"Dammit!"
"Why did that black wizard Zeref create a creature specifically designed to target wizards?!"
"Is he really trying to subvert the entire world?"
"No wonder he's left such a notorious name throughout magical history..."
Ur subconsciously clenched her fists, her face showing a look of indignation.
Bluenote kept his eyes fixed on the Tartaros files, forcing himself to stay composed. "Now that we know about this, we can prepare in advance!"
Layla's eyes showed a deeper fear than before. "But it's Bane Particles. How do we prepare for that?"
"A very powerful doctor lives in the forest to the west of town. Perhaps we can ask for her help!"
At these words, everyone turned to look at Descartes, their faces full of curiosity.
"The western forest? A doctor?"
Ur and the others had been in Magnolia for six months and were already familiar with the local environment. They had met many people and had even visited Fairy Tail several times with Descartes and Gildarts, but this was the first time they had heard of a legendary doctor living nearby.
Gildarts froze for a moment, then a light flashed in his eyes as he realized something. "Wait, Descartes! You don't mean..."
"That's her!" Descartes nodded and spoke the doctor's name: "Porlyusica-san!"
Brain also looked over curiously. "Who is that??"
"Hehehe..." Gildarts began to laugh in a very improper manner. "She is the chief medical consultant for 'Fairy Tail,' and also Master Makarov's old flame..."
What??!
There's a story like that?!
Brain was greatly surprised. He had met Makarov before. On one occasion, Brain had accompanied Ur and the others to visit Fairy Tail as guests and was hosted by Makarov for tea. During that meeting, Makarov's life experience, magical knowledge, and care for the younger generation had deeply impressed Brain—he had even started to view the short, balding senior as a role model.
Hearing Gildarts' words now, Brain felt the "idol filter" shatter around him. He remembered that Master Makarov's wife had passed away a long time ago! Where did this "old flame" suddenly come from? Could Master Makarov actually have some... character issues?
Though, truth be told, he did look like a bit of a lecherous old man...
Thinking of this, Brain felt a persistent itch of curiosity. "Gildarts, can you tell us more about the old flame... I mean, tell us more about this medical consultant?"
Gildarts knew exactly what Brain wanted to hear. "Actually, I'm not entirely clear on their relationship myself since it's all from the previous generation. I've only heard the Vice-Principal complain a few times that they once had a period where..."
"Ahem, ahem!!"
Descartes didn't want to waste time on gossip that would lead nowhere, so he cut Gildarts off directly. "Let me explain!"
"Senior Porlyusica specializes in Herbology and Medicine; her skills are incredible."
"She was a member of Fairy Tail in her youth and stayed with the guild for about thirty years, treating many comrades during that time!"
"Although she eventually left the guild, she still lives near Magnolia. Even now, if a comrade in the guild gets injured, everyone goes to her for help. Overall, she is an extremely reliable senior!"
The group felt it was a bit of a pity they didn't get to hear the romantic gossip, but they knew the priority was solving the Bane Particle issue. The "relationship drama" could be saved for later.
"So... can Senior Porlyusica solve the Bane Particle problem?"
"Well, I'm not entirely sure about that either." Descartes pondered for a few breaths, scratching his head. "I remember a long time ago, my grandfather mentioned that Senior Porlyusica had researched a 'Bane Particle Clearing Elixir' and a 'Bane Particle Serum.' The former was for treatment after exposure, and the latter was for prevention. But even he didn't know if she finally succeeded."
"I think before this operation, we should go and ask her."
"If she truly has a 'preventative shot' or an 'antidote' for Bane Particles, it would be perfect!"
Everyone was overjoyed at the prospect.
Brain looked at the group and said, "This operation was issued by the Council. Since they explicitly stated in the files that 'the enemy possesses Bane Particles,' they surely have some preparations of their own. However, if we can get help from this doctor and have a backup plan, it will be even more secure!"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"In that case, what are we waiting for? Let's head to the western forest right now and visit Senior Porlyusica!!"
Ur stood up to leave, but Descartes immediately pressed her back into her seat.
"Wait, there's one more problem!"
"What problem?"
Descartes looked conflicted, hesitating for several seconds before saying, "Senior Porlyusica has a very eccentric temper. She... really hates humans!"
Huh???
Aside from Gildarts, who already knew, the rest of the group was stunned.
"I've heard of people hating bugs, or hating bratty kids, or hating plants and animals... but hating humans is a first."
"Is that senior not human herself?"
Descartes shook his head. "No, she is definitely a genuine human! She just hates humans and hates interacting with them, which is why she moved out to live in the western forest!"
"If she hates humans that much, will we actually succeed in asking for medicine?"
"Well... let's just go and try! What if we succeed?"
The group: "..."
So even you aren't sure?!!
...One hour later. In the western forest, in front of Porlyusica's log cabin.
Descartes stood at the door, while the rest of the group stood three to five meters behind him. With nervous and apprehensive hearts, they watched the old woman behind the door with expectant eyes.
Porlyusica was nearly seventy years old, her face covered in wrinkles. In the center of those wrinkles were cold eyes and a heartless mouth.
BANG—!!
After learning of their intent, Porlyusica didn't hesitate for a second and slammed the door shut, leaving Descartes standing alone in the wind, dazed.
"As expected..."
"I knew it wouldn't be that simple!"
Laughter from his comrades behind him made Descartes even more depressed. Just as he was about to give up and turn to leave, the wooden door suddenly creaked open a crack.
Immediately after, a wooden box flew out from inside.
"Take it and leave immediately!"
Descartes scrambled to catch the box. He opened it, and his eyes widened instantly.
"Thank you, Senior!!!"