Fairy Tail: Collapsing Stars

Chapter 388: I Am Not Human, So Human Morality Has Nothing to Do with MeChapter 389: As a Dragon Slayer Mage, Who Doesn’t Have a Cat?

”Then I announce that this yearʼs Fairy Tail S-Class Mage Trial has officially ended!”

”The person who passed the S-Class Mage Trial in X779 and obtained victory in this yearʼs Fairy Tail Guild S-Class Mage Trial is August!”

Just as Evan and August were discussing the war between the Alvarez Empire and the continent of Ishgar, Makarov stood upon the high platform inside the guild and announced the end of Fairy Tail Guildʼs S-Class Mage Trial.

As Makarov announced the end of the exam, all the Mages inside the guild became dispirited.

”Lost again…”

Cana sat beside a table, with a jug, or more accurately, several barrels of good wine placed beside her.

Her expression carried a hint of melancholy. Regarding her failure in this yearʼs S-Class Mage Trial, Cana felt exceptionally pained, yet not that pained.

After all, aside from her, Natsu, Gray, Lyon, and even Seilah, these companions who, like her, had participated in Fairy Tail Guildʼs S-Class Mage Trial two or even three times, not a single one had succeeded. They still firmly remained by her side. There were no traitors among them, and no traitors who betrayed the organization had appeared. Everyone took the exam together, then failed together…

Of course, this was not the most important thing. The most important thing was that Kagura, who had been selected as Fairy Tail Guildʼs number one seed for the S-Class Mage Trial for four consecutive years, unexpectedly had another accident this year as expected and still failed to pass Fairy Tail Guildʼs S-Class Mage Trial…

”My blade is still too dull!”

”It must become sharper, sharp enough to cut steel with steel, sharp enough to use the steel blade in my hand to cut down every enemy before me. Only then can I become a true expert. Before that, I am not worthy of receiving the title of S-Class Mage inside the guild…”

After Kagura heard Makarov announce the end of this yearʼs Fairy Tail Guild S-Class Mage Trial, she recalled the scenes of her defeat to August, her eyes solemn.

Kagura did not feel depressed because of her failure this year. On the contrary, after witnessing Augustʼs strength, Kagura clearly realized her own shortcomings and became even more eager to try. With such a powerful monster inside the guild, Kagura was endlessly excited!

As for the failure of this yearʼs trial, it was merely one yearʼs failure. Next year, in next yearʼs Fairy Tail Guild S-Class Mage Trial, she would certainly return, pass the trial openly and honorably, and become an honorable S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail Guild.

At this moment, Kaguraʼs eyes burned brightly, her gaze flickering with fiery light. In her heart, she firmly believed that thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not bully a young girl for being poor!

”Besides that, aside from August, who displayed overwhelming strength in this yearʼs S-Class Mage Trial, obtained victory, and was directly selected as an S-Class Mage! Among the examinees participating in the trial, there were also extremely outstanding Mages. I saw all of this, so I have decided to give one additional S-Class Mage slot outside of the winner, August…”

”And after careful consideration, this slot, given this yearʼs examinee Sonya Animusʼs strong strength, will ultimately be given to Sonya Animus! In other words, this year, besides August, one more person in our guild will successfully pass the trial, and that person is Sonya Animus!”

Not long after Makarov announced the winner of this yearʼs S-Class Mage Trial, he ultimately made a decision…

Makarov decided that aside from August, among the candidates for Fairy Tail Guildʼs S-Class Mages, he would add another extra slot for someone to pass this yearʼs Fairy Tail S-Class Mage Trial and decided to grant this slot to Sonya Animus.

As for why Makarov granted Sonya Animus the identity of S-Class Mage, the answer was very simple…

It was only because the power Animus displayed had already far exceeded Makarovʼs expectations. Without a doubt, Animus was a pure monster!

In Makarovʼs view, even among Fairy Tail Guildʼs current active S-Class Mages, not many people would dare say they could certainly defeat Animus.

Including Makarov himself, he believed that he was absolutely not Animusʼs opponent. Makarov even suspected that his magic would not have much effect on Animus! After all, dragons all possessed incomparably powerful magic resistance…

As for Fairy Tail Guildʼs current active S-Class Mages, Laxus, Erza, Mirajane, Silver, Ur, Ultear, and the others were absolutely not opponents of the current Animus either.

