Noah shared his idea with Jude, and the moment Jude heard it, his eyes lit up.
He already knew that the pharmaceutical industry was a highly profitable business. But until now, he'd never had the chance or the means to get involved, so he had simply never considered it.
Of course, Noah had demonstrated incredible medical skill before he'd healed Jude's own family. But back then, Jude had been so focused on their recovery that the thought of turning that knowledge into a business had never crossed his mind.
Now, with Noah bringing it up again, Jude was instantly intrigued.
He began asking for more details.
Noah presented his idea in full: a cooperative business model. He would contribute technical expertise and proprietary magical formulas. Jude's company would handle production, distribution, and management. Noah didn't care how the operation was run, so long as there was no dishonesty involved.
After carefully discussing the matter and getting Layla's thoughts as well Jude agreed. They would proceed with the partnership. As a sign of good faith, Jude proposed a 50-50 profit split.
He turned to Noah, voice steady and sincere.
"You've already done so much for our family, and we've never really repaid you. Even if we take half the profits, we'll still be earning plenty. And I know you need funds for your research. So don't turn this down."
Jude had changed over time. Money no longer dominated his thoughts. People did.
Noah had given his family more than they could ever repay. Layla respected him deeply, even referred to him as her little brother. That bond mattered more than numbers on a ledger.
And beyond that partnering with Noah only brought benefits. No risks. The pharmaceutical expansion would only strengthen their company's foundation.
If there was ever a time to show sincerity, it was now.
Seeing Jude's firm resolve, Noah didn't argue further.
Once the agreement was made, Noah also shared marketing strategies and case studies from his past life successful business models, promotional ideas, and clever sales techniques he still remembered.
Jude listened in amazement. Noah wasn't just powerful and skilled in magic and medicine he had a sharp business mind too.
With this knowledge as a launchpad, their new pharmaceutical division would rise quickly. The company would grow stronger than ever.
After he'd emptied every scrap of memory on the subject, Noah noticed Jude still brimming with questions. Clearly, the man wanted to keep talking business.
Sensing danger, Noah made a quick excuse, slipped out of the conversation and used instant teleportation to escape.
He reappeared right outside the Fairy Tail guild entrance. He let out a breath, relieved.
Just as he was about to open the door, he suddenly remembered Makarov had asked him to talk to Laxus.
Right. That.
Opening the doors, Noah immediately spotted Laxus sitting alone, sipping juice and looking… thoroughly miserable.
Noah sighed, slapped his forehead, and walked over.
"What's with that face? You look like you're carrying the weight of the world. Talk to me."
Laxus looked up, saw it was Noah, then lowered his gaze again. He took another sip, paused, and then downed the rest of his drink in one go.
"…Can you come for a walk with me?" he asked, not looking at him.
"Sure. Let's go to our usual training spot."
Noah was glad Laxus responded at all. That was already a good sign.
The two stood and headed out together.
Noah started to talk along the way but noticed that Laxus was unusually quiet. So he stopped. Instead, he simply walked beside him in silence, keeping pace, enjoying the rare stillness.
Ever since he arrived in this world, Noah had never stopped moving forward.
Physical training. Magic mastery. Advanced spell theory. Medical research. Soul studies. Mental-body development.
Even now, he had two thought-bodies at work one training under Robalu, the other conducting research in the Celestial Spirit Realm.
He was always preparing, always building strength.
Because he knew what was coming. He knew that in the future, powerful threats would rise and if he didn't grow strong enough, fast enough, then neither he nor the people of Fairy Tail would survive.
His talent gave him an edge, sure but talent alone wasn't enough. So he never rested. He advanced in every way he could.
This walk this quiet, unspoken walk with Laxus was probably the closest thing to a break he'd had in ages.
They continued on, walking without a word. But there was no awkwardness in the silence only a calm sense of understanding.
Side by side, the two of them reached their usual training ground.
Erza and Kagura were training together when Noah and Laxus arrived at the usual spot.
