After a remarkably long and relentless period of training under Makarov, Alan could clearly feel that his physical fitness and magic power had improved significantly. He felt he should now be able to withstand the constant integration of Gallantmon X's power.
Filled with anticipation and absolute confidence in his growing strength, Alan walked up to Makarov with a confident smile and said, "Gramps, through this period of cultivation, I feel that both my physical strength and magic reserves are now sufficient to support a full-body Take Over. Please stand by and watch over me!"
Hearing Alan's words, Makarov was momentarily stunned before shifting his focus to probing the magic power within Alan's body. A moment later, a trace of surprise appeared on Makarov's face as his gaze locked firmly onto the eight-year-old child before him. During that brief sensing process, he discovered that the magic power Alan currently possessed had reached Class B standards, even when compared across the entire guild.
Thinking of this, Makarov couldn't help but recall the calm demeanor and conduct Alan usually displayed that far exceeded his age. Presumably, Alan must have given his proposal a great deal of thought. After brief consideration, Makarov nodded at Alan, signaling his consent for him to give it a try.
Having obtained Makarov's approval, Alan slowly closed his eyes and stood quietly in place. He then concentrated all his focus into his own consciousness space, using the magic within his body to try and establish a connection with Gallantmon X.
As Alan poured his wholehearted concentration into manipulating his magic, the previously calm air around him seemed to be guided by some mysterious force, beginning to flow on its own. At the same time, a powerful aura of oppression spread outward with Alan at the center. Immediately afterward, accompanied by a faint humming sound, a dazzling red magic circle suddenly appeared above Alan's head. As soon as it materialized, the magic circle rapidly spun and expanded until it occupied a space several meters wide before finally stopping.
Laxus was sent staggering back a few steps by the overwhelming pressure of the suddenly appearing magic circle. If Makarov hadn't reacted quickly enough to step forward, steady him, and pull him swiftly out of range, Laxus would likely have fallen to the ground in embarrassment.
At that moment, Makarov's expression was exceptionally grave. He stared intently at the unsettling magic circle and at Alan, whose body was trembling slightly beneath it. As time passed, the pressure released by the magic circle battered Alan's body like a surging, overwhelming tide.
Despite this, Alan gritted his teeth and did not retreat a single step. He could clearly feel that the power belonging to Gallantmon X was churning furiously inside the magic circle, like a fierce beast trapped in a cage for too long, desperate to break free and regain its freedom. However, this power was simply too violent, bringing an unimaginably heavy burden to Alan's body and mind.
The intense pressure weighed down on Alan like an invisible mountain, attempting to force him to submit. But Alan knew well that only by standing firm through this trial could he possibly truly master the power of Gallantmon X. Therefore, no matter the pain and torment he faced, he would never lightly give up.
Meanwhile, the red light within the magic circle grew increasingly intense, winding and curling around Alan's entire body like countless nimble red snakes. In an instant, Alan felt as though he had been cast into a roaring sea of fire, where the scorching flames relentlessly burned his skin and recklessly invaded his mental world. The bone-deep agony was almost unbearable, yet Alan still held on through sheer, stubborn willpower.
"Ah!" Alan couldn't help letting out a cry of pain. Laxus, standing not far away, wanted to step forward to help, but was stopped by Makarov. "You can't go over there right now. Alan is at a critical moment. As long as he gets past this step, he'll be fine."
Hearing this, Laxus could only stay where he was and watch Alan with a worried expression.
By now, Alan's consciousness was gradually growing hazy, but the power of Gallantmon X shone clearly before his eyes like a bright beacon.
He could genuinely feel the will of Gallantmon X—a will as hot and resolute as a burning flame, filled with an indomitable spirit that forged ahead no matter what obstacles stood in its way. It was completely devoid of fear toward tyrannical forces, refusing to bow to any pressure or threat. Most importantly, this will steadfastly guarded the justice deep within its heart without the slightest wavering.
Alan refused to tolerate falling just a single step away from success. Pumping every last ounce of his strength, he let out a deafening roar while gathering every fraction of his power to wholeheartedly feel and accept the energy being transmitted to him by Gallantmon X.
In the very next second, Alan suddenly felt his body become incomparably light, and the heavy pressure previously bearing down on him vanished instantly without a trace. Following that, a tall and imposing Gallantmon X appeared before his eyes, taking steady strides toward him until it walked directly into his body.
At that exact moment, Alan's body and mind completely merged with Gallantmon X. And it was precisely at this juncture that Gallantmon X and Alan's own original powers began to slowly fuse into one.
To Makarov and Laxus, the scene unfolded like this: they watched with aching hearts as Alan, who looked ready to collapse at any moment, suddenly let out a roar. Then, his entire body was engulfed in red light. When the red light faded, the two of them stared in shock at the Alan standing before them.
Alan, who had originally stood at a mere one hundred and forty centimeters, now had his height directly doubled, standing at nearly three meters tall with an inherent sense of oppression. Most crucial of all was the armor he wore: pristine white armor complemented red armor at the joints, the patterns on his chest looked exceptionally sophisticated, and the cape on his back fluttered without any wind, radiating waves of imposing might. In his right hand he held Gram, and in his left hand he held Aegis—both appearing before the two of them simultaneously for the very first time. The helmet on his head revealed only a pair of eyes, with a ribbon fluttering atop it.
Laxus stared at Alan's new appearance with envy so intense he was practically drooling. What kid doesn't love full-body Gundam-style armor?
After taking a moment to experience the newborn power surging within his body, Alan opened his eyes. Looking at the two dumbfounded figures before him, he took a slow step forward and said, "What's wrong? Don't you recognize me?"