Chapter 17

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Magnolia...

In a room on the top floor of the 'Fairy Tail' guild, Makarov looked at Noah, who was lying on the bed, gritting his teeth in pain. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes, lined with wrinkles, betrayed a worry that others couldn't detect.

"Porlyusica, are you done yet?"

Makarov was speaking to an old woman standing by Noah's bed, bandaging his left shoulder and left arm.

"Shut up and watch!" The old woman, Porlyusica, continued her work without changing her expression, her tone sharp and harsh.

"If you keep making noise, I'll leave!"

Makarov immediately shut his mouth, not daring to speak again.

Because Makarov knew that Porlyusica would definitely do as she said.

Though they had been close friends for countless years, Porlyusica detested humans. For her, the noisy and lively 'Fairy Tail' was one of the places she least wanted to be.

If not for Noah's injury, Makarov would have had to beg at Porlyusica's home to get her to come. Even now, she was probably extremely unhappy.

If he provoked Porlyusica further, Makarov knew she would leave without a second thought.

Perhaps moved by Makarov's anxious expression, Porlyusica sighed.

"You're so old and still so impatient. Noah's injuries, though not light, haven't damaged the bones. With the help of 'Healing Magic,' he should recover in no more than three days. What are you so worried about?"

"Really?" Makarov finally breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

"That's great."

"Thank you, Grandma." Noah, lying on the bed, hurriedly thanked her.

"You've really gone to a lot of trouble."

"Don't misunderstand. I just can't stand that old man's persistent nagging!" Porlyusica finished bandaging Noah's arm without expression and then got up without a second thought.

"If it weren't for that, I would never come to a place full of detestable humans!"

Hearing this, not only did Noah laugh bitterly, but Makarov also looked helpless.

"Thank you anyway."

"Enough useless talk." Porlyusica turned and walked out.

"If you really want to thank me, don't come to such a place again."

With that, Porlyusica slammed the door, and anyone could feel her displeasure.

"You're so old and still hate humans so much..." Makarov pursed his lips, turning his gaze to Noah. Seeing Noah's relieved expression and the bandaged left shoulder and arm, his eyes filled with pity.

"I'm sorry, Noah. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have let you take on this mission."

"Grandpa, what are you talking about?" Noah waved his uninjured hand, unconcerned.

"Who could have known that the 'Phantom Lord' would suddenly appear? It's not your fault."

"Don't worry, Noah!" Makarov clenched his fist, a cold glint appearing in his old eyes.

"I will settle this score with Jose eventually!"

"And Laxus!" The cold glint turned to anger, and Makarov shouted in fury.

"I specifically told him to protect you, and yet you ended up so badly injured. I'll have to teach him a lesson when he gets back!"

"Laxus?" Noah couldn't help but recall what Laxus had said to him, falling silent for a moment before speaking.

"Grandpa, do you think I made a mistake by not learning magic?"

Makarov, who had been angry, paused at these words. Seeing his grandson's bewildered expression, a wave of affection welled up in his heart.

Having adopted Noah for a whole year, Makarov knew him better than anyone. He knew that his grandson often displayed a calmness and composure that even ordinary adults couldn't match, and lacked the impulsiveness typical of young people. In every aspect, his character was excellent.

However, no matter how excellent, Noah was still just an eleven-year-old child, and naturally had the weaknesses of a child.

But Noah only showed this weakness to those closest to him.

Like in front of him.

"You didn't learn magic because I told you not to. If there's a mistake, it's mine!" After a moment of silence, Makarov responded.

"But Noah, I can tell you that your decision was not wrong!"

Makarov's words were like a ray of light, illuminating Noah's confused heart, making his eyes brighten as he turned to look at Makarov.

"Your talent is too great. Even without special training, you were born with a powerful magic that others can't match. If you can control this magic and learn magic, you will definitely have a power greater than mine in the future!" Makarov said solemnly.

"But sometimes, great talent brings more than just benefits. This is especially true for you. Before you can freely control all your magic, learning magic, even non-lethal healing or support magic, could cause your uncontrolled magic to break free and go berserk, which is very dangerous!"

"Your talent won't disappear, and your magic won't vanish. Why rush to learn magic?" Makarov's voice softened.

"You're still young, and you work hard every day to control your magic. One day, you will fully control and utilize this magic. Then, it won't be too late to learn magic. With your magic strength, your power will grow incredibly fast once you start learning!"

Listening to Makarov's guidance, Noah's confusion gradually dissipated, but he still couldn't fully let it go.

"I understand that, but if I had magic, I could have protected my comrades when we encountered the 'Phantom Lord,' right?"

"What are you talking about?" Makarov smiled.

"I've already heard the details from Erza. Didn't you protect Erza well?"

"Is that really protection?" Noah frowned.

"I just blocked a hit for Erza."

"You didn't let the 'Phantom Lord' hurt your comrades, and that's protection!" Makarov gently patted Noah's small shoulder, looking into his face.

"If you really want to pursue power, I won't force you, but I hope you choose the right way to gain it!"

"The right way to gain power?" Noah was puzzled.

"Magic isn't the only form of power!" Makarov said meaningfully.

"Isn't Erza the same? She trains in both magic and sword skills."

Noah immediately understood Makarov's meaning, and his heart felt enlightened.

"I believe you will find the right path to your own magic!"

Looking at Noah's gradually brightening expression, Makarov said with great satisfaction.

"Before that, no matter what, I will protect you..."

Noah took a deep breath, deeply grateful to Makarov, and nodded heavily. He looked out the window, his expression gradually becoming determined.

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