In the early morning, the first rays of sunlight gently filtered through the clean, bright window of the room like a golden veil, casting a warm glow over Alan and Laxus. The two had risen early, full of high spirits and vigor as they prepared to embark on their journey of training and trials, filled with both challenges and opportunities.
Alan wore a vibrant red jacket, meticulously embroidered on the back with the guild's iconic symbol—a lively, graceful fairy. This garment not only displayed his pride as a member of Fairy Tail, but also gave him an energetic and radiant appearance. In contrast, Laxus had chosen the matching jacket in black. The deep color set off his stern, handsome features even more, fully revealing his innate cool demeanor at that very moment.
After meticulously double-checking the travel gear they had already packed the previous day, the two didn't hesitate to shoulder their backpacks, eager to set off on their expedition. When they pushed open the door, they found Porlyusica and Makarov already waiting quietly outside.
Makarov wore a solemn expression, his sharp gaze fixed on the two youths about to set off on a long journey. In a deep, earnest tone, he admonished, "Children, I must solemnly remind you once again. While traveling out in the world, you must carefully inspect all food and drink to ensure everything is in order before consuming it—never let your guard down. If you encounter strangers approaching you and trying to strike up a conversation, remember to maintain a high degree of vigilance, respond with the utmost caution, and never easily trust others. As for this matter, I'm relatively at ease when it comes to Alan, but you, Laxus, really need to be more observant! When you're out and about, listen to your big brother in all things, and don't take my words as blowing in the wind!"
Laxus, who had been in high spirits, was hit by these words like a bucket of ice-cold water poured directly over his head. The enthusiasm in his heart was instantly extinguished. With a look of displeasure, he shouted at Makarov, "Old man, what do you mean by that? In your eyes, am I really just some brainless, reckless guy? Don't underestimate me! Besides, Big Brother is here—you have to believe in our abilities! Just sit back and wait in peace. When we return from our travels, we'll definitely make your jaw drop and look at me in a whole new light!"
Alan, standing to the side, kept a gentle smile on his face as he watched quietly without interrupting. However, when he noticed that Porlyusica seemed to have something more to say, he stepped forward without hesitation, took her hands in his, and softly comforted her, "Grandma, you don't need to worry. Our journey through life has only just begun; how could it end so easily? Just as Laxus said, when we return in triumph, we will surely be the pride of you and Grandpa."
As his voice trailed off, Alan opened his arms and gently hugged both Porlyusica and Makarov, then turned and resolutely took his first step forward.
Seeing this, Laxus hurriedly quickened his pace to catch up with Alan. As he passed Makarov, he purposely gave the old man a hard pat on the back. The sudden strike caught Makarov completely off guard, staggering him and sending him into a fit of violent coughing. Meanwhile, Laxus pulled a mischievous face at Makarov, then laughed loudly as he chased after Alan, who had already walked some distance ahead.
Thus, under Makarov's furious glare and Porlyusica's gaze filled with worry, the two bravely took their first dazzling steps into life.
...
"Big Brother, which direction are we heading?"
When Laxus asked this question with overflowing joy, his whole body trembled slightly from extreme excitement. For him, being able to shake off the shackles and discipline of his family elders so smoothly felt just like a bird breaking out of its cage and flying into the vast, open sky—utterly free and carefree.
Alan was likewise caught up in Laxus's irrepressible excitement, ripples spreading across his previously calm lake of a heart. He lowered his gaze to check the map in his hand, then looked up, pointed excitedly toward the north, and shouted, "We're heading straight north!"
Before his voice had even faded, the two strode out without hesitation, walking proudly and boldly along the road leading northward. Along the way, the scenery unfolding before their eyes was as picturesque and charming as a painting—colorful wildflowers by the roadside competed in beauty, and nameless weeds swayed gently in the breeze like a group of lively dancers performing joyfully, as if welcoming the arrival of the two brave youths in their own unique way. This sight and setting naturally made their steps lighter and brisker.
However, after the two had been walking continuously for a while, a subtle change occurred. Laxus, who had been full of vitality at first, gradually lost his initial excitement. At this moment, like a deflated ball, he looked entirely listless. After all, for a child not yet ten years old, facing an almost unchanging scenery along the road for a long time would inevitably breed boredom and irritability.
Alan, who had been keeping an eye on his companion's state, quickly noticed the change in Laxus. He stopped in his tracks, looked around, and finally locked his gaze on the edge of a forest not far away. Leading Laxus, he walked briskly toward it to take a rest.
After replenishing their fluids, Alan saw that Laxus's mood had not improved, so he patted him on the shoulder and said, "What? Already getting impatient? We've barely even started! As the saying goes, a person's life is a process of tempering oneself, and for us right now, this is only the beginning of that tempering. So you need to adjust your mindset quickly—after all, coming out here with me was your own decision, so you have to take responsibility for it."
Hearing Alan's words, Laxus sat down, took a few deep breaths, and closed his eyes. A moment later, when he opened them again, he had returned to his usual self.
"Big Brother, you're right. I was being a bit presumptuous."
Seeing Laxus recover so quickly, Alan continued, "On a journey of training, the destination isn't the most important thing; the process is. So you need to learn to find joy within the process."
Laxus nodded silently, took another sip of water, and stood up, ready to set off again.
"ROAR!!!"
Right at that moment, a magical beast's roar echoed from deep within the forest.
The two brothers exchanged an excited glance—wasn't the fun about to begin right now?