The Demon Arm That Is Not Feared by Family

Inside the cave, a warm orange glow from the fire dispelled the chill.

Mirajane stared blankly at the large hand gripping her demonic right hand.

The burning sensation she had anticipated never came, nor was she cast aside in disgust. Lu Chongwei's fingers even gently stroked the cold, black scales, his gaze filled only with curiosity and calm, devoid of any fear.

"Take... Take Over Magic?"

Mirajane murmured to herself; the term was entirely foreign to her.

"That's right."

Lu Chongwei let go, sat cross-legged back on the stone, and spoke with certainty.

"It is an ancient magic that allows one to take over the power of monsters or demons and convert it into one's own combat strength. The reason your arm has become like this is that you inadvertently took over the power of some demon during a moment of crisis, but due to insufficient magic power or improper control, you are unable to deactivate the state."

At this, Lu Chongwei pointed to the hideous claw.

"So, this is not a curse, nor is it some omen of misfortune. It is a gift, the proof of your status as a Mage."

Mirajane was stunned.

For the past few days, all she had heard were words like "monster," "demon," and "go die." She herself had once believed she was no longer human, even contemplating ending her own life to protect her younger siblings.

Yet now, this powerful man was telling her that it was merely magic?

"Is... is that true?"

Mirajane's voice trembled, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Can I... really turn back to normal?"

"Of course."

Lu Chongwei nodded, offering a reassuring smile.

"Although I am not skilled in this type of transformation magic, there is a little old man in our guild who is proficient in all sorts of magic. As long as you learn how to control your magic power, this partial Take Over can be deactivated at any time."

"That's wonderful! Big sister!"

Lisanna, who had been holding her breath while listening, cheered and threw herself into Mirajane's arms.

"I knew it! Big sister isn't a monster! Big sister is the most amazing Mage!"

"Lisanna..."

Mirajane instinctively raised her right hand to hug her sister, but froze in mid-air.

Those sharp claws, those pitch-black scales.

She still didn't dare.

"What if... what if I hurt Lisanna..."

Mirajane recoiled, trying to hide her hand behind her back.

Just then.

A slightly rough, still-trembling little hand firmly grasped the demon claw.

It was Elfman.

This younger brother, usually somewhat timid and cowardly, was now blushing, clutching his sister's terrifying hand with all his might.

"Bi-big sister..."

Elfman stammered, his teeth still chattering, but his eyes were exceptionally firm.

"I'm not afraid! No matter what big sister looks like... you're still big sister!"

"I want to hold it too!"

Lisanna also reached out with both hands, hugging the claw that was larger than her own face, and rubbed her cheek against the cold scales.

"It's not scary at all! This hand became like this to protect us; it's the warmest hand in the world!"

Watching this scene, Mirajane's tears finally overflowed.

She had originally thought this arm would become a chasm between her and her loved ones, causing her to be feared and alienated by the family she cherished most.

But.

Her brother's hand was trembling, yet he held on so tightly.

Her sister's face was pressed against the scales, smiling so sweetly.

"Wuu, wuu, wuu..."

Mirajane lowered her head, letting out the sobs she had suppressed for so long.

Lu Chongwei watched this touching scene quietly, not making a sound to disturb them.

He knew that for Mirajane, the acceptance of her family was more powerful than any explanation.

After a long while, Mirajane's emotions finally began to settle.

Lu Chongwei spoke up at the right moment:

"Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, I'll get straight to the point."

He looked at the three homeless children and extended an invitation.

"Mirajane, Elfman, and Lisanna. Would you be willing to join Fairy Tail?"

"Eh?"

The three of them froze.

"Join... a guild?" Mirajane asked, disbelief coloring her tone.

"That's right."

Lu Chongwei stood up and brushed the dust off his coat.

"You can't go back to that town. Besides, Mirajane, you need systematic guidance to control your magic. Elfman and Lisanna also have great magical talent and shouldn't be left to languish in the mountains."

"Fairy Tail is a very lively place. There are many fools like me there, and many powerful individuals. Most importantly, they value their comrades above all else."

Lu Chongwei walked to the cave entrance, looked up at the night sky, and turned back with a smile.

"In our guild, there's no discrimination, no prejudice. Once you step through that door, everyone is family."

"Family..."

Mirajane mulled over the word.

She glanced at her younger siblings. Lisanna's eyes were full of longing, and Elfman looked expectant.

She then looked back at Lu Chongwei.

This man had stepped forward when everyone else scorned them, shielded them from stones, driven away the mob, and told her it wasn't a curse.

If it was him... if it was the guild he belonged to...

Mirajane wiped away her tears and stood up.

She looked at Lu Chongwei, and the despair in her eyes was replaced by a rekindled light.

"I'll join."

Mirajane's voice was still hoarse, but it was exceptionally firm.

"However, I have one condition."

She tightly gripped her younger siblings' hands, shielding them behind her like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and stared directly at Lu Chongwei.

"Lu Chongwei, you must promise."

"Promise that my brother and sister will be absolutely safe there, and will never be bullied by anyone again."

Lu Chongwei looked at the girl who was trembling herself but desperately trying to protect her family.

He dropped his smile and nodded solemnly.

"I swear on the name of Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage."

"As long as I'm here, no one will be able to touch a single hair on their heads."