A New Life in Fairy Tail

During the feast, an ecstatic Gildarts carried Cana around, showing her off to every single guild member.

"This is my daughter, Cana! Look how cute she is!"

He ran around with her in his arms while Cana pushed at his face, saying, "Don't do this, it's so embarrassing! Put me down!"

Gildarts' face was flushed with joy. "I can't help it, I'm just so happy!"

Noah watched them from the side, feeling happy as well. By revealing Cana's identity early, he had saved her from waiting another twelve years to connect with her father. She wouldn't have to suffer through being in the same guild as him but being unable to acknowledge him. While Cana's own hesitation was part of the reason, wasn't this outcome better? She wouldn't have to feel that anguish every time she saw Gildarts, nor would she have to stake her future in the guild on passing the S-Class trial.

Seeing the smiles on Gildarts' and Cana's faces, Noah felt he had done the right thing, mending one of the regrets he had about the story of Fairy Tail.

Just then, Laxus ran over. "Don't think you're so great just because you became an S-Class wizard! I'll become one next year too!"

"First of all, I don't think I'm that great," Noah replied calmly. "And secondly, if you want to become S-Class, you'd better work hard. I'll probably be your examiner next year, so you should be prepared. My standards will be very strict."

"Damn it! I'm not afraid, even if you are the examiner! All I have to do is beat you!" Laxus shouted before running off. Noah could only wish him well, hoping that Laxus would have a surprise in store for him at next year's trial.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they broke off into smaller groups to chat. Noah found Makarov and said to him, "Gramps, I'd like to go pay my respects at the First Master's grave."

"A good idea. I'll take you. I can tell her that our guild has a new S-Class wizard who's only eight years old! Hahaha!" Makarov laughed so hard his eyes disappeared into wrinkles.

Noah could only wait helplessly until Makarov had finished laughing. "Alright, Gramps, let's go. The sun is about to set. Let's go and come back soon."

Makarov said a few words to the other guild members, then led Noah into the forest. After a series of twists and turns, he brought Noah into a cave. They walked for some time until they saw a faint light from an exit in the distance. The closer they got, the brighter it became. Noah figured they were almost there.

Stepping out of the cave and into the dazzling light, he saw a tomb. At its very center was an orb of light, emitting a soft yet brilliant glow.

"This is..." Noah began to ask.

"This is the First Master's grave. Pay your respects first, and then I'll tell you more," Makarov answered.

Noah clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully towards the tomb. After a moment, he straightened up and looked at Makarov.

Makarov also walked to the front of the tomb, clasped his hands, and bowed. Then he stood up, took Noah's left hand, and walked with him to the grave.

"First Master," Makarov said, "this is our newest S-Class wizard this year. His name is Noah, and he's eight years old. His strength is exceptional, and he'll become even greater in the future. I brought him here because I wanted you to see that our guild's younger generation is growing, and the guild is getting better and better. You entrusted the guild to the Second, and the Second entrusted it to me. I will not fail you. I will build this guild to be even greater!"

Hearing this, a sincere smile appeared on Noah's face. "Gramps, you're praising me so much I'm getting embarrassed."

Makarov looked at Noah seriously. "Your progress is getting faster and faster, and your strength is growing every day. But you must remember to stay true to yourself. Hold fast to your own path and do not fall into darkness, do you understand?"

Noah's smile faded, and he looked at Makarov with a serious expression. "I understand, Gramps. I will stay true to myself, hold fast to my path, and I will never fall into darkness."

Makarov smiled, relieved. He then pointed to the glowing orb in the center of the tomb. "Try to touch it."

Noah reached out his right hand and touched the orb. He was immediately repelled, and his hand stung. He shook it out and saw words appear on the tombstone. He looked closely and read: "One of the Three Great Fairy Magics, Fairy Glitter, is sealed here."

"What is this, Gramps?" Noah asked.

"This is one of Fairy Tail's Three Great Magics, Fairy Glitter. See if you can take it," Makarov answered.

"Then I'll give it a try."

Noah reached out his hand again to touch the orb. Pushing against a powerful resistance, he slowly forced his hand inside. The deeper he went, the greater the pressure became. Noah gradually increased his power until he was using nearly all of his strength. Suddenly, he felt as if he had touched the bottom, and he heard a voice.

"Do you want Fairy Glitter?"

Noah answered in his mind. "Of course."

"Will you use it to protect the guild?"

"Of course. The guild is my home. I'll fight anyone who dares to harm it!"

"Then I entrust Fairy Glitter to you. Use it well."

A wave of information flooded into Noah's mind. It was the complete knowledge of Fairy Glitter. He was overjoyed. Unlike in the original story, where Cana only received a temporary "trial version" that disappeared after one use, he had received the entire spell. As long as he mastered it, he could use it whenever he wanted.

After obtaining the spell, Noah felt the orb exert a new pushing force. He used the momentum to pull his hand out.

Makarov, who had been watching from the side, asked, "How did it go?"

"Very well. I've received Fairy Glitter," Noah answered with a wide smile.

"That's good. You must use it well."

"I will, Gramps."

Noah and Makarov paid their respects one last time before leaving the cave together.

As they were walking through the forest, Noah felt as though someone was watching him from behind. He turned his head and caught a fleeting glimpse of a corner of a white dress. He guessed it was the First Master, Mavis, watching them. After a moment's thought, he said to Makarov, "Gramps, I'm not going to head back just yet. I want to look around here for a bit."

Makarov considered it. "Alright, but don't be back too late."

"I won't, Gramps."

Makarov left the forest by himself. Noah turned and walked towards the spot where he had seen the dress. He searched the area thoroughly, but as expected, he found no sign of Mavis. He used every sensory and detection spell he knew, but still couldn't find her.

After searching for a long time with no results, he figured Mavis must be hiding. I'll just have to try and find her again later when I come back, he thought.