Compared to the two fairies, Natsu is truly slaying a dragon!

This warmth was something he longed for.

Recalling Anna's previous kindness, Henatsu felt an even stronger warmth in his heart.

Soon, Anna brought out a sumptuous dinner.

The aroma was irresistible, instantly whetting Black Natsu's appetite.

"Eat up, I know you have a big appetite, there's still plenty left."

Anna brought over a stool and sat opposite Henna, her gaze fixed on him as he ate.

The smile on her cheeks became even more pronounced.

"You have no idea, while you were gone, Gajeel talked about you every single day."

"Oh? Is he here to challenge me again?"

[Honatsu responded with a smile while eating.]

Anna nodded: "Yes, it's said that he's mastered some powerful technique and wants to challenge you to a duel."

"I don't have time to deal with that brat."

Anna laughed even harder: "Aren't you just a little kid yourself?"

"That's just my apparent age; I'm actually much more mature than I appear."

Natsu made a joke without even looking up.

Perhaps, only in front of Anna, or Irene, or Igneel, can I laugh so carefree and cheerfully.

Hennaz silently pondered, fully enjoying this hard-won moment of relaxation.

He still has cultivation tasks to complete; he was unconscious for a month last time.

I need to make up for all the training I missed over the past month.

"Alright, alright, you're all grown up now, aren't you?" Anna smiled and shook her head.

[Then, Anna glanced at Henna and became serious.]

"By the way, you must have gained a lot from your travels, right? Would you like to tell Teacher Anna about it?"

“Of course.”

With that, Henatsu began his narration.

However, Henatsu didn't mention some of the more dangerous aspects, such as battles with dragons and life-or-death crises.

That kind of thing is in the past. Bringing it up again will only cause Anna worry and won't do any good.

It's better not to say anything.

[Henazu only wants to see Anna happy, and proud of herself.]

So, he specifically chose to recount some novel sights and wonderful scenery.

Anna was also quite interested, resting her chin on her hand and listening quietly to Black Natsu's endless chatter, occasionally interjecting with her own words.

[Only after Henna finished recounting his journey did Anna smile and ask a question.]

"So...did you find the answer you were looking for on this journey?"

[As Anna inquired, Black Natsu stopped eating.]

He paused slightly, as if he had thought of many things.

[The village's brutish men, innocent women and children, and the flames of war caused by the evil dragons.]

[And, gentle humans and dragons like Irene and Belserion.]

He thought of many, many things.

There is evil in human nature, but there is also good that shines with the light of humanity.

There is a dragon that is selfless and asks for nothing in return.

[There are also evil dragons, whose violence is unbearable, whose sights are filled with blood and fire.]

Thinking of this, Henna smiled slightly.

He nodded emphatically at Anna.

"In this world, there is no absolute hostility, nor is there any truth to the idea that humans are destined to be food for dragons."

Good and evil determine the course of everything, but even good and evil can be overturned.

"Therefore, this is an unsolvable problem. Human nature is complex, but sometimes it is also pure."

[Eileen's face involuntarily flashed through my mind.]

[Henazu said softly:]

"There are always some people who, even when they are in darkness, will think of bringing light to others."

"All I need to do is be myself, and that's enough!"

"As for right and wrong, that's up to others to judge, and that's none of my business. I'll just be myself!"

Hearing HyunZ's words, Anna's smile deepened.

[Looking at Black Natsu with gentle eyes.]

"You've really...grown up."

[She took a deep breath: "Let's go back after we finish eating. Igneel is waiting for you."]

"It missed you terribly while you were gone."

There was one more thing Anna didn't say: their time together was running out.

Henna raised an eyebrow at this.

Although she knew that Igneel had been nearby all this time, she didn't expose him. Sometimes, it's better to live a little more oblivious.

Otherwise, if it's exposed, where will Inil's face be?

If Igneru can't save face, then he'll undoubtedly get a beating.

So he nodded slightly.

"By the way, haven't you had classes lately?" Henna asked.

"Speaking of this," Anna nodded slightly. "I haven't been able to go since yesterday; the children are all with their parents."

【"I see."】

[As if understanding something, Black Natsu devoured the food on the table in a flash.]

He then rose to bid farewell to Anna, preparing to leave and return to the place he remembered.

Before leaving, Henatsu pulled a beautiful necklace from his pocket.

"This is a necklace I bought in the human world. I think it would look great on Teacher Anna. Well then, I'll be going now."

Looking at the necklace in her hand, Anna's face lit up with a smile: "That rascal!"

"By the way, we're having a party tomorrow, everyone'll be there, so don't be late!"

"Ah! I know."

[Henazu waved behind him, then his figure gradually disappeared into the jungle.]

On the other side, in a vacant lot that had been artificially cleared.

Igneru was lying there, one eye opening occasionally to look ahead, then slowly closing again once it found no movement.

Not long after, she couldn't help but open her eyes again.

[Closed again...]

They circled back and forth like this until a familiar scent wafted from the jungle ahead.

Igneru quickly closed his eyes, and a snoring sound followed.

[As if completely unaware of the person who had already walked up to them.]

"Really, Dad, I brought you a present."

A faint sound reached Igneru's ears.

Igneel then pretended to have just woken up and slowly opened his eyes.

"Hmph! Who do we have here? Isn't this my son who's been missing for so long?"

Igneel slowly got up, raised his hands, and casually stretched.

He crossed his arms as if completely unconcerned, glancing away at something else.

"So you finally decided to come back?"

Hyunaz rubbed his forehead with a wry smile.

"I've brought you a gift, a priceless gem that I bought at a huge cost. Even the dragons outside love it."

Igneel opened one eye, glanced sideways at the huge gem that Black Natsu had pulled from his pocket below, and raised an eyebrow.

"Looks like you've really made it big in the human world!"