Fairy Tail: Collapsing Stars

Chapter 389: As a Dragon Slayer Mage, Who Doesn’t Have a Cat?

"Ah, this…"

Sonya fell silent. Animus's words were reasonable and well-founded, to the point that Sonya had no way to refute them.

Indeed, Animus was a dragon. Human rules were human rules. What did that have to do with him, a dragon?!

"Don't worry, I'll only secretly take a look. I won't alarm them, and I won't cause trouble for you!"

Animus raised his brows as he looked at the silent Sonya, then explained to Sonya.

Perhaps even Animus himself had not noticed that he had begun to care about Sonya's emotions…

Perhaps, after Animus lost to August, that human.

Animus had already completely erased the prejudice toward humans deep in his heart~

If he had lost to a Dragon Slayer Mage, Animus could still deceive himself by saying that the reason those humans became stronger than dragons was merely relying on the power of dragons. However, after Animus lost to August, who used human magic, Animus suddenly became sober…

In this world, there was never any race that would be powerful forever. All living beings in the world were progressing. Those existences that stopped in place might be eliminated sooner or later, right?! Even without Acnologia, even without the Black Dragon King, perhaps there would still be a White Dragon King, Green Dragon King, Red Dragon King, Golden Dragon King, or the like…

The arrogant and conceited dragon race that looked down on every race other than themselves would sooner or later be eliminated…

"Hehe~"

Thinking of this, Animus lightly smiled. His view of the world became different at this moment.

"In short, let us first go take a look at how the Fire Dragon King's son trains…"

That said, Animus, who had lost to August, was still extremely unwilling. He had no intention of stopping the operation to secretly observe the training plans of Natsu and the others. Thus, Animus directly spread his small white wings and flew toward the back mountain where Natsu and the others usually trained.

"Animus, wait for me. I'll go with you!"

Sonya froze when she saw Animus take off, then immediately chased after him.

Sonya seemed not to have expected that Animus had only just made a decision and yet directly flew toward Fairy Tail's back mountain…

Sonya believed that this kind of thing should be discussed with Natsu and the others. After all, Natsu and the others were kind-hearted good people. She believed that as long as they explained clearly, Natsu and the others would definitely accept them…

At this moment, because Natsu and the others had failed the S-Class Mage Trial, they had already taken their positions at Fairy Tail's back mountain and were undergoing long-awaited devil training.

"Fire Dragon, this time, both you and I lost. You should be very unwilling, right?"

"Honestly, I'm also very unwilling. This joke of being instantly killed by someone has gone on long enough!"

"So we need to become stronger. Regarding this, do you know how to increase the hardness of my body?"

Gajeel tightly furrowed his brows. This Fairy Tail Guild S-Class Mage Trial had dealt him quite a blow.

Gajeel had never expected that after coming to Fairy Tail Guild, he, a Mage who had some fame in Phantom Lord and even the entire Kingdom of Fiore, would actually be instantly controlled with magnetism by someone unknown. This made Gajeel unable to accept it easily…

At the same time, before coming to Fairy Tail Guild, Gajeel had always believed that his body, this steel body comparable to steel, was the hardest thing in this world. He was the mortal enemy of all metal sword users in this world. Any swordsman using blades and swords would be unable to cut him with steel. After all, how could there possibly be someone in this world who could use the thin iron sheet in their hand to cut apart someone harder than steel like him?

However, after being consecutively cut apart by Erza and Kagura, he slightly lost confidence in himself. Thus, he found Natsu, who was also a Dragon Slayer Mage, hoping to gain some inspiration from Natsu.

As for how to overcome the restraint Magnetic Magic had over him, that problem was very difficult. Gajeel knew he would be unable to overcome it in a short time. After all, he was iron, and iron being manipulated by magnetism was a rule of this world!

So after thinking it over, Gajeel decided to first put aside the difficult problem of overcoming Magnetic Magic's restraint on him and mainly solve the simple problem first…

"You want to become harder…"

"I heard from Erza that high-end weapons in this world are all forged by craftsmen hammer by hammer!"

"Maybe we can make a big furnace, then forge you, Gajeel, into the strongest weapon in this world!"

After thinking for a while as he looked at Gajeel before him, Natsu revealed a brilliant smile.

"Hah? Wait…"

"Why are you using the method for forging weapons to train me? I'm not someone else's weapon. Don't listen to Erza! I never agreed to become someone else's weapon!"

After hearing Natsu's words, Gajeel's eyes twitched slightly. An incomparably ominous premonition suddenly rose in his heart.

