Morning in Magnolia City
The morning sunlight bathed the streets of Magnolia City. Townsfolk were already decorating early, and a festive harvest atmosphere filled the alleyways. In the narrow streets, children ran around with toys and decorations that would be used for the festival, laughing and shouting with excitement.
At the back mountains of the guild…
"Bam~ Bam~"
Kael watched as Kanna slammed her fist into the ground, cracks spiderwebbing across the clearing. His eyes twitched—her talent for Haki was extraordinary. In just three months of training, she had successfully infused her fists with Armament Haki.
It seemed that if he paired Kanna with a few strong cards, her overall combat ability would skyrocket.
"Kael, you bastard! Did you secretly give Kanna extra training?" Natsu jumped up, fists clenched, accusing Kael of favoritism.
"Hmph, I'm on Natsu's side this time," Gray added, giving Kael a suspicious look.
"Bam Bam!"
"You two little brats," Erisa scolded, punching Natsu and Gray lightly on the shoulders, "Kael has been training with you every day, barely taking on missions. Have you no conscience?"
"Exactly. Natsu, Gray, strength comes from yourself. As the saying goes, three parts destiny, seven parts effort. I believe you can both master this power. But Kanna… she has nine parts talent, which is why she can master this power in such a short time. So you two will need to train even harder. Understand?" Kael crouched down to meet their eyes, speaking with earnestness.
"Yes, we understand," Natsu and Gray nodded, half-comprehending. Natsu glanced at Kanna, a hint of challenge in his eyes, and clenched his fists. "Alright, Kanna, let's duel! I want to see what you've got."
"Dragon Slayer Magic—Iron Fist of the Fire Dragon!" Natsu shouted, his flame-cloaked fist swinging toward Kanna.
Kanna raised her dark-tinged fist to meet him. Natsu was forced back several steps by the immense force. Kanna had won, though she panted lightly, and her Armament Haki dissipated.
"Oh, not bad. Her combat ability just jumped up a tier," Erisa said, eyes bright with approval.
"Exactly. Kanna's ready for the next stage," Kael said, nodding in acknowledgment of her talent. Turning to Erisa, he suggested, "You've already sensed a bit of it yourself. Why don't we spar a little? One breakthrough could make all the difference."
"Hmm… maybe another time. Today I need to prepare a costume for the Magic Parade. I can tweak it with a tailor if needed. Sparring can wait," Erisa replied, prioritizing preparation for the festival.
"All right, morning training's over. Let's head back to the guild to discuss the Harvest Festival performances," Kael said, nodding in agreement.
Sheesh, in this world, some can master this power. And prodigies… Kanna is definitely one of them. I wonder what it'll be like when Gildarts meets her. One punch and the ground shatters… Kael's mind wandered as they walked back to the guild.
The Harvest Festival Magic Parade
The Magic Parade of the Harvest Festival was Magnolia's traditional celebration. With the participation of the magical guild, it had a massive impact on local tourism and commerce.
"All right, everyone, stick to the program we discussed last time. I'll get ready too," the Guild Master said, hopping off the bar counter with a happy bounce.
The guild members huddled in small groups, discussing arrangements.
Gray, Natsu, Kael, and Kanna stepped out of the guild to buy missing props and costumes. According to the shopkeeper, the remaining items wouldn't arrive until later that day.
"Kael, let's have ramen for lunch. A new shop opened nearby and it's supposed to be amazing," Gray suggested, his stomach growling.
"No, barbecue! Barbecue is the perfect match for today's celebration," Natsu immediately protested.
"Ramen!"
"Barbecue!"
"Damn it, Natsu! We already had barbecue yesterday. Today is ramen day."
"Pervert, no! I'm eating barbecue!"
Gray and Natsu bickered loudly, nearly coming to blows, until Kael held them both back. "All right, we can get a little of both and eat together. That works, right? Kanna, you want some too?" Kael soothed the two troublemakers.
"I'm fine with anything, but today I want that fizzy drink you made last time," Kanna said. She had become addicted to the tingling sensation that ran down her throat.
"Of course," Kael nodded.
As he spoke, he noticed a figure on a distant rooftop.
"Laxus~"
"That's the fast, grumpy guy from last time," Natsu pointed excitedly in Kael's direction.
"Oh, Kael, your senses are sharp. I hid my magic and you still found me," Laxus said with a flash of lightning as he landed in front of them, admiration on his face.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"You're not going to join the Harvest Festival?" he asked, seeing Laxus carrying a backpack in one hand and multiple mission scrolls in the other.
"I won't waste my time on something boring. Strength is all that matters. I want to become Guild Master, eliminate the weak, and build a powerful guild. Kael, I respect your power. Want to join me on a mission?" Laxus said flippantly, though his final tone carried a serious invitation.
"No, Laxus. Every guild member is a partner, a family. I fight to protect them. I cannot agree with your idea, nor will I join you," Kael replied solemnly, voice firm.
"Natsu! Gray!" The two gazed at Kael with admiration.
Kanna looked at Kael, heart swelling at his dedication to his comrades. She clenched her fists, thinking of her absent father, resolved to train harder than ever. Someday, she would make him regret abandoning her and her mother.
Meanwhile, Gildarts was on a mission in the mountains.
"Achoo~!" He sneezed, rubbing his nose. "Could it be… is some beauty thinking of me again? Hehe."
"Tch… you're as boring as my dad. You'll understand eventually. Goodbye," Laxus muttered, not looking back as he left the town.
"Laxus… you need to face your own heart," Kael called after him.
Laxus didn't respond, vanishing in a flash.
"All right, let's grab some food. We'll feast at lunch, get the props and costumes ready, and then train a bit more. Let's go," Kael said softly to the three kids.
"Yay! Let's go!" Natsu jumped first, tugging at Kael to hurry.