Training Days

Sunlight streamed down, illuminating the spacious training ground.

Eight-year-old Allen stood steadily in the center of the field, both hands gripping Gram tightly. The weapon glinted with a cold light. Beside him, seven-year-old Laxus stood ramrod straight despite his young frame, fighting spirit and determination burning in his eyes.

Opposite them, Makarov was not tall, but his presence towered over the training ground like a mountain.

Makarov's gaze was calm and deep as he watched the two children before him. There was not the slightest hint of contempt in his eyes, only approval and anticipation. "Allen, remember this: although you can now control Gram, you must never be content with the status quo or stop moving forward. Your potential is boundless, and your future immeasurable—but only if you can calm your mind and maintain clear thoughts no matter when or where you are. As for you, Laxus, you were born with an enormous magic power far beyond that of ordinary people. Precisely because of this, you must constantly temper yourself to control the surging power within you. All right, children, show me the results of your hard training these past few days!" He raised a hand slightly and gestured for Allen and Laxus to attack him.

Allen took a deep breath and closed his eyes, sensing Gram's power flowing through his body. He could feel that this power had fused perfectly with him, as if it were a part of his body. Gram's magic surged through his veins, and he could feel every magic particle resonating with his cells. Each breath tightened his connection with this power.

Then Allen opened his eyes, determination flashing within them. He tightened his grip on Gram, feeling the perfect fit between the Chrono-Adamantium and his palms. His body sank slightly before he shot forward like a spring, charging toward Makarov.

Laxus followed Allen's lead and charged toward Makarov as well. Magic gathered in both his fists. Although he was younger than Allen, determination shone in his eyes, and his momentum was in no way inferior.

Allen attacked first. Gram carved a silver trail through the air, its cold gleam stabbing toward Makarov. Makarov remained unhurried; when Allen approached, he simply blurred aside and dodged with ease. Seeing this, Laxus, who was behind Allen, twisted his body, drove off with his legs, and leaped into the air, punching toward Makarov ahead of him. A vast amount of magic coiled around his fist, glowing brilliantly in midair.

Makarov had only just regained his footing when he saw Laxus's attack. His expression did not change. He reached forward with his right hand and seized Laxus's wrist. Turning his body slightly, he used the momentum to bring Laxus down from the air before hurling him backward.

Laxus's body traced an uncontrolled arc through the air before crashing heavily onto the ground behind them, kicking up a ring of dust. Taking advantage of the opening, Allen circled around Makarov's side and attacked again, thrusting Gram straight at his flank. Makarov shifted aside and dodged once more, then swung a fist at the weapon's shaft. Allen felt a tremendous force slam into him, and Gram nearly slipped from his grasp. His arm trembled under the immense power, but he gritted his teeth and steadied his weapon.

At that moment, Laxus, whom Makarov had previously dragged down to the ground, quickly ran behind him and smashed a fist imbued with powerful magic toward his back. As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Makarov leaped into the air, causing Laxus's attack to miss completely. The magic struck nothing but air.

Makarov landed slowly with a smile and signaled for the two of them to stop. Then he said with a laugh, "Your teamwork is excellent." His voice held a hint of praise. He knew that these two children possessed limitless potential, and he looked forward to seeing them both surpass their limits.

Allen and Laxus, both slightly out of breath, exchanged smiles. They knew this was only the beginning and that they still had a long road ahead of them. But they also knew that as long as they continued working hard, nothing would be impossible.

At that moment, Makarov looked solemnly at Laxus and said slowly, "Laxus, I have good news for you. Your father should be back in the next few days. He has found a Lightning Dragon Slayer Crystal capable of suppressing the enormous magic power within you. Once Polyushika examines your body and confirms that you can endure it, we will implant it in you. That will not only help you freely control the uncontrollable magic power within you, but also allow you to acquire the powerful strength contained within the Lightning Dragon. Before that, however, there is something I must make clear to you. Once you possess this power, you absolutely must not use it to attack any member of our guild. Our original intention is for you to protect every family member in the guild, not become a weapon that harms them. Do you understand what I mean?"

Hearing this, Laxus immediately straightened his chest and shouted, "Of course! You can rest assured, Grandpa. I understand the responsibility and mission this power carries. Besides, I want to sit in the guild master's chair someday!" Allen, standing nearby, hurriedly chimed in, "Grandpa, you can rest assured. I promise you, I absolutely won't let Laxus do that."

Makarov nodded in relief. "You are both good children. Fairy Tail will have to rely on you in the future."

At the edge of the training ground, a figure slowly approached. It was Polyushika, her face full of impatience.

Before she even drew near, Polyushika shouted, "Hey! Makarov, are you done yet? These two children still have to hurry up and take their medicinal baths!" Her tone clearly carried a trace of displeasure.

Makarov wore an embarrassed smile and hurriedly replied, "Oh, we're done already. I was just discussing the Lightning Dragon Slayer Crystal with Laxus." As he spoke, he scratched his head, looking somewhat sheepish.

After hearing this, Polyushika crossed her arms over her chest, her brows tightly furrowed as she fixed Makarov with a sharp gaze. "Have you really decided to implant the Dragon Slayer Crystal into Laxus? Given his current physical strength, he may not be able to withstand it."

Laxus immediately shouted from the side, "Granny, don't worry! I'll definitely be fine. I don't want to fall too far behind Brother Allen!" His voice was loud and resolute, brimming with fighting spirit.

Polyushika glanced at Laxus, let out a soft sigh, and shook her head helplessly. "Fine, fine. Have it your way. The medicinal bath has already been prepared for you. Hurry over and soak in it."

With permission granted, Allen and Laxus seemed to have been pardoned from a sentence. They immediately scurried away like two startled rabbits. They could clearly sense that Polyushika was in a bad mood, and if they lingered, they might well be subjected to a scolding.

Seeing this, Makarov also coughed softly before quickly leaving the training ground as if he had grease beneath his feet. After all, he had no desire to stay and become the target of Polyushika's anger.