After all, no matter how weakened Animus was, he was still a genuine dragon. Animus at his peak would not be weaker than the several dragons who crossed over from four hundred years ago to the royal capital after the Eclipse Gate opened at the end of the Grand Magic Games arc in the original work! With Animusʼs strength, dealing with ordinary Mages would be at a crushing level…

It was just extremely unfortunate that this year, Animus unfortunately encountered August, who was known as the King of Magic, the great Master of Chaos Magic Power! Yes, it was not that Animus was not strong, but that the Magic King August was too strong.

If peak-state Animus was definitely among the top ten in the current Fairy Tail Guild, then with Magic King Augustʼs strength, he could rank within the top five of Fairy Tail Guild…

Therefore, in the end, after thinking things over, Makarov still decided to grant Sonya Animus this yearʼs Fairy Tail S-Class Mage position! If even a monster like Animus could not become an S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail Guild, then Fairy Tail would be far too competitive…

”This yearʼs Fairy Tail Guild S-Class Mage positions really are Animus and Augustʼs!”

”Thereʼs no helping it. Those two fellows are simply monsters! Didnʼt you see their magic? When they released magic, the entire Fairy Tail Mage Guild, no, it should be said that the entire Magnolia Town was shaking…”

”And this was the terrifying commotion they caused while holding back their strength. Who knows what kind of terrifying impact these two monsters would cause if they went all out?!”

As Makarov announced the people promoted in this yearʼs S-Class Mage Trial, the ordinary members inside Fairy Tail Guild also began chatting.

”Itʼs just a bit of a pity for little Kagura~”

”With little Kaguraʼs strength, she is completely capable of becoming an S-Class Mage…”

Macao looked at Kagura, who was silently staring at the katana in her hand, and scratched his cheek.

”Thatʼs true. I heard that the ace of the neighboring guild Quatro Cerberus, Bacchus, their guildʼs only current active S-Class Mage, got into a conflict with Kagura-chan during work, and then he was taken down by Kagura-chan. That guy Bacchus was violently beaten by Kagura, and afterward Kagura even thoughtfully sent Bacchus, who could not move, back to Quatro Cerberus Guild…”

Wakaba held a pipe in his mouth, the corners of his mouth slightly rising. Speaking of Kagura violently beating Bacchus, he was extremely happy. In Wakabaʼs view, Kagura had properly brought glory to their Fairy Tail Guild in this matter~

”And then even such a powerful Kagura-chan still cannot become an S-Class Mage in our Fairy Tail Guild…”

Macao lightly nodded while continuing after Wakabaʼs words.

”Thatʼs true, but just look at what kind of monsters our guildʼs S-Class Mages are…”

After hearing Macaoʼs words, Wakabaʼs eyes twitched slightly. At the same time, his gaze turned toward the current active S-Class Mages inside Fairy Tail Guild standing on the guildʼs second floor.

”Uh…”

Macao followed Wakabaʼs line of sight. He looked at Evan, Erza, Mirajane, Laxus, Kurnugi, Silver, Ur, and Ultear, and the corners of his eyes twitched slightly.

Then Macao looked again at Gildarts, who was sitting at the bar drinking wine, as well as the newly promoted Fairy Tail Guild S-Class Mages, August and Animus…

Besides that, Macao also thought of Fairy Tail Guildʼs strongest Mages, Irene and Selene, who currently were not inside Fairy Tail Guild…

In the end, Macao helplessly shook his head.

”Our guildʼs S-Class Mage Trial is really too competitive…”

Macao sighed.

”Isnʼt that right?”

Wakaba nodded hard, affirming Macaoʼs words.

If it were in other guilds, people like Wakaba and Macao would not necessarily have no chance of becoming S-Class Mages! In some smaller guilds, Wakaba and Macao might even directly become the guildʼs ace…

But inside Fairy Tail Guild…

Wakaba looked at Kagura, Seilah, Mystogan, Natsu, Gray, Lyon, and so on, these outstanding children with enormous talent who, if placed in other guilds, could absolutely become S-Class Mages, but in Fairy Tail Guild, year after year failed to pass the guildʼs S-Class Mage Trial, and helplessly sighed…

”Sigh…”

Along with a light sigh, Wakaba and Macao raised the wine cups before them and gently clinked them together.

Immediately afterward, carrying the helplessness of the two, they drank the wine in the cups in one gulp…

How should it be said? Wakaba and Macaoʼs mentality was pain mixed with joy. Watching Fairy Tail Guild become stronger and stronger, as members of Fairy Tail Guild, Wakaba and Macao were naturally happy.

However, watching more and more monsters appear inside Fairy Tail Guild while they, as veterans of Fairy Tail Guild, were continuously surpassed by juniors, made Wakaba and Macao feel incomparably complicated.

