"President." Mira handed over a towel.
Makarov waved his hand: "No need, it's already dry."
Rhode tugged at his clothes: "Is that polite?"
Makarov was happy not to have to write a second letter of self-reflection: "Hahaha, don't worry about such little things."
Mira reminded: "But President, there's writing on your face."
"Oh." Rhode hadn't noticed before and now saw it, struggling to read, "Reflec, tion?"
The writing was reversed and hard to recognize.
"Ah, I accidentally fell asleep while writing my reflections!" Makarov was not embarrassed at all, taking the towel naturally to wipe his face,
"By the way, Rhode, come with me, Porlyusica has made the antidote."
"Great!" Rhode was delighted, having the antidote meant he could safely summon the Magic Swamp Frog, improving the safety factor once more.
Of course, before going out he needed to change clothes at home.
On the way home, Rhode bought a copy of "Sosala".
He didn't have enough stature to have even a sample issue sent to him, unlike Mira who always received hers at home.
The 15th anniversary special issue didn't release any additional issues, it was just thicker than usual, and for once the cover didn't feature mages' portraits but rather carefully designed celebratory artwork.
Rhode flipped through, Mira and Jenny, who had participated in the performance, all had their own pages.
While 'Fairy Tail's Strongest Rookie' only occupied a corner way in the back.
And it only had a photo with River Crab, without separate images.
"From this angle, River Crab indeed looks commanding, this Reaper Ter gentleman is a talent in photography."
The interview content didn't have much distortion or magic alterations, just added some anticipations for Rhode's future lively performances.
Since it was still just afternoon, Goodman hadn't closed shop: "Isn't this Rhode? Haven't seen you for a few days?"
"Brother Goodman, had a task a few days ago that took some time."
"Oh~ finally became a full-fledged mage who can handle things alone? Impressive!"
Goodman had always heard Rhode describe himself as a trainee mage.
"Haha, maybe half-way there."
Since he might need to seriously train for a while again.
Home was just as it always was, but not ventilating for a few days gave a bit of a strange smell, not sure if it was psychological.
Rhode opened the window, watered a few pots of plants, came back and punched the sandbag a couple of times, then went to change his clothes.
Felt like the room needed some cleaning; it's going to be a busy night.
...
Walking with Makarov on the street was quite eye-catching, one of the Ten Wizard Saints, one of the ten most outstanding mages across the continent, very well-known.
Strangers speaking to him would add 'Your Excellency' or other honorifics.
Of course, to the residents of Magnolia, Makarov's approachability greatly outweighed his authority.
After all, when he was young, he was as unruly as Natsu and the others.
Getting some shine from the President's association, residents were very friendly towards Rhode; in fact, if he rode River Crab, it might turn into the President benefiting from his shine.
Once out of the town's vicinity, Rhode hesitated for a while before finally asking: "President, is there magic in the world that can resurrect people?"
Makarov turned his head to stare at him: "Why ask such a thing?"
"I heard about Lisana's incident a few days ago, Mira and Elfman were really hit hard by it, I was thinking if there was magic to bring Lisana back..."
Attacking the problem at its roots might not be the most accurate way to describe it, but this indeed was removing the source of Mira and Elfman's inner pain.
"Don't pursue such things!" Makarov's tone was somewhat stern, "The weight of life is unmatched, desecrating life is forbidden!
It's not just legally, researching magic to resurrect the dead is forbidden in itself. It would push you into an abyss from which there's no return."
Rhode rarely saw the President so serious, nodding to indicate he understood.
Makarov still wasn't reassured, though Rhode was mature, he had only just stepped into Demon Path not long ago, perhaps not understanding the seriousness of the issue [Note ①].
Moreover, such mature people might be more terrifying when they lose control.
Makarov said: "I've heard tales of someone who, due to losing a loved one, continuously researched resurrection magic, resulting in touching the taboo of life.
That person was cursed by the Ankseram God, all who he's cared for would surely die."
"God?" Rhode asked, "Does a god exist?"
"Of course, the God of Life and Death Ankseram, the God of Time Kronos, are recorded in history." the President explained,
"But nobody knows what kind of beings they truly are, and as long as nobody touches the forbidden, they won't actively bring down miracles."
Rhode frowned, a world with dragons, demons, and even gods seemed pretty deep.
But according to typical patterns, gods should really just be some kind of powerful creature, right?
Thinking about this doesn't help, can't provoke them anyway.
Listening to the President's words, Rhode felt his magic knowledge wasn't quite sufficient, he'd have to keep reading more books.
Seeing Rhode seeming to have understood, Makarov sighed in relief, returning the discussion:
"About Lisana... it was her own choice, she stepped in front of her sister, taking that hit.
She protected Mira and woke up the out-of-control Elfman, between life and family, she chose to protect family.
I feel sad about the child's passing, but also proud of Lisana, she is a child I take pride in.
If possible, I'd wish to swap places with her, but I would never study forbidden magic, not only because it's dangerous for oneself but it could bring calamity to the guild."
Just talked about the unmatched weight of life, and now speaking of exchanging his own for someone else?
Rhode questioned himself, whom would he risk his life for right now?
No, before considering risking his life, the current stage requires focus on growing stronger, without sufficient strength risking one's life is pointless.
"President, I'd like to learn Receiving Magic."
"?"
This kid, just talking about resurrection magic, and now onto Receiving Magic, how did his thought process switch to this?
"Why suddenly want to learn this?"
"Because during this mission..."
Rhode explained the reason, Makarov said:
"You're worried about safety when summoning creatures for battle? There's actually no need for concern."
"Why is that?"
"Because the quickest solution to this problem has already been attempted." Makarov explained,
"Everyone has things they're good and not good at, handing over things you aren't good at to comrades isn't that easy?
Forming a team with comrades is the quickest way, faster than learning any magic."
"That's true, but even comrades can't be together 24/7." Rhode said, "There's always a need for some self-defense magic."
"..." Makarov felt the difference in thought between Rhode and himself.
Why consider this? Even with self-defense magic, can anyone stay vigilant 24 hours?
This Rhode kid...
"Alright, if you want to learn, you can try it, but..."
Makarov pondered Rhode's personality, asking, "You must be aware of the risks involved with Receiving Magic, right?"
Rhode nodded: "A bit, I will look into it more before starting to practice, definitely won't be rash."
Makarov nodded satisfactorily, he trusted this; Rhode was a good kid who even invited observing for summoning Poro to avoid risk.
But soon he started to wonder, is this personality good or bad?