What surprised everyone was that Gildarts had failed his hundred-year quest.
No one really knew what such a quest entailed, but the fact that even someone as powerful as Gildarts returned in defeat made everyone realize just how formidable it must have been.
Although he didn't appear to be injured, it was obvious to the others that he was exhausted. So no one pressed him for details. After telling Charles to find him later, Gildarts left.
As a side note, he didn't use the door—he casually disintegrated a huge hole in the wall and walked out.
Natsu, of course, couldn't sit still. He immediately took off with Happy, heading toward Gildarts' house.
Charles followed without a word.
After a short distance, Charles saw a small house styled similarly to Natsu's. It seemed clear now—Natsu had modeled his place after Gildarts'.
Charles leaned against the door outside the house, with no intention of entering.
He knew exactly what Gildarts was about to tell Natsu: the reason for his failed mission.
Natsu had always been searching for Igneel, something Gildarts was well aware of. So while out on his mission, he had kept an eye out for any information about dragons.
But over the years, the only conclusion Gildarts had reached was that dragons had gone extinct. That is, until this mission—when he encountered a living dragon.
So he relayed this information to Natsu. Not to encourage him to pursue the Black Dragon, but to warn him.
Gildarts was genuinely terrified that Natsu might recklessly run up to that dragon and demand answers about Igneel.
But that Black Dragon wasn't the type to answer questions. It would simply attack—mercilessly.
To make his point, Gildarts even showed Natsu the prosthetic arm and leg hidden beneath his cloak.
Though Charles could vaguely hear Natsu's emotional voice from inside, he remained silent outside.
Soon, Natsu burst out of the house, with Happy chasing after him.
Once their figures disappeared into the distance, Gildarts' voice rang out.
"Hey, kid outside. You've been standing there a while. You're not just passing by, are you?"
Charles turned and walked into the small house. Looking at the seated Gildarts, he said, "I thought I'd hidden my presence well. I'm curious—how did you notice me?"
Gildarts laughed heartily. "If I had to say, probably intuition! You know, when someone strong is nearby, the body just kind of reacts.
The moment you stood there, I felt my nerves tense up on their own!"
"Is that so…" Charles murmured thoughtfully.
Gildarts stared at Charles. "I think I saw you back at the guild. You're new, right? So what brings you to me?"
Charles replied, "I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Charles, a Dragon Slayer raised by Igneel just like Natsu. That guy is actually my younger brother."
Gildarts looked surprised for a moment before nodding. "So you're here to ask me about the Black Dragon too?"
Charles shook his head. "I already know plenty about the Black Dragon. What I need to know does involve it, but not in the way you think.
Gildarts, please fight me. I want you to tell me just how far I am from that Black Dragon in terms of strength."
That was Charles' true purpose—challenging Gildarts in order to gauge his own power against someone who had once faced Acnologia.
Even though Charles understood a lot about Acnologia in theory, the limitations of narrative and media had never made it clear just how powerful the dragon was in real terms.
That's why he sought out Gildarts.
Gildarts stroked his bearded chin and said, "A fight, huh… We're not that close yet, but since we're guildmates, and you're Natsu's brother, I guess I'll oblige. Fair warning though—I'm not good at holding back."
Charles answered firmly, "Of course. Only a battle fought with full power can give me the answers I'm looking for."
Gildarts grinned. "Then no problem! I can tell you're nothing like Natsu. Facing a guy like you's got my blood pumping!"
As Gildarts readied himself to fight, Charles quickly added, "Let's find a proper spot. We're still close to Magnolia. If we wreck the town, the Guild Master's going to have our heads."
Realizing that, Gildarts scratched his head and laughed.
"True, I've already embarrassed myself enough with this failed mission—can't go causing more trouble for the Master."
Charles summoned Fahl and carried both of them away, flying toward a suitable battlefield.
Given their destructive potential, they'd need plenty of space.
After flying for a while, Charles selected a mountain valley. "This should do."
Gildarts nodded. "Alright. I'll wait down there."
With that, Gildarts leapt down in a freefall, landing with a heavy thud that shook the valley floor.
Charles jumped down as well, and Fahl returned to his magic tome.
Watching Gildarts stretch his shoulders, Charles ignited his flames.
"Then I won't hold back."
As Charles spoke, he rushed forward and swung a fist straight at Gildarts.
At the same time, Gildarts raised his right hand and met Charles with a punch of his own.
Gildarts' Crush Magic was a supreme-class destructive magic—its destructive force far too dangerous for casual use. So most of the time, he fought hand-to-hand.
Their fists collided with explosive force, creating a shockwave that radiated outward from their clash. The two locked eyes, then launched into a fierce exchange of blows.
Although Gildarts didn't use his magic, and even though he had a prosthetic arm and leg, he still managed to match Charles evenly in close-quarters combat.
By channeling his tremendous magical power into every blow and relying on his vast experience, Gildarts prevented even Charles' high-level martial skills from giving him an edge.
In fact, it was Gildarts who was more surprised.
He had sensed from Charles' aura that the kid was powerful—but he hadn't expected this level of strength.
In their intense exchanges, he hadn't gained the upper hand even once. And though he hadn't used his Crush Magic, Charles had also refrained from using his Dragon Slayer abilities.
And Gildarts didn't believe for a second that Charles, being Natsu's older brother, would be lacking in Dragon Slayer prowess.
Charles blocked Gildarts' heavy arm with one of his own, and the weight behind the strike caused Charles' arm to tremble slightly.
He countered with a kick that landed on Gildarts' side, just as Gildarts' prosthetic arm crashed into Charles' chest.
Both were sent flying, slamming into the ground behind them.
Like twin bombs detonating, they left two massive craters where they landed. Debris and dirt scattered across the valley.
They both stood up at the same time.
Gildarts rubbed his side and said, "You don't pull your punches, do you, junior?"
Charles adjusted his dislocated ribs and replied, "Neither do you, senior.
But let's call that the warm-up. From here on out—it's time to get serious."
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I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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