However, Macao and Wakaba knew that this was only the beginning of Fairy Tail Guildʼs rise. As time passed, their Fairy Tail Guild would only become stronger and stronger. After all, their Fairy Tail Guild was far too competitive…

Competitive to what extent? Competitive to the point that the founders of their Fairy Tail Guild, each of whom were over a hundred years old and almost ready to enter the grave, were currently still active on the continent of Ishgar! Warrod, one of the founders of Fairy Tail Guild, was currently at the Magic Council, leading the light magic world as the Magic Councilʼs chairman…

Precht, one of the founders of Fairy Tail Guild, rebuilt an entirely new Mage Guild outside of Fairy Tail. Its name was Grimoire Heart. This Mage Guild had an excellent style, and every member was a good person. At present, it possessed great fame on the continent of Ishgar and was even privately called by countless Mages of Ishgar the final conscience of Fairy Tail…

This was slander. This was naked slander. Among people who came from their Fairy Tail, not a single one possessed a conscience! Cough cough…

”This kind of victory is truly too embarrassing…”

At the same time, after Animus woke up and learned that he had been specially promoted by Makarov into Fairy Tail Guildʼs S-Class Mage, his brows tightly furrowed, and his eyes carried a hint of displeasure.

”...”

Sonya stayed beside Animus, remaining silent and not daring to say much.

”Todayʼs defeat is a great humiliation for us. We, as dragons, were actually defeated by a mere human, and it was even a human who used non-Dragon Slayer Magic. If other dragons knew about this, it would be enough for them to mock us for a lifetime! So Sonya, listen carefully. The shame upon us must be washed away by ourselves! One day, we must personally defeat that human old man…”

Animus stood on Sonyaʼs shoulder, his gaze incomparably solemn.

”I-I understand…”

Sonya lightly nodded, indicating that she understood Animusʼs words.

”It is good that you understand! However, that human old man named August is indeed very powerful. He is absolutely not an ordinary person! The magic power inside his body is incomparably special, belonging neither to darkness nor light, yet merging the characteristics of both darkness and light magic power! And it is precisely because the magic power inside his body is incomparably special that he can rely only on that overwhelming magic power, despite not being a Dragon Slayer Mage, to cause enormous damage to us…”

”If we want to defeat August, that old man, relying on either one of our powers alone will not be enough! For this reason, Sonya, we must combine the powers of the two of us. Starting today, you must work hard to temper the Dragon Slayer Magic I teach you, fully control this magic, and cultivate it to nearly great completion, stimulating the dragon power within your body and allowing your body to reach the point where it can contend against dragons. At that time, your magic power and mine will merge into one. Even that old man, who is so powerful he does not seem human, should not be our opponent…”

Animusʼs gaze was deep. He deeply knew that relying on his own power alone, he absolutely would not be the opponent of Magic King August. Honestly speaking, even in the eyes of a dragon like Animus, August was terrifying beyond reason, completely a monster wearing human skin.

Facing such a monstrous human, even if Animus came out of Sonyaʼs body and dealt with him in his own peak state, he still had no confidence in victory…

For this reason, after thinking for a long time, Animus finally thought of a method to deal with August, and that was to cultivate Sonyaʼs own power. If Sonya could cultivate the Dragon Slayer Magic inside her body to nearly great completion and fully release dragon power, then as long as he and Sonya worked together, the magic power within their bodies would certainly reach an unimaginable level. At that time, perhaps even Magic King August might not be their opponent…

”I understand. I will definitely work hard!”

Sonya nodded hard, indicating that she would definitely train hard and strive to grow to the point where she could help Animus.

”Mm…”

Animus looked at the obedient Sonya and nodded in satisfaction.

Animus looked at the obedient Sonya and sighed inwardly. As fellow hosts, Sonya was indeed far more outstanding than the hosts found by Fire Dragon King Igneel and the Iron Dragon!

Although he definitely could not defeat Fire Dragon King Igneel in this lifetime, his Dragon Slayer Magic inheritor Sonya absolutely would not lose to that low-IQ-looking thing, the Fire Dragon Kingʼs son…

”Hehe~”

Thinking of this, Animus revealed a joyful smile. Perhaps even Animus himself had not noticed that he had unknowingly entered the mindset of an old father.

”Um, Your Majesty Animus…”

Sonya first froze slightly as she looked at Animus with a wicked smile, then tentatively asked.

