"Master, aren't we forgetting something? We still have a guest outside! We can't just leave him waiting, can we?" Noel questioned soulfully.
Mond finally realized—Makarov was still outside. Was he watching just now? If that old man saw such an embarrassing scene, he'll tease me about it forever…
"You stay here and clean up while I go speak with our guest. This is about a private collaboration, and the contract states no third parties can be present, so don't eavesdrop," Mond said expressionlessly.
"Oh, and one more thing—don't ever serve tea to guests in the alchemy lab again. What if someone steals our trade secrets?"
"Got it." Noel replied.
He looked at the chaotic table and prepared to start cleaning as Mond stepped out of the lab. Makarov was pacing near the door.
"I lost my composure earlier. Sorry you had to see that, old friend," Mond apologized. "But you must have had a reason for coming today. Let's talk in the study. It's bigger, more comfortable."
Makarov nodded, and the two of them went upstairs to the study. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with volumes, and at the center was a square table surrounded by four wicker chairs.
"Sorry to bother you today, but I needed to come in person." Makarov's expression was serious. "You know about the magic crystal inside Laxus, right? His body can't handle the crystal's pressure."
"Is there any alchemical product that could help suppress this condition, even a little?"
Mond was bewildered. "You're asking me about this? I'm just an alchemist. If you were asking about magical ores, sure, I'd know. But magic crystals like this—I've never seen one, and I've never planned on touching something like that."
The people who study things like this are usually those ancient creature researchers, he thought. They're the ones obsessed with the magical crystals of ancient dragons.
Mond continued, "Even if such crystals exist, I wouldn't pay them much mind. My highest goal is the Philosopher's Stone. That's the dream of every true alchemist."
"You're still researching the Philosopher's Stone? You haven't given up yet? It's time to stop, Mond. Pursuing that won't do you any good." Makarov said sternly.
"If it's no good, so be it. But a man needs something to pursue. Without goals, an alchemist can't improve." Mond argued.
"Haven't you suffered enough for it already? You went through hell back then." Makarov's voice softened, though he remained firm. "As your friend, I don't think what you're doing now is right."
"I know."
Suddenly, Mond was wracked with a violent cough, covering his mouth with his hand. When it ended, his palm was stained bright red with blood.
"Your health has deteriorated this badly, and you're still clinging to this? Why won't you get proper treatment? There has to be a way."
Makarov thought of someone—though she disliked trouble, she would surely help with something like this.
"It's nothing, just an old ailment. It won't kill me," Mond said stubbornly. "Even if I'm dying, I want to take a glimpse of the Gate of Truth."
"Alchemists are all madmen, but I thought you would be a bit saner. Turns out you're an even bigger madman." Makarov shook his head.
"That's right. Every alchemist is crazy in some way. But honestly, I'm satisfied. I've managed to study a bit of the three great pursuits of alchemy. That's something many alchemists only dream of." Mond said with a faint smile.
"Does Noel know about your condition?" Makarov asked, suddenly realizing how serious this was.
"I haven't told him yet. The later he finds out, the better. Otherwise, he won't be able to focus on learning alchemy."
"I saw his first experiment—he has real talent, Mond. He'll definitely surpass you and become the greatest alchemist one day. But for now, your job is to build his foundation." Makarov said quietly.
"You're being reckless, and I don't even know what to say to you." Makarov felt a deep sense of helplessness, a premonition that yet another old friend would soon be gone.
"I have no regrets. While I still have some strength, I want to pass down everything I've learned in my life to Noel."
"He's a bright and thoughtful child. At first, I only saw him as a replacement for Bukka, but now… I truly see him as my apprentice."
"I felt guilty in the beginning, not looking at him as a student. But now, I see that he's a capable apprentice—he can conduct alchemy experiments on his own already." Mond said, his expression softening.
"Oh, that reminds me." Mond's eyes lit up with an idea. "You see how frail I am now. Should I give Noel a big parting gift?"
"It's normal for a master to give a gift to his apprentice. That's your right, not something I can interfere with." Makarov replied.
"I'm worried he won't be able to handle it," Mond admitted. "That's why I wanted to discuss it with someone."
"And that 'someone' you chose is me?"
"Well, you've lured so many kids into your guild over the years. You must understand how children think. You're the expert on this, after all," Mond teased.
Makarov's face turned red with anger. This guy is so infuriating!
"What do you mean, 'lured'? Those children joined the guild of their own will! I treat each of them like family. I just want to be a good elder to them."
"That's good, that's good. That puts me at ease. So, I'll leave Noel to you. If he can't afford a place to stay, let him live with you, okay? You wouldn't refuse a request like that from me, would you?"
I've been tricked again. This guy is insufferable—he's a good person, but his personality is so infuriating. Makarov sighed. Does this mean the guild's definitely getting a new member? Well, I guess I already promised.
"I've already agreed to take him in." Makarov admitted.
Mond was taken aback. "That brat talked to you in private?"
"Of course. He said it was because of a promise he made. I admire the youthful passion of kids like him, so I agreed."
"But the bigger question now is, how much longer can you hold on? Noel clearly relies on you. Don't do something that would be too hard for him to accept, all right?"
Something too hard for him to accept… Mond's mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. From an alchemist's perspective, what he planned was the optimal solution. But once emotions came into play, everything became complicated.
"Perhaps the decision won't change. The world is vast, and he'll eventually find someone he wants to protect. And for that, he will need power." Mond said quietly, a distant look in his eyes.
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