Watching Aurel head for the stairs, Levy hurried after him.
"The second floor isn't for us right now. By the master's rules, only S-class mages are allowed up there!"
But before she even finished, Aurel had already reached the stairway.
"Rules are meaningless if you're strong enough."
Without looking back, he set his foot on the step.
He could feel his personality undergoing a complete shift.
So what?
He had absolute confidence in his strength. A little more arrogance wouldn't hurt.
The other guild members weren't too surprised. Someone always lost their temper at Laxus's taunts and charged upstairs.
And every time, Master Makarov threw them back down.
"Tch, that Laxus punk—always so cocky when he shows up."
Bruised and bandaged, Wakaba chomped on his cigarette, scowling.
"What can you do? He was a decent kid once. Speaking of—" Macao stroked his chin, watching the newbie mount the stairs. "Where's Natsu?"
"Went out on a job yesterday morning."
"No wonder something feels missing."
If Natsu were here, he'd be a perfect example of what not to do.
…
"What you said earlier wasn't bad. The question is whether you've got the power to match."
A playful curl tugged at Laxus's lip. He glanced toward his grandpa, who had dozed off hugging a bottle.
Time to wake up.
Halfway up the stairs, the drunk Makarov stirred awake.
"Laxus, can't you behave for once?"
He looked at his grandson with helpless eyes.
Every time, trouble—now he was even provoking a newbie.
"Sorry about this, Aurel. Laxus turned out this way because of me. Don't mind his words!"
Makarov sighed. A golden magic circle flashed at his palm, and a giant hand reached for Aurel to bring him back down.
He was a newcomer after all—it was normal not to know the rules.
But the massive hand grasped nothing but air. Makarov blinked.
When he looked again, Aurel was already standing before Laxus.
Wait—when did he move!?
The entire hall froze in shock.
Someone had bypassed the master's interception and reached the second floor—and it was a brand-new member!?
"Oi, you… interesting."
Laxus paused, then rose from his chair, nonchalant. "I've got a little time. Let me show you the gap between us."
"Just you?"
Aurel's calm gaze fixed on him, the pride behind that gentle face baring its fangs.
His power came from Escanor, but pride manifested differently from person to person.
Escanor's pride was pity—pity for those weaker than himself.
Aurel's was simpler—he looked down on everyone.
Sunlight, sparkling like broken gold, spilled into the hall and gilded his figure. Fine golden flames kindled upon his hair, making him shine as if plated.
"Flame magic? Don't be like those two show-offs, Natsu and Macao!"
Seeing the fire rise around him, Laxus laughed, thrusting out a hand as crackling arcs of lightning coiled.
"Who are you calling a show-off, you jerk!"
Macao's face darkened below.
"Master, shouldn't we stop them?" Mira asked, worried.
"…No."
Makarov's expression was odd. He stared at Aurel's back, momentarily at a loss.
Wasn't this kid a shadow mage? Why was the magic leaking from him so strong?
And it was still rising, to the point that even he felt a twinge of danger. That wasn't right at all…
Let's hope Laxus reins himself in this time.
"Ahem… go easy," Makarov called up.
"Hah?"
For a moment, Laxus didn't compute it.
Wasn't the old man supposed to stop these things? Why tell him to go easy?
Even so, he waved a hand and snorted, "Relax. I won't kill him."
"Mira-nee… what do we do!?"
Hearing the exchange from above, Levy's eyes flew wide as she looked helplessly to Mira.
"It's okay. If Master says so, he has his reasons."
Mira stroked Levy's head gently.
She trusted that Master wouldn't let guildmates be in real danger.
"Ever consider Master might have been talking to me?"
Aurel offered the reminder.
"Don't flatter yourself, newbie!"
Laxus lunged forward. Lightning coiled up his arm, and his loaded fist blasted toward Aurel's gut like a cannon.
Aurel didn't move. He let the punch land.
Levy squeezed her eyes shut.
But—
"You've got to be kidding. He's still standing?"
"That's Laxus!"
"What kind of monster is this newbie!?"
Shouts rippled through the hall. Levy's eyes snapped open toward the second floor.
"It didn't even itch."
In Laxus's stunned stare, Aurel caught his wrist.
Aside from shredded clothes, Aurel's body was virtually unscathed.
"!?"
The sheer difference rattled Laxus. He tried to yank his arm back—no use.
He drew a breath and aimed his other hand. A brilliant golden circle bloomed.
"Thunderbolt!"
Golden lightning rained in dense strikes, engulfing Aurel. The wooden floor blew open into a crater.
As the smoke thinned, a disdainful voice drifted out.
"Is that all you've got?"
"…You've got to be joking!?"
Hearing the voice at his ear, Laxus's eyes bulged. He clenched his teeth, the lacrima inside him roaring to life. "You're just a newbie—"
His body swelled, muscles bulging, golden scale-like markings spreading along his arms.
But before he could press the attack, Aurel's magic surged out savagely, turning to tangible pressure that blanketed the entire guild.
Floorboards, walls, tables, chairs around him burned to ash. Pinned with nowhere to run, Laxus went pale as a hollow helplessness crept up his spine.
Can't win—no chance!
Fortunately, the crushing aura lasted only a dozen seconds.
"Laxus, was it? You're… weak."
Aurel looked down at the scorched Laxus, voice casual.
(End of Chapter)
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