Chapter 31 : July 7, 777

A massive explosion shook the mansion where the routine guild meeting was taking place, blowing away the entire front wall.

Natsu and Gajeel's dual Dragon Slayer attacks had completely wrecked the banquet hall.

Makarov stood frozen in shock, his mouth agape. His face was a mask of disbelief.

"These two certainly have a lot of energy," Knight commented, continuing to eat his meal calmly. What an entire Dark Guild like Eisenwald failed to accomplish, two Dragon Slayers had easily achieved.

"Quick! Someone go stop them!" Makarov's face darkened as he imagined the angry reprimands that would come from the Magic Council.

"I'm on it, Master," Knight replied, finishing his last bite. He wiped his hands with a napkin and casually walked through the hole in the wall.

Outside, Natsu and Gajeel were oblivious to the chaos they'd caused. After their initial exchange of dragon roars, they had taken the fight outside, clashing with fists and feet, growing more excited with every strike.

Gray, Lucy, and Happy watched from a safe distance, unsure how to intervene.

"Natsu, Gajeel, could you both take a break for a second?" Knight called out loudly.

But they didn't hear him. The two were completely absorbed in their battle, their attention focused only on each other. It seemed the two were evenly matched, although Gajeel had a slight upper hand.

Knight sighed, lifting his hands. White, shimmering orbs of energy began to form in his palms.

"You guys are way too serious," Knight muttered. "Looks like I'll have to stop you myself."

With that, he flung the two energy balls forward. The spheres expanded rapidly in mid-air, emitting compressed waves of vibration as they approached their targets.

Gajeel caught sight of one of the orbs out of the corner of his eye and reacted in shock, trying to dodge. But it was too late. The vibrations exploded with a resounding boom, swallowing both Gajeel and Natsu.

When the dust cleared, two large craters marred the ground where the combatants once stood.

Makarov and the guild leaders had gathered by now, having witnessed Knight's magical intervention. Despite their age, they had enough experience to recognize the impressive level of control behind Knight's attack.

"Vibration magic?" one guild leader murmured in awe.

"He compressed vibration energy into a ball and detonated it at the perfect moment… What incredible precision!" another marveled.

"It may look simple, but to do it without injuring yourself requires extraordinary skill," one more chimed in.

"Little Makarov, you've found a real treasure," Bob, the president of Blue Pegasus, said enviously. "Not only did this young man create the Internet magic, but he's also a prodigy in combat."

"Are you all trying to poach him again?" Makarov snapped, still grumpy.

Knight walked over to the craters, peering down at the two groaning wizards lying inside.

"Calmed down now?" he asked.

Natsu, wincing in pain, managed to sit up. "Knight! What was that for? That hurt!"

"You're asking me?" Knight sighed. "You two nearly brought the entire mansion down. Do you even realize what you've done?"

Natsu blinked in surprise. "I did that?"

Knight could only shake his head, thinking about how much it would cost to repair the damage. No wonder Natsu is always broke—he works hard but destroys even harder.

Gajeel, struggling to his feet, clutched his arm and glared at Knight.

"Are you… the creator of this Internet magic?" Gajeel asked.

Knight smiled and nodded. "Yes, that would be me. Sorry for hitting you hard just now. I had to make sure you stopped."

Gajeel grunted but didn't argue. If it were anyone else, they'd be dead by now. After a brief pause, Gajeel asked, "I saw someone named [Voldemort] post on the magic network forum. Who is he? You should know, right?"

Knight noticed the silver ring on Gajeel's finger and internally chuckled. Gajeel must have been referring to his own secret identity online. But, of course, he couldn't give that away.

"I'd like to know who Voldemort is too," Knight said with a straight face.

Gajeel frowned. "Didn't you give him the ring?"

"I gave you a ring as well, but I have no idea what nickname you use on the network," Knight replied coolly. Then, in a softer tone, he added, "You're looking for Voldemort because of the dragons, aren't you? His post is accurate. I've verified it with Natsu—the dragon really does reside within Dragon Slayers."

Gajeel froze, then turned to Natsu with wide eyes.

Natsu, climbing out of the pit, nodded. "Yeah! Did your dragon disappear on July 7, 777 too?"

"You too?"

"Igneel's still inside me. I haven't seen him since then, but I can feel him. I trust Knight's words."

Natsu held out a hand to Gajeel, grinning. "You can trust him too!"

Gajeel hesitated for a moment, then ignored Natsu's hand and climbed out of the pit on his own, muttering, "I'll settle things with you someday."

As soon as he was on his feet, he spotted his guild's president, Joseph, waiting for him.

"Let's head back, Gajeel," Joseph said, giving Knight a calculating look. "Knight, you're welcome to visit Phantom Lord anytime."

"If the opportunity arises…" Knight responded politely, though inwardly he thought, Phantom Lord might not even exist by then.

Joseph chuckled darkly. "We'll see each other again soon."

Gajeel followed Joseph out, but as they walked away, he couldn't help but ask, "President, that man…"

"A powerful young wizard," Joseph said thoughtfully. "That vibration magic is likely a type of super magic. And those eyes of his… I've never seen anything like them before."

Joseph was determined to recruit Knight. He had been observing everything closely—the precision, the mastery. Such a genius had to be part of Phantom Lord.

Makarov's time is almost up, anyway, Joseph mused. Why should someone so old have all the luck?

...

Outside the ruins of the mansion, Gray, Lucy, Natsu, and Happy gathered around Makarov.

The old man gazed sadly at the destroyed building. "The routine meeting will end tomorrow. We'll be staying in town tonight."

Just one night—please don't wreck the town, Natsu!

Natsu pumped his fist, oblivious. "Don't worry, Master! If anyone attacks, I'll send them flying!"

Makarov sighed, shaking his head. I'm more worried about you, Natsu…

"Come on, Knight," Makarov said.

---------------------------------------------------

Please support me on patreon.com/ihatesakura

To read Chapters in Advance go to patreon.com/ihatesakura

50+ advance Chapters Available

15+ chapters for just $6

Uploaded 20+ chapters today