Upon entering Fairy Tail, Axel saw Makarov waiting with a small smile.
— It seems that Pest Cleaning did you some good, boy. You look… stronger.
— Just adapting, Master, Axel replied, handing over the mission report.
While Axel spoke with the guild master, Natsu turned his head sharply toward him, as if sniffing the air. Suddenly, his eyes widened and he rushed over.
— You smell like a dragon! Do you know where Igneel is? You're strong—fight me!
The latent Draconic Aura within Axel, now stronger after his boosted Mana and Level, was calling the attention of the Fire Dragon Slayer.
Axel froze.Natsu wasn't just sensing Mana—he was sensing the Sleeping Dragon Soul.
Natsu's voice grew louder, flames flickering around his hand with pure excitement.
— Fight me! I want to fight someone who smells like a dragon!
— Natsu! That's enough! Makarov's voice boomed from the counter, cutting through the chaos.
But Natsu was focused. His dark, eager eyes begged for an answer.
Axel knew lying would be pointless. Dragon Slayers could smell magic… and intent.He needed to tell a half-truth—without revealing the System.
— Calm down, Natsu! Axel said, pushing the boy's hands away. I don't know any Igneel.
But he needed to give the Dragon Slayer something.
— I… Axel hesitated. I'm not a dragon, and I'm not a Dragon Slayer. But I was touched by one. Before I came here, a Dragon… gave me part of its power. That's why you smell it.
(Axel's thoughts:Shit. Natsu isn't sensing just the Earthland dragon seed. He must be detecting the resonance between the Sleeping Dragon Soul and the dragon concept from another world. It's the diluted scent of Ddraig—the Welsh Dragon… the concept of a 'Heavenly Dragon'.)
It was a half-truth based on the lore of the Boosted Gear and his Hidden Magic, but it worked.
— My power is sealed, Axel continued, appealing to Natsu's instincts. If I fight you right now, I might release it by accident.
(Axel's thoughts:Please don't ask for the dragon's name… and please let this "sealed power" bluff work.)
Little Natsu gulped.A power out of control—especially one that smelled like a dragon—genuinely scared him.
— Okay… Natsu stepped back, but not without a promise. But when it's not sealed anymore, you WILL fight me!
— Deal, Axel sighed in relief, glancing at Makarov, who seemed slightly more convinced than Natsu.
Makarov kept a hand on Axel's shoulder, watching him with a mix of caution and paternal pride.
— Wow, a dragon? Mirajane approached with her siblings, eyes wide with curiosity. Child-Mira was fearless and fascinated by power—far more dangerous than her adult self.
— So your magic is sealed? she asked, tilting her head.
Elfman nodded vigorously. — A secret power! That's manly!
Lisanna smiled shyly, though her eyes also sparkled with interest.
Axel took the opening to explain his abilities in a magical way—without revealing the System.
— Yes, Mira. The power the Dragon gave me is in a forced dormancy. Axel touched his left shoulder where the Fairy Tail mark was. I can't cast destructive attack magic yet.
He paused, swiftly stepping a few inches to the side using a small burst of Shadow Step.The movement was almost imperceptible—but Mira noticed.
— Still, I can feel and manipulate the Ethernano around and inside me, but only to enhance myself. He flexed his arm slightly. I'm physically strong—and incredibly fast and stealthy. For now, that's my Support Magic.
He briefly activated his Magic Vision and Emperor Eyes, focusing on Mirajane's aura.Her Mana glowed densely and chaotically—indicating her Take Over potential.
— My eyes can see the flow of magic… or at least its traces in the world. It helps me move and predict.
Mirajane frowned, processing it.
— A Magic that turns you into a physical monster… and lets you see magic itself? Weird! She smirked. But strong enough to fight, right?
— Strong enough for Green Rank missions, Axel responded as he walked toward the mission board.
He read a request:
[ESCORT] Carriage Protection (Green Rank)Location: Road to Shirotsume (1 day of travel)Requirement: Mage with combat or evasion skillsDetails: Bandits and wild creatures sightedReward: 5,000 JewelsEstimated Conquest Reward: 150–200 CP
Axel calculated: a full day of travel meant multiple fights and plenty of Conquests.
— Master, may I take this one? I can use my evasion magic to keep the client safe.
Makarov looked at Axel, then at Laxus and Natsu—both watching quietly.He sighed.
— Very well, Axel. If you take it seriously and focus on safety, I'll allow it. But if you slip even once, I'll bring you back myself. Go speak with the client, Madame Rosalie. She's at the city inn.
Axel's heart raced.150–200 CP would put him one step away from unlocking the Boosted Gear.
— Understood, Master. I'll be back tomorrow.