Ankh and Laxus's movements suddenly stilled. They faced each other, their magical power intensifying.
"Grim Reaper's..."
"Lightning Dragon's..."
Their voices rang out simultaneously, vast and terrifying magical power swallowed into their bellies, about to erupt in a roar.
"Stop!"
Just as the roars and shouts were about to be unleashed, Makarov's seasoned and deep voice rang out. The Guild Master finally stepped in to take charge.
Powerful light magic flowed between them. Ankh felt his magic absorption stall and quickly halted the spell's release.
Laxus also stopped, but the smile that had been on his face earlier had now turned grim.
It wasn't easy to find a peer he could fight, only to be interrupted by the old man... Ankh breathed a slight sigh of relief. He was over-expended at the moment and had been at a disadvantage. If the fight continued, he probably wouldn't be a match for Laxus.
Once he fully mastered Titan Gravity and balanced his physique with God Slayer Magic, he would definitely be able to beat Laxus soundly... Makarov glanced at Laxus with a complex look, then turned to Ankh and said,
"Ankh, congratulations, you've successfully completed your first mission."
Ankh turned his head, clearly displeased, and said with his arms crossed, "It would have been even smoother if it weren't for a certain someone's entanglement."
Laxus sneered twice and said, "Consider yourself capable, still able to return alive."
Makarov's brows furrowed, and he finally couldn't help but roar,
"Shut up! Haven't you two caused enough trouble?!"
Laxus scoffed, said nothing, and turned to walk out of the Guild.
Makarov's beard bristled with anger, and he stomped his foot, cursing, "Stop right there! Laxus!"
Ankh watched Laxus's departing back with a cold gaze, then suddenly shouted at him, "When I recover, let's finish this fight!"
Laxus's steps paused slightly, but he still walked out of the Guild door without any response.
Ankh pouted and muttered, "He's really like a rebellious kid."
Cana wiped the sweat from her forehead and said weakly, "Actually, Big Brother Ankh isn't much different..."
Makarov looked at Ankh with some concern and said, "How are you? Are you injured?"
Ankh patted his chest and said, "It's a small matter."
Only then did Makarov nod, letting out a long, wistful sigh.
Ankh hesitated for a moment and said, "Actually, I'm also responsible for the conflict this time. Guild Master doesn't need to punish Laxus."
Makarov looked at Ankh in surprise, seemingly astonished that Ankh would speak up for Laxus.
But soon, he smiled with relief and said, "I understand... Ankh, could you help me look after Laxus?"
Ankh was stunned for a moment and asked in confusion, "He has that kind of strength, why would he need me to look after him?"
Makarov gazed at Ankh's flawless, fair face and smiled, "You two are the same age, and your combat power is almost equal. He might listen to you a little more..."
Ankh nodded in understanding. As Makarov's grandson, Makarov must still be very concerned about his growth.
It's just that Laxus's personality is a bit extreme, and his strength is terrifying, which has led to him not having friends who can match him or communicate with him.
From the Guild Master's meaning, Makarov wanted him to be Laxus's friend?
Ankh pondered for a while, then nodded gently. Makarov's face showed a relieved smile.
Although Laxus had a terrible temper, Ankh himself wasn't much better.
What's more, this guy's abilities were very much to Ankh's liking!
After entrusting these trivial matters, Makarov also left the Guild, seemingly to find Laxus.
Seeing the Guild Master also leave, the Guild members who had not dared to speak until then finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Leaving aside the Guild Master, Mages of Ankh and Laxus's caliber were far stronger than most adult Mages. Who could stop their conflicts?
Ankh sat back down, and the small group of young Mages gathered around him again, chattering away.
Gray, who had somehow stripped off his clothes, looked at Ankh in surprise and said, "I didn't expect Ankh to be so amazing, able to be compared to a monster like Laxus!"
Among the younger generation in the Guild today, if categorized by strength, Laxus had always been at the very top, followed by Erza, then Natsu and Gray, and finally Cana.
He didn't expect Ankh, whom the Guild Master had just brought in, to also be a top-tier Mage... Cana held a drink, pouting slightly as she bit on the straw, saying, "Of course! I heard the Guild Master say that before Ankh joined the Guild, he single-handedly wiped out a Dark Guild."
Erza looked at her in surprise and said, "There's such a thing?"
Gray, acting older than his years, crossed his arms and calmly analyzed, "Indeed, the magical power contained within Ankh feels like it's on a completely different level than ours..."
Cana nodded, then frowned and said, "Laxus is always so fierce and strong. Only Big Brother Ankh can get a little close to him."
Gray scratched his head and said, "Really? I think Laxus is okay, he's probably just shy."
Cana's bright, sparkling eyes blinked, then she gave him a look of disdain.
That Laxus, shy?
Don't be ridiculous... The few gossiping kids gathered around the table discussing, and Natsu finally woke up groggily at this point, looking confusedly at the now calm Guild: "Huh? Was it a dream?"
Gray said, quite speechless, "Ankh and Laxus already finished fighting, and you're just waking up?"
Natsu sprang up from the floor with a carp-like leap and said excitedly, "Really? Who won in the end?"
Ankh yawned, feeling a bit sleepy, and lay down on the table, saying casually, "Who knows..."
"Ah—I don't care, I want to duel you, Ankh!"
Natsu waved his fists, charging forward like a beast and shouting, "Fire Dragon's..."
Ankh's eyelids were drooping, but upon hearing Natsu's shout, he impatiently waved his hand to cast a spell and said, "Shut up!"
A magic circle rose beneath Natsu's feet, instantly pressing him to the ground, and he let out a strange cry.
Gray covered his eyes helplessly and said, "He never learns."
Erza stared thoughtfully at Natsu, who was pinned to the ground, and said, "Ankh's gravity magic seems a bit different from what I've read in books."
Cana nodded and said, "It seems to be very effective against physical attacks."
Erza was full of curiosity and wanted to ask Ankh, but when she looked down, she suddenly froze.
Ankh was lying on the table, his crimson star-like eyes closed, his breathing becoming very even, faint snores rising, and his scattered fringe peacefully draped over his side profile.
The soft light fell upon Ankh's sleeping face, his perfect and pure features becoming even more alluring. Even in deep slumber, it was impossible to tear one's gaze away from that captivating face.
The young Mages quietly gathered around the table, none daring to disturb his beautiful dream... Then the few kids suddenly looked up at each other and exclaimed in unison,
"So beautiful!"