Rejecting Erza

The commotion ended as everyone dispersed, but the theory of "Infinity" Jiang Bai had dropped was like a bombshell, sending ripples through the hearts of every Fairy Tail member that lingered long afterward.

With Erza supporting him, Jiang Bai, his magic power depleted, returned to the guild to rest.

He leaned back on a soft sofa and closed his eyes, quietly replenishing his utterly empty pool of magic power.

Erza stayed at his side like a diligent little guard, bringing him warm water and food and shooing away all the curious people who wanted to come over and keep "bothering" him.

Half an hour later, Jiang Bai slowly opened his eyes. His face was still a little pale, but his gaze had cleared.

He moved his body a little and found that about thirty percent of his magic power had returned, enough for him to move around freely.

"Erza, thank you. I'm much better now." Jiang Bai smiled at the girl.

"I'm glad you're all right." Erza sighed in relief and handed him a glass of juice.

Jiang Bai took the juice and drank it in one gulp, then stood and headed straight for the liveliest spot in the guild hall—the request board.

Erza naturally followed, her scarlet eyes curiously scanning the dazzling array of request sheets on the wall.

Jiang Bai ignored the D- and C-rank jobs that paid only a few thousand J and fixed his gaze squarely on the B-rank section.

There were noticeably fewer requests posted there, but each one represented a handsome reward and a corresponding danger.

His gaze swept quickly over them before settling on the one with the highest reward.

"Urgent subjugation request: Exterminate the Vulcan population inhabiting the mountains east of Hargeon. Reward: 700,000 J."

This is the one.

Without the slightest hesitation, Jiang Bai reached out and tore down the request sheet.

"Old man, I've made my choice!"

Carrying the sheet, Jiang Bai crossed through the crowd and slapped it down in front of Makarov, who was drinking alone at the bar.

Makarov lifted his eyelids and glanced at the request, his brows instantly knotting.

"Subjugate Vulcans? Kid, are you serious?" His tone held a hint of displeasure. "I gave you permission to take B-rank jobs, but I didn't tell you to put yourself in danger!"

The old man set down his glass, his expression turning serious.

"Your defensive magic is impressive, but this isn't one Vulcan. It's a whole population.

"They're immensely strong, agile, and extremely aggressive.

"Your Infinity can keep you alive, but it consumes a huge amount of magic power. Can you keep it up the whole time? Besides, you don't have any effective means of attacking!"

He sighed, his tone softening. "Listen to me. Start with D-rank jobs. Go find some lost kittens in town first and get some experience. Wouldn't that be better?"

"No." Jiang Bai refused without hesitation. "I need money, and I also need real combat to test my magic. Towering trees don't grow in greenhouses. You understand that too."

Erza, who had been standing quietly to the side, finally understood what Jiang Bai intended to do.

Determination filled her little face. She stepped forward and said loudly, "Master! I want to go with Jiang Bai too! I can protect him!"

At that, Makarov's face darkened completely.

"Nonsense!"

This time, his voice was stern and brooked no argument.

"Absolutely not!"

Makarov's gaze was sharp as a knife as he stared at the two children who had no idea of the dangers ahead. "If Jiang Bai goes alone, I'll still have to worry about him running out of magic power.

"And with you along too? Erza, tell me, do you want to help, or do you want to hold him back?"

The old man's voice grew cold. "What if Jiang Bai gets distracted looking after you during the fight, and both of you end up in danger? Who'll take responsibility for that? I'm telling you, I'd never forgive myself for the rest of my life!"

The atmosphere instantly turned icy.

Makarov's scolding made Erza's eyes redden. She bit her lip in hurt, but didn't know how to argue back.

Seeing the girl on the verge of tears, Jiang Bai's heart softened, but this time, for once, he sided with Makarov.

He sighed, reached out to ruffle Erza's hair, and said softly, "The old man's right, Erza."

"This job is too dangerous. If I'm alone, even if I can't beat them, I can use spatial transfer to escape at any time. No one can catch me. But if I bring you, that adds an unpredictable danger."

Jiang Bai looked into Erza's eyes and explained seriously, "My abilities aren't enough yet to protect you and handle a population of magical beasts with ease at the same time. So you can't go this time."

Jiang Bai's words were gentle, but they struck like a heavy hammer, shattering the last glimmer of hope in Erza's heart.

Even Jiang Bai himself is saying it...

Hurt and unwillingness surged through the girl like a tide. Her eyes turned red in an instant, and clear tears welled up, stubbornly refusing to fall.

She bit down hard on her lower lip, nearly drawing blood, to keep herself from making the slightest sound of a sob.

She knew Jiang Bai and the master were both looking out for her.

She understood that, but understanding didn't mean she wouldn't be hurt.

So I really am... just a burden.

Erza abruptly released her lip and raised her head. The tears had vanished from her scarlet eyes, replaced by a blazing flame.

Without looking at either Jiang Bai or Makarov again, she silently and resolutely turned and walked toward the training ground behind the guild.

Her back was ramrod straight, and each step was unusually steady, as if she were making a declaration.

If I'm not strong enough, then I'll train!

If my strength will only hold him back, then I'll get stronger!

Until the day I can become the sharpest sword in his hand, rather than a weakness behind him that he has to keep looking back to check on!

Until the day I can stand proudly and confidently at his side, facing any storm shoulder to shoulder with him!

A crystal-clear goal took deep root in Erza's heart and began to sprout at an unprecedented speed.

Jiang Bai's outstretched hand remained suspended in midair as he watched the girl's small but unusually determined figure from behind. A pang pierced his heart, yet an inexplicable pride welled up in him.

Makarov looked in the direction Erza had gone and sighed heavily, a complicated look in his eyes.

Neither of them spoke to comfort her.

They both knew full well that, for a girl like Erza Scarlet, any form of comfort would be feeble and meaningless, even an insult.

She didn't need sympathy or pity.

Her strong heart needed only a sufficiently powerful goal to drive it.

This girl was more resilient and prouder than any man in the guild.

She had simply grown used to taking off all her armor in front of Jiang Bai and being a little girl willing to rely on him.

And now, she had chosen to put that armor called "strength" back on with her own hands.