Ajax... Just Ajax?

At this moment, Gray froze… 

The new student he had gone through so much trouble to get had just revealed that HE was Ajax?! Wait, so didn't this mean that the Fiery Mage back then had actually been… 

"But the Golden Aura?! The Invincibility?! That indomitable spirit of yours!" 

"T-Teacher, Managold's just a name. Invincibility? He was going easy on me. Indomitable, I just didn't want to lose before Teacher Mei…" He acted embarrassed toward the end. 

Still, at this moment, Ajax really didn't know what to think. 

This mysterious new Teacher had, in order: 

1. Arrogantly poached Godric Managold.

2. Crushed Teacher Mei in a weird challenge.

3. Proudly grabbed the wrong student and left.

4. Refused to elaborate. 

H-How was this even possible?! He would have been less shocked to witness a chicken learning magic instead! At least the mysterious teacher now knew. He'd tell him to go back and— 

"Boy, don't move an inch, alright?" 

Just as Ajax thought it couldn't get worse, it actually did! 

Gray approached and decisively… headpatted the youngster?! 

That's when the visions came, this time less intrusive than the previous ones. It was as if he was merely spectating it all… and yet it felt even more depressing?! 

A father on his deathbed… 

"M-My son, cough cough, come closer and listen! You're a weakling, and you won't ever amount to anything, but that doesn't matter. You still have to work hard, understood?" 

"YES, FATHER!" 

A childhood friend leaving forever… 

"You big dummy, all you know is training! I'm going to the city to get married. You'll remain here to train? Fine, idiot! But you better not give up, or I'll haunt you!" 

"YES, BIG SIS!" 

A kind Academy Teacher advising him… 

"Ajax… just Ajax? I don't know how, but you did pass the exam. But know this: almost dying 20 times during the first test is NOT normal. Are you sure you want in? You'll suffer immensely!" 

"YES, TEACHER!" 

A fiery yet incredibly kind genius senior… 

"You want to fight me? You know I'll crush you like a pancake, right? Why are you still here again? You promised them? Weirdo! Are you really sure you want to fight?"

"YES, SENIOR!" 

Then Gray saw himself judging him… 

Godric this, Godric that, and his disappointment when he wasn't Godric… 

Honestly, Ajax wished he were Godric. He'd get to train with Teacher Mei. She was strong kind, and had so much to teach! With her tutelage, he'd be able to work even harder! 

But alas, it wasn't meant to be, for he was merely a weakl— SHUT THE FUCK UP! 

At this moment, Gray didn't just feel annoyed but downright angry. This fucking spell, this goddamn twisted view of the world, and this ridiculous Ajax enduring it all alone! 

It was fine to rely on others at times! The idiot had been so focused on training that he had missed LIFE!

That's when Gray powerfully opened his eyes… 

"Ah, Teacher, should I go back to the Training Grounds, get Godric and—"

"Tsk, who said anything about Godric?!" 

The confused student almost blurted 'you', but was instantly quieted by Gray's tyrannical gaze. As for passing up on Ajax? No freaking way! 

Perhaps someone else would have made that mistake, but not Gray! Someone who was THAT much of a blockhead was bound to rise at some point! He had read enough novels to know it! 

So what if Ajax himself looked as confused as a frog thrown in the desert? At the end of the day, Gray was the Teacher anyway! Just like that, he sent him an invite, his Badge vibrating. 

[Ding! Become Teacher Gale's Disciple?] 

"Go on, boy, accept it already." 

"T-Teacher Gale?" 

Ajax slowly read the name out loud. He felt like he had heard it before, but where? But before he could think any further, Gray interrupted him. 

"I'm sure you have heard all the rumors, but Student Zhang can—"

"Rumors? What rumors?" 

"Nevermind… That was a trick question! You passed, congratulations! Hehe, one should always focus on training first and foremost, even weaklings…" 

"YES, TEACHER!" 

Then, he had barely accepted the invite that Gray instantly promoted him to Personal Disciple! By the side, Fatty Zhang watched it all happen with glee. This new member meant one thing! 

"Hehe, call me Boss Zhang, newbie!"

"Boss Zhang? Not Senior?" 

"Teacher Gale, Boss Zhang, then there's you, Ajax. Well, there's Big Sis Sera, but she's in a coma, so it doesn't count. As for the bunnies… Teacher, is he above or below the bunnies?" 

Zhang was finally realizing his dream of having a junior! But even then, he didn't forget to do his job as his right-hand man and made the hierarchy clear. Ah, but there was one thing… 

"Actually, Teacher Gale, should we also get the Godric Guy, or no?" 

"Wouldn't that mean yet another Disciple Steal?" 

"Ah, assuredly! One challenge, one disciple."

Another challenge? No way! It had only worked because he had taken Teacher Mei by surprise. As for coming back for more? It was far too risky! After all…

1. First came pain

2. Then came pleasure

3. Soon replaced by shame

4. And shame could easily turn to anger

Knocking on an angry Teacher Mei's door? How about no! Besides, if he'd ever commit suicide, it'd be by bosomly asphyxiation, not being hacked to death at some Training Grounds. 

"Forget that Managold guy. We got an even better deal. No, let's hunt for our next target instead. Lizzy from that Clan, right? Did you manage to figure out her whereabouts?" 

"According to Daphne's notes, she usually hangs out at the Library or the Astral Tower." 

"Daphne? Ah, right! Your receptionist girlfriend!" 

Even the fat on Zhang's body blushed! They weren't like that— not yet, at least…

But Gray stopped teasing him and became serious once more. Right now, he'd rather avoid answering all of Ajax's questions so...  

"Let's separate. You take the Newbie with you and stalk the Library. Contact me ASAP if you find her or if anything crops up." Gray instructed, with Zhang energetically nodding. 

This would also give the two some time to bond. Besides, now that they were both his Personal Disciples, he could easily convoke them at will. Still, the Astral Tower, was it? 

Astral Tower = Astronomy Tower

House of the mysterious Astral Mages… 

A path he would have LOVED to thread himself! 

How many times had he watched the cemetery night sky back on Earth? Far too many to count. He had felt so insignificant back then, aka the best feeling! So freaking freeing! 

No matter how much of a mess you are, the universe won't give a fuck! Just do you, and enjoy life to the fullest!

A smile was already blossoming on his lips. 

"Hehe, this time, I'll enter the Astral Tower for sure!" 

He was reminded of his last time there as he decisively headed to it. It was merely a few days ago, but why did it feel like a century? Either way, he could still vividly picture it. 

The day he had stumped the Astral Mages and their Teacher…