"It's very likely he simply reached the required level of strength and had no obvious violations, so the Council named him one of the Ten Wizard Saints," Bob said lightly.
Noah frowned.
"But anyone with a little perception can tell at a glance that this magic isn't from a good person. His aura reeks of evil."
Goodman sighed and added, "He could argue that it's the nature of his magic itself that makes his power feel evil. The important point is that no one has found any proof of him breaking regulations. Given his strength, the Council had no choice but to recognize him."
Noah nodded slowly, though his distaste remained. He knew that a mage's magic reflected their heart, and Jose's malevolent aura made his true nature plain. But without evidence of wrongdoing, the Council maintained appearances for the sake of order and granted him the title.
For someone like Gildarts, whose reckless lifestyle often left destruction in his wake, there was undeniable proof of the damage he caused. Even though his power was unquestionable, the Council refused to make him a Wizard Saint.
But looking at Jose's smug expression now, Noah couldn't help but think the man had misunderstood what the title meant.
Every time Jose mentioned being one of the Ten Wizard Saints, his pride showed through. He had no respect for Makarov his senior, a Wizard Saint long before him and spoke as if they were equals in both status and power.
Watching him, Noah shook his head.
"He seems foolish. Does he really think becoming a Wizard Saint is the peak of everything?"
"A bit foolish, yes. He hasn't seen enough of the world," Bob agreed, and Goodman nodded too.
Back in their youth, the three of them had traveled together with Makarov, Porlyusica, and Yajima. They had seen countless lands, countless mages, and countless marvels. They knew better than anyone that the world was vast.
The title of Wizard Saint only meant your strength had been formally recognized it didn't mean those without the title were weak. Even within the Ten, the gap in power between them could be enormous, far greater than most could imagine.
At that moment, the atmosphere between Makarov and Jose shifted sharply. Makarov's face began to cloud with anger, while Jose's lips curled into mockery.
Earlier, they had exchanged greetings and shared drinks. But when Makarov had proudly spoken of his guild members, Jose, already drunk and arrogant, couldn't help himself.
"Brother Makarov, Phantom Lord is the strongest guild in Fiore," Jose boasted.
"Mm."
Makarov gave only a short reply, uninterested in talk of who was strongest. But Jose pressed on, his voice dripping with pride.
"We have the most magic, the most talent, and the most wealth in this kingdom.
You just mentioned Gildarts and Ur. One only knows how to cause destruction everywhere, and the other? She had a bit of fame once, but she disappeared for years. She only just reappeared likely useless now.
And the others you bragged about? They're just children."
Jose paused, then turned his gaze deliberately toward Noah, standing near Bob and Goodman. His lips twisted into a sneer.
"And that must be Noah. The so-called prodigy who became an S-Class wizard at eight years old. Just as I suspected his story is fake."
Makarov's polite smile vanished instantly, his face hardening. But Jose only leaned back with a look of disdain, his voice rising.
"An S-Class wizard at eight? What a joke. If I couldn't do it, how could he?
They say he defeated Deliora, but look at him now. I don't feel a shred of magical power from him. Clearly he's nothing special he's just good at hiding his aura."
Jose turned to Makarov, his voice dripping with false sincerity.
"Brother, you can't let people like this drag down your guild's reputation. You should expel him before it's too late."
For a fleeting moment Jose had considered that Noah might truly be powerful. But he quickly rejected the thought.
The stronger a mage was, the harder it became to completely suppress their magic. Even with aura-concealing techniques, there were limits. And he one of the Ten Wizard Saints could not be fooled. To him, it was impossible. Only someone weak to begin with, using tricks to cover up their presence, could hide this way. His confidence in his own judgment was absolute.
Jose pressed his argument as though he were doing Makarov a favor, but the master's forehead bulged with veins as his anger mounted.
"Are you telling me to throw away one of my guild's children?" Makarov growled.
"No, no," Jose said smoothly, though his eyes gleamed with mockery. "I'm simply speaking the truth. Big brother, don't let someone like that tarnish Fairy Tail."
Makarov's teeth clenched, his face dark with fury.
"Whether or not Fairy Tail is the strongest guild doesn't matter to me," he said, voice tight with restrained rage. "But I will never allow my family to be insulted."
Then he lifted his gaze, eyes sharp as steel.
"You've just become a Wizard Saint. Why don't we have a little duel?"
Jose's lips twisted into a cruel smile.
"Do you want the heavens themselves to collapse?"
Makarov's expression steadied, his anger cooling into grim resolve.
"It's just a light spar," he said coldly. "Control your strength so we don't damage the surroundings. Surely you're capable of that much?"
"Of course," Jose said with false courtesy. "But be careful, Makarov. I'd hate to hurt you."
Before Makarov could reply, Noah stepped up behind him and whispered.
"Grandpa, let me do it. He insulted me directly. And I want to see for myself the strength of a Wizard Saint."
"No."
Makarov's refusal was immediate, without even a heartbeat of hesitation. He didn't know the true depth of Noah's power, but he knew his own. Against Jose, he had no fear.
But that was precisely the problem. If the fight grew serious and both men unleashed their full strength, Noah could get caught up in it. Makarov would never risk letting one of his children be harmed while he was still standing.
With me here, Makarov thought, my guild's children will not be touched. And since Jose and I are equals in both status and strength, it's better I settle this myself.
Jose chuckled darkly. "Why not let the boy try? Since he's so eager to test the power of a Wizard Saint, let him see it firsthand. This is the perfect chance to expose him for the fraud he is, big brother."
His mocking gaze locked onto Noah, daring him forward.
Noah took a step as though to accept, but Makarov's arm barred his way. One look into the master's stern, unyielding eyes told Noah everything. There was no arguing.
Reluctantly, Noah stepped back, retreating to stand again beside Bob and Goodman.
....
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