Seeing Roland walk towards the stairs, Levy quickly hurried after him.
"You can't go up to the second floor right now. According to the Master's rules, only S-Class Mages are allowed up there!"
However, she had just finished speaking when Roland's figure disappeared from the stairs.
"Rules are the kind of thing that become meaningless if you're strong enough."
Roland didn't even turn his head as he took the next step onto the landing.
He could feel his personality had undergone a drastic change.
But so what?
He had absolute confidence in his strength, so what if he was a little more arrogant!
The other guild members weren't too surprised by this scene. After all, there were always some hot-tempered individuals who couldn't stand Laxus's provocations and would try to charge up to the second floor.
The result, naturally, was being thrown back down by Guild Master Makarov.
"Tch, that Laxus guy is always so arrogant every time he shows up."
Sitting on a repaired chair, a bruised and swollen Wakaba held a cigarette and clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Well, what can you do? He was so well-behaved when he was a kid," Macao stroked his chin as he watched the newcomer walk up the stairs. "Isn't Natsu around?"
"Nah, he went out on a job yesterday morning."
"No wonder I felt like something was missing."
If Natsu were here, he could have served as a bad example for the newcomer.
............
"That was a good line just now. I wonder if you have the strength to back it up."
A playful smile appeared on Laxus's lips as he glanced at his grandfather, who had fallen asleep at some point, clutching a wine bottle.
It's about time you woke up.
Just as Roland was halfway up the stairs, the drunken Makarov woke up.
"Laxus, can't you just behave yourself?"
Looking at his grandson, Makarov had a helpless expression.
He was always causing a heap of trouble, and now he wouldn't even let a newcomer off the hook.
"Sorry, Roland. It's all my fault that Laxus is like this. Please don't mind him!"
Makarov sighed. A golden magic circle flashed in front of his palm, and a giant hand reached towards Roland.
He was preparing to bring him back down.
After all, he was a newcomer who had just joined; it was normal for him not to know the guild's rules.
However, the giant hand he extended grabbed nothing but air, leaving Makarov stunned.
When he looked towards Roland's position again, the other was already standing in front of Laxus.
Wait—when did he get there!?
Not only Makarov, but the other guild members were also shocked.
Someone actually managed to break through the Master's defense and get to the second floor, and it was a newcomer who had just joined the guild!?
"Hey, you—you're a bit interesting."
Laxus was stunned for a moment, then stood up from his chair and said nonchalantly, "I happen to have some time. I can show you just how big the gap between us is."
"On what grounds?"
Roland looked at him calmly, the arrogance hidden beneath his gentle exterior gradually baring its fangs.
Although his power came from Escanor, because they were different individuals, the manifestation of their arrogance also differed.
Escanor's arrogance was one of pity, pitying all who were weaker than him.
His was simply looking down on everyone.
The brilliant, golden sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating his body. Tiny golden flames slowly ignited in his hair, making him look as dazzling as if he were gilded.
"Fire magic? I hope you're not all show and no substance like Natsu and Macao!"
Seeing the flames rising from his body, Laxus laughed arrogantly and extended a hand, crackling arcs of electricity wrapping around it.
"Who are you calling all show and no substance, you bastard!"
Down below, Macao's face darkened.
"Master, aren't you going to stop them?" Mirajane asked worriedly.
"...No need."
Makarov's expression was a bit strange as he looked at Roland's back, unsure of what to say.
Isn't this newcomer's magic related to shadows? Why is the magic power he's leaking now so strong?
Its intensity was continuously increasing, to the point where even he felt a sense of danger. Something's not right...
I hope Laxus can rein in his personality this time.
"Ahem, um... go easy on him!"
Knowing his grandson's strength, Makarov couldn't help but remind him.
"Huh?"
Laxus's mind couldn't quite process it.
Normally, when something like this happened, shouldn't the old man stop them? Why was he telling him to go easy this time?
Although he was confused, Laxus waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, I won't kill him!"
"Mira... what should we do!?"
Hearing the conversation on the second floor, Levy's eyes widened, and she looked at Mirajane helplessly.
"Don't worry, the Master must have his reasons for doing this."
Mirajane stroked her head and comforted her softly.
She believed the Master wouldn't let a member of his own guild be put in danger.
"Is there any possibility that the Master was talking to me just now?"
Roland reminded him.
"Don't flatter yourself, newbie!"
Laxus rushed forward, lightning wrapping around his arms. His charged fist shot towards Roland's abdomen like a cannonball.
Roland stood motionless, letting the fist land on him.
Seeing this, Levy subconsciously closed her eyes.
But—
"You've got to be kidding me, that newcomer is still standing?"
"That's Laxus we're talking about!?"
"Is this newcomer a monster!?"
Cries of astonishment instantly swept through the entire guild, making Levy unable to resist looking up at the second floor.
"That didn't hurt at all."
Under Laxus's stunned and disbelieving gaze, Roland reached out and grabbed his wrist.
Apart from his clothes being torn, his body was almost completely unharmed.
"!?"
Witnessing a strength far beyond his own, Laxus's composure began to waver. He tried to pull his arm back with all his might, but it wouldn't budge.
Taking a deep breath, he aimed his other hand at Roland, and a brilliant golden magic circle instantly appeared.
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!"
Dense golden lightning rained down from the sky, soon completely burying Roland's figure. The wooden floor of the guild was also blasted open, leaving a large hole.
As the smoke and dust cleared, a scornful voice sounded.
"Is this all the strength you have?"
"...You're kidding!?"
Hearing the voice beside his ear, Laxus's eyes widened. He then clenched his teeth in frustration, the magic power in his Dragon Slayer Lacrima surging wildly. "You're just a newcomer—"
His body began to grow, his muscles bulging, and golden, scale-like markings appeared on his arms.
However, before he could react, Roland's magic power began to rise violently, even forming a tangible pressure that covered the entire guild.
The surrounding floor, walls, and furniture were all incinerated. Unable to escape, Laxus's face turned pale, and a sense of powerlessness quietly rose in his heart.
I can't win—I can't possibly win!
Fortunately, this pressure only lasted for about ten seconds.
"Laxus, was it? You... are so weak."
Roland looked at the scorched Laxus and said with a nonchalant tone.