Chapter 59

So, if it's just a case of excessive self-defense, given Fairy Tail's connections within the Fapingyi Society, it would be easy enough to get Councilor Agima to say a few words and smooth things over.

Hearing Mirajane's question, Ace thought seriously for a moment and said, "Eight-tenths done steak."

"I like my meat crispier."

"Understood, please wait a moment."

"Ah ha!"

"Ace, let's have a duel!"

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"

Natsu, who had been glaring at Gray a short distance away, immediately leapt up with excitement upon seeing Ace, shoved Gray aside, and charged toward Ace's position.

Scorching flames coalesced on Natsu's arms.

Since he had already known Ace's exact strength from their earlier battle against the Phantom Lord, Natsu made no effort to hold back and struck Ace with full force.

Boom!

No surprise at all.

In the eyes of everyone around, as if it were perfectly natural, Natsu was casually pinned to the floor by Ace.

But there was nothing to be done about it.

Natsu's fighting style is wildly reckless, and before Ace, who masters Observation Haki, every move is a flaw—he doesn't even need to exert much effort.

He can instantly find the perfect angle, applying one-tenth the force to achieve ten times the effect, subduing Natsu in an instant.

He doesn't even need to use Observation Haki; purely on base attributes, Ace completely overwhelms Natsu at this stage—reacting after the fact is absurdly easy for Ace.

"Hahaha, Natsu, you're still as energetic as ever!"

"To be honest, seeing you makes me feel a bit nostalgic—I have a younger brother."

Ace looked down at Natsu, who was frantically struggling beneath him, and smiled gently, saying, "He's just like you, Natsu—always reckless and never serious."

"He's always trying to challenge me, but he's never succeeded—I imagine he's already set sail by now."

Character design and backstory details are always better when more complete.

Only when these elements are complete can the plot's cause and effect be logical and credible.

Only then can Lin Cheng's script maximally influence the emotions of everyone around him.

"Ace Mr.'s younger brother?"

Erza smiled beside him and said, "Ace Mr.'s younger brother must also be a powerful mage, just like Ace Mr."

"Hahaha, that guy still has a long way to go."

"But I believe my younger brother will surely achieve his dream."

Hearing Erza's words, Ace burst into laughter.

Everyone present could feel Ace's concern for his younger brother.

"Also, Ace Mr.'s reason for coming here this time should be about the previous mission assignment, right?"

Looking at the laughing Ace, Erza didn't pause but grew serious and said, "Regarding the mission to find 'Blackie,' we've already begun."

"It's being carried out by three B-rank mages: Levy, Droy, and Salus."

"Levy's specialty is three-dimensional script, and she can rapidly read text to gather intelligence."

"Droy's specialty is plant magic, granting him the ability to collect partial intelligence through widespread plant networks."

"Salus's specialty is Divine Foot, granting him high-speed mobility to deliver intelligence at the fastest possible speed."