Coach Noah, I want to learn Haki

Fine cracks spread across the invisible shell.

Like a sprouting seedling, the energy finally broke through the solidified resistance, and in an instant, it grew into a great tree, flowing out of the body like a trickling stream guided by will.

"Using will to guide the energy hidden in the flesh to the body's surface, thereby enhancing the body's defensive ability—what a genius idea!"

"It can even block a portion of magic. So this is Armament Haki. Not bad."

A streak of black appeared and spread rapidly until it covered the aged palm. Makarov looked at his right hand, now cloaked in black, and nodded in satisfaction.

As expected of an old veteran. Under Noah's guidance, Makarov had successfully learned Armament Haki on his very first try.

In Makarov's words, Haki was just like magic—it required will to guide it before it could manifest.

The only difference was that Armament Haki lay deeper within the human body, and without a powerful physique, one simply couldn't sense the existence of this hidden force.

Makarov extrapolated from this: "Since there's untapped deep power within the body, could there be similar energy within the mind as well?"

When did this old man switch to a scholar persona...

Noah grumbled inwardly, but he actually shared the same thought.

If Armament Haki, which provided offensive and defensive boosts, was hidden deep within the body, then could there also be an ability to "enhance perception" lurking in the depths of the mind?

But neither Noah nor Makarov had the time to explore the potential untapped power within the mind for now.

Just mastering the current Armament Haki required extensive training to improve, and they had no energy to dwell on things that might or might not exist—after all, biting off more than one could chew was never wise.

After confirming that learning Armament Haki posed no danger, Makarov agreed to let Noah teach this power to their companions whose physiques met the standard.

But those with weaker bodies would have to wait until they built a solid foundation and developed a strong physique before learning Armament Haki.

Back in the guild hall, Noah shared the news with his companions.

For a guild where group brawls were a daily occurrence, when everyone heard that Armament Haki could enhance physical defense, there were few who didn't want to learn it.

Erza was especially interested. The ability to coat weapons with powerful Armament Haki was incredibly appealing to her as a Requip mage.

The number of people signing up to learn Haki was even greater than those who had previously asked Noah for guidance in physical combat.

After all, if one's physical skills weren't refined, so be it—in this world, magic was the most important factor in battle.

But Armament Haki could enhance defense. Even if it was just to avoid getting beaten too badly during guild brawls, that single reason was enough to ignite everyone's desire to learn Haki.

However, due to insufficient physiques, many were filtered out by Noah. Still, the first batch of Haki learners ended up being around twenty people.

Over the next month, Noah spent his time guiding his companions while also squeezing in practice to improve his own Haki. Shameless as he was, he'd still feel a bit embarrassed if a latecomer surpassed him in Haki.

Half a month later, the first batch of companions had all mastered Haki.

Natsu and Elfman even had an impromptu Armament Haki-fueled brawl on the spot, only to be knocked into a baby-like sleep by Erza's iron-fisted intervention. This scared Gray, who had just mustered the confidence to challenge Erza, into silence.

After that, Noah no longer had to worry about Haki training. Until the next batch of physically qualified members was gathered, he could happily laze around like a salted fish, petting his cat and playing with his hamster in the dorm.

Unfortunately, things rarely went as one wished.

There was always something to disturb Noah's leisurely slacking time.

With the hamster Snowy on his head and the snow cat Cheese in his arms, Noah yawned and finally got up from the sofa, opening the dorm door that had been knocked on for quite a while.

"Yo~ Isn't this Laxus? Fancy you coming to find me."

"This is rarer than Natsu reading a book."

Hearing the lazy white-haired youth's sarcastic teasing, Laxus's face darkened, and he really wanted to punch the kid. But he held back the urge—he wasn't here to pick a fight today.

For the arrogant and unruly Laxus to seek him out on his own, it had to be something interesting. Noah invited him into the dorm.

After serving the guest a glass of plain water, Noah sat down with a cup of hot milk in hand. "Alright, spill it. What's so important that the great 'Thunder Dragon' would stoop to visiting my humble little place?"

Laxus paid no mind to Noah's barbed words. He simply crossed his arms over his chest, looking cocky, and spoke in a tone close to a command: "Teach me Armament Haki."

"Huh?"

Noah was startled, then remembered that this guy had skipped the first batch of Haki training because he thought Haki wasn't worth the fuss.

Now coming to find him, he must have realized Haki's brilliance and finally felt the pressure.

And indeed, that was exactly what Noah had guessed.

Erza had been training hard in Armament Haki lately and was vaguely touching the threshold of Armament Haki coating. Once she could coat her armor and weapons with Haki, the combat power of this "Titania" would skyrocket.

Erza had a set of armor called the Armor of the Thunder Emperor, which could resist lightning to a certain degree. With the added boost of Armament Haki, her resistance to lightning would only increase further.

And coincidentally, Laxus was a lightning mage who wielded both Lightning Dragon Slayer magic and lightning magic.

Without a doubt, Erza's recent intense training had put pressure on Laxus.

In terms of magic power, Laxus was stronger than Erza, but he couldn't completely overwhelm her. Now that Erza had Armament Haki to boost her defense, while defeating Laxus was still unlikely, it was enough to make Laxus feel threatened.

Only Haki could counter Haki.

Holding onto that thought, the prideful Laxus chose to privately seek Noah's guidance in Armament Haki.

To that, Noah could only snicker.

Finally having a chance to get one over on Laxus, he was going to have some fun with him.

Leaning back on the sofa, Noah put down the cheese cube he was holding and grinned mischievously. "Laxus, is this how you ask someone for a favor?"

Was he expecting me to beg him? Laxus ground his teeth. "Don't push it, Noah! Even without Haki, I'm still the strongest!"

Facing the rebellious youth with his stubborn pride, Noah didn't hold back, striking directly at what mattered most to him.

"Laxus, you don't want Erza to catch up to you one day, or even beat you, do you?"

One sentence silenced Laxus, who aspired to be the guild's strongest wizard, dead in his tracks.

Was he to cling to his aloof persona and save face, or swallow his pride and beg that detestable Noah to teach him? For Laxus, this was a dilemma.

In the end, to maintain his position as the guild's top wizard candidate, Laxus spoke up.

"Noah, teach me Haki."

"Huh? What did you call me? I do hold a position in the guild, you know."

Seeing Noah's smug expression, as if he had Laxus right where he wanted him, Laxus cursed him dozens of times in his mind. Just wait until I learn Haki—I'll make you pay!

But for now, Laxus chose to swallow his pride.

"Coach Noah..."

"I... I want to learn Haki."

A click sounded. The lacrima Cheese was holding flashed with light, recording the scene of Laxus humiliating himself to beg.

It was a Recording Lacrima!!!

Realizing this, Laxus sensed disaster and immediately lunged to snatch the lacrima that had captured his shameful moment.

But Noah was faster, scooping up the bewildered Little Snow Cat and grinning smugly at the rebellious youth who looked ready to explode with rage.

"Laxus, if you ever dare to talk back to the Master again and make him angry, I'll make a hundred copies of this embarrassing scene of yours and show it to the whole guild!"

"NO!!"

"No use saying no! Hehe!"