"Command T — Amplification!"
Five seconds after the delayed slash erupted—
At the exact moment it reached Irene, Rain activated Command T once more, forcefully amplifying the attack by a hundredfold.
"I don't buy it," Rain said evenly. "Even after all that… you can still stop it?"
Confidence was written clearly across his face.
He trusted this strike.
"Impressive."
Irene watched the incoming slash, genuine admiration appearing in her eyes.
"But still…"
She smiled faintly.
"It falls just a little short."
Her expression remained composed, overflowing with certainty.
"Divine Augmentation — God's Presence."
The instant Rain's attack made contact, Irene completed her spell.
A brilliant divine light bloomed outward, sacred radiance spreading like a veil—
and Rain's amplified strike was stopped completely.
"…Huh?!"
Rain stared at the scene in disbelief.
He had deliberately adjusted the timeline, delayed the slash by five seconds, ensured it would land—
And yet she still reacted.
Not only that—she blocked it.
Silently, his most extreme blow was neutralized by Irene's divine enhancement.
"…So this is how it is."
Rain let out a quiet, bitter smile.
"This isn't just a difference in strength."
"It's a difference in dimensions."
Moments ago, he had believed that even if he couldn't win, he could at least injure her—leave some mark behind.
Now, reality stood clearly before him.
Judging from what she had shown, Rain was certain this wasn't even all of her power.
She still had depths she hadn't revealed.
At this level, the gap between them wasn't one of rank or experience—
it was an overwhelming difference in existence.
"With my current strength… I can't even harm her."
Rain exhaled slowly.
"But in the future—if I continue to study time magic—maybe one day, I can hurt her. Or even defeat her."
That realization steadied him.
How long had he truly trained so far?
How much time had he devoted solely to magic?
Losing here wasn't shameful.
"If she truly is Irene… then being unable to defeat her is only natural."
"Do you see the difference between us now?"
Irene asked gently, smiling as she looked at him.
"I do."
Rain nodded, his shoulders finally relaxing.
From the beginning until now, he hadn't sensed even a trace of malice from her.
Only warmth.
And an almost indulgent gentleness.
"…That said," Rain hesitated, then spoke,
"Have we met before?"
The way she treated him felt familiar—too familiar.
Yet no matter how he searched his memories, he couldn't recall ever meeting her.
Irene tilted her head slightly, smiling playfully.
"Oh? Is this your new way of starting a conversation?"
Rain froze.
That simple gesture...
Beautiful.
He had to admit it.
She was without question the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Seeing the expression on his face, Irene chuckled softly, clearly satisfied.
"Alright. That's enough."
She lowered her staff, dispersing her magic, her divine form fading as she returned to her original appearance.
Standing before him now was—
Irene Belselion.
"…As expected."
Rain immediately confirmed it in his heart.
But with that certainty came even more confusion.
Why did she possess such a goddess-like form?
And somehow… she felt different from the Irene he remembered.
Rain fell silent, deep in thought.
Finally, he spoke.
"Hello. My name is Rain."
"May I know your name?"
Even though he already knew, the proper steps still mattered.
"Irene Belselion," she replied warmly.
"You can call me Onee-chan."
She reached out and gently touched his cheek.
"…Irene-neechan?"
Rain's expression turned even more complicated.
"I know it feels strange," Irene said softly, smiling.
"Don't worry. In time, you'll understand everything."
Her tone carried reassurance—no pressure, no urgency.
Rain nodded, though the feeling of strangeness lingered.
"Then… Irene-neechan," he asked,
"Did you come to see me for something?"
"Since you're calling me Onee-chan," she said gently,
"I came to help you grow stronger."
Her gaze softened.
"Your current strength is still lacking. If you face a truly dangerous opponent, you won't be able to protect yourself."
"Yes, Irene-neechan."
Rain agreed without hesitation.
Truthfully, his magic development was scattered—unrefined.
He desperately needed proper guidance.
Even within the Fairy Tail Guild, not even Makarov could truly help him with this.
Originally, Rain had planned to seek guidance after returning to Ishgar—perhaps from a legendary magician, someone with vast experience.
Even if their raw power wasn't superior to his now, their understanding and insight could still provide invaluable direction.
But now...
That guidance stood directly before him.
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