Originally, I wanted to learn more about the Fire Dragon, Iron Dragon, and Sky Dragon, but accidentally found out the origin of the Black Dragon.
But this information doesn't seem to be useful for now.
Instead, it made the three Dragon Slayer Mages a bit uneasy.
Natsu said incredulously, "Are we going to transform into dragons in the future?"
"I don't want that!" Gajeel couldn't accept it either; being titled the Iron Dragon was enough for him, he didn't really want to become one.
"What should we do?" Wendy looked towards Rhode for help.
Rhode asked, "Didn't your dragons mention this when they taught you magic?"
The three shook their heads: "Never mentioned it at all."
Rhode thought for a moment and said, "Logically, if Jilconis knows the origin of the Black Dragon, then your dragons should also know.
"So they should understand the ultimate outcome of Dragon Slayer Magic. Since there was no warning... maybe it's because they think you don't need to worry about it."
Wendy asked, "But why wouldn't we need to worry?"
Rhode smiled mischievously, "Maybe because your talent is limited, and no matter how much you train, you can't reach Acronologia's level."
"..." The three were unsure whether this was meant to comfort them or to discourage them.
Rhode became slightly serious and said, "Transforming into a dragon must require very strict conditions, like what Jilconis said, having killed too many dragons and bathed in too much dragon blood.
"Currently, there aren't that many dragons for you to slay. I guess, until you can truly defeat a dragon, you don't need to worry about this issue."
Wendy breathed a sigh of relief.
Natsu said unhappily, "Although I'm a bit relieved, it still feels unpleasant."
Gajeel: "Agreed."
"Given the current situation, if there's anyone who should worry, it's Laxus, right?" Rhode encouraged, unsure if Laxus, the 'second generation Dragon Slayer Mage', had this kind of hidden issue.
In his impression, Laxus and Natsu did display 'dragon transformation' features when using their full power.
Gajeel had used a move called Iron Scale, but that was likely created by magic, not due to his own power.
Wendy hadn't shown any signs.
Rhode felt they were still far from the stage where they needed to worry about becoming dragons: "First, strive to reach his level."
Just as they were about to speak, Rhode suddenly said, "Someone is coming, let's go."
He carried Wendy on his back, grabbing Natsu and Gajeel's arms, then leaped up.
The four of them collided with the ceiling of the cave, quickly 'surfacing' and jumping out onto the ground.
Natsu asked, "Who would come to a place like this?"
Rhode replied, "The patrol... didn't you listen on the way here?"
Natsu revealed a guilty expression, having only paid attention to mentions of dragon skeletons and nothing else.
Rhode was too lazy to argue, explaining in detail, "Today, it's two teams of five, plus two female mages, who look... quite strong."
Actually, he wanted to say they were quite beautiful, especially their legs, but changed his words to avoid an inappropriate impression.
Earlier, Rhode thought these people were guarding important passages, but now it seemed more complicated.
Dragon King Festival, Dragon's Tomb, combined with Ultear's entrusted investigation into Zeref's strange magic power...
Aside from the possibility of the Black Magic Sect causing trouble, now there was also the possibility of the organizers causing issues.
Rhode said, "When we return, remind everyone to be cautious around the organizers, whether in the arena or at the hotel."
...
In the underground passage, besides the team Rhode discovered, several more teams soon joined, including that full-bodied guy with the wine bottle from yesterday.
They searched almost every corner of the passage intensively, regrouping near the skeletons until late at night.
Five mages, dressed distinctly from the soldiers, gathered for a meeting; they were the legendary Hungry Wolf Knight Order that criminals feared.
The squad leader wore a cloak and mask, carrying two large scythes with unique designs, "How's it?"
Chubby Nepa, with a bottle of wine in hand, said flippantly, "Seeing is enough, found nothing at all."
"Big (Dài)," Fisherman's Assistant responded, using his catchphrase casually, sounding like Hapi saying 'ai'.
"How could there be any intruders in a place like this." Cosmos, dressed in a low-cut outfit with a white round cap, asked the soldiers, "Are you sure you heard strange roars?"
Although the one asking is quite a beauty, the soldiers didn't dare to glance at her more than once. One answered resolutely:
"Yes, we did hear it, should be two soundings, with a short interval between; however, the cave's echo makes it hard to determine the distance."
Black-haired twin-tailed Camika, holding a tiny piece of paper with her fingertips, threatened, "If you dare lie, I'll suffocate you~"
The soldiers broke into a cold sweat, hastily replying, "We absolutely did not lie!"
"We've searched thoroughly, found no living person." Nepa said after finishing a bottle of wine, "Maybe it was just the wind? Should we head back?"
The squad leader declined, "No, it relates to the kingdom's important plan, we need to search again. If an intruder appears... execution."
...
Regarding Acronologia and Zeref, it was certainly necessary to inform the two presidents.
After Rhode finished discussing the matter, he spent some time with his wife, and returned to the hotel when it was very late.
Rhode continued talking to Laxus about Dragon Slayer Magic.
"Transforming into a dragon?" Laxus furrowed his brow in thought for a while, "Except that I get a bit of dragon scales when unleashing full power, I haven't noticed any signs."
Rhode speculated, "Is it because the power isn't enough, or because you are different from Natsu and the others?"
"If even Laxus's magic power is insufficient..." Wendy felt the likelihood of her developing side effects was extremely remote.
Rhode could only say, "Anyway, pay more attention to your physical conditions."
Everyone went to sleep, and the next morning they woke up to welcome a new day of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts.
Only today, when Fairy Tail's Team A, Team B, and the support team looked at the organizers, there was a bit of scrutiny in their gaze.
The host announced the start of the third day's competition, and among the audience's cheers, they temporarily set aside their doubts.
Host Jabadi appeared with a new wig today, with shoulder-length, parted black hair, reminiscent of Yu Qian acting as a conductor.
"I'm still your host and commentator, Jabadi, along with Mr. Yajima, but today, our guest is Lahar from the Magic Council!"
"It's an honor to be invited; actually, I've been watching the competition these days. If there's any illegal behavior in the tournament, I won't let it pass." Lahar started speaking with a smile, but soon slipped into his professional behavior.