”Do not call me Your Majesty Animus. Just call me Animus. I have not been king for many days already!”

After hearing Sonyaʼs words, Animus shook his head. He had Sonya change how she addressed him.

”Uh, okay, Your Maj—Animus…”

After hearing this, Sonyaʼs expression carried some hesitation. She first tentatively looked at Animus, softly calling Animusʼs name, then opened her watery eyes and looked at Animus like this.

”Mm.”

Animus lightly nodded, signaling Sonya to continue speaking.

”Animus…” Seeing that Animus was not angry, the corners of Sonyaʼs mouth slightly rose. Incomparably delighted inwardly, she continued, ”What should we do next? Where do you plan to start teaching me Dragon Slayer Magic?”

”Uh, this…”

After hearing this, Animus froze. He was stumped by Sonyaʼs question. Right now, there was a very serious problem. He had never taught anyone how to use magic, and he basically did not know how to teach others how to use magic…

Animusʼs situation was very complicated. In the past, he always maintained distance from humans. Even after establishing the Kingdom of Stella, he rarely appeared before humans, simply because Animus looked down on humans from the bottom of his heart. He was dismissive toward the magic humans cultivated.

Therefore, Animus did not understand how humans cultivated magic. Most importantly, not only had Animus never taught others how to use magic, he himself also had no experience cultivating magic. Whether his father or his mother, neither had ever taught him how to use magic.

The dragon magic Animus used was not cultivated by Animus. Dragons were like the favored children of magic power, descendants of the God of Magic. To dragons, something like magic was like breathing. They naturally learned it when they were born. A dragonʼs roar was like humans spitting outward, a dragonʼs Crushing Fist was simply humans swinging a fist, and a dragonʼs Wing Attack was using the huge wings on their bodies to slap enemies…

Therefore, in this world, no dragon would deliberately learn magic. Of course, there were also some dragons who pursued power and trained themselves, but dragon training was no different from suicide for humans…

”Animus?!”

Sonya looked at Animus, who was silent on her shoulder, her eyes carrying some doubt as she softly asked.

”Indeed, I also do not know how to teach you Dragon Slayer Magic, but the problem is not big…”

After remaining silent for a long while, Animus gave Sonya a reply.

”Although I do not have experience teaching others Dragon Slayer Magic, others do!”

”We can learn the use of Dragon Slayer Magic from the children of Fire Dragon King Igneel, Grandeeney, and Metalicana!”

Animusʼs eyes flickered, the corners of his mouth slightly rising as he made a decision.

”Uh…”

”Animus, secretly learning other peopleʼs things like that is not good, right?”

Sonyaʼs delicate brows slightly furrowed. These days, with Evanʼs help, she had already become familiar with Natsu and the other Dragon Slayer Mages.

Therefore, Sonya believed they should not secretly learn other peopleʼs cultivation methods. This kind of thing was very taboo among Mages.

Sonya knew that there were master-disciple relationships among Mages, just like the relationship between Ur and Gray and the others. Ur was an Ice-Make Mage and had taught her Ice-Make Magic to Gray and the others, helping Gray and the others cultivate. Those who were not Urʼs disciples and had not taken Ur as their master were not allowed to secretly watch. Of course, Ur certainly would not care whether others secretly watched or not, but many Mages in this world still cared!

Taking Ur as an example, Ur, who was famous throughout the world for Ice-Make Magic, did not possess the copyright to Ice-Make Magic. After all, Make Magic was still very common on the continent of Ishgar. However, Ur possessed the copyright to the method she had developed based on her own understanding of Ice-Make Magic to quickly cultivate Ice-Make Magic and increase the magic power inside the body!

These were Urʼs personal property, belonging to Urʼs exclusive secret techniques. Once secretly watched and secretly learned by others, they would either have to become her disciple, or some bad situation would happen.

”Itʼs fine! Sonya, I know human Mages are very taboo about this, but I do not care, because I am not human. Their rules cannot manage me.”

Animus slightly raised the corners of his mouth. Human morality had never been able to manage him! Because he was not human.

”Ah, this…”

Sonya fell silent. Animusʼs words were reasonable and well-founded, to the point that Sonya had no way to refute them.

Indeed, Animus was a dragon. Human rules were human rules. What did that have to do with him, a dragon?!

”Donʼt worry, Iʼll only secretly take a look. I wonʼt alarm them, and I wonʼt cause trouble for you!”

Animus raised his brows as he looked at the silent Sonya, then explained to Sonya.

Perhaps even Animus himself had not noticed that he had begun to care about Sonyaʼs emotions…

Perhaps, after Animus lost to August, that human.

