Fairy Tail: Magic is not such an inconvenient thing.

That feeling...of losing everything, of being completely disoriented and lost.

Even though they were separated by distance, Erza could feel the sadness on the other end of the link, and her heart ached even more.

Did this child also experience that kind of pain? Abbott is much stronger than me…

Erza's soft spot was deeply touched.

[Abbot...I...I'm sorry...]

Why did my sister apologize? Past pain isn't worth dwelling on; one should always look forward.

Actually, what Abbot was recalling was the time when his memories had just awakened.

Although it's unclear what Erza went through, her current feeling of isolation and helplessness must be extremely similar to my own back then.

Therefore, Abbot was confident he could persuade her to come out of this situation.

When you feel lost, just give yourself a new goal. Having a new destination can help you temporarily forget your troubles and keep moving forward.

So tell me, what does Erza want most right now?

Yes, fear and hesitation solve nothing; this is a truth that even children can understand.

If there is no answer, then I will find it myself. Until then, I need to have enough strength!

Erza's confusion gradually dissipated, and her eyes became firm:

I want to become stronger! Abbot, I want to become stronger than anyone else, and then…

(And then go back to that place again to settle things once more)

On the guild side, Aibo stretched and gave Kana an OK sign.

So, the task assigned by the president is now complete. It wasn't that difficult. I never thought I had the potential to be a caring younger brother.

However, Abbott didn't end his "psychological counseling" session and continued talking to Erza:

[Hehe, it seems Erza already has the answer, but this goal might not be easy to achieve.]

Don't underestimate me, Abbott, I'll show you!

No, no, no, what I mean is, the strongest person in this guild in the future—will definitely be me, Aibo!

"...Pfft, hahahaha!"

Erza, standing on the riverbank, suddenly laughed and raised her hand to wipe away the tears from the corner of her eyes.

I don't know why, but the thought that these words might have come from the lips of little Aibo makes me feel inexplicably cute.

Were you just laughing at me, Erza?

No, no, I understand Abo's belief. Let's become stronger together!

[Hmph, Erza, you could try trusting me a little more, okay? Fine, since we're having such a pleasant chat, I'll tell you a secret about myself!]

【Huh?! W-what?】 (Expectantly)

Despite his shame, Abbott continued to act like a "child":

Actually, I am—a family member! A hero!

Erza was stunned:

[Family...hero?]

That's right, we're guildmates, right? A guild is like family! When family needs help, I'll be there for them anytime!

I heard Erza's cry for help, so I came to help you. It's the same today, and it will be the same in the future, so—】

"So, Erza, can you grant me a request?"

Erza turned around and looked up, only to find that Ebo had somehow arrived at the riverbank and was standing above her, smiling at her.

"When Erza makes up her mind one day to make Fairy Tail her home; when she's willing to become family with me, someone we can rely on..."

"When that time comes, I'll tell you about your past, okay?"

Erza felt her vision blurring. At this moment, she wasn't recalling the suffering she endured in the Tower of Paradise, but rather earlier memories…

She was abandoned in Rosemary Village, adopted by the church, had no surname, and didn't know who her parents were. She was abandoned for no reason.

I once dreamed of having a family. In the Tower of Paradise, I even thought I had caught that phantom, but in the end... the person who gave me the surname "Crimson" abandoned me once again.

'I betrayed my companions for freedom'... 'I only bring misfortune to others'... 'I am an unwanted person'... 'Is this really the freedom I wanted'...

This thought echoed in my mind again and again on the way to Magnolia.

Erza repeatedly asked herself: 'Is there any meaning to my life?'

But now, a younger child, who also had no surname, came before him. The child saw through his fragile armor at a glance, but instead of asking about his wretched past, pointed him in the right direction.

Then, he reached out his hand and extended an invitation... inviting himself to become his "family".

"Family...can someone like me...have a family?"

Looking at the tear-blurred eyes of the girl in front of him, Aibo knew what she needed most at that moment.

So Abbo stepped forward and hugged the other person, calmly replying:

"Of course, from today onwards, we are family."

"Welcome to Fairy Tail, Erza-neechan."

Chapter 18 Who is the best older sister?

A few days later, Fairy Tail guild.

Kana slumped on the table, shrouded in gloom, looking listless.

“…Hey Gray, don’t you think…Erza and Abbott’s relationship seems to have gotten a little too close?”

Gray slumped on the other side of the table, also enveloped in a low-pressure atmosphere.

"Really? I didn't notice. I only know Erza is incredibly strong. I'm wondering if I really can't beat her..."

"Is there even a need to think about it? You'd be down after one punch, you useless thing—"

"Ugh! Ugh! That darn Erza! Holding hands with Abbot! When did they become so close? I'm Abbot's older sister!"

As Kana spoke, she began to bite her handkerchief, staring intently at the two "siblings" who followed Makarov back to the guild.

"Erza?! I'm going to defeat you this time!"

As soon as Gray jumped in front of Erza, he noticed that Erza wasn't wearing her eyepatch:

"Eh? Erza, your eyes are healed? Congratulations... Let's duel again!"

