The next day, Makarov led the way, with Raizel and Laxus following close behind.
Laxus was brimming with energy, his excitement palpable.
He likely thought that today was the day he would finally be allowed to join Fairy Tail.
His father, Ivan, must have instilled in him the idea that Dragon Slayer Magic was invincible.
Raizel walked with his hands behind his head, lost in thought.
'Laxus is a genius, sure', he mused. 'But unfortunately for him, I'm a genius too, and my magic power grows exceptionally fast.'
"Alright, let's stop here," Makarov said, halting in a clearing. "It's not far from Porlyusica's house, so if anything goes wrong, we can get you treated immediately."
Raizel and Laxus took their positions on opposite sides of the clearing.
"Begin!" Makarov signaled, swinging his hand down.
"Take Over: Omegamon!"
A white magic circle spun beneath Raizel's feet.
Omegamon—Descend!
Synchronization Rate: 27%
Through constant physical training and meditation over the past year, Raizel had significantly improved his synchronization rate.
If he were to use Magnamon, the rate would likely be even higher.
"So tall... how did you get so big?" Laxus stared up at the knight in armor before him.
In this form, Raizel stood about two meters tall—a massive height difference compared to the young Laxus.
"You attack first," Raizel said, crossing his arms and waiting.
"Are you looking down on me? Damn it!" Laxus grit his teeth, arcs of electricity crackling around his body.
"Take this! Lightning Ball!"
Laxus fired four spheres of lightning in quick succession.
Raizel didn't dodge.
He watched as the orbs exploded in front of him, kicking up a cloud of dust and smoke.
"Did I get him?" Laxus clenched his fist in anticipation.
"Too early to celebrate, Laxus."
As the dust cleared, Raizel stood unharmed, his cape draped in front of him like a shield.
"Damn it! Then try this—Thunder Call!"
A magic circle formed above Raizel's head, and a bolt of lightning struck down.
Raizel simply expanded the Brave Shield on his left shoulder, blocking the strike effortlessly.
"You won't block this one! Lightning Spear!"
Laxus launched a spear made of concentrated electricity.
Raizel raised his left arm.
The Grey Sword extended from the mouth of the WarGreymon head, slicing the lightning spear in half before it could reach him.
"The game is over, Laxus."
Raizel kicked off the ground, disappearing in a blur of speed and reappearing instantly behind Laxus.
He retracted the sword and threw a punch.
Laxus reacted surprisingly fast, turning and countering with a lightning-enhanced fist.
Bam!
The collision sent Laxus flying back over ten meters.
He was still too weak in terms of raw power.
'I'm going to use Dragon Slayer Magic!' Laxus slammed his fist into the ground and stood up, his aura intensifying.
"Lightning Dragon's... ROAR!"
Laxus exhaled a massive tornado of lightning.
'I could block it, but there's no need,' Raizel thought.
"Too slow."
Raizel soared into the air, easily evading the roar.
He aimed his right arm—the MetalGarurumon head—and deployed the missile launchers.
"Garuru Missiles."
Dozens of magical missiles rained down from all angles.
Laxus, unsure how to dodge such an omnidirectional attack, was engulfed in explosions.
Boom!
The blast knocked Laxus off his feet, sending him rolling across the dirt.
"I'm... not done yet..." Laxus struggled to push himself up, his body trembling.
"Your perseverance is impressive," Raizel remarked, hovering in front of him.
He aimed the Garuru Cannon directly at Laxus.
Blue energy began to gather in the cannon's maw.
Sensing the overwhelming magical power building up, Laxus's survival instincts kicked in.
He instinctively transformed his body into lightning to retreat, but the effort exhausted the last of his magic.
He collapsed onto the ground, sighing in defeat.
"Fine. I lose. I can't block that."
"It was a great fight, Laxus." Raizel canceled his transformation and walked over, extending a hand with a smile.
Laxus hesitated, then grabbed Raizel's hand. Raizel pulled him up.
"What's so great about it? I lost badly," Laxus muttered, looking down at his fists.
"Just train. Strength comes from constant battles and training," Raizel said, patting his shoulder.
"Gramps told me you were sickly before. From now on, just focus on getting stronger. Dragon Slayer Magic is powerful—that Roar was impressive. I'll accept your challenge anytime."
"How about we train together from now on?" Raizel suggested.
"Sure!"
Slap!
They high-fived, marking the beginning of a rivalry and friendship.