Nearby, Simon who had recently been tested by Noah and approved by Makarov had started taking on commissions around the Magnolia area. He was growing quickly through practical experience.
Erza was still young. Her talent was undeniable, and her strength was impressive for her age, but in Noah's eyes, she still needed more polishing.
For the past two days, Erza had been sulking ever since Noah turned down her commission request. So, when she saw him walking over, she scowled, turned her head away, and ignored him entirely.
Kagura, on the other hand, greeted him sweetly.
"Brother Noah, are you here to train too?"
Noah waved casually. "I've got something to take care of. You two keep training."
He led Laxus off to the side, away from the others. Once they were alone, Noah turned to him and asked:
"Alright. No one's around now. What's been bothering you?"
Laxus hesitated, his brows furrowed. Then, after a pause, he finally said it.
"I want to take the S-Class wizard promotion exam. But… I'm worried Grandpa won't approve it."
"Huh?" Noah blinked. "Why the sudden interest in the S-Class exam?"
Laxus shot him an irritated look.
"What, that surprising? You became an S-Class wizard when you were eight. It's been three years since then I'm already fourteen.
You made it so young. So of course I want to give it a try too. But… I'm just not sure I'm good enough yet. I've been training a lot, but I still feel kind of… unsure. That's what's been eating at me."
"Why not just talk to Grandpa directly? At your level, you should be eligible."
"No." Laxus shook his head firmly. "I don't want to just take the S-Class exam. I want to pass it. On my first try. Not the second, not the third the first."
He crossed his arms, his pride showing clearly.
Noah understood right away. Laxus was too proud to handle failing an exam like this. He wanted to prove himself not just to others, but to himself. He didn't want to crawl his way into the title. He wanted to claim it cleanly.
Noah couldn't help it. He started laughing.
Laxus narrowed his eyes.
"What's so funny?" he snapped. "There's nothing funny about that."
"No, no, no I'm not laughing at you!" Noah quickly raised his hands in surrender, trying to suppress his chuckles. "Seriously."
Laxus's expression slowly eased, though he still looked a little annoyed.
Once Noah had calmed down, he asked again:
"So, you want to take the S-Class promotion exam?"
"Yeah," Laxus replied. "And I want to pass it in one shot."
"You know how Grandpa is. He doesn't just look at potential he only gives that title to people who can prove they're strong enough. If he doesn't think you're ready, he won't even let you apply."
"I know," Laxus admitted with a sigh. "That's why I'm torn about whether to try this year."
"Let me be honest," Noah said seriously. "There's always going to be battle in the S-Class exam. They don't just test power they test how well you fight under pressure."
"I'm ready for that," Laxus replied with a nod. "Mentally, at least."
"And the examiners?" Noah added. "They're all S-Class wizards."
Laxus suddenly paused. A shadow passed over his face.
"…Wait."
He stared at Noah suspiciously. "Don't tell me…"
"That's right." Noah smirked. "Gildarts isn't back yet. Which means I have to take his place as examiner."
Laxus's face darkened immediately.
Laxus's expression darkened as he narrowed his eyes.
"You're not planning to block me from becoming an S-Class wizard on purpose, are you?"
The suspicion in his voice was barely hidden. He couldn't help but question whether the man in front of him who could be intimidatingly strict would intentionally stand in his way.
Noah raised an eyebrow, calm as ever.
"Of course not," he replied evenly. "But I will judge your strength seriously. If I don't think you're ready, then no you won't be qualified. And just so you know my standards are high."
Laxus's shoulders sagged slightly. "Then… I probably don't stand a chance this year, huh?"
He looked discouraged for the first time.
Noah watched him for a moment, then gave a small shrug.
"Let's fight."
"…Huh?"
"We fight. Right now. Then we'll both know if you're ready to be an S-Class wizard."
Laxus's eyes lit up.
He stood straighter, energy returning to him in a rush. "You mean it?"
Noah gave a small smirk. "Yeah. Let's have a fight."
"Yes!" Laxus's fist clenched, sparks flickering faintly around him. "Let's go!"
....
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