The Correct Way to Obtain Power

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Magnolia...

In a room at the top of the Fairy Tail guild hall, Makarov watched Noah lying on the bed, gritting his teeth and enduring pain. His expression remained unchanged, but the wrinkles around his eyes hid an anxiety that others couldn't detect.

"Porlyusica, is it not done yet?"

The person Makarov addressed was an old woman standing by Noah's bed, bandaging his left shoulder and arm.

"Shut up and watch!" The old woman named Porlyusica kept her face impassive, continuing her work while replying with a sharp, acerbic tone.

"If you keep making noise, I'm leaving!"

Makarov immediately clamped his mouth shut and dared not speak again.

Because Makarov knew that Porlyusica absolutely meant what she said.

Though the two had been close friends for countless years, Porlyusica had an unusual hatred for humans. To her, the noisy, lively Fairy Tail was one of the places she least wanted to be.

If not for Noah being injured and Makarov shamelessly causing a ruckus at her home, Porlyusica probably wouldn't have come to Fairy Tail even if Noah were on the verge of death. Now that she had come, she was certainly in a foul mood.

If he provoked Porlyusica further, Makarov knew she would leave without a second word.

Perhaps unable to bear seeing Makarov's hidden anxiety, Porlyusica sighed.

"You're this old and still so impatient. Your grandson's injury isn't light, but it didn't damage the bone. With Healing Magic, he'll recover in three days at most. What's the rush?"

"Really?" Makarov finally let out a heavy sigh of relief.

"That's wonderful."

"Thank you, Grandma." Noah, lying on the bed, quickly added his thanks.

"Sorry for the trouble."

"Don't get the wrong idea. I only came because I couldn't stand that old fool's relentless pestering!" Porlyusica finished tying Noah's bandages expressionlessly, then stood up without a hint of reluctance.

"If not for that, I'd never set foot in a place full of detestable humans like this!"

Hearing this, Noah could only force a bitter smile, and even Makarov looked helpless.

"Regardless, thank you."

"Spare me the useless pleasantries." Porlyusica turned her back and walked toward the door.

"If you really want to thank me, don't ever drag me to a place like this again."

With those words, she slammed the door behind her, leaving no doubt about her displeasure.

"At your age, still hating humans this much..." Makarov muttered, then turned his gaze to Noah, watching his grandson's now-relieved expression and the bandaged left shoulder and arm, a pang of regret in his eyes.

"Sorry, Noah. If I'd known this would happen, I wouldn't have sent you on this mission."

"Grandpa, what are you saying?" Noah waved his uninjured hand dismissively.

"No one knew Phantom Lord would show up, right? It's not your fault."

"Don't worry, Noah!" Makarov clenched his fist, a cold glint flashing in his old eyes.

"I'll settle this score with Jose sooner or later!"

"And Laxus!" The cold glint turned to anger as Makarov shouted indignantly.

"Before I left, I specifically told him to protect you, and yet you still ended up this badly injured. When I get back, I'm going to give him a good scolding!"

"Laxus, huh?" Noah couldn't help recalling what Laxus had said to him. After a moment of silence, he spoke up.

"Grandpa, do you think I was wrong not to learn magic all this time?"

Makarov, still fuming, paused at the question. Seeing his grandson lying there with a lost expression, a wave of tenderness welled up in his heart.

Having adopted Noah a full year ago, Makarov understood him better than anyone. He knew that when facing outsiders or certain situations, his grandson often displayed a calmness and composure that even ordinary adults couldn't match, without the impulsiveness typical of youth. His temperament was excellent in many ways.

Yet, no matter how outstanding, Noah was still just an eleven-year-old child. Naturally, he harbored the weakness that came with being a child.

But that weakness only showed itself in front of those closest to him.

For instance, in front of Makarov.

"You didn't learn magic because I told you not to. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine!" Makarov said after a moment of silence.

"But Noah, I can tell you this: your decision was absolutely not wrong!"

Makarov's words were like a ray of light, illuminating Noah's confused heart. His eyes brightened as he turned to look at Makarov.

"Your talent is too great. Even without deliberate training, you were born with a magical power that others can't match. If you could freely control that power and learn magic, you'd one day possess strength greater than mine!" Makarov said solemnly.

"But sometimes, overwhelming talent doesn't bring only benefits. This is especially true for you. Until you can fully control all your magic, learning any spell—even harmless healing or support magic—could cause your untamed power to slip out of control and run wild. That's very dangerous!"

"Your talent isn't going anywhere, and your magic won't disappear. So why rush to learn magic?" Makarov's voice softened.

"You're still young, and you work hard every day to train your control. One day, you'll fully master that power and put it to use. Learning magic then won't be too late. And with your magical strength, once you start, your power will grow incredibly fast!"

Listening to Makarov's guidance, Noah's confusion began to fade, though he still couldn't fully let it go.

"I understand all that, but this time, when I ran into Phantom Lord, if I knew magic, I could have protected my comrades, right?"

"What are you talking about?" Makarov grinned.

"I already heard the whole story from Erza. Didn't you protect her well enough?"

"You call that protection?" Noah frowned.

"I only blocked one attack for Erza."

"You didn't let the Phantom Lord's people injure your comrade—that is protection!" Makarov gently patted Noah's small shoulder, gazing at his face as he spoke.

"If you're truly set on pursuing power, I won't force you otherwise. But I hope you can choose the right way to obtain it."

"The right way to obtain power?" Noah was puzzled.

"Magic isn't the only kind of strength!" Makarov said meaningfully.

"Isn't Erza the same? While training her magic, she also hones her swordsmanship, right?"

Noah suddenly understood Makarov's meaning, and his heart felt instantly enlightened.

"I believe you'll surely find your own path of magic, the right way!"

Seeing Noah's expression gradually brighten, Makarov spoke with deep relief.

"Until then, no matter what, Grandpa will protect you..."

Noah took a deep breath, burying his gratitude toward Makarov deep in his heart, nodded firmly, and looked out the window, his expression slowly turning resolute.