Ch. 21A New Mission
Chapter Summary: “A New Mission”
Key Plot Points and Events
- In the new year of 779, Qian Guang begins taking his training seriously after realizing that Erza, Mirajane, and possibly Laxus could surpass him in the next S-Class examination.
- He forces Elfman to train with him, using the excuse that Elfman must be raised “like a man,” while Lisanna practices Take Over Magic under Mirajane’s supervision.
- After completing 1,000 push-ups, Qian Guang tries to order Mirajane to bring him juice. She throws a stone at him and instead sends him to buy milk, establishing their familiar and combative domestic dynamic.
- At Fairy Tail, Qian Guang and Mirajane search for a job. Mirajane rejects several seemingly mundane requests, while Qian Guang considers herb gathering and medical work appealing because they suit his potion research.
- The Guild Master presents a more lucrative mission: locating the missing son of a wealthy merchant in the Ancient Moon Forest, with a reward of 1,000,000.
- Qian Guang initially dismisses the mission as troublesome, but instantly changes his mind when he sees the reward. He packs enthusiastically and prepares to leave, despite having just complained about taking jobs.
- Mirajane becomes furious at his shameless greed and attacks him, accidentally sending him flying along with Lisanna and Elfman.
Character Development
- Qian Guang becomes more disciplined, dedicating time to physical training instead of only researching potions. However, he remains lazy and opportunistic, especially when money is involved.
- Elfman is pushed into strenuous training and is portrayed as physically weak but determined to improve. His attempts to endure Qian Guang’s demands show the beginnings of his growth.
- Lisanna admires her siblings and becomes motivated to train harder herself, reflecting her supportive and ambitious nature.
- Mirajane continues developing her combat abilities while acting as the practical and assertive force in her relationship with Qian Guang. She also shows growing embarrassment and irritation over their intimate teasing.
- Qian Guang and Mirajane’s relationship becomes increasingly domestic and familiar, resembling an argumentative couple who nevertheless cooperate closely.
Significant Themes
- Self-improvement and competition: Qian Guang trains because he fears being surpassed in the next S-Class exam.
- Family and mentorship: Qian Guang, Mirajane, and Lisanna all contribute to Elfman’s upbringing and training, though Qian Guang’s methods are excessive and comedic.
- Responsibility versus laziness: Qian Guang dislikes taking jobs but fulfills his guild obligations when necessary.
- Money and motivation: Although Qian Guang initially avoids work, the million-jewel reward immediately changes his attitude, highlighting his comical greed and sense of financial responsibility.
- Comedy through domestic conflict: Much of the chapter’s humor comes from Qian Guang and Mirajane’s teasing, arguments, and physical reactions.
Character Interactions
- Qian Guang pressures Elfman to complete 1,000 push-ups while Lisanna and Mirajane train nearby.
- Mirajane rebuffs Qian Guang’s demands for juice and orders him to buy milk, later becoming embarrassed when he references their previous intimate encounter.
- At the guild, Qian Guang and Mirajane argue over which mission to accept, with Macao mocking Qian Guang’s submissive relationship.
- The Guild Master offers them the missing-person assignment, and Qian Guang’s sudden enthusiasm over the reward exposes his hypocrisy.
- Mirajane attacks Qian Guang in anger, sending him and the younger siblings flying and setting up their departure for the Ancient Moon Forest mission.