chsdbacks Page 338
Page 338
"However, things will work themselves out."
Looking at the unyielding Gajeel, Makarov sighed softly.
"Can I ask you a question?"
He said.
"Huh?" Gajeel turned his head to the side.
"I want to know what you were really thinking when you came to us to start a war?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Xin's heart sank.
But before Gajiru could answer, Makarov's words continued.
"What kind of being is the ruler of the Phantom Lord to you?"
What are your thoughts on guilds?
What are your thoughts on mages?
A series of questions left Gajeel somewhat at a loss.
After a long silence, he sighed helplessly, "This isn't even a problem!"
"It's the same problem."
Makarov stepped forward, past Gagiru, and stood before him.
His gaze was fixed on the distant sky.
"Simply put, I want to know how you see yourself as a person?"
"Are you willing to do whatever Joseph commands?"
"Is he truly an absolute presence in your life?"
"If that's really the case, then what's the difference between you and a doll?"
"I don't think you're that kind of superficial man."
Makarov's probing questions caused Gajeel to momentarily lose his composure.
With a furrowed brow, he suddenly felt a urge to escape.
"Are you annoying or what? Just leave me alone!"
Makarov shook his head, turned around, and fixed his gaze on Gajeel.
"Why would you jump into the darkness yourself?"
Gajeel stared blankly at the gaze Makarov was casting.
[It's strange. Even though they were just looking at me, why...did I feel a tremor in my heart?]
The kindness in that gaze seemed to be something Gajeel had rarely encountered before.
It feels a little unfamiliar, but not at all irritating?
"Some people may enjoy solitude, but... no one can truly endure loneliness."
Makarov exclaimed in感慨 (a feeling of deep emotion).
In an instant! It was as if Makarov had completely seized upon Gajeel's deepest thoughts.
[A feeling that arose without warning during the meal.]
[Completely envelop Gajeel!]
That feeling... was like... feeling wronged...
Yes, I feel wronged!
No one wants to be alone, not even Gajeel.
But in Phantomhive, in that place where strength reigns supreme.
No friends, no companions! Only competition!
[Only violence exists.]
Did Gajeel ever truly not want to make a few close friends?
Does he really not want to laugh and chat with people?
No, it's because of my strangeness, because I'm a freak who eats iron, that everyone is keeping their distance from me.
They even bullied and mocked me!
In a place where ideologies are distorted, only by becoming strong can one gain a voice and truly protect oneself!
But... the price of this is being misunderstood, with everyone fearing themselves.
Everyone will want to distance themselves from themselves more.
[He would always be alone in a corner, eating food that others didn't understand, carrying out missions alone, and venturing into those dark places alone.]
Gajeel once thought he had long ago discarded these grievances with his power.
But why does this surge forth like a tidal wave at this moment?
Why?
Gajeel didn't understand, and his expression gradually became panicked.
"I...I destroyed your guild!"
"I don't care about that kind of thing anymore. Besides, weren't you already punished? I heard that kid gave you a really tough time."
Makarov glanced at Black Natsu, who was standing to the side with his arms crossed.
Henaz shrugged at this.
Makarov seemed to have thought of something else, and said with a smile, "Besides, didn't that brat just ask Crawford? Our new guild will be built soon."
"This is the first time I've ever seen that swaggering guy look so awful, hahaha!"
Makarov's laughter did nothing to ease Gajeel's panic.
Realizing he had made a lame joke, Makarov coughed twice.
His expression turned serious again.
"In short, if I were to ignore a young man who is about to fall into darkness... I think I would find it even harder to forgive myself."
Gajeel's body began to tremble slightly.
[It seems they felt somewhat embarrassed.]
Gajeel clenched his teeth tightly.
He repeatedly pounded his thigh with his fist.
"Damn it...damn it...I..."
Makarov stared intently at Gajeel, then slowly extended his palm.
"I'm not here to save you, Gajeel!"
"I just want to guide you on the path to the future."
"Should we bravely move forward... or stand still?"
"All of this is entirely up to you!"
"But no matter what, you must remember that not everyone has given up on you, Gajeel!"
"I...I'm the kind of person..." Perhaps it was instinct, or perhaps it was fear of a dark future.
Gajeel tremblingly reached out his hand and firmly grasped Makarov's palm.
At that moment, Makarov smiled with relief.
"Well then, Fairy Tail, welcome!"
Behind them, Hnatsu, with his arms crossed, looked towards Juvia.
At that moment, the girl seemed to truly feel Makarov's sincerity.
Tears had already streamed down her cheeks.
[“Can…can we really join a guild like this? Waaaaah…”]
[Henatsu shook his head, smiling as he murmured:]
"Seriously, I have to say, no wonder he's the president; he's got a real knack for recruiting people."
"Even I was somewhat moved."
Makarov seemed to have heard Henaz's whispers.
[He turned his head away, a smug smile spreading across his face. The corpse.]
Chapter 241 Gerald: So I'm the next victim?
The black-bordered image gradually began to dim.