"Erza, Wendy, Laxus, come help quickly! We're going to forge the strongest weapon in this world together…"

However, before Gajeel could say more, Natsu suddenly opened his throat and shouted loudly toward the Dragon Slayer Mages who also liked training at the back mountain on ordinary days.

"Coming…"

As Natsu's voice fell, Wendy, who had originally come with Natsu and Gajeel, stopped training alone and came beside the two. Wendy was young and kind. She was the only person here who sincerely intended to help Gajeel…

And not long after Wendy arrived beside Natsu and Gajeel, from within the grass, a crimson figure suddenly emerged. That figure had long crimson hair, a perfect and graceful body, and a beautiful face. However, at this moment, this youthful girl who looked like a beautiful young girl from every angle slightly raised the corners of her mouth, wearing a confident smile as she looked at Natsu and the others and said, "There is truly no helping it. Since you are looking for me for help, then let me help slightly. Regarding forging weapons, I still know a thing or two…"

The person who came was none other than Erza. After seeing Gajeel and Natsu leave the guild, she feared that her exclusive weapon Gajeel would be stolen by someone, so she secretly followed them to see what Natsu and Gajeel were planning to do.

"Forging weapons?! Truly interesting!"

"Perfect, I want to learn some Magnetic Magic…"

It was also right after Erza revealed herself that Laxus, who had been hiding behind a tree, walked out as well. His eyes burned brightly as he looked at Gajeel, and some special light flickered within his gaze.

After Laxus saw August use Magnetic Magic to easily and pleasantly defeat Gajeel, he became curious about Magnetic Magic. If he mastered Magnetic Magic in addition to Lightning Magic, wouldn't he be able to reach another level?

Regarding this, Laxus believed learning Magnetic Magic would definitely greatly improve his own strength…

Just like that, Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus surrounded Gajeel, each harboring their own thoughts.

"Don't come over! Don't come over…"

Gajeel's face turned ashen as he looked at the malicious group of four before him, continuously shouting.

After seeing Erza, Gajeel's face suddenly became pale. What Erza had once done to him had already left a very serious psychological shadow on him. The current Gajeel had already voluntarily given up becoming stronger. He only wanted to live properly in this world. Thinking about it now, living was more important than anything else…

Not long after Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus surrounded Gajeel, a white light flew toward Gajeel and the others from the sky! Looking carefully, that white light seemed to even have a pair of wings…

Yes, that white light shooting toward Natsu and the others was none other than Animus, who intended to find Natsu and the others and secretly learn Dragon Slayer Magic techniques…

Yes, Animus, as a dragon, planned to find several Dragon Slayer Mages and learn the correct posture humans should assume when cultivating magic cultivated by dragons…

"Let me take a good look at how Fire Dragon King Igneel's child usually trains~"

At this moment, the corners of Animus's mouth rose. He had already sensed the magic power of Natsu and the others. He could confirm that he had not come to the wrong place. As long as he had a few more seconds, he would be able to secretly learn the secret method of training taught by Fire Dragon King Igneel.

And beneath Animus, in the endless dark forest, a graceful figure was continuously moving through the forest, tightly following behind Animus and heading toward the back mountain. That figure was none other than Sonya, who was worried about Animus being alone.

At the same time…

"Natsu, use strength! Keep using strength!"

"Wendy, maintain magic power output…"

"Gajeel, endure a bit longer. You must hold on!"

Before Animus could approach, a burst of shouting rang beside his ears. This made Animus slightly furrow his brows, while the corners of his mouth rose slightly. As expected, just as he thought, the Fire Dragon King's son and the others possessed special training methods.

However, very soon, the Fire Dragon King's training method would belong to him, Animus. Once he taught the Dragon Slayer Magic cultivation method used by Fire Dragon King to teach his child to Sonya, then with Sonya's potential, surpassing him would surely be a settled matter.

"Boom!"

Before Animus could think further, accompanied by a fresh breeze, he finally flew to Fairy Tail Guild's back mountain and took in the training situation of the Dragon Slayer Mages at Fairy Tail Guild's back mountain in one glance.

"That is…"

Animus suddenly widened his eyes as he looked at the situation at the back mountain. The situation before his eyes far exceeded Animus's imagination. What entered Animus's eyes was an incomparably horrifying scene…

Gajeel, a member of Fairy Tail Guild known as the 'Iron Dragon,' had been tied to a tall iron frame by Natsu and the others like a criminal! Meanwhile, Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus, four Mages, stood beside Gajeel like judges, surrounding and watching Gajeel.

