It wasn't Natsu's fault for not recognizing him.
Laxus was currently wrapped in white bandages from head to toe, with only a pair of cold eyes and a head of badly scorched blond hair visible.
From a distance, he looked just like a bandaged monster.
Was I a little too rough yesterday?
Roland couldn't help but wonder.
After all, in less than a day, he was able to get out of bed and walk, and his voice was even full and resonant.
He didn't seem like a patient with burns all over his body at all.
"Wait, Laxus was beaten up by a newcomer yesterday!"
At that moment, Natsu, who had just gotten the news from Mirajane, his eyes widened as he shouted in astonishment.
That idiot—
Sitting upstairs, Laxus heard him loud and clear. His face instantly darkened, and he glared at Natsu with murderous intent.
"What's that look for? Wanna fight!?" Natsu taunted provocatively.
Since he knew Laxus had been beaten into this state by a newcomer, there was nothing to worry about.
"You should keep training. Come find me when you can beat Erza."
After being stirred up by Natsu, Laxus was in no mood to stay. He stood up, intending to head back to the infirmary on the second floor.
But before he left, he specifically looked at the newcomer who had effortlessly crushed him.
"Roland, was it... just you wait—sooner or later, I'll pay you back for yesterday's defeat."
"I'll be looking forward to it."
Roland replied with a light laugh.
His demeanor, which was the complete opposite of yesterday's, made Laxus pause.
But he didn't pay it much mind. After a cold snort with a gloomy face, his figure disappeared from the second floor.
As Laxus left, the crowd, who had thought there would be another show to watch, uninterestingly averted their gazes. Those who were drinking went back to drinking, and those who were chatting went back to chatting.
"By the way, I didn't expect your strength to be so incredible. You even beat that Laxus."
The shocking pressure from yesterday had made the sleepiness on Levy's face quietly dissipate, replaced by a thick curiosity.
You have to know, among the S-Class Mages in the guild, besides Gildarts, who was on a century quest, and the mysterious Mystogan, who had never shown his strength, Laxus was undoubtedly the strongest.
Roland, who had easily defeated Laxus—just how strong was he really?
The girl's curiosity was piqued.
"If we're talking about that—destroying the entire continent should be no problem."
Roland stroked his chin and gave a serious answer after some thought.
"That's a bit of an exaggeration..."
Levy slumped onto the table and rolled her eyes speechlessly.
Seeing that she wasn't going to get the answer she wanted, she simply closed her eyes, rested her little head on Roland's arm on the table, and prepared to catch up on some sleep.
What happened last night was a bit too stimulating for a virgin like her, so much so that when she returned to the dorm, she couldn't sleep even when lying in bed.
The moment she closed her eyes, she could feel her body heat up, and her mind gradually grew warmer.
In the end, unable to sleep, Levy could only sneak into Erza's room and take back the few books she had lent her.
With a very serious attitude, she read them carefully.
The result—she didn't sleep all night and came to the guild early in the morning to wait for Roland.
However, just as Levy closed her eyes, an excited voice suddenly woke her up.
"You're that Roland Mira was talking about, right—to be able to beat Laxus, your strength must be amazing!"
Natsu strode up to them, his spirits high.
"Aye, what a terrifying newcomer!"
The blue cat, who at some point had grown a pair of white wings, was now floating in mid-air, sighing in agreement.
"..."
—So noisy!
Levy looked up, feeling lifeless. She shook her groggy head and covered her mouth with a yawn.
Although she wanted to curl up in Roland's arms and sleep, breathing in his pleasant scent, she dutifully made the introductions.
"This is Natsu Dragneel. The magic he uses is quite peculiar—Dragon Slayer Magic, from the Ancient Spells."
"The blue cat behind him is also a member of the guild. His name is Happy."
I didn't expect to actually run into Natsu today.
With a head of pink hair, wearing a black short jacket with cropped pants, and a white, scale-patterned scarf around his neck, he wasn't much different from his memory.
"And this is Roland. He just joined the guild yesterday—and is currently on my team!"
When Levy introduced her boyfriend beside her, her tone couldn't help but become much more spirited.
"Aye, I remember you were on a team with Jet and Droy, weren't you?" Happy landed steadily on the table, looking at the girl sideways with a thoughtful expression. "Could it be—you two have a thing going on!"
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Levy, whose thoughts had been guessed, blushed and shouted loudly.
This stupid cat—why is he so sharp when it comes to these things!
Natsu, however, didn't pay any attention to this. His eyes were fixed on Roland, burning with fighting spirit as he issued an invitation, "Fight me, Lolan!"
"It's Roland, Roland! At least get people's names right!"
Levy corrected him, feeling a bit frantic.
Besides, who challenges someone they've just met for the first time!
"It's fine. Actually, I'd also like to see the strength of a mage raised by a dragon."
Roland stood up with a smile, but his words made Natsu's expression freeze.
"Hey, how did you know I was raised by a dragon!?"
He slammed his hands on the table, leaning forward in an exaggerated manner, almost pressing himself against Roland.
The fact that he was raised by a dragon was something a newcomer who had just joined shouldn't know.
"Did Levy tell you?"
"I didn't. Do dragons even really exist?"
Levy waved her hands, then couldn't help but retort at the end.
"Dragons do exist," Roland shook his head and explained. "The Dragon Slayers, who were cared for and raised by dragons, are the best proof."
"Dragon Slayers?"
Levy blinked, clearly grasping the key point.
But before she could ask for details, Natsu beside her slammed the table and eagerly asked, "Then do you know where Igneel is!?"
"I don't."
Roland's answer was like a bucket of cold water, and Natsu instantly deflated, his expression full of disappointment.
He had finally found someone who knew that dragons existed—
"But, although I don't know the dragons' location, I do have information about other Dragon Slayers!"
That voice sounded, and Natsu's eyes lit up again.
"Can you tell me!?"
"I can, but only if you defeat me."
Roland said slowly, a gentle smile on his lips.