Makarov stepped forward. "Alright. As agreed, Laxus cannot join Fairy Tail yet. Let's go get you treated."
"I know. I won't go back on my word," Laxus said, turning his head away to hide his disappointment.
"Gramps, I disagree," Raizel interrupted. "I think Laxus should be allowed to join."
"Huh?" Laxus turned back, surprised. "But I lost."
"Gramps" Raizel looked at Makarov. "Does joining Fairy Tail mean he has to start doing dangerous missions immediately? I've been a member for a year and haven't done a single one. Laxus is strong—you shouldn't let such talent slip away just because you're worried."
"But..." Makarov frowned.
"Grandpa, I'll train hard! I won't bring shame to the guild!" Laxus pleaded, his eyes burning with determination.
"Just accept him. Worst case, I'll go on missions with him in a couple of years," Raizel added.
Makarov sighed, his resolve crumbling.
"Very well. As the Third Master, I grant you permission to join Fairy Tail!"
"YEAAHH!!" Laxus cheered, forgetting his pain as he hopped around, grabbing Makarov's hands and spinning him.
"You're so childish," Raizel chuckled, watching them.
"Aren't you a child too?" Laxus shot back, grinning.
"Raizel," Makarov said softly, watching the two boys. "I don't know what burdens you carry, but I hope you can live happily now. An eight-year-old shouldn't be training as if his life depends on it. Go out and play more."
"I understand, Grandpa," Raizel smiled. "I just have things I want to protect."
...
"Alright, you are now a member of Fairy Tail."
Makarov stamped the guild mark onto Laxus's left side, near his ribs.
"I've finally joined!" Laxus clenched his fists and let out a roar of excitement.
'Ah, pure dark history in the making,' Raizel thought, watching from the side.
"Laxus is a man now! Want a beer?" Wakaba teased from the bar.
BAM!
A giant magical fist hammered Wakaba into the floor.
"Kids shouldn't drink, understand?" Makarov smiled sweetly at Raizel and Laxus, though the vein throbbing on his forehead told a different story.
"Yes! We understand!" both boys chorused, trembling.
"The Magical Parade is in a few days," Makarov announced. "Since you've both joined, you should participate together."
"Great! Are you joining, Grandpa?" Laxus asked.
"No, this is your stage. I'll watch from the audience."
"But... there will be so many people. I might not be able to find you," Laxus said, frowning.
"Don't worry about me. Just focus on your performance."
"I know!" Laxus suddenly demonstrated a gesture: he raised his right hand, index finger pointing toward the sky.
"What does that mean?"
"It means: Even if I can't see you, I'll always be looking out for you."
"Laxus~!" Makarov's eyes instantly welled up with tears.
'I guess i'm witnessing the birth of the iconic gesture', Raizel thought with a smile.
"Raizel, what are you going to perform?" Laxus asked.
"Hmm... I haven't decided yet," Raizel admitted. "I'll figure it out later."
"I've got an idea! I'm heading out!" Laxus suddenly shouted and ran out of the guild.
"Hey! Come back for dinner!" Raizel called after him.
...
Raizel ran through Magnolia.
'A parade needs music. The 'Butterfly' song is perfect for this. I don't remember all the lyrics, but I know the melody. I'll record an instrumental version.'
He found a music store and walked in.
"Can I help you?" the clerk asked.
"Can you record music here? I want to record a melody," Raizel asked.
"Sure. I'll go get the manager."
While waiting, Raizel browsed the shop.
He spotted a pair of headphones—black with silver spikes.
'Those look exactly like the ones adult Laxus wears.'
"Young man, do you like that Sound Pod?"
A middle-aged man with wavy black hair and glasses approached him.
"Is this called a Sound Pod?" Raizel asked.
"Yes. It's a magical music player. Very durable."
"It must be expensive..." Raizel checked his pockets.
"Are you a Fairy Tail mage?" the manager noticed Raizel's guild mark. "I'm Varo. Since you're from Fairy Tail, I can give you a discount."
"Why?"
"I was saved by a Fairy Tail mage once. I opened this shop because of that."
"I see. I want to buy this for a friend. His name is Laxus, the Master's grandson. He loves music."
"Does he like rock?" Varo asked, his eyes lighting up.
"I think so," Raizel nodded.
"Rock!! Then take it! It's free! I love rock too!" Varo shouted enthusiastically.
"No, I have to pay," Raizel insisted. "It's a gift."
"Fine, half price then! 50,000 Jewels!"
"Deal."
Then, they went into the recording studio.