Chapter 70.2 : Laxus vs. Makarov (2)

"Laxus, you can't let others' opinions bother you. No matter how great someone is, there will always be people who talk behind their back," Makarov replied calmly.

"No!" Laxus retorted, his voice sharp and firm. "This is because you're too soft. Fairy Tail has too many weaklings and disobedient members!"

"I want to be the master of Fairy Tail!"

"I want to turn Fairy Tail into the strongest guild!"

"I want to change the world's view of us!"

"I'm not just the grandson of Makarov, the third Guild Master of Fairy Tail, one of the Ten Wizard Saints!"

"I'm the fourth Master of Fairy Tail!"

"The strongest guild in the world!"

"I want to lead Fairy Tail to even greater heights! To a brighter future!"

"Old man, this is my conviction!"

"I'll take down anyone who stands in the way of my vision!"

"Erza!"

"Gildarts!"

"And even you—"

"Grandpa!"

"I—"

"I want to be the leader of the strongest guild!"

"I am Laxus!"

"I am the Master of the strongest guild - Fairy Tail; the strongest mage; the one who redefines the Dreyar name; the one and only - Laxus Dreyar!"

Makarov, the old man, felt his heart stir.

Laxus, is this really how you feel?

Makarov's thoughts drifted back to the past—the days when Laxus was just a young, energetic boy.

"Grandpa, wizards are so cool! When I grow up, I want to join Fairy Tail and be a wizard too!"

"Haha, that's great!"

"Grandpa, check out this new magic I just learned! Isn't it awesome?"

"Wow, that's amazing!"

"Grandpa, I protected Lisanna today."

"Look at you, Laxus, you're already acting like a big brother."

"Natsu and Gray are always fighting. Should I stop them?"

"No, that's just how they bond."

"Really? It seems weird, but I want friends like that too."

"Don't worry, Laxus. You'll eventually meet someone who'll drive you crazy, but you'll still trust them completely."

"I don't know about that. If I wanted to beat someone up, I probably wouldn't be friends with them!"

"And if I do end up hitting someone, it's because they did something really bad—like bullying Lisanna!"

"Maybe that's true, but you never know."

"I'm sorry, Grandpa. I couldn't beat the enemy today. I failed to protect Fried and the others."

"It's okay, Laxus. Failure is part of life. What's important is that everyone came back safely."

"But it's because I'm too weak. I want to get stronger—so strong that no one can hurt my friends!"

"Grandpa, I want to be the strongest wizard in the guild, even stronger than Gildarts!" 

"Then you better train hard. Surpassing Gildarts and me won't be easy."

"Grandpa, I want to go out and train!" 

"Be careful, Laxus. Don't overdo it." 

But why do people always say, "Oh, he's the guild master's grandson, that's why"? They should recognize that I've worked hard too! I wish they'd give me some credit!"

"Laxus, why did you attack people who had nothing to do with our mission?" Makarov asked, his voice edged with disappointment.

Laxus shrugged, barely looking at his grandfather. "They mocked our guild. Said we were weaker than those Phantom Lord idiots."

"It was just banter, Laxus. You shouldn't have seriously hurt them."

"I know, I know." Laxus rolled his eyes, clearly unconcerned. 

"You've got to be careful," Makarov sighed. "You're acting like a common thug, picking fights with anyone who crosses you. And what about that dark guild? Did you kill everyone there?"

"They deserved it. A bunch of dark guild scum. Besides, they were spreading rumors that Fairy Tail is weak, saying we only send kids on missions." Laxus crossed his arms. "I just wanted to show them some real power."

"Everit might not show mercy, but he doesn't go overboard like you. He knows where to draw the line." Makarov's tone was stern. "If you keep this up, you'll end up on a path of darkness."

Laxus clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "And what's wrong with that? Am I weaker than some guy who just sits around using magic?"

"It's not about strength, Laxus. Everit has a firm heart," Makarov replied. "I'm worried about you. You've changed, and it's not for the better."

"I haven't changed!" Laxus snapped. "Tell me, old man, am I wrong for wanting respect? Am I wrong for demanding it?"

"This is my dream!" Laxus's voice grew louder. "Why does everyone deny me? Even Everit understands me, but you... you're standing against me!"

Makarov's eyes filled with tears as he saw the anger in his grandson's eyes. He quickly wiped them away with magic, his face now stern and resolute. "Laxus, you're wrong."

"I've told you before, but it seems you've forgotten." Makarov's voice was steady, but there was a hint of sadness. "The guild isn't a tool for you to show off your strength. It's not a stepping stone for you to become famous."

"The guild is a wall that protects the family," Makarov declared. "It's a weapon to safeguard our dreams!"

"Even after all these years, I'm still proud of you," he continued. "But now, you've crossed a line. As your grandfather, it's my duty to set you straight!"

Makarov took a deep breath, gathering his resolve. "If you want to surpass me, you must first correct your errors!"

"Light Rain!"

A barrage of magical projectiles rained down on Laxus, hitting him like a relentless storm.

Laxus stood his ground, gritting his teeth. "Then I'll surpass you today!"

"The Dragon Slayer's Secret Art—"

"Laxus!" Gray shouted from afar. "Are you trying to kill the Master?"

"Laxus, you jerk!" Natsu, struggling to rise, called out.

"Master!" Gajeel had his forehead pressed against the ground, his body trembling as he tried to push himself up. He could feel the intensity of the confrontation and the danger it posed.

"This is too dangerous!" Gray remarked, recalling how even Wizard Saint Jose, a young and powerful mage, had struggled against a similar attack. How could the old Makarov withstand it?

"Bright Thunder!" 

The magic of light and thunder clashed in an enormous explosion, creating a shockwave that swept across the entire area. Smoke and debris filled the sky, obscuring the setting sun.

"Thunder Dragon's—"

"Roar!"

Laxus unleashed a fearsome column of thunder, piercing through the smoke and dust, aimed directly at Makarov. The Master, with a weary look on his face, raised his hand.

"Light Barrier!"

The defensive magic held firm, absorbing the brunt of the attack.

"Thunder Dragon's—"

"Iron Fist!"

Laxus charged at Makarov, ready to deliver a crushing blow, but as he drew near, Makarov staggered, clutching his chest, and fell backward.

Laxus froze in shock.

Makarov's face twisted in pain, his features contorted. He was visibly struggling to breathe.

"Old man!" Natsu shouted in concern.

"Master!" Laxus lowered his fists, his defiance wavering.

"Stop! Laxus, your grandfather's having a heart attack!" Gray urged. "If he doesn't get medical help soon, he'll die!"

Laxus went silent, his body trembling. But then, he started laughing, softly at first, then louder.

"Haha!"

"Haha."

"Hahaha."

"Hahahaha!"

"Isn't this perfect?" Laxus laughed wildly, looking up. "I win! The Fairy Tail guild is mine!"

"Laxus, you maniac!" Natsu struggled to his feet.

"I'll achieve ultimate victory!" Laxus roared. "With this unstoppable magic!"

He spread his hands wide, forming a glowing sphere between them.

A deep, resonant hum filled the air, and a surge of magical energy, dark and foreboding, emanated from the sphere.

"What kind of magic is this?" Gray's face turned pale with fear.

"It feels like the Master's magic," Natsu muttered in disbelief.

"Such immense power. If this gets released, everyone could be wiped out," Gajeel remarked, his voice filled with unease.

"Legendary Magic—Fairy Law," a voice replied, confirming their worst fears.

****

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