Chapter 97 - Humbled

Everyone was shocked to hear Laxus challenge one of their founders who is known to be the strongest being in the whole world like the rumor said. They knew that this was almost a guaranteed loss to whoever challenged them, especially after Gildarts had been defeated without breaking a sweat. Meanwhile, Caelum was entertained hearing the naive words of the boy before him and peered through, finding that he just wanted to prove his worth. 

He understood it quite well. Everything he had came from Sapphire and at times felt his position did not come from him but Sapphire. This is one of the inner demons that he has and always felt whatever he did it would always belong to Sapphire. However, Caelum took the time to fight this doubt and tried to overcome it by working harder showing that what he has is not just from Sapphire or the system but from his hard work and action as well. 

Caelum roared to heaven showing that his strength is obtained from his dedication and desire to reach higher heights as before. The strongest opponent one faces is himself and the inner demon lingering in their heart.  

"Laxus! You-"

"Sure, kid. I don't mind fighting you. But let's do that later since I have things to do."

Makarov was about to scold his grandson afraid that his Godfather would be angry at him but was surprised to hear him agree and now afraid to see Laxus beaten to a pulp. 

"Later!? Why not right now!?"

"Boy, learn some patience. Makarov knows where I am headed, meet me at 3 in the afternoon."

Laxus wanted to test and prove himself right there but reluctantly accepted and scoffed walking outside telling Caelum to not back down from his challenge which only received a laugh from him. 

"Brave, Kid. I pity that he'll have to fight you master."

Mia shook her head feeling sorry for Laxus and praise for being lucky that Caelum didn't punish him. 

"Brave? More like ignorant. He likely wouldn't even defeat Erza or Ajest, heck even Mirajane would be a challenge."

Mio shared her opinion knowing that if Erza were to use their Half-Dragon form then it would be an easy win. Makarov felt distraught hearing the two feeling uneasy thinking at the possibility of his grandson being heavily wounded. 

"Godfather, I hope you don't hurt him too much. Laxus is just a naive boy and has been troubled ever since I excommunicated his father."

"I know, he reminds me of myself. That boy just wanted to prove his worth since it's likely that he felt his position and fame was just gained because you're the master of fairy tail." 

Makarov was stunned at his words realizing that he had been blind and didn't think that far. He cast down feeling disappointed as a grandfather but Caelum told him to not pity him since he'll just feel more angry.

"It isn't your fault nor can you do anything against Laxus. He just needs to realize his self worth and prove himself, therefore it is up to him if he lets the words of others continue to sway him."

"...Godfather please help my grandson realize that what he accomplished is his alone and not because he's my grandson."

Caelum nodded knowing that some of his children did experience this but he had been doing his best to make them realize that it was not because of him that they achieved what they have. Sure he guides them but at the end of the day it is their choice and will to do so. Changing the subject, he introduced Mio and Mia letting him know that they were his wives. 

Makarov nodded listening to his report before Caelum asked how the children were doing. He told him that Mirajane and her sibling went on a quest together while the rest were in the mansion, likely training on how to use magic. 

He nodded heading to a mansion which was far in the town of Magnolia walking towards the mountains until he saw Milianna on a tree sleeping basking in the sun near the mansion door. Her eyes twitch then open that went wide upon seeing Caelum again.

"Caelum! Your back!"

She exclaimed climbing down jumping like feral cats seem to have grown to be more agile and saw that her magical energy was certainly larger than before, especially the development of the magic core. Unlike, Black clover the energy in Earthland is a lot thicker and more abundant allowing a quicker mana quest. Not to mention Millianna isn't even that talented in mana control and believe that Kagura along with Sorano would likely have more Ethernano stored in them now.  

"Where have you been!? Master said that you were on a quest! We miss you so much!"

Milianna exclaimed purring as she rubbed her head on Caelum's chest being held by Caelum who was chuckling at the adorable feline. 

"Is this cute little, Millianna!? Oh master, she looks so cute!"

Mio went closer to look at Millianna who asked Caelum who they were and introduced the two women with him and vice versa. Milianna refused to let go of Caelum, making Mio pout since she wanted to hug her too. He laughed at her reaction, carrying the feline little girl into his shoulder walking their way to find the others and saw most were in the backyard. Caelum saw Yukino and Sorano close by while Simon watched her sister, Kagura. They were also Erik who was close to learning the Poison Dragon Slayer. 

Milianna called out for them, making Simon turn in surprise, getting everyone's attention and immediately went to greet Caelum. Sorano asked where he was and said that he was on a mission before introducing the Twin Goddess Sword. He asked how they were and everyone excitedly told him that their closeness in gaining magic started to sense magical energy. 

Caelum told them that they should have lunch together and were excited to taste his food again heading to the kitchen where everyone sat down before summoning a 2 stack of pizza placing them on the table. 

"Dig in!"

