Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Erza's Eyes, Tense Situation
Gaal finished examining Rob's body and turned to Makarov, who looked tense, saying, "Don't worry, Guild Master. Old Rob is like this only because he's expended too much magic power. He has already taken a health recovery potion. Once Porlyusica prepares the ointment, and it's applied to his skin, the petrification cracks will gradually disappear."
He continued, "However, Rob's body has been in a state of magic depletion for many years. Even if he recovers his magic now, he won't be able to store much. He probably only has the level of a C-Class Mage."
Gaal paused. "That's assuming he recovers well. In any case, he shouldn't exert himself; using magic for daily activities should be fine."
Makarov sighed with relief, "That's good. As long as he doesn't have to exert himself, that's what matters."
He had feared that Rob's long-term depletion might prevent him from using magic at all, which would mean a short lifespan even as a regular person. Fortunately, after treatment, Rob was still able to use and store magic.
Although it was only at a C-Class level, it was still enough to sustain his life.
Rob, however, took it lightly, smiling as he said, "As long as I can use magic, that's all that matters. I didn't expect to survive this; I consider myself very lucky." He then asked Gaal, "Could you check Erza's eyes for me?"
Gaal nodded, replying, "No problem." Rob smiled again and called out, "Erza. Come in."
Outside the door, clad in armor and holding a sword close, Erza quickly rose from her spot on the steps upon hearing Rob's call.
After hesitating for a moment, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, a bit uneasily. "Grandpa Rob, Guild Master Makarov, Mr. Gaal."
Erza looked at Rob, who was smiling warmly, and a hint of joy appeared on her face, but she still seemed too reserved.
Makarov scratched his head and spoke, "This girl seems to have something on her mind."
Gaal, observing the future Fairy Queen and recognizing her hint of social anxiety, proposed, "When you were clearing out those cultists, did you accidentally hurt anyone? Like... a blue-haired child?"
Upon hearing this, Erza immediately lifted her head, her expression tense. Makarov froze for a moment before saying, "Are you talking about the one influenced by Ultear? How could that be? I specifically searched several times, and I didn't find any blue-haired child at all. Moreover, I marked all the cultists wearing distinct clothing and magical soldiers; there shouldn't have been any accidents. I've lived for decades, and I'm not about to make such a mistake," Makarov explained, reassuringly.
Gaal nodded, "I see... Perhaps they escaped through a hidden passage?"
Makarov contemplated for a moment, then said, "It's not impossible. We should find out once we ask the council. They've already sent people to search the island."
In his fury, he had destroyed the tower of the R System, turning the central area into ruins. He hadn't bothered to search further, as he couldn't find any magical presence after that.
It was only after rescuing the people that he reported to the Magic Council, who then dispatched a large number of individuals to search the island.
Gaal nodded in agreement and then called over to Erza. Feeling nervous, she approached, and Gaal gestured for her to sit down. Erza tightened her grip around her weapon, anxiously taking her seat.
Rob sighed internally and reached out to comfort Erza, knowing her unease stemmed from past experiences, leaving her feeling insecure.
Gaal lifted Erza's eye patch over her right eye. Erza's body flinched as a lifeless, gray-white eyeball appeared before them.
Gaal extended his magic to check it, saying, "It's completely dead."
Even his magical probe felt like it was exploring a lifeless object.
Rob grew concerned, asking, "Can it still be treated?"
Gaal contemplated before responding, "If I were to treat it, it might be a bit cruel. It would require removing the eyeball and replacing it with a new one..." He paused. "Have we contacted Porlyusica yet? She might have a solution."
At Gaal's proposed method of treatment, Rob couldn't help but gasp, the thought of removing and replacing it felt indeed rather harsh.
Makarov chimed in, "Not yet. Porlyusica is busy preparing medicine for Rob. We need to wait until she's finished to ask," he added.
Gaal looked at Erza and Rob, saying, "Then let's wait for now. Porlyusica's medical skills are commendable; she may have a better treatment option."
Rob nodded and said, "That's all we can do."
Since Rob's treatment wasn't done, he had no choice but to stay put.
Makarov and Gaal then led Erza back to the guild.
Makarov walked ahead while Gaal walked beside him, with Erza remaining quiet behind, her head down. Gaal broke the silence, asking, "Erza, are you getting used to the guild?"
Erza, startled by Gaal's sudden question, paused for a moment and quickly replied, "Yeah... I'm getting used to it. Everyone in the guild is really nice."
Gaal smiled, "Then make sure to communicate more. Your current demeanor isn't quite right; you're too reserved. You should be more like Gray, ready to pick a fight with anyone."
Erza looked puzzled, "Fight... fight? Aren't we comrades?"
Gaal chuckled, "Once you get used to it, you'll understand why. Life is all about the noise. Speaking of which, quite a few kids have joined the guild lately."
Makarov bore a helpless expression, "Yeah. We need to set some rules to prevent those guys from leading them astray."
Gaal nodded in agreement, "Absolutely. They are the future pillars of the guild. As long as they grow strong, in a few years, Fairy Tail will become the strongest Mage Guild in the Ishgar Continent."
Makarov smiled at this, "It's not that exaggerated. Though we will certainly hold a respectable position."
With Laxus, Gray, Cana, Erza, and those they saved from Tartaros Tower, including the talented kids who have recently come seeking them, Makarov could already envision a strong future for Fairy Tail.
However, for now, Makarov's expression became serious as he stated, "Right now, the most important thing is to deal with Grimoire Heart.
We need to provide them with a stable environment for growth." He added, "They've begun to move. Recently, several dark guild mages have infiltrated Fiore Kingdom."
Gaal's eyes narrowed, "They've already come knocking; it wouldn't be appropriate not to return the favor. Why don't we... Express our gratitude to Grimoire Heart for providing us with the location of the R System. Their information helped us eliminate a stronghold of the dark magic cult."