Noel looked the elderly man up and down. He was short, with a small mustache, wearing a beige overcoat over a red shirt.
"May I ask who you're looking for?" Noel asked politely.
"Is Mond home?" Makarov asked, standing on tiptoe to peer inside.
"You mean Master? He went out to buy some materials and isn't back yet. But you're welcome to come in and rest for a while."
"That's fine."
Makarov studied Noel. For some reason, the boy felt incredibly familiar, like someone from deep within his memories, though he couldn't quite place it.
Noel settled Makarov in and went into the kitchen to brew some black tea.
Meanwhile, Makarov's eyes fell on a photograph on the table, and a memory suddenly clicked.
Could it be that Mond has lost his mind again? Did he conduct another dangerous alchemy experiment?
The world of alchemists was something ordinary people, and even most skilled mages, could not understand. Alchemists spent their lives chasing truth and their own ideals. It wasn't a bad way to live, but Makarov couldn't just stand by and watch his old friend lose himself.
"Here's your tea." Noel placed a cup of black tea in front of Makarov. "There are sugar cubes here too. If the tea is too bitter, feel free to add some."
"It's been a long time since I've seen anyone else in Mond's home. I'm surprised he actually took on an apprentice." Makarov remarked.
"Right? Mister… Bukka Manchester?" Makarov ventured cautiously.
"Bukka Manchester? Who's that?" Noel was confused. Why had he suddenly brought up that name?
"Uh… so you're not one of Mond's alchemy creations? I thought he'd gone and done something strange again, trying to revive his son using alchemy." Makarov explained.
Noel finally understood. Makarov had mistaken him for Mond's deceased son, revived through alchemy, because of how similar they looked.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I'm Noel, Mond's alchemy apprentice." Noel said earnestly.
Makarov glanced at the clutter on the table, looking closely. While he wasn't well-versed in alchemy, he had a good enough eye to tell what was going on.
There was a magic circle on the table, with faint traces of energy from the magic stone. For someone so young to have this level of skill was impressive.
"You've been studying alchemy for about a month, I assume?" Makarov asked.
"No, it's only been a week. Today was my first time performing alchemy, and I didn't expect a visitor, so the house is a bit messy. I hope you don't mind." Noel said apologetically, glancing at the chaotic lab table.
"This was your first time?" Makarov was stunned.
The talent of the child before him was incredible. To achieve this level after only a week was monstrous.
Many alchemists caused explosions during their first experiments, with countless failures. Some who had studied theory for years couldn't even melt the raw materials, even with a teacher guiding them.
Without a teacher, the failure rate was even higher. The blackened lumps on the table were clear failures, but the other two products were almost shaped correctly, and the progress in technique was evident.
This child was talented, and the products he made already showed the beginnings of quality work, something even Makarov could see clearly.
If he tries one more time, he'll succeed for sure. Makarov wasn't sure why he was so confident, but he was.
"You've done very well." Makarov praised.
"Really?" Noel was surprised by the praise.
"Of course. You don't realize how remarkable you are, completing an independent project like this on your first attempt."
"Especially that piece inside the vessel—it's already taking shape and is almost ready." Makarov pointed at the product from Noel's third attempt.
"It was almost finished, but I lost focus, and it ended like this." Noel said regretfully.
Makarov realized it had been his knock that had broken Noel's concentration, causing the failure. Otherwise, the boy would have succeeded.
What terrifying talent, Makarov thought. Mond really found himself a good successor. A child with this level of alchemy talent is rare.
And the boy looked so much like Mond's son. It must have brought Mond some happiness after all the years of darkness following the loss of his wife and child.
Maybe now, he has a reason to live with a bit more hope, instead of sinking into despair, Makarov thought.
I don't want to see him with that long face anymore. Sadness is contagious, and I don't want to bring that to the guild's kids.
"By the way, may I ask who you are, sir?" Noel asked, sensing no ill will but still curious about the stranger's identity.
Noel was certain this was one of his master's old acquaintances but wanted to confirm.
"My name is Makarov Dreyar. I am a mage and also the Guild Master of the Fairy Tail Guild." Makarov introduced himself.
"Fairy Tail? The Fairy Tail that has all those powerful mages?" Noel's eyes sparkled with excitement. That was a guild he had dreamed of joining.
"That's right." Makarov said proudly, though he felt a bit embarrassed by the direct praise and covered it with a cough.
"I've read about Fairy Tail in the papers every week. You're always so active, and every mage there is so strong." Noel's eyes glowed with admiration.
Meeting the master of such a famous guild in person was already an incredible stroke of luck.
If he remembered correctly, this man was also one of the Ten Wizard Saints. The Ten Saints were among the most powerful mages on the continent.
He doesn't look as tall or imposing as I imagined, Noel thought, a little surprised but still in awe.
"So our guild is that famous, huh?" Makarov said, growing prouder. I didn't realize Fairy Tail was so well-known now.
"Of course. You're in the paper almost every week." Noel paused before continuing, "I have a request, if I may."
"As long as it's not unreasonable, I'll consider it for Mond's sake."
"I don't want to trouble Master, so I was hesitant to ask…" Noel hesitated but found the courage to continue.
"My dream is to become a mage too. I made a promise with my friend that we'd both become powerful mages one day."
"But on the road to becoming a mage, I don't want to walk it alone. So… could you save me a place in your guild?"
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