Year X777
Over the past year, Kael had trained tirelessly, pushing himself to the limit. Through relentless effort, he had mastered 50% of the strength of the generals he now commanded and had also learned all of the Guild Master's Light Magic.
Though grueling, the training had healing effects, allowing him to endure it fully. His hard work paid off: within a year, he had developed the ability to protect himself with confidence.
Wearing a new shirt adorned with the Fairy Tail guild emblem, Kael stepped through the guild doors—and immediately heard a voice of admiration.
"Yo, Kael, looking sharp today! Where'd you get that shirt? Gah, I'll buy one too, hahahaha!" Macao, drinking early in the morning, hiccuped as he spoke, spotting Kael entering the guild. His drinking buddy, Wakaba, gulped down his ale, then laughed mockingly: "Look at yourself—you can't even pull off wearing anything right, hahahaha, idiot."
"What? Who are you talking to, huh?"
"You! Idiot!"
Before Kael could respond, the two were already butting heads, pushing back and forth, hands locked in a contest of strength, neither giving in.
"You bastard! Take my sandbag-sized punch—Smoke Magic: Smoke Assault!" Wakaba leapt and unleashed his attack.
"You think you're the only one who can use magic? Try my Bullet Assault—Purple Flame Magic: Violet Storm!" Macao fired back without hesitation.
Just as their spells were about to collide, a pair of giant hands crushed the magic mid-air, breaking it into tiny particles that floated down harmlessly.
"You two little punks! The guild is not for fighting! Get out!"
Bang bang! In an instant, the two were hurled outside by the guild master.
Kael twitched at the scene, chuckling dryly.
"Master, may I take on a mission?" Kael asked eagerly, hope shining in his eyes.
"Oh? Have you mastered all the magic I taught you? A new member must first be tested to see if they have the skills to begin. Follow me."
Guild Master Makarov led the way out, Kael following at a measured pace. Watching the old man wobble slightly, Kael thought casually: Drinking this early in the morning… is that safe?
They stood in the open space outside. Guild members poured out to watch, curious to see the fruits of Kael's year of effort, already imagining a feast to celebrate afterward.
In their hearts, everyone believed Kael would pass the test.
And Kael was not about to disappoint. His current strength might already surpass Erza's.
Scratching his head, Kael smiled helplessly at the slightly dazed and still tipsy master. "Master, be careful. I'm going to act now."
Seeing no reaction, Kael didn't hesitate. He vanished from view, reappearing instantly above the master, one leg raised, ready to strike.
Bang! Smoke erupted, obscuring the scene.
A small figure dashed from the smoke, summoning a green magic circle that conjured wind to clear the haze.
Finally, everyone could see Kael standing calmly, hands in his pockets, smiling. The ground around him was shattered, stones scattered, cracks spreading like spiderwebs.
"Master, are you sober now? I'll be serious from here on."
"Damn kid… impressive physical skill. How did you train like this? Let's see your true strength," Makarov murmured with admiration.
Kael flashed like lightning, appearing beside the master and reforming instantly into human shape.
"Speed is power. Watch out, Master," Kael warned.
"Gigantification Magic: Giant's Defense!" The master cast his spell at lightning speed, striking Kael's three-story-high giant arm, forcing Makarov to move sideways several meters.
The other guild members were stunned—the master was one of the Ten Holy Mages.
"Not bad… barely passing." Makarov's voice was calm, but the slight gleam in his eyes betrayed satisfaction at Kael's skill.
"This kid, Kael… his affinity with Light Magic is nearly 100%! His learning speed is astonishing. If I didn't have some expertise in Light Magic myself, I might not have noticed his moves," Makarov continued, impressed.
"Seriously? That's 'not bad'? His clothes aren't even wrinkled, and he casually moved the master several steps! If it were me… I'd only tickle him," Macao murmured in awe.
Erza, standing nearby, frowned slightly, wondering if she could ever move the master so effortlessly.
"Alright… focus, Kael. Train twice as hard tonight. You'll have the strength to protect your family," she thought, watching him patiently answer Gray's endless questions.
"Hmm~" Kael squinted at the task board, scanning each mission. He hesitated—so many options exploded and vanished in his mind like sparks, triggering his indecisiveness.
A fair, pale hand reached toward a small, inconspicuous task in the corner.
"You can choose this one: exterminate a species of Flame Lizards in the Catanado Mountains. Close by—just three days away, and well-paying."
Kael glanced at the paper. Seeing his attention, Erza explained: "This mission was issued by a merchant caravan. The lizards' skins resist heat and fire, useful for crafting magical armor. They recently took a large order and ran low on inventory, so they issued this task. With our combined strength, we can finish it. What do you think?"
"Okay. This is it. Let's settle it once and for all," Kael said firmly, ready to take on the challenge.