Animus had already completely erased the prejudice toward humans deep in his heart~

If he had lost to a Dragon Slayer Mage, Animus could still deceive himself by saying that the reason those humans became stronger than dragons was merely relying on the power of dragons. However, after Animus lost to August, who used human magic, Animus suddenly became sober…

In this world, there was never any race that would be powerful forever. All living beings in the world were progressing. Those existences that stopped in place might be eliminated sooner or later, right?! Even without Acnologia, even without the Black Dragon King, perhaps there would still be a White Dragon King, Green Dragon King, Red Dragon King, Golden Dragon King, or the like…

The arrogant and conceited dragon race that looked down on every race other than themselves would sooner or later be eliminated…

”Hehe~”

Thinking of this, Animus lightly smiled. His view of the world became different at this moment.

”In short, let us first go take a look at how the Fire Dragon Kingʼs son trains…”

That said, Animus, who had lost to August, was still extremely unwilling. He had no intention of stopping the operation to secretly observe the training plans of Natsu and the others. Thus, Animus directly spread his small white wings and flew toward the back mountain where Natsu and the others usually trained.

”Animus, wait for me. Iʼll go with you!”

Sonya froze when she saw Animus take off, then immediately chased after him.

Sonya seemed not to have expected that Animus had only just made a decision and yet directly flew toward Fairy Tailʼs back mountain…

Sonya believed that this kind of thing should be discussed with Natsu and the others. After all, Natsu and the others were kind-hearted good people. She believed that as long as they explained clearly, Natsu and the others would definitely accept them…

At this moment, because Natsu and the others had failed the S-Class Mage Trial, they had already taken their positions at Fairy Tailʼs back mountain and were undergoing long-awaited devil training.

”Fire Dragon, this time, both you and I lost. You should be very unwilling, right?”

”Honestly, Iʼm also very unwilling. This joke of being instantly killed by someone has gone on long enough!”

”So we need to become stronger. Regarding this, do you know how to increase the hardness of my body?”

Gajeel tightly furrowed his brows. This Fairy Tail Guild S-Class Mage Trial had dealt him quite a blow.

Gajeel had never expected that after coming to Fairy Tail Guild, he, a Mage who had some fame in Phantom Lord and even the entire Kingdom of Fiore, would actually be instantly controlled with magnetism by someone unknown. This made Gajeel unable to accept it easily…

At the same time, before coming to Fairy Tail Guild, Gajeel had always believed that his body, this steel body comparable to steel, was the hardest thing in this world. He was the mortal enemy of all metal sword users in this world. Any swordsman using blades and swords would be unable to cut him with steel. After all, how could there possibly be someone in this world who could use the thin iron sheet in their hand to cut apart someone harder than steel like him?

However, after being consecutively cut apart by Erza and Kagura, he slightly lost confidence in himself. Thus, he found Natsu, who was also a Dragon Slayer Mage, hoping to gain some inspiration from Natsu.

As for how to overcome the restraint Magnetic Magic had over him, that problem was very difficult. Gajeel knew he would be unable to overcome it in a short time. After all, he was iron, and iron being manipulated by magnetism was a rule of this world!

So after thinking it over, Gajeel decided to first put aside the difficult problem of overcoming Magnetic Magicʼs restraint on him and mainly solve the simple problem first…

”You want to become harder…”

”I heard from Erza that high-end weapons in this world are all forged by craftsmen hammer by hammer!”

”Maybe we can make a big furnace, then forge you, Gajeel, into the strongest weapon in this world!”

After thinking for a while as he looked at Gajeel before him, Natsu revealed a brilliant smile.

”Hah? Wait…”

”Why are you using the method for forging weapons to train me? Iʼm not someone elseʼs weapon. Donʼt listen to Erza! I never agreed to become someone elseʼs weapon!”

After hearing Natsuʼs words, Gajeelʼs eyes twitched slightly. An incomparably ominous premonition suddenly rose in his heart.

”Erza, Wendy, Laxus, come help quickly! Weʼre going to forge the strongest weapon in this world together…”

However, before Gajeel could say more, Natsu suddenly opened his throat and shouted loudly toward the Dragon Slayer Mages who also liked training at the back mountain on ordinary days.

