magic and Life Alchemy might be more convenient than Mira's."