"You're really stubborn. Fine, I'll take your challenge seriously. Abbot, give me a sword."

Erza wasn't wearing armor at the moment, but rather a casual dress, making her look like a beautiful noblewoman.

A longsword suddenly appeared in Abbot's hand; it had been teleported from his home in the small garden using a transformation spell.

"Here."

Five seconds later, the battle ended, and a black-haired hedgehog's head was left stuck on the guild wall.

Erza smiled and handed the sword back to Ebony.

"Your magic is really useful, and it works perfectly with my magic. You must teach me next time."

"No problem, with Erza's talent, she'll learn it quickly."

Erza's awakened magic is called "Knight Magic," but Ebo prefers to call it "Sword Control Technique."

This is a spell that uses magic to control and amplify weapons. Abbot learned it a bit, and then…

【魔力控制LV1：3708/10000】、【骑士魔法LV0：3/1000】

The fact that this Knight Magic appeared after the Magic Control skill indicates that Knight Magic is an enhancement of magic application, and specifically designed for metal weapons.

Aibo speculates that Knight Magic is a composite magic. After upgrading Knight Magic to LV1, it will most likely become a skill that combines magic control experience with metal control.

Moreover, magic control is a very versatile skill; a higher skill level will improve overall control over all magic.

Erza's awakened "Knight Magic" is at least level 3, which means she has level 3 magic control skills and level 3 metal manipulation.

That's why she can use magic to enhance her physical body so easily and almost instinctively, which is equivalent to getting a level 1 enhancement spell as a bonus upon awakening.

In addition, Erza possesses already powerful magic and keen combat instincts.

Even without systematic magic training, Erza could easily defeat Gray, a pure numerical crushing victory.

To be honest, even Aibo was a little envious of Erza's talent:

The magic power is even higher than when I first awakened. Although it doesn't have LV4 skills, its LV3 composite skills are as good as several others, and it also comes with innate combat talent. Its initial stats are even more impressive than mine.

It's like God is feeding her; if you didn't know better, you'd think she was the main character.

"Wow, Gray lost so easily. It seems that Erza will have to take the lead in our guild next."

"It's terrifying, kids these days are all so amazing."

Listening to the crowd's discussion, Makarov, leaning on his wand, grinned from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with delight.

[Wow! Those old guys are going to be so jealous! In a few years, I'll bring Erza to the meeting and brag about it! Hahahaha!]

Today, Aibo followed Erza and the guild master to the depths of the eastern forest to meet the guild master's old flame, Polyusica.

She was an eccentric, pink-haired old lady with exceptional pharmaceutical skills; she was a powerful pharmacist.

Erza's eyes were healed by her; although there are still some imperfections, they are no longer a problem for daily use.

Erza was very grateful to Polyusica, and Ebo was also a little envious of her potion-making skills.

However, when Abbott sought her advice on pharmacology, he was turned away, supposedly because the old woman disliked humans.

However, Abbott would not give up. He had been in this world for so long and had seen all sorts of strange and wonderful magic, but he had never seen any healing magic. When he asked, he was told that it had been lost to time.

Legend has it that there used to be gods in this world, and the priests of the gods' church all knew healing magic. But later, all the gods died, and the healing magic was lost.

This has led to people relying solely on bandages and doctors for treatment; it's entirely scientific with no magical elements whatsoever.

Poliuska's "Potionology" is the most useful healing technique Abbot has ever known.

Anyway, Abbot has already left his coordinates with Poliusica and plans to go there from time to time to harass her, hoping to learn new techniques someday.

After being comforted by Aibo, Erza has emerged from her confusion and no longer hides in a corner alone. Instead, she has become very magnanimous in her actions.

Erza is a serious and principled enforcer of justice, but she tends to be stricter with herself and doesn't impose too many of her own requirements on others, giving her a bit of a "discipline committee member" feel.

For example, right now, she's caught a hedgehog-headed guy on the wall, put his clothes on his head, and occasionally punches him to remind him to wear clothes. Poor Gray is trembling under Erza's iron fists, and even his eyes have become clear.

"Little Aibo, come sit here with your sister."

Kana took the opportunity to pull Abbot aside, pouting with a hint of jealousy:

"Abbot, who do you think is your best older sister? Between me and Erza, who do you like more?"

[Waaaaah, I'm Abbot's real older sister, only me!]

"..."

Aibo is sweating. Little girls are so hard to deal with. How can she get jealous over something like this?

"I prefer Levy."

Kana: "?"

"Haha! I heard it, I heard it! I love little Abbot the most too!"

Levy suddenly jumped out from behind Abbott, hugged him tightly, and pressed her face against Abbott's.

"No! No way! That awful Levy, give Abbot back to me!"

Aibo was enveloped in a world of soft, warm fragrance, being playfully fought over by the two girls, enjoying himself immensely.

"Stop fooling around, Kana-neechan, can I see your guild crest?"

"Huh?"

Kana blushed slightly, and a little awkwardly lifted the hem of her dress, revealing her slender waist:

"Look, Abbott can look if he wants... Hey! What are you doing, little Abbott?"