”Coming…”

As Natsuʼs voice fell, Wendy, who had originally come with Natsu and Gajeel, stopped training alone and came beside the two. Wendy was young and kind. She was the only person here who sincerely intended to help Gajeel…

And not long after Wendy arrived beside Natsu and Gajeel, from within the grass, a crimson figure suddenly emerged. That figure had long crimson hair, a perfect and graceful body, and a beautiful face. However, at this moment, this youthful girl who looked like a beautiful young girl from every angle slightly raised the corners of her mouth, wearing a confident smile as she looked at Natsu and the others and said, ”There is truly no helping it. Since you are looking for me for help, then let me help slightly. Regarding forging weapons, I still know a thing or two…”

The person who came was none other than Erza. After seeing Gajeel and Natsu leave the guild, she feared that her exclusive weapon Gajeel would be stolen by someone, so she secretly followed them to see what Natsu and Gajeel were planning to do.

”Forging weapons?! Truly interesting!”

”Perfect, I want to learn some Magnetic Magic…”

It was also right after Erza revealed herself that Laxus, who had been hiding behind a tree, walked out as well. His eyes burned brightly as he looked at Gajeel, and some special light flickered within his gaze.

After Laxus saw August use Magnetic Magic to easily and pleasantly defeat Gajeel, he became curious about Magnetic Magic. If he mastered Magnetic Magic in addition to Lightning Magic, wouldnʼt he be able to reach another level?

Regarding this, Laxus believed learning Magnetic Magic would definitely greatly improve his own strength…

Just like that, Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus surrounded Gajeel, each harboring their own thoughts.

”Donʼt come over! Donʼt come over…”

Gajeelʼs face turned ashen as he looked at the malicious group of four before him, continuously shouting.

After seeing Erza, Gajeelʼs face suddenly became pale. What Erza had once done to him had already left a very serious psychological shadow on him. The current Gajeel had already voluntarily given up becoming stronger. He only wanted to live properly in this world. Thinking about it now, living was more important than anything else…

Not long after Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus surrounded Gajeel, a white light flew toward Gajeel and the others from the sky! Looking carefully, that white light seemed to even have a pair of wings…

Yes, that white light shooting toward Natsu and the others was none other than Animus, who intended to find Natsu and the others and secretly learn Dragon Slayer Magic techniques…

Yes, Animus, as a dragon, planned to find several Dragon Slayer Mages and learn the correct posture humans should assume when cultivating magic cultivated by dragons…

”Let me take a good look at how Fire Dragon King Igneelʼs child usually trains~”

At this moment, the corners of Animusʼs mouth rose. He had already sensed the magic power of Natsu and the others. He could confirm that he had not come to the wrong place. As long as he had a few more seconds, he would be able to secretly learn the secret method of training taught by Fire Dragon King Igneel.

And beneath Animus, in the endless dark forest, a graceful figure was continuously moving through the forest, tightly following behind Animus and heading toward the back mountain. That figure was none other than Sonya, who was worried about Animus being alone.

At the same time…

”Natsu, use strength! Keep using strength!”

”Wendy, maintain magic power output…”

”Gajeel, endure a bit longer. You must hold on!”

Before Animus could approach, a burst of shouting rang beside his ears. This made Animus slightly furrow his brows, while the corners of his mouth rose slightly. As expected, just as he thought, the Fire Dragon Kingʼs son and the others possessed special training methods.

However, very soon, the Fire Dragon Kingʼs training method would belong to him, Animus. Once he taught the Dragon Slayer Magic cultivation method used by Fire Dragon King to teach his child to Sonya, then with Sonyaʼs potential, surpassing him would surely be a settled matter.

”Boom!”

Before Animus could think further, accompanied by a fresh breeze, he finally flew to Fairy Tail Guildʼs back mountain and took in the training situation of the Dragon Slayer Mages at Fairy Tail Guildʼs back mountain in one glance.

”That is…”

Animus suddenly widened his eyes as he looked at the situation at the back mountain. The situation before his eyes far exceeded Animusʼs imagination. What entered Animusʼs eyes was an incomparably horrifying scene…

Gajeel, a member of Fairy Tail Guild known as the ʼIron Dragon,ʼ had been tied to a tall iron frame by Natsu and the others like a criminal! Meanwhile, Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus, four Mages, stood beside Gajeel like judges, surrounding and watching Gajeel.

However, this was not all. Natsu was continuously spitting flames toward Gajeel! Because Gajeelʼs body was made of iron, his body could be tempered with Natsuʼs flames. However, besides Natsuʼs flames, Wendyʼs wild winds and Laxusʼs lightning would also occasionally travel across Gajeelʼs body, using this to stimulate the cells within Gajeelʼs body and help Gajeelʼs strength reach another level! Right now, Gajeel could only silently enjoy the beating from Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus, a full four people, in order to help his body become refined and then be tempered into steel…

”This…”

Animus froze. He looked at Gajeel and remained silent. As for the meaningless actions of this group of little dragon cubs before him, Animus was silent…

”Are these little brats planning to use their method to help the Iron Dragon evolve into a Vajra Dragon?! But this method is clearly wrong!”

