Chapter 136: Return to the Eastern Forest (Patreon)

That way, everyone's attention will shift from why the Magic Council was destroyed to why Jose would destroy it.

"The power of a 'Wizard Saint' is known throughout the world. If the Magic Council was destroyed by such a monster, people will understand us. After all, there are only ten such monsters on the entire continent. It's only natural that we couldn't stop him."

"We could even edit the memory crystal footage of 'Jose' destroying the Magic Council, adding in our own shock and helplessness to highlight our predicament and win sympathy."

"Finally, we'll make a public statement expressing our grief and strongly condemning Jose, cementing the fact that we are the victims."

"Rather than being seen as incompetent and simply watching the Magic Council be destroyed."

Oga and Crawford Seam: ...

That's shameless. If Jose Porla ever heard this, no one could save Michello.

The two stared at Michello as if seeing him for the first time, listening in stunned silence as he analyzed the situation, weighing the pros and cons and explaining how to protect themselves in this crisis.

After Michello finished, Crawford Seam immediately asked in return, "Jose will definitely deny our accusations. What happens when he comes to the Magic Council to confront us?"

Michello pointed to the memory crystal on the ground. "There are at least a hundred memory crystals in the Magic Council recording 'Jose' destroying it."

"Whether this 'Jose' is real or fake doesn't matter. People only believe the facts before their eyes."

"If Jose wants to prove he didn't destroy the Magic Council, he'll have to find evidence that convinces the entire continent, or catch the fake Jose."

"That has nothing to do with us, the victims."

"Besides, the fake Jose was able to fight Makarov for that long. He's definitely no weakling. Capturing him won't be something Jose can do quickly."

"By the time Jose catches the fake, the uproar over the Magic Council's destruction will have long since died down. Hardly anyone will care anymore."

With that, Michello tapped his cane on the ground, urging the two to make a decision.

Crawford Seam nodded. Michello's plan suited him perfectly.

Then they both looked at Oga, who had a close relationship with Jose. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them close friends.

In the past, difficult missions from the Magic Council had all been passed to Jose through Oga.

Now, torn by internal conflict, Oga faced the dual gazes of Crawford Seam and Michello. After a brief struggle, he closed his eyes and nodded reluctantly.

Jose will just have to bear with it...

Better a friend takes the fall than I do. Oga believed Jose would understand.

Seeing this, Crawford Seam's beard trembled with satisfaction. "Now that we have a plan, let's get out there before the outside world waits too long."

"Michello, polish up what you just said and draft a public notice. Bring it to me for my seal. I'll have it spread overnight."

"We need to seize the initiative, establish ourselves as victims early on, and not give public opinion a chance to gain momentum."

...

On the other side, when Makarov found Hughes, the boy had already deactivated his Armament Haki and reverted to his original appearance.

He was lying in a deep crater, covered in blood, sleeping like a baby.

Makarov: (╯▽╰)

"You just have to keep giving me trouble, don't you?" Makarov sighed.

Then, magical power surged from his palm, weaving into a golden magic net. The net lifted Hughes out of the crater, carrying him like a balloon floating behind Makarov.

And so, Makarov set off, rushing back toward the outskirts of Magnolia Town with Hughes in tow.

The kid was badly injured. He needed to see Porlyusica quickly.

It wasn't that Makarov had meant to go so hard, but during their fight, Hughes's physical durability had proven to be incredibly tough.

Makarov couldn't judge how much to pull his punches, so...

...

As a "Wizard Saint," Makarov's magical reserves were immense. When all that power was focused on travel, perhaps only a Space Mage could rival him in travel speed.

A day later, at the outskirts of Magnolia Town, in the Eastern Forest, Makarov pushed open the heavy door, panting heavily.

"Porlyusica, check on Hughes first!"

Porlyusica, busy preparing medicine, turned back in surprise. Seeing Hughes covered in blood, she gasped.

She quickly directed Makarov to lay Hughes on the hospital bed.

After a thorough examination, Porlyusica's furrowed brow relaxed slightly. She stood up, shot Makarov a sideways glare, then grabbed a broom nearby and swept him out of the room.

She was one hundred percent certain Hughes's injuries had been caused by Makarov.

"Explain yourself. Why is Hughes's body filled with your magical power?" Porlyusica turned to face Makarov, who was sprawled on the floor outside, her voice icy.

This old man was insane! Beating up his own guild member this badly?

Seeing Porlyusica about to swing the broom at his head again, Makarov scrambled up and waved his hands in protest. "The k... the magic inside Hughes is indeed mine. The reason is complicated. I'll explain later. For now, we need to treat Hughes and make sure he doesn't suffer any lasting injuries."

Porlyusica had known Makarov for decades and trusted him. What angered her was that he would go this far against one of his own.

She had checked. At least a dozen of Hughes's bones were broken, and his internal organs had varying degrees of damage.

Fortunately, Hughes had a unique constitution with remarkable recovery abilities. Anyone else would have been left with lifelong injuries.

"Porlyusica, with your skills, you can heal him, right?" Makarov asked sheepishly.

Porlyusica shot him a look and pointed to the medicine bench. "Go bring me the ten-serving nutrient potion from the top, then pour it into Hughes's mouth."

Makarov chuckled awkwardly and quickly complied. After pouring the entire bottle, which was as large as his head, into Hughes's mouth,

he stood beside the bed with his hands behind his back for a few breaths. Then he began pacing back and forth restlessly, sighing from time to time.

Porlyusica grew irritated by his fidgeting. She let out a breath and said, "Hughes's body was already exceptionally tough. These injuries aren't a major issue for him."

"Besides, during my examination, I found that he seems to possess a powerful self-healing ability. It's just that this ability consumes a large amount of energy."

"I estimate that if we feed him nutrient potions regularly, he should recover on his own."

"But it will probably take another two or three days before he's fully recovered and wakes up."

"You go get Mira to take care of him. You staying here and pacing back and forth will only annoy me."