บท 92: Chapter 92: "That" Is Coming
Natsu's title of "Fire Dragon" was gradually spreading—not around the Fairy Tail guild, but from the location of his last mission.
People in Magnolia heard this nickname the latest, around late September, and by then, the rumors had become quite distorted.
Perhaps only when Natsu caused another big incident would new rumors emerge to gradually correct the story.
Even so, it still boosted Fairy Tail's fame a bit.
In Oak Town, at Phantom Lord's guild:
"What 'Fire Dragon'? Just wait and see—there's no room for two dragons in this sky!"
So said Gajeel, the Iron Dragon Slayer whom Rhodes and Mira had once impersonated.
...
Near a not-so-famous small guild:
"Natsu-san is so strong! One day, I will be like him and spread the name 'White Dragon' across the entire continent!"
An eleven-year-old boy with pale yellow hair developed such an aspiration.
A deep red cat followed beside him, "If it's you, Sting, you can definitely do it. Sting is the strongest!"
...
On the other side of the mountain, in the southern part of Fiore Kingdom:
A little blue-haired girl said with longing:
"Charle, there's another dragon legend near that guild. Do you think they might know where Grandeeney is?"
A white cat poured cold water on her hopes, "Don't get your hopes up. By the time such distant rumors reach here, they've already lost their original meaning."
"Aw..."
The white cat panicked and tried to keep a stern face, "Don't just start crying at the drop of a hat! Be a little stronger!"
...
"Partial Take Over—Beast Arm—Lizardman!"
Elfman's arm sprouted scales, and his hand transformed into a beastly claw.
"Partial Take Over—Shadow Wolf's Claw!"
Rhodes' arm shimmered with light spots, morphing into a wolf's paw.
The two stepped forward, their arms swinging with a whooshing sound, accompanied by Elfman's shout:
"Man!!!"
Thud! Elfman's fist struck the soft pad of Rhodes' palm, making a dull sound.
Rhodes' wolf paw actually had a paw pad!
And it provided a decent cushioning effect.
Even so, the immense strength of Elfman's Beast Arm wasn't easy to handle.
Shadow Wolves weren't exactly the type adept at frontal combat.
After exchanging a few blows, Rhodes was showing signs of being overpowered.
If he extended his wolf claws and tore with force, he could scratch through Elfman's scales.
But... it's one thing for companions to spar and get bruised, but drawing blood wouldn't look good.
Rhodes stepped back a few paces, the Shadow Wolf's arm disappearing, "Looks like it's hard to beat you using only partial Take Over."
"Full-body Take Over is fine too! If you're a man, come at me with everything you've got!"
Buddy, if I go all out, a swarm of monsters would be trampling over your face by now.
"Alright then, Full-body Take Over—Swift Canyon Crab!"
Going all out was out of the question—there's no way he'd go all out against Mira's brother.
Just practicing Take Over magic and bonding a bit.
Elfman was slightly stunned upon seeing Rhodes' full-body Take Over form, then tears nearly burst from his eyes:
"This form is truly... MANLY!!!"
Compared to the fluffy wolf paw, this mechanical-looking crab armor probably hit Elfman's aesthetic more.
Eyes shining, he charged forward to engage Rhodes in close combat.
"Beast Arm—Iron Bull!"
Elfman's right arm transformed into a metallic mechanical arm, possessing the strength of a bull and the hardness of metal.
After a few hard clashes, Rhodes felt his exoskeleton was at risk of being shattered.
Dude, this is water combat armor—a speed set!
He lightly dodged Elfman's punch, his left arm transforming into a crab claw that firmly clamped onto Elfman's wrist.
Then, grabbing his arm with his right hand, he rammed his shoulder into Elfman's chest. Utilizing strength from his waist and hips, he threw the big guy over.
Boom! Elfman landed flat on his back. If falling counted as losing, he'd already been defeated.
Rhodes felt he'd won a bit sneakily, but with someone like Elfman, he had to win first.
Elfman sat up cross-legged, rubbing the back of his head, and said unhappily:
"You... sometimes you fight like Natsu, sometimes like Cana, and other times like Jet!"
Fighting Rhodes felt like battling several people in succession; sometimes, if he wasn't careful, his combat rhythm would be disrupted.
"Haha, I can't help it. Due to my lack of combat experience, the fastest way to get stronger is to learn a bit from everyone during fights. I haven't had time to develop my own style."
If he had to define his style, Rhodes was best at ambushes and gang fights.
Like Shadow Wolves lurking to ambush, Beaked Birds attacking from the air, Stone Beetles ambushing underground...
But he couldn't possibly use the tactics he employed against Phantom Lord on Elfman.
Rhodes released his Take Over magic and extended a hand to the seated Elfman, "Thanks for taking the time to practice with me."
"This is nothing to thank me for. Sister also asked me to, and your use of Take Over magic is..."
Elfman's attitude was fine as he grabbed Rhodes' hand to stand up, but then his expression suddenly changed,
"Come to think of it, you're not learning Take Over magic just to get close to my sister, are you?!"
Rhodes shook his head, "No, that was just a coincidence."
When he decided to learn Take Over magic, it was purely because it was strong.
But... what's a coincidence? A coincidence is fate! You'll call me brother-in-law sooner or later.
Elfman patted the dirt off his clothes and prepared to leave, "Let's spar again next time. I'll become even stronger! Man!"
"Yeah, good luck."
Rhodes also hoped he would grow stronger—the stronger, the better. It would be best if he could completely overcome his psychological barriers and use Full-body Take Over.
That way, Mira's inner turmoil would also be greatly alleviated.
After all, he was the person she cared about most now.
At this moment, Mira appeared at the doorway. Elfman stopped in his tracks, "Sister? Have you been watching all along?"
Mira waved her hand, "No, I just got here. How did it go?"
"Oh! A man doesn't lose! Man!" Elfman shouted his catchphrase and entered the tavern.
Mira looked at Rhodes.
Rhodes raised his hand with a smile, "Yes, I am the 'man' he mentioned."
Elfman couldn't refute, and with that, Mira understood the outcome. She laughed,
"Don't be discouraged, Elfman.
"Now then, Mr. 'Man,' could you come help out? We're a bit short-staffed today."
"No problem."
...
The tavern was indeed packed. Besides more than twenty tables, even the stools in front of the counter were all occupied.
"One order of Poro Delicacy here!"
"Two orders over here! And two beers!"
Poro Delicacy had officially made it onto the guild's menu.
Many people were interested in a dish named after that cute little furball.
Of course, it initially caused a bit of misunderstanding—everyone thought that heartless guy Rhodes had stewed Wurm.
After a busy afternoon, Rhodes and Mira were cleaning up the dishes together.
He asked, "Why are there so many customers today? Seems like it's been increasing since the day before yesterday."
Mira said mysteriously:
"Because many people have returned from outside, and recently, everyone in the guild hasn't been taking long-distance missions.
"Every year around this time, it's like this because 'that' is coming."
Rhodes looked at Mira. Although her slight forward lean, raised index finger, and playful wink were adorable,
This kind of suspenseful behavior made people...
Made people want to play along.
Rhodes asked, "'That'—what is it?"
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