"Moen, is today's training over?"
Just as the three of them had finished ordering, a curious girl came over. She carried a tray and sat at the same table as Moen and the others.
The tables in the hall were rectangular, with benches on both sides. To "strengthen the bond" between Natsu and Gray, Moen had arranged them to sit on the same side. This girl naturally sat right next to Moen.
"Yes, Cana. And what about Shiro?"
Moen looked at the girl. This brown-haired girl was Cana. She was also an orphan. Among their peers, Cana had joined the guild the earliest besides Moen, and the two had always shared a good relationship.
Looking at Cana now, her face gradually grown up, Moen recalled the pitiful girl from five years ago, holding a small white dog, coming alone to the guild. At that time, Cana was only six years old and didn't even know how to use magic.
"Shiro is over there. I've already prepared dinner for him."
Cana smiled and pointed to a corner. Shiro, the small white dog, was happily devouring his dinner, which was quite hearty.
This formerly stray dog had already been in the guild for five years and had become the guild mascot.
"Plop."
Seeing Cana move closer, Erza also brought her tray over. She pulled a chair and sat on the side of the table. She didn't speak, quietly eating her meal, her lips moving as she chewed, clearly enjoying it.
Seeing Erza take the initiative to sit and eat with everyone, Moen smiled. If it had been Erza a year ago, she would have never done something like this.
At that time, Erza was very withdrawn, always shrinking into corners or going somewhere alone, like a small beast licking its wounds in hiding.
"Erza, how's your eye? Fully healed now?"
Moen asked, looking at her.
Erza paused for a moment but then replied casually, "It's completely healed. Except that it can't shed tears, this eye is no different from a normal one."
Erza's right eye was a prosthetic. Thanks to Grandma Porlyusica's miraculous medical magic, the eye showed almost no sign of being artificial, and its function was nearly identical to a real eye.
When Erza first arrived at the guild, she was covered in scars and had lost an eye—arguably the most unfortunate among them.
She never spoke of her past, and out of respect, the others never probed. Instead, they used patience, kindness, and friendship to soften her defenses.
Now, Erza was much more normal than when she first came. She had gradually integrated and begun to display her sharpness. Her serious, meticulous, and responsible nature made her seem like a little adult.
Once Erza sat down, Gray immediately quieted down, no longer squabbling with Natsu, and began eating properly.
This surprised Natsu. He didn't understand, since he hadn't yet challenged Erza, hadn't yet been beaten by her—well, technically he already had. So his eyes were wary as he looked at her.
"Sorry, Natsu. I shouldn't have acted like that before."
Erza noticed Natsu staring at her strangely, so she set down her utensils and sincerely apologized.
"Ah… it's… it's fine! We can have another match! Even though Moen said you're strong, I'll reclaim the field!"
Faced with Erza's sincere apology, Natsu scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed, and then decisively issued a challenge. Even though Moen had advised him against it, Natsu wouldn't back down without a fight.
Stare!
Natsu's words made Gray and Cana look at him in surprise.
This guy had just been knocked out by Moen and now wanted to challenge Erza? Had he really never experienced being beaten before?
"Admirable courage."
Moen gave Natsu a thumbs up. He had warned Natsu not to underestimate Erza just because she was pretty—her ferocity was real. But Natsu, the pure stubborn one, would never give up until he hit a wall.
As for the outcome of a fight with Erza, Gray already knew what would happen.
Gray had been training with Moen every day, taking hits constantly. He wasn't afraid of Moen's strength, but seeing Erza was like a mouse seeing a cat—he was genuinely scared.
Moen's strikes were measured. Although his punches looked fierce, he controlled the force.
Erza, however, was different. In battle, she was very serious. When someone challenged her, she gave her full effort because she believed that was also a form of respect for the opponent.
Of course, Erza still restrained herself somewhat. She wouldn't attack vital points or do anything life-threatening. But even with restraint, the pain she inflicted was unforgettable. Gray had already been humbled by her over the past year.
Moen could tell that Erza knew exactly how to make someone feel pain. She never tried to knock anyone out. Instead, she ensured the pain lingered, leaving a lasting impression. She was a master of controlled torment.
In a sense, Erza's measured strikes reflected her precision.
Behind this unusual ability, there was clearly a tragic backstory. Thinking of when Erza first joined the guild, covered in scars, Moen felt sympathy for her. Her abilities were likely shaped by her own painful experiences.
"All right, I accept your challenge."
Faced with Natsu's challenge, Erza nodded seriously. She stood up immediately, ready to step outside.
"Wait! Let me finish my meal first!"
Natsu panicked slightly and hastily shoveled food into his mouth. If he could have added some fire to cook it, that would have been ideal.
As a "Dragon Slayer," he could consume items of the same element to replenish magic power. For example, Laxus could consume lightning, and Natsu could consume fire. This allowed them to quickly restore magic and physical strength while enhancing their power.
"Natsu, you're a Dragon Slayer, a son of dragons! Don't embarrass yourself. Let Erza see your strength. Focus! If you beat Erza, you can rank second!"
Moen stood up and patted Natsu's shoulder. Since he couldn't stop Natsu from recklessly challenging her, he might as well encourage him.
Natsu devoured his meal in one go and swallowed it. Standing up, he felt a surge of strength throughout his body.
"Don't worry, Moen! I'm ready!"
Natsu said firmly. This time, he was determined to give his all.
"Good job, Natsu! Go for it!"
Moen smiled and gave Natsu another thumbs-up. He only hoped Natsu would remain this spirited for the fight.
But realistically… that was unlikely.
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