However, this was not all. Natsu was continuously spitting flames toward Gajeel! Because Gajeel's body was made of iron, his body could be tempered with Natsu's flames. However, besides Natsu's flames, Wendy's wild winds and Laxus's lightning would also occasionally travel across Gajeel's body, using this to stimulate the cells within Gajeel's body and help Gajeel's strength reach another level! Right now, Gajeel could only silently enjoy the beating from Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Laxus, a full four people, in order to help his body become refined and then be tempered into steel…

"This…"

Animus froze. He looked at Gajeel and remained silent. As for the meaningless actions of this group of little dragon cubs before him, Animus was silent…

"Are these little brats planning to use their method to help the Iron Dragon evolve into a Vajra Dragon?! But this method is clearly wrong!"

Countless beads of sweat appeared on Animus's forehead. Even with his dragon-level comprehension ability, he still could not understand everything happening before him at this moment.

Animus guessed that perhaps Natsu and the others hoped that Gajeel could use quenching to make his body stronger and even evolve from an Iron Dragon into a Vajra Dragon.

However, Iron Dragons fundamentally did not evolve like this, alright? The difference between iron and steel was merely a matter of carbon content…

If he wanted to become stronger, rather than accepting flame tempering, he might as well absorb Bane Particles! Yes, Animus had heard a rumor that when an Iron Dragon absorbed excessive Bane Particles, it would make his body incomparably hard. It was just that Animus did not know whether this rumor was true or false…

"N-No, I can't hold on anymore!"

When Natsu heated the flames to above one thousand degrees, Gajeel finally could not endure it anymore. His forehead was covered in molten iron, and his body seemed as though it was about to melt. He shouted at Natsu and the others with a 'red' face.

"As expected, just tempering with flames is useless? Then let's change methods…"

Natsu looked at Gajeel. Aside from his body becoming red-hot from excessive flames and seeming as though it was about to melt, there were no other changes. After thinking for a while, he immediately gave up the plan of continuing to quench Gajeel.

"So you were experimenting?!"

After hearing Natsu's words, Animus could not help shouting aloud.

"Hmm?!"

As Animus could not help making a sound, Animus's existence was instantly discovered by Natsu, Erza, Laxus, and the others. Immediately, Erza and the others raised their gazes and directly locked onto Animus.

"Crap…"

Animus froze. He had not expected that he would actually be exposed.

"Sorry, everyone, for disturbing your training. Actually, I also want to train together with everyone."

Just as Animus planned to explain something, Sonya's figure suddenly emerged from the grass. She nervously spoke to Erza and the others.

At this moment, Sonya was only short of looking at the Dragon Slayer Mages before her with tears streaming down her face and shouting, "Companions, I want to train magic!"

"So you want to train with us! You should have said so earlier…"

When Erza heard Sonya's words, she revealed a smile. She had always been this helpful.

"Although we met many times in the Kingdom of Stella before, this should be the first time we are communicating face to face! Then allow me to introduce myself to you again~"

"My name is Erza, Erza Belserion. The magic I use is Requip Magic and Dragon Slayer Magic…"

Erza looked at Sonya and revealed a kind smile while introducing herself.

"My name is Sonya, Sonya Animus. I am a Dragon Slayer Mage, and this person is my… companion. His name is Animus. He is an Exceed…"

Sonya followed the introduction method Evan had given her and introduced herself to Erza and the others word for word.

"Laxus, Lightning Dragon Slayer Magic…"

Laxus had always treasured words like gold. After introducing his identity, his gaze fell onto Animus.

Laxus knew that this winged cat before him, who looked the same as Happy and Charle, was actually transformed from the soul of a dragon. He was filled with fighting spirit toward Animus, who had transformed into a cat.

"Little dragon brat, if you want to fight me, you should continue training for a few more decades~"

"The current you is still too tender for a true dragon…"

Animus sensed Laxus's gaze, and his eyes carried a hint of disdain as he coldly shook his head.

Of course, it was not that he looked down on Laxus, but because Laxus currently truly did not possess the power to compete with him…

"Hmph~"

Hearing this, Laxus merely coldly snorted and did not refute Animus's words at all. He admitted that he truly was not Animus's opponent. After all, he had seen every scene of Animus merging with Sonya and fighting August.

Laxus believed that his Dragon Slayer Magic truly could not yet reach that level. He still needed to continue tempering himself…

Of course, admitting he was inferior was admitting he was inferior. It did not mean Laxus feared Animus. On the contrary, it was precisely because Laxus knew he was not Animus's opponent that he became somewhat eager to try, wanting to exchange a few rounds with Animus and feel the gap in strength between himself and Animus…

For a time, the atmosphere between Laxus and Animus gradually became serious…

"As for these people, they are Fire Dragon Slayer Mage Natsu, Sky Dragon Slayer Mage Wendy, and my exclusive weapon Gajeel…"

Just as Laxus's expression was serious, Erza continued speaking, introducing Natsu, Wendy, and Gajeel beside her one by one.