He took a slice as did the others looking at the cheese stretch when Caelum took a bite. This is one of his favorite foods because it is cheap to make and taste amazing if done right. The children had their eyes lit up once more commenting how they miss his food.

"So you miss me because of my food?"

"Ah, no! We really miss you! Please don't be mad at us!"

Yukino panics thinking that he'll abandon them but Caelum flicks her head to get the idea out of her mind and explain to her to relax since he won't be going anywhere. She felt afraid to lose someone again and her attachment to Caelum couldn't easily be separated. 

"After this, I'll be teaching all of you the basics of fighting while you Kagura, you'll be learning swordsmanship with Mia."

They all nodded, finishing their food before resting for a few minutes telling stories about their quest while he was away laughing about Millianna getting chased by a group of dogs. 

"Hmph! They're the one who started it! I don't like dogs! I like cats instead. They're a lot cuter than dogs."

"Really? The reason they chase you is because you suddenly began hissing at them."

Simon sighs and remembering how hard it was to stop the dogs from chasing her while Caelum chuckled telling them to be careful next time. After a while, they all went to the backyard once again and taught the childrens on how to fight and defend themselves. He first scanned their perspective style that suited their body teaching martial arts that were perfect in their personalities. 

Meanwhile, Mia taught Kagura how to wield a sword while Mio did a bit of magic training. He closely watches each of them before training as well performing the [ Hercules Method ] to avoid staying stagnant. The method is really bloody since numerous scenarios pop in his head about brutally slaughtering everyone but fortunately he put it aside. 

'I need to go to Dragon balls and temper my body before heading to a world where I can train my soul.'

He thought while concentrating in training and after a few hours had passed Caelum was able to sense a group of people coming, recognizing a few of them and telling the others that he was going out for moments. 

Caelum stood waiting for them to arrive in the mountains and soon he could see them. Makarov was leading Laxus and his group, the Thunder Legion or Thunder God Tribe. He could see the burning excitement and smirk from Laxus since he was confident in winning. The reason for this, Caelum has [ Illusionary Essence Art ] hiding his true strength.

"Been waiting for you to arrive."

"And I've been looking forward to this. I shall show you how strong I am!"

"Hahaha let's head to a place where we won't accidentally destroy the town."

He gestured for him to follow heading deeper into the mountains where there was an open space enough for them to fight. Caelum placed his hand on the ground making everyone question what he was doing.

"I am making a barrier to ensure no one is harmed."

"What!? Isn't this letter magic extremely complex!?"

Freed exclaimed looking perflex at the ancient writing formed on the ground and Caelum merely nodded. Caelum finished then stood up letting Laxus stand in front of him. He stepped inside smirking while being cheered on by his friends and Makarov shaking his head in shame not to Laxus, but himself. 

"Now, whoever is knocked out or steps outside the barrier wins."

"Got it! Let's just get this over with! I'll prove that I am the fairy tail's strongest."

"Good! Then show me your worth, boy!"

The two took a stances preparing their attack and in a flash Laxus vanished from his position and appeared in front of Caelum who caught his fist with one hand smoking from the force shocking Laxus a bit but quickly used his other fist to attack only for Caelum to move to the side and used his own body to push him to the ground and made Laxus confused since everything happened too fast and only to find himself on the ground looking at Caelum's face confused. 

'Whaaaat!? What's going on?" 

He asked in pure astonishment while his friends were also shocked and confused since Caelum hadn't used any magic. Laxus saw him grinning looking at him on the ground. 

"Surprise? Don't tell me you gave it already?"

Laxus heard his words become angry and released his magical energy making Caelum step back looking at the young man gathering his energy, increasing his power even further than before. His body began to produce lightning crackling around him while Caelum whistled at the young man.

"You just got lucky! I was caught by Surprise but this time I won't let it happen again!"

"You're dragon Slayer huh? A second generation at that. Well, show me what you got and don't disappoint me."

"Raaaaahh!!!"

He saw Laxus vanish, producing a barrage of lightning attacks and shot them toward his opponent. Caelum smirked before easily dodging all of them that made Laxus frustrated and saw him close his eyes while evading his attack. 

'This bastard is toying with me!'

Laxus internally roared in anger increasing his power even further than before while Caelum kept his face training his thoughts and instinct using the [ Hercules Method ] hoping that he'll achieve Ultra Instinct since it doesn't focus on power but control and act of letting things go. Laxus stopped attacking long range and attacked him up close, moving at lightning speed smirking when Caelum didn't move when his fist was inches away from his fist. 

In that moment everything became stagnant and Caelum moved like falling rain drop calm and guided instantly evading Laxus attack without much thought and placed his fist into his abdomen. This was not power, it was an act of letting his instinct guide him. 

"Blurgh!"

His fist empty air forcing him to fall in pain squirming surprised from what just happened. Where Caelum looked down at him once again and said.

"Concede. You cannot win against me. Train for another hundred years then we can fight again."