Ankh and Laxus suddenly stilled their movements, facing each other as the intensity of their Magic Power continued to rise.
"Death God's…"
"Thunder Dragon's…"
Their voices rang out simultaneously as vast and terrifying Magic Power was drawn into their bodies, on the verge of being unleashed in a breath attack.
"Stop!"
Just as the roars and howls were about to erupt, Makarov's mature and resonant voice cut through.
The Guild Master had finally stepped in to take control.
A powerful Light Magic swirled between the two of them.
Ankh felt his Magic absorption falter and quickly halted his spell.
Laxus also withdrew, though the smile that had been on his face earlier was now replaced with a displeased expression.
He had finally found a worthy opponent his age, only to be interrupted by the old man again…
Ankh breathed a slight sigh of relief.
In his current exhausted state, he had been at a disadvantage throughout the fight.
If it had continued, he likely wouldn't have been a match for Laxus.
'Once I fully master Titan Gravity and balance the enhancement of my physique with God Slayer Magic, I will definitely make Laxus eat his words…'
Makarov cast a complicated glance at Laxus before turning to Ankh and said.
"Ankh, congratulations on successfully completing your first mission."
Ankh turned his head with clear displeasure, crossing his arms as he said, "It would've gone more smoothly if not for someone's constant pestering."
Laxus sneered twice, remarking, "You've got some skill to make it back alive."
Makarov's brows furrowed deeply, finally unable to contain himself.
"Enough! Haven't you caused enough trouble already!!"
Laxus snorted dismissively, offering no response as he turned and strode toward the guild entrance.
Makarov's mustache bristled with rage as he stomped his feet and shouted.
"Stop right there! Laxus!"
Ankh watched Laxus's retreating back coldly before suddenly calling out to him.
"After I recovering, let's finish this fight!"
Laxus's steps faltered slightly, but he still offered no reply as he exited through the guild doors.
Ankh curled his lip and muttered, "He really acts like some rebellious brat."
Cana wiped sweat from her forehead and timidly added, "Actually, Ankh isn't much better..."
Makarov looked at Ankh with concern, asking, "Are you alright? Not injured?"
Ankh patted his chest, declaring, "Nah im fine."
Only then did Makarov nod, heaving a long, melancholic sigh.
After hesitating briefly, Ankh said, "Actually, I share some responsibility for this conflict. There's no need to punish Laxus, Master."
Makarov looked at Ankh in surprise, seemingly astonished that Ankh would speak up for Laxus.
But soon, he smiled understandingly and said.
"I see... Ankh, could you look after Laxus for me?"
Ankh blinked in confusion, asking, "With his level of power, why would he need my care?"
Makarov gazed at Ankh's flawless face and chuckled.
"You two are around the same age, and your combat abilities are fairly matched. He might actually listen to you somewhat..."
Ankh nodded in realization.
As Makarov's own grandson, Laxus naturally remained a source of paternal concern.
However, Laxus's extreme personality coupled with his terrifying strength meant he lacked peers who could match him, leaving him without true friends for proper communication.
Was the Master implying he wanted Ankh to become Laxus's friend?
After pondering for a moment, Ankh gave a slight nod.
A relieved smile touched Makarov's lips.
Though Laxus had a terrible temper... Ankh wasn't much better himself.
Besides, the guy's capabilities suited Ankh's tastes quite well!
After settling these matters, Makarov also left the guild, apparently to find Laxus.
With the Master gone, the guild members who had remained silent finally breathed sighs of relief.
Even setting aside the Master, conflicts between powerhouses like Ankh and Laxus—who far surpassed most adult Mages—were beyond anyone's ability to intervene.
Ankh returned to his seat, and the group of young Mages immediately swarmed around him, chattering excitedly.
Gray, who had somehow stripped naked again, looked at Ankh in amazement and said.
"Never thought you'd be strong enough to rival Laxus!"
Among the guild's younger generation, if ranked by combat prowess, Laxus consistently stood at the very top, followed by Erza, then Natsu and Gray, with Cana bringing up the rear.
Cana held a drink, pouting as she sipped through a straw.
"Of course. I heard from Master that before joining the guild, Ankh single-handedly wiped out a Dark Guild."
Erza looked at her in surprise. "There's such a thing?"
Gray, acting mature beyond his years, crossed his arms and calmly analyzed.
"Indeed, the Magic Power stored within Ankh feels like it's on a completely different level from ours..."
Cana nodded, then frowned. "Laxus is always so fierce and incredibly strong. Only Ankh can fight him equally."
Gray scratched his head. "Really? I think Laxus is alright, probably just shy."
Cana blinked her sparkling, doll-like eyes, then gave him a disdainful glare.
'That Laxus? Shy? Don't be ridiculous...'
The group of gossiping kids gathered around the table discussing when Natsu finally woke up groggily, looking confused at the now peaceful guild.
"Huh? Was it a dream?"
Gray said helplessly, "Ankh and Laxus have already finished fighting, and you're just waking up now?"
Natsu sprang up from the ground like a carp leaping, excitedly shouting.
"Really? Who won in the end?"
Ankh yawned, drowsily laying his head on the table, casually replying, "Who knows..."
"Ah—I don't care! I want to duel you, Ankh!"
Natsu waved his fists, charging over recklessly like a wild beast.
"Fire Dragon's—"
Ankh's eyelids were heavy, but upon hearing Natsu's roar, he impatiently waved his hand to cast magic.
"Shut up!"
A magic circle appeared beneath Natsu's feet, instantly pressing him to the ground.
Gray covered his eyes helplessly.
"He never learns."
Erza thoughtfully stared at Natsu pinned to the ground.
"Ankh's Gravity Magic seems different from what I've read in books."
Cana nodded. "It seems quite effective against physical attacks."
Erza, full of curiosity, wanted to ask Ankh, but when she looked down, she suddenly froze.
Ankh lay on the table with his eyes closed.
Soft snores emerged as his disheveled bangs rested quietly against his cheek.
Faint light fell upon Ankh's sleeping face, his perfect and pure features growing increasingly captivating.
Even in deep slumber, it was impossible to look away from this face that could charm the world.
The young Mages quietly gathered around the table, none daring to disturb his beautiful dream...
Then the kids suddenly looked up at each other, exclaiming in unison.
"So beautiful!"