After persevering through a long period of training under Makarov, Allen clearly felt that his physical attributes and magical power had improved significantly. He believed he could now withstand the power of LordKnightmon in its normal state.
Filled with anticipation and confidence in his growing strength, Allen walked up to Makarov and said, "Grandpa, after training for this period of time, I feel that my physical strength and magic reserves are now sufficient to support a complete reception. So, sorry for the trouble, but please keep an eye on me from the side!"
Hearing Allen's words, Makarov was slightly stunned at first. He then focused his attention on probing the strength of the magic within Allen's body. A moment later, a trace of astonishment appeared on Makarov's face as he fixed his gaze on the child before him, who was only eight years old. During that brief perception just now, he had discovered that Allen's current magical power was already at B-rank strength—even within the guild as a whole.
At this thought, Makarov couldn't help recalling Allen's usually steady personality and manner of conducting himself, both of which far exceeded his age. Allen must have given the proposal considerable thought. After pondering for a moment, Makarov nodded at Allen, agreeing to let him give it a try.
Having received Makarov's approval, Allen slowly closed his eyes and stood quietly where he was. He gathered his entire mind within his consciousness space and began using the magic in his body to establish a connection with LordKnightmon inside that space.
As Allen concentrated on manipulating his magic, the calm air around him seemed to be drawn by some mysterious force and began flowing on its own. At the same time, a powerful pressure spread outward from Allen. Then, with a faint hum, a Magic Circle shimmering with dazzling red light suddenly appeared above Allen's head. As soon as it emerged, it rapidly spun and expanded until it occupied an area several meters across, only stopping then.
The pressure from the sudden appearance of the Magic Circle sent Laxus stumbling several steps backward. If Makarov hadn't reacted swiftly, rushed over, and caught him before quickly bringing him to a nearby spot, Laxus would probably have already fallen to the ground in embarrassment.
Makarov's expression was extremely solemn. He stared intently at the unsettling Magic Circle before him and at Allen, whose body trembled slightly beneath it. As time passed, the pressure released by the Magic Circle grew stronger, crashing against Allen's body like a surging tide.
Despite this, Allen kept his teeth clenched and did not retreat a single step. He could clearly feel LordKnightmon's power surging wildly within the Magic Circle, like a ferocious beast that had been trapped in a cage for far too long and was eager to break free and regain its freedom. However, this force was far too violent, placing an unimaginable burden on Allen's body and mind.
The tremendous pressure was like an invisible mountain bearing down on Allen, trying to force him into submission. But Allen knew that only by enduring this trial with unwavering resolve could he truly control LordKnightmon's power. Therefore, no matter how much pain and torment he faced, he would never give up easily.
At the same time, the red light within the Magic Circle grew increasingly intense, twisting and coiling around Allen like countless agile scarlet snakes. In an instant, Allen felt as though he had been plunged into a blazing sea of fire. The scorching flames mercilessly seared his skin while recklessly invading his mind. The pain that reached all the way to his bones was almost unbearable, but Allen continued to hold on through sheer strength of will.
"Ah!" Allen couldn't help letting out a cry of pain. Laxus, who was standing nearby, tried to go help him, but Makarov stopped him. "You can't go over there right now. Allen is at a critical point. Once he gets past this step, he'll be fine."
Hearing this, Laxus could only remain where he was and watch Allen worriedly.
Allen's consciousness gradually became blurry, but LordKnightmon's power appeared clearly before him like a shining beacon.
He could truly sense LordKnightmon's will. It was as hot and resolute as a burning flame, carrying an unyielding spirit that always charged forward no matter what hardships and obstacles it faced. It was also fearless before those in power, never submitting to any pressure or threat. Most importantly, this will always upheld the justice deep within its heart without the slightest wavering.
Allen absolutely could not tolerate collapsing when success was only one step away. Thus, he exerted every ounce of his strength and unleashed a deafening roar. At the same time, he gathered every last fragment of power within his body and devoted himself completely to sensing and accepting the energy LordKnightmon transmitted to him.
The next second, Allen suddenly felt his body become incomparably light. The heavy pressure that had weighed upon him vanished in an instant, disappearing without a trace. Then, a tall and imposing LordKnightmon appeared before his eyes, walking slowly toward him with steady steps. As LordKnightmon drew closer, it eventually walked straight into Allen's body.
In that instant, Allen and LordKnightmon's bodies and minds completely merged together. At that very moment, LordKnightmon X's power and Allen's original strength also began slowly fusing into one.
To Makarov and Laxus, the scene looked like this: As they watched anxiously, fearing that Allen might collapse at any moment, Allen suddenly let out a roar. His entire body was then covered in red light. When the red light faded, the two of them stared at Allen before them in shock.
Allen, who had originally been only 1.4 meters tall, had now doubled in height, reaching nearly three meters and radiating an innate sense of oppression. Most striking of all was the armor covering his body. The white armor across his body complemented the red armor at his joints perfectly, while the patterns on his chest looked anything but simple. The cape on his back fluttered without any wind, creating wave after wave of imposing force. Gram in his right hand and Aegis in his left had appeared before the two of them simultaneously for the first time. The armor on his head revealed only a pair of eyes, and a streamer fluttered from the top.
Laxus was so envious of Allen's new appearance that he was practically drooling. What kid didn't love full-body armor that looked like it belonged on a giant robot?
After feeling out the new power that had emerged within his body, Allen opened his eyes. Looking at the two stunned men before him, he walked forward slowly and said, "What's wrong? Don't you recognize me?"
Before you continue