After waiting for a while, someone came to invite Noah and Laxus aboard. They followed and boarded the ship.
On deck, the Kingdom Army and the Magic Council were already in formation. At the signal of the commander, all the ships raised anchor and set sail, carrying the fighters toward their destination.
Noah and Laxus's ship sailed at the front, with two more vessels trailing behind as reinforcements. Before long, an island came into view. On it stood a newly built structure clearly one of the Black Magic Cult's strongholds.
The commander walked up to Noah respectfully.
"Master Noah, the enemy base lies ahead. What would you like to do?"
"I was about to ask," Noah replied, "what was your original plan?"
He wanted to understand their intended strategy before deciding how best to assist.
"We planned to split into two groups," the commander explained. "One would approach openly until detected. At that point, the combat team would storm the island, supported by the ships' magic cannons, to capture the stronghold and keep the enemy's focus on the front lines.
The other team would circle around to the rear of the island. Once the battle began, they would slip ashore in secret and carry out a rescue of the captives."
Noah considered this, then nodded.
"Very well. We'll assist in the frontal assault."
The commander's face brightened having Noah fight on the front lines was beyond ideal. He immediately went to make arrangements for the operation.
Turning to Laxus, Noah said quietly,
"I'm going to use a big move once we hit shore. Cover me until it's ready."
Laxus raised a brow but shrugged.
"Tch, fine. I'll handle it."
With the assignments set, the rescue ship quietly broke away first. After some time, the assault force began their approach.
The crews slowed their ships, muffled their sounds with spells, and cast concealment magic to mask their presence. But when they drew close, magical detection devices on the island flared to life, and alarms blared across the stronghold.
"Exposed! Full speed ahead!" someone shouted.
The ships surged forward, charging the shore as the cultists unleashed spells in return.
Noah calmly raised his hands, one above the other diagonally before his chest, palms facing. Between them, golden light began to swirl and form into a radiant sphere.
Laxus's eyes widened.
"Fairy Law?!"
"Yes," Noah replied without breaking focus. "The improved version. It no longer shortens my lifespan the more enemies I target only drains more of my magic power. Perfect for wiping out large numbers like this."
The crew immediately shifted, forming a shield wall in front of Noah, intercepting the incoming barrage of spells to give him time.
By the time their ship rammed into the shore, Noah's aura had swelled to its peak. His eyes gleamed as twin magic circles formed within them. He pressed his palms together.
"Fairy Law!"
A massive golden circle burst into existence high above the island, its brilliance engulfing the battlefield. The light seared across the enemy ranks like the judgment of heaven. When it faded, every member of the Black Magic Cult lay collapsed on the ground, powerless.
The commander's jaw dropped, then he burst into cheers. What should have been a brutal battle had turned into an effortless victory.
"Master Noah! Thank you, thank you! You've saved countless lives today!" He bowed repeatedly, then quickly barked new orders to his troops to secure the cultists and free the captives.
Meanwhile, Laxus crossed his arms, scowling.
"Tch. If you can just wipe out all the enemies with super magic, then what's the point of me even being here?"
Noah glanced at him with a grin.
"It's not like I can spam super magic endlessly. There's always recovery time afterward. That's when it's your turn to shine."
Noah glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then leaned toward Laxus and said quietly:
"Did you notice the look in that commander's eyes after I used Fairy Law? Didn't it seem familiar to you?"
Laxus furrowed his brows, thinking it over. Just as Noah pointed out, there was indeed something familiar about that expression. Then it struck him he had seen that same look before. It was the same gaze others often gave his grandfather, Makarov. A look filled with respect.
Seeing the realization dawn on Laxus's face, Noah continued calmly:
"I've already shown enough strength and results, so naturally others treat me with respect.
From the way you reacted earlier, I could tell you don't like being called the grandson of Makarov. I suppose it makes you feel like people overlook your own efforts and only see your grandfather's shadow.
But think about it your grandfather took decades to earn his strength, his achievements, and his standing. You don't yet have those things. Isn't it natural that when people see you, the first person they think of is him?
If you want that to change, then push yourself to grow stronger, to accomplish greater things. When you rise to become one of the Ten Wizard Saints, or even surpass them, do you think anyone will still call you just 'Makarov's grandson'? No. By then, they'll say it the other way around that Makarov is Laxus's grandfather."
Those words painted a vivid picture in Laxus's mind. He couldn't help but feel fired up at the thought of one day surpassing his grandfather and earning such recognition.
Noah saw the excitement in his expression and knew his words had struck home. Perhaps after this talk, Laxus's rebellious attitude wouldn't vanish completely, but at least it would soften. Still, Noah decided he'd have to speak with Makarov later, so the old man could better understand his grandson and clear up their miscommunications.
Once Noah felt rested enough, he left Laxus who was still lost in his daydreams and approached the commander, who was busy directing troops.
"We probably aren't needed here anymore," Noah said. "Do you know where the other teams are? We'd like to assist them."
The commander looked at him with concern. "But you just unleashed such a powerful spell. Don't you need time to recover?"
"I've recovered enough. I can still use that super magic again. If I move to support the other teams, we can reduce casualties."
"Thank you so much for your help," the commander said, eyes brimming with gratitude and respect. He quickly relayed Noah's offer to the other teams, then gave Noah their positions.
Noah grabbed the still-distracted Laxus by the arm, bid the commander farewell, and used teleportation magic to appear on another team's ship.
Because they had been informed ahead of time, the soldiers didn't panic when Noah suddenly appeared. They simply kept working while Noah looked ahead to the island stronghold they were targeting. Without hesitation, he began gathering magic once again.
The radiant light forming around him immediately drew enemy fire, but Laxus and the others leapt in to shield him from the barrage.
"Fairy Law!"
The golden radiance washed over the island. When it faded, every member of the Black Magic Cult lay unconscious on the ground. The commander of this team, overjoyed, ordered his men to bind the enemies and free the captives. His eyes shone with admiration as he thanked Noah repeatedly.
Laxus quietly watched all of this, his expression pensive. Noah noticed, but didn't comment. Instead, he asked for the location of the next team and, once again, teleported with Laxus to their aid.