Chapter 24: Jellal and Wendy

Pegasus Meteor Fist!

Boom!

Magic clung to his gauntlets as Mo En lunged forward with a punch, the force so fierce it instantly knocked down a towering horned lizard.

This horned lizard was a humanoid monster—a bipedal lizard with a single horn on its head, standing at least two meters tall.

Its belly lacked scales; Mo En’s punch struck it directly, displacing its internal organs, causing it to curl up and tremble uncontrollably on the ground, clearly incapacitated.

Mo En did not let the monster suffer long—he gripped its neck with both arms and twisted hard. A sharp crack echoed, and the agonizing horned lizard found its release.

Slap! Slap!

Mo En patted his Pegasus Bronze Saint Cloth, which gleamed as clean as new, its sea-blue surface faintly shimmering.

Wearing this well-covered Bronze Saint Cloth saved him many troubles in the forest—like insect bites—he only needed to watch the exposed parts of his body.

Moreover, the Saint Cloth had automatic repair and cleaning functions; blood or dust would vanish once stored in its case, making it incredibly convenient.

Snap!

Mo En grabbed the horned lizard’s horn and yanked it free, tossing it into his small bag—already containing thirteen horns, each symbolizing a horned lizard he had slain.

These thirteen horned lizards, plus other beasts he’d casually eliminated over the past two days, had significantly improved the proficiency of his Pegasus Meteor Fist—indeed, real combat was the fastest way to grow.

Gulp!

As Mo En pulled off the horn, strange noises caught his attention.

Who? Show yourself!

Mo En fastened his bag and turned toward the sound—he recognized it as human, not an animal.

Ugh~ Sorry we were spotted, Jellal.

As expected, human voices emerged from the bushes, and soon a boy and girl stepped out.

They were two blue-haired children—the boy was tall, with lighter hair, roughly Mo En’s age; the girl was much younger, no more than four or five, and adorably cute.

Sorry, we’re just passing through.

The boy with short sky-blue hair stepped forward. A tattoo covered half his right face, resembling a demonic rune.

He wore a black short-sleeve shirt, gray pants, and carried a military-green backpack with a wand sticking out—like a mage. But strangely, Mo En sensed no magic from him; instead, he detected it from the girl beside him, though her magic aura was peculiar.

How to describe it?

It was a little like Natsu’s, but not quite—the girl’s magic was weak, making it hard for Mo En to judge accurately.

Noticing Mo En staring at her, the girl grew timid, stepping back to hide behind the boy, who promptly stepped forward to block Mo En’s view.

Who are Itachi? Why are Itachi here?

Mo En stopped looking at the girl and addressed the boy.

His tone had softened—they didn’t seem like threats. The little girl, of course, looked heartbreakingly vulnerable; the boy radiated sincerity, his eyes full of honesty.

I’m Jellal. She’s Wendy. We’re looking for a way out of here.

After a moment’s thought, Jellal answered truthfully.

Strange pairing—are Itachi siblings? Do Itachi live nearby? How did Itachi even make it here unharmed?

Mo En frowned. Though Jellal seemed utterly sincere, his words raised too many doubts.

Neither looked particularly strong, and this Vass Tree Sea was no peaceful summer grove.

We’re not siblings—we met by chance. This child lost her mother. This place is too dangerous, so I took her with me.

Jellal spoke, and his words sounded genuine—he radiated an unmistakable sincerity.

He had the kind of aura that made Itachi think he’d sacrifice himself to save others.

Brother… have Itachi seen my mom?

Wendy clutched Jellal’s sleeve, peering out timidly, tears welling in her eyes as she looked hopefully at Mo En.

…No. Before Itachi, I haven’t met any humans.

Mo En shook his head. This “looking for mom” routine… gave him déjà vu.

My mom isn’t human—she’s a dragon. Sky Dragon!

Wendy blurted it out—and suddenly, Mo En understood. This girl was just like Natsu!

Natsu searched for his father; Wendy searched for her mother. Natsu’s father was a Fire Dragon; Wendy’s mother was a Sky Dragon. Wendy’s magic aura closely resembled Natsu’s—she must be a Dragon Slayer. This girl was a Dragon Slayer Mage!

Though Wendy’s magic aura seemed impure, Mo En still made his judgment—he just didn’t know if she had any connection to Natsu.

Wendy, do Itachi know Natsu?

Mo En asked outright—if she knew Natsu, he could simply take her to the guild.

Natsu…

At the name, Wendy frowned, straining to recall. She’d heard it before, but couldn’t place it.

I don’t know him.

Finally, Wendy shook her head. She truly couldn’t remember who Natsu was.

I see. Fine. Come with me for now. This forest isn’t safe. When I’m done, I’ll take Itachi out.

Mo En nodded. He couldn’t leave these two seemingly weak children to wander alone—they might get eaten by some beast.

From what they said, they’d been in this forest for days without being killed—luck was truly on their side.

I have other things to do. Could Itachi tell us the way out?

Hearing Mo En’s offer, Jellal looked troubled and asked politely, as if determined to find the way himself.

Jellal, let me be clear—I’m not belittling Itachi, but Itachi don’t use magic, do Itachi?

Mo En frowned. He hated people who didn’t understand their own strength or situation. He offered help, and they refused—Mo En didn’t believe these two could escape safely on their own.

Huh? No, I can use magic!

Mo En’s words stunned Jellal—he immediately drew his wand, trying to prove himself.

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(End of Chapter)