Countless beads of sweat appeared on Animusʼs forehead. Even with his dragon-level comprehension ability, he still could not understand everything happening before him at this moment.

Animus guessed that perhaps Natsu and the others hoped that Gajeel could use quenching to make his body stronger and even evolve from an Iron Dragon into a Vajra Dragon.

However, Iron Dragons fundamentally did not evolve like this, alright? The difference between iron and steel was merely a matter of carbon content…

If he wanted to become stronger, rather than accepting flame tempering, he might as well absorb Bane Particles! Yes, Animus had heard a rumor that when an Iron Dragon absorbed excessive Bane Particles, it would make his body incomparably hard. It was just that Animus did not know whether this rumor was true or false…

”N-No, I canʼt hold on anymore!”

When Natsu heated the flames to above one thousand degrees, Gajeel finally could not endure it anymore. His forehead was covered in molten iron, and his body seemed as though it was about to melt. He shouted at Natsu and the others with a ʼredʼ face.

”As expected, just tempering with flames is useless? Then letʼs change methods…”

Natsu looked at Gajeel. Aside from his body becoming red-hot from excessive flames and seeming as though it was about to melt, there were no other changes. After thinking for a while, he immediately gave up the plan of continuing to quench Gajeel.

”So you were experimenting?!”

After hearing Natsuʼs words, Animus could not help shouting aloud.

”Hmm?!”

As Animus could not help making a sound, Animusʼs existence was instantly discovered by Natsu, Erza, Laxus, and the others. Immediately, Erza and the others raised their gazes and directly locked onto Animus.

”Crap…”

Animus froze. He had not expected that he would actually be exposed.

”Sorry, everyone, for disturbing your training. Actually, I also want to train together with everyone.”

Just as Animus planned to explain something, Sonyaʼs figure suddenly emerged from the grass. She nervously spoke to Erza and the others.

At this moment, Sonya was only short of looking at the Dragon Slayer Mages before her with tears streaming down her face and shouting, ”Companions, I want to train magic!”

”So you want to train with us! You should have said so earlier…”

When Erza heard Sonyaʼs words, she revealed a smile. She had always been this helpful.

”Although we met many times in the Kingdom of Stella before, this should be the first time we are communicating face to face! Then allow me to introduce myself to you again~”

”My name is Erza, Erza Belserion. The magic I use is Requip Magic and Dragon Slayer Magic…”

Erza looked at Sonya and revealed a kind smile while introducing herself.

”My name is Sonya, Sonya Animus. I am a Dragon Slayer Mage, and this person is my… companion. His name is Animus. He is an Exceed…”

Sonya followed the introduction method Evan had given her and introduced herself to Erza and the others word for word.

”Laxus, Lightning Dragon Slayer Magic…”

Laxus had always treasured words like gold. After introducing his identity, his gaze fell onto Animus.

Laxus knew that this winged cat before him, who looked the same as Happy and Charle, was actually transformed from the soul of a dragon. He was filled with fighting spirit toward Animus, who had transformed into a cat.

”Little dragon brat, if you want to fight me, you should continue training for a few more decades~”

”The current you is still too tender for a true dragon…”

Animus sensed Laxusʼs gaze, and his eyes carried a hint of disdain as he coldly shook his head.

Of course, it was not that he looked down on Laxus, but because Laxus currently truly did not possess the power to compete with him…

”Hmph~”

Hearing this, Laxus merely coldly snorted and did not refute Animusʼs words at all. He admitted that he truly was not Animusʼs opponent. After all, he had seen every scene of Animus merging with Sonya and fighting August.

Laxus believed that his Dragon Slayer Magic truly could not yet reach that level. He still needed to continue tempering himself…

Of course, admitting he was inferior was admitting he was inferior. It did not mean Laxus feared Animus. On the contrary, it was precisely because Laxus knew he was not Animusʼs opponent that he became somewhat eager to try, wanting to exchange a few rounds with Animus and feel the gap in strength between himself and Animus…

For a time, the atmosphere between Laxus and Animus gradually became serious…

”As for these people, they are Fire Dragon Slayer Mage Natsu, Sky Dragon Slayer Mage Wendy, and my exclusive weapon Gajeel…”

Just as Laxusʼs expression was serious, Erza continued speaking, introducing Natsu, Wendy, and Gajeel beside her one by one.

