The journey back to Magnolia was, surprisingly, uneventful. Axel remained alert the entire way, yet no bandits or roaming creatures dared approach the road. He attributed the unusual calm either to sheer luck—or, more plausibly, to the faint but oppressive aura emanating from the Boosted Gear and the newly awakened Ddraig, silently driving away any low-level threats.
During the long walk, Axel took the opportunity to test his newly acquired Attack Magic: Black Fire Magic.
"—Focus your Ethernano, Partner," Ddraig instructed, his guttural voice resonating in Axel's mind. "Black Fire requires extreme precision. If your control wavers, it will devour itself before ever reaching its target."
Axel complied.
His first attempts produced little more than thick, black smoke and fleeting sparks. But with Mana 32 and Ddraig's constant guidance, his progress was remarkably fast.
Black Fire was nothing like Natsu's wild, living flames. It felt cold, ravenous, and unnaturally dense—absorbing light and heat from its surroundings rather than emitting them. After several tries, Axel managed to conjure a small sphere hovering above his palm: a compact, ominous flame, unstable yet brimming with terrifying destructive potential.
This is perfect, Axel thought.Black Fire has a dark affinity. It looks nothing like Natsu's flames. A perfect disguise for my draconic power.
As they walked, his thoughts shifted to the true value of his newly acquired Artificer Magic (SSR).
"—That Artificer ability of yours is invaluable," Ddraig emphasized. "It layers over your Emperor's Eyes, allowing you to analyze the flow of Mana not only within Lacrimas—but within me as well."
Axel understood immediately.
Safely wielding the Boosted Gear wasn't just a matter of raising his Vitality. The true solution lay in enhancing the Gauntlet itself, using Artificer Magic to improve power transfer efficiency and reduce backlash.
Still, his greatest concern remained secrecy.
A Level 5 mage capable of unleashing catastrophic power through a crimson gauntlet would inevitably draw attention—from Makarov, from the guild, and eventually from the Magic Council. That was a risk he could not afford.
He summoned the Boosted Gear.
"—Ddraig… can I suppress the glow? Retract it completely?"
"—Yes, Partner," Ddraig replied calmly. "Since you acquired me through the System, I am fully integrated with your Mana. Simply close the circuit. Think of me as a magic tattoo. Use your Artificer Magic to regulate the manifestation."
Axel closed his eyes.
He focused, channeling Artificer Magic into the Gauntlet, issuing a precise internal command. He felt Ddraig's vast energy withdraw smoothly into the Slumbering Dragon Soul.
WHOOSH!
The gauntlet dematerialized, leaving behind nothing but a discreet scarlet tattoo on his left forearm, hidden beneath the sleeve of his vest. The Fairy Tail emblem on his shoulder remained untouched.
"—Perfect," Axel murmured. "Now I'm a Support and Evasion mage with Rank B Black Fire Magic. That's… believable."
At last, Magnolia's gates came into view.
The city bustled with life beneath the afternoon sun. Axel felt the difference deep within himself. He was no longer the frightened boy who had arrived weeks ago—he was a Level 5 mage, with 680 CP, elite combat potential, and a Celestial Dragon bound to his soul.
He walked straight toward the guild, ready to report his Green-Rank mission and begin planning a careful, methodical path of CP farming and leveling.
As he pushed open the doors of Fairy Tail, the familiar chaos crashed over him.
Makarov stood behind the counter as always, watching the disorder with practiced patience. Yet when his gaze landed on Axel, a subtle spark of expectation flickered in his eyes.
"—You've returned," Makarov said with a smile. "Tell me, Axel. Was the journey safe?"
Axel approached the counter, the dragon's tattoo cool beneath the fabric of his vest.
"—Safer than expected, Master. The cargo was delivered intact, and Madame Rosalie was satisfied. I received the payment."
He placed the pouch of 5,000 Jewels on the counter. Makarov nodded approvingly as he reviewed the completion form.
"—You've proven yourself capable of Green-Rank missions, kid. That's good."He glanced up."—So… what now? Training, or another job?"
The question was exactly what Axel had been waiting for.
"—Another job, Master," Axel replied. "But I'd like one that helps me practice Mana control. And if possible, I need a place to train my Black Fire Magic. It's… difficult to handle."
Makarov let out a low chuckle.
"Black Fire, huh? Very well. The request board is open to you." He pointed a thumb behind him. "But if you're going to train, you use the field behind the guild. Natsu already causes enough destruction back there."
Axel nodded.
He needed missions that earned CP—and opportunities to master his growing power.