"No, wait, wait…"

"What did you just say? Why is only my introduction a weapon?!"

After Erza finished introducing him, Gajeel's expression immediately changed. He looked at Erza and asked in confusion.

"Sorry! My introduction was inaccurate. Please allow me to introduce again!" Hearing this, Erza first froze, then seemed to think of something. She apologized to Gajeel, then turned and looked at Sonya, introducing again, "This person is not my exclusive weapon Gajeel, but Gajeel, the shared weapon of everyone in Fairy Tail Guild."

Erza changed the way she addressed Gajeel. Yes, she could not be too selfish. Gajeel was not her toy alone. He belonged to everyone!

"What difference is there?"

Gajeel's eyes twitched slightly as he looked at Erza and asked.

"Was there something wrong with my introduction?"

Hearing this, Erza froze, her eyes carrying doubt as she looked at Gajeel and asked.

"Could it be that you don't want to become everyone's weapon and only want to be my weapon?"

"Sorry! If that is the case, then I apologize to you. At the same time, I finally understand your feelings…"

"I see. You are Gajeel, my exclusive weapon who can use Iron Dragon Slayer Magic. This time, I should finally be correct, right?"

Erza came to a realization and looked at Gajeel as she asked.

"Completely wrong!"

"I'm not anyone's weapon. I'm Iron Dragon Slayer Mage Gajeel!"

Gajeel's body trembled as he reintroduced his own identity.

"Then here comes the question. How do you prove that you are an Iron Dragon Slayer Mage…"

Erza crossed her arms in front of her and looked at Gajeel as she asked.

"Geh heh~"

"I can use Iron Dragon Slayer Magic."

The corners of Gajeel's mouth rose as he proudly looked at Erza and spoke.

"No, merely knowing Dragon Slayer Magic cannot prove your identity…"

After hearing Gajeel's words, Erza lightly shook her head.

"Hah?!"

After hearing Erza's words, Gajeel froze slightly, and his entire person became dumbfounded. Even being able to use Dragon Slayer Magic could not prove he was a Dragon Slayer Mage? What kind of logic was this?!

"Big Brother Evan said that there is only one thing that can truly prove someone is a Dragon Slayer Mage! And that is a cat!"

"Gajeel, where is your cat?!"

Erza spoke incomparably cruel words while looking at Gajeel.

"Uh…"

Hearing this, Gajeel's body trembled, and he directly knelt on one knee.

In truth, Gajeel had long since discovered that whether it was Natsu or Wendy, even Sonya, who had joined the guild later, all had their own cats. Only he, only he did not have his own cat.

"I-I admit that I indeed don't have a cat, but Erza, and Laxus, you two also don't have cats!"

Gajeel's body trembled slightly as he stood up from the ground, looking at Erza and Laxus while asking loudly.

"I admit this point. We indeed do not have cats! However, Laxus and I are not originally Dragon Slayer Mages! We learned it later in life, unlike you, Natsu, Wendy, and Sonya, who learned Dragon Slayer Magic from dragons!"

Erza looked at Gajeel and explained with a smile.

"Uh…"

Gajeel's pupils trembled. Just as Erza said, aside from him, every Mage who directly learned Dragon Slayer Magic from dragons had their own cat, yet only he did not…

"Gajeel, think about it. The reason Natsu, Wendy, and Sonya have cats is because Exceeds can become their wings! They allow them to fly through the sky like dragons. But you are different. You are not a Dragon Slayer Mage. You are a super weapon enchanted with Dragon Slayer power. You do not need Exceeds' help. As long as I am here, using magnetism, you can also fly freely in the sky. It is only freely flying in the sky under my control…"

"So Gajeel, do you understand? The reason you do not have a cat is because you fundamentally do not need a cat. You fundamentally are not a Dragon Slayer Mage. Weapons can only be controlled in the hands of those who can truly use weapons. Therefore, you do not need a cat, because cats only need to be cute. They do not need to control weapons. In summary, you are not a Dragon Slayer Mage, but a wild weapon Gajeel who learned Dragon Slayer Magic and was picked up by Big Brother Evan…"

Erza used the words Evan had taught her and spoke to Gajeel.

"Who exactly am I?"

Gajeel was stunned.