”No, wait, wait…”

”What did you just say? Why is only my introduction a weapon?!”

After Erza finished introducing him, Gajeelʼs expression immediately changed. He looked at Erza and asked in confusion.

”Sorry! My introduction was inaccurate. Please allow me to introduce again!” Hearing this, Erza first froze, then seemed to think of something. She apologized to Gajeel, then turned and looked at Sonya, introducing again, ”This person is not my exclusive weapon Gajeel, but Gajeel, the shared weapon of everyone in Fairy Tail Guild.”

Erza changed the way she addressed Gajeel. Yes, she could not be too selfish. Gajeel was not her toy alone. He belonged to everyone!

”What difference is there?”

Gajeelʼs eyes twitched slightly as he looked at Erza and asked.

”Was there something wrong with my introduction?”

Hearing this, Erza froze, her eyes carrying doubt as she looked at Gajeel and asked.

”Could it be that you donʼt want to become everyoneʼs weapon and only want to be my weapon?”

”Sorry! If that is the case, then I apologize to you. At the same time, I finally understand your feelings…”

”I see. You are Gajeel, my exclusive weapon who can use Iron Dragon Slayer Magic. This time, I should finally be correct, right?”

Erza came to a realization and looked at Gajeel as she asked.

”Completely wrong!”

”Iʼm not anyoneʼs weapon. Iʼm Iron Dragon Slayer Mage Gajeel!”

Gajeelʼs body trembled as he reintroduced his own identity.

”Then here comes the question. How do you prove that you are an Iron Dragon Slayer Mage…”

Erza crossed her arms in front of her and looked at Gajeel as she asked.

”Geh heh~”

”I can use Iron Dragon Slayer Magic.”

The corners of Gajeelʼs mouth rose as he proudly looked at Erza and spoke.

”No, merely knowing Dragon Slayer Magic cannot prove your identity…”

After hearing Gajeelʼs words, Erza lightly shook her head.

”Hah?!”

After hearing Erzaʼs words, Gajeel froze slightly, and his entire person became dumbfounded. Even being able to use Dragon Slayer Magic could not prove he was a Dragon Slayer Mage? What kind of logic was this?!

”Big Brother Evan said that there is only one thing that can truly prove someone is a Dragon Slayer Mage! And that is a cat!”

”Gajeel, where is your cat?!”

Erza spoke incomparably cruel words while looking at Gajeel.

”Uh…”

Hearing this, Gajeelʼs body trembled, and he directly knelt on one knee.

In truth, Gajeel had long since discovered that whether it was Natsu or Wendy, even Sonya, who had joined the guild later, all had their own cats. Only he, only he did not have his own cat.

”I-I admit that I indeed donʼt have a cat, but Erza, and Laxus, you two also donʼt have cats!”

Gajeelʼs body trembled slightly as he stood up from the ground, looking at Erza and Laxus while asking loudly.

”I admit this point. We indeed do not have cats! However, Laxus and I are not originally Dragon Slayer Mages! We learned it later in life, unlike you, Natsu, Wendy, and Sonya, who learned Dragon Slayer Magic from dragons!”

Erza looked at Gajeel and explained with a smile.

”Uh…”

Gajeelʼs pupils trembled. Just as Erza said, aside from him, every Mage who directly learned Dragon Slayer Magic from dragons had their own cat, yet only he did not…

”Gajeel, think about it. The reason Natsu, Wendy, and Sonya have cats is because Exceeds can become their wings! They allow them to fly through the sky like dragons. But you are different. You are not a Dragon Slayer Mage. You are a super weapon enchanted with Dragon Slayer power. You do not need Exceedsʼ help. As long as I am here, using magnetism, you can also fly freely in the sky. It is only freely flying in the sky under my control…”

”So Gajeel, do you understand? The reason you do not have a cat is because you fundamentally do not need a cat. You fundamentally are not a Dragon Slayer Mage. Weapons can only be controlled in the hands of those who can truly use weapons. Therefore, you do not need a cat, because cats only need to be cute. They do not need to control weapons. In summary, you are not a Dragon Slayer Mage, but a wild weapon Gajeel who learned Dragon Slayer Magic and was picked up by Big Brother Evan…”

Erza used the words Evan had taught her and spoke to Gajeel.

”Who exactly am I?”

Gajeel was stunned.