"How is she?"
In the infirmary, Rhode asked Porlyusica about Minerva's condition.
"Even though her injuries are quite severe, they're not life-threatening," Porlyusica said. "You guys don't really know how to hold back."
"It was on the battlefield, after all, and she wasn't very calm at the time," Rhode spoke on behalf of Kana, Elfman, and Lisana. "If we had held back, we would've been the ones lying here."
Porlyusica said no more; war, though foolish, was sometimes unavoidable.
"Her body was injected with Demon Factors, which granted her some power but also caused some rejection reactions, leading to her current condition."
Rhode wasn't unfamiliar with Demon Factors because Mira had them too.
It's quite a mysterious thing, not quite accurately described as a gene or even as a cell.
If forced to categorize it, it should be considered similar to semi-autonomous organelles like mitochondria.
It has its own genetic material and can synthesize some proteins, thus participating in processes such as cell metabolism and differentiation, thereby affecting the character and functions of the organism as a whole.
At the same time, its immune system may identify these altered cells as harmful substances, resulting in rejection reactions.
The changes in Minerva's body are actually the result of various cells and the immune system's mutual 'struggle and compromise.'
In contrast, Mira's physique is more compatible with Demon Factors, so if she received the injection, there would virtually be no rejection reactions or changes in appearance, only pure enhancement.
Rhode asked, "Can she return to how she was before?"
Porlyusica nodded, "Yes, but that would mean the powers she's just gained may weaken. So ask her wishes when she wakes up. If she wants to recover, have her come to me."
"Alright," Rhode said, noticing Porlyusica seemed about to leave, quickly trying to keep her, "There's a feast outside; why not join in with us?"
"Too noisy," Porlyusica turned to leave, leaving behind a single sentence, "Tell that fool to drink less."
Watching her leave, Rhode sat by the bed and asked, "Did you hear all that? What do you plan to do?"
Knowing she couldn't avoid it, Minerva opened her eyes and admitted, "Does it even matter what I plan to do?"
"Of course it matters," Rhode replied, "What you want to do, the type of person you want to be, the path you want to take—it's all up to you to choose."
Minerva was silent for a moment, then asked, "Why didn't you hand me over to the Council? The Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts, Sun Village, and now this; I've always been obstructing you, haven't I?"
"..." Rhode wanted to say that her attempts at obstruction weren't much.
However, considering the patient's emotions, he chose to say gently:
"Lucy said she doesn't actually dislike you. Kana said the part she dislikes most about you is your arrogance, but coincidentally, our tolerance for arrogant people is quite high."
After all, the Guild once had a rebellious youth who was even more arrogant than Minerva.
So Kana said seeing her was like seeing a spitting image of that guy, a nostalgic sight.
At that time, Laxus was doing his best to maintain a serious face amid the laughter of the crowd.
"Is this something strong people do to the weak..." Minerva stopped herself mid-sentence.
Rhode saw her expression and asked, "You should know us pretty well, right?"
Minerva didn't deny it.
She indeed knew of Fairy Tail, including basic information about everyone, and moreover, the ideology she once deemed laughable.
In order to defeat this Guild, she actively learned everything about it.
Then inexplicably developed a sense of 'shameful' yearning.
Since she was young, her father, Jerman, instilled the belief that strength is everything. No one ever told her that 'even if you're not strong, there's someone who will care for you, even rely on you.'
Rhode turned to look at the wall behind him, the noise coming from over there had no rhythm but was warmer than the most beautiful music.
He smiled and said, "Although Fairy Tail has plenty who pursue strength, we do not decide everything based on strength. Whether strong or weak, we always stand together."
Minerva closed her eyes, uncertain about her thoughts, and softened her tone, "But... I joined the Dark Guild, I'm... technically a fugitive."
Beginning to care about her identity, she might be looking for a place she wants to return to.
Rhode responded in an exaggerated manner, "What a coincidence; harboring fugitives is actually something our Guild has done quite a bit."
"..." Minerva showed a surprised expression, then a look of understanding.
Fairy Tail didn't seem like that sort of law-abiding Guild.
Rhode gave a thumbs-up, "Don't worry, we've checked your matters thoroughly. Your first mission with Eye of the Dream Demon was thwarted by us, and then Eye of the Dream Demon was gone.
"Your first mission with Gate of the Underworld was again stopped by us, and then Gate of the Underworld was gone... so you actually don't have any successful crime record; there's no need to worry about it."
Minerva bit her lip, glaring at Rhode with a grievance-filled look.
This guy's words implied she was not only without ability but also seemed like a jinx, unable to even do bad things well.
Is this how he usually comforts others?
"Already awake?" Mira walked into the infirmary, immediately noticing Minerva's peculiar expression.
She blinked and quickly displayed an even more grievance-filled look than Minerva:
"Dear, do you enjoy bullying this type? I... I... for the sake of the child, at least don't bring her home, alright?"
Rhode: "..."
Minerva: "?"
"Stop." Rhode flicked Mira's forehead, "At least consider the patient's emotions. I've just done some psychological counseling, and you've scared her like this?"
Mira covered her forehead, glaring at Rhode fiercely, promising retaliation at home.
She gently smiled at Minerva, "Just joking around; how's your physical recovery?"
"Uh... alright."
Mira chatted with Minerva like an older sister, comforting her thoroughly.
Minerva only felt this person exuding maternal warmth. If it weren't for her strong nature, this child who lacked motherly affection since young might have burst into tears on the spot.
How could anyone be so gentle and understanding? It's outrageous that outsiders call her a Demon!
Mira held Minerva's hand, smiling brightly, "I think you'd quite fit with us. If you didn't belong to a Guild, I would invite you to join Fairy Tail."
"I..." Minerva turned her head away, "Can I still go back to Sabertooth?"
"Of course, there's someone waiting for you," Mira said, "You see—"
Minerva turned her head to see two people and two cats standing at the ward door, waving at her with smiles.
Stinger: "Miss, we're here to pick you up!"
Rogue: "The lady is seriously injured."
Rekete had a serious look: "What a headache, now our entire Sabertooth is injured."
"Fro thinks so too!" Floros was actually finding it rather amusing.
"Stinger... Rogue... and Rekete and Floros..."
Though each of these two people and two cats has bandages wrapped around them, with Stinger and Rogue even on crutches, looking completely worn out.
But for the first time, Minerva felt Sabertooth shining so brightly.