Karna sat stiffly, his body tense under the sharp gaze of Porlyosika.
"So, you understand what you're supposed to do, right?" she asked, her voice firm and unwavering.
"Yes," Karna replied quickly.
Porlyosika narrowed her eyes. "Do you want me to repeat it after I beat that attitude out of you?"
Her menacing tone sent a chill down his spine.
"No! No need for that," he stammered, shaking his head as hard as he could, desperate to avoid becoming the next victim of her wrath.
His gaze drifted toward the window, where outside, the branches of a tree swayed slightly. Suspended from one of them was one of the strongest Guild Master, hanging limply, an eerie mist escaping from his mouth. Karna had a strong suspicion that the mist was the man's very soul, desperately trying to flee his body to escape the pain.
The only reason Karna wasn't up there with him was his heavily injured right arm. The last move he had used had taken a severe toll on his flesh, nerves, and even his magic circuits. Now, he was confined to a bed, his arm wrapped in a cast, unable to move much.
"For five days, you are not allowed to leave this house," Porlyosika stated. "And you should stay in bed as much as possible." She crossed her arms, adding, "That should be more than enough time for your wounds to heal."
Karna sighed. "Okay."
Porlyosika gave him a pointed look. "And just so you know—I can heal your scar."
His eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes," she confirmed. "But I'm going to leave it there as a reminder not to be reckless in the future. Understood?"
"Yes, Granny," Karna muttered, resigned.
Porlyosika turned to Cana, who had been standing silently by the bedside. "Cana."
"Yes, Granny?"
"Make sure this idiot stays in bed, all right?"
"Don't worry, Granny. I'll make sure of it," Cana replied confidently.
Porlyosika gave Karna one last sharp glare before exiting the room. The moment she was gone, Cana turned back to him, an ominous aura surrounding her.
Before he could react, she swung her fist.
Bonk!
"Ow!" Karna yelped, rubbing his head. "Why is everyone so hell-bent on punching me?"
"Because you're an idiot," Cana retorted. "And we're hoping this will fix you."
He sighed. "Sorry I worried you guys."
"Hmph. Just don't do it again, all right?" she huffed, pouting slightly.
"I'll try my best, I guess," Karna replied, knowing full well the chances of keeping that promise were slim.
She let out an exasperated sigh. "At least try not to get hurt, idiot."
Turning away, Cana busied herself with preparing medicine for him.
A brief silence filled the room before she spoke again.
"Hey, Karna."
"Yeah?"
There was hesitation in her voice. He frowned slightly. Had he done something wrong again? Even with his mind palace, he tended to cause problems without realizing it.
"You see..." Cana trailed off.
Karna raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
"Well..."
"...I'm waiting," he said, curiosity growing.
"Ah, damn it—do you like girls who have muscles?" she suddenly blurted out.
The words hung in the air, and then, as if realizing what she had just said, Cana's face turned a deep shade of red, blushing from her neck to her ears.
Karna blinked. Out of all the things he had expected, this was nowhere on the list. His exhaustion clouded his judgment, and before he could think, he answered honestly.
"Well… I don't mind them as long as it's not too much. A little muscle actually looks good."
Wait. Why the hell am I saying this so bluntly?!
He turned to look at Cana and found her deep in thought. Ah, so that's it. She must have some reservations about her appearance because of her new training with Gildarts. Someone probably filled her head with stupid ideas.
Karna knew he had feelings for Cana. And he was fairly certain she had feelings for him too. But neither of them had acted on it, both too afraid of what it might mean.
Cana had her own fears about relationships. Karna, on the other hand, had to worry about the end of the world that was fast approaching. But if he spent all his time worrying and never actually living, what was the point?
He took a deep breath, summoning all the courage he could muster.
"Hey, Cana."
"Yeah?" she responded, snapping her head toward him.
His face burned, but he pushed forward. If he didn't do this now, he might regret it forever.
"I—I wouldn't mind if it's you, you know," he stuttered. Damn it, why am I stuttering?!
Cana looked confused at first. Then her eyes widened in realization, and her face turned even redder.
"You're not messing with me, right?" she asked timidly.
Karna met her gaze head-on. "No. I'm serious."
For a moment, she stared at him, then suddenly grinned. She stepped closer, leaned in, and kissed his cheek.
"That's all for now," she said with a smirk. "See you later, okay?"
Then she spun on her heel and bolted from the room.
Karna blinked in shock. Did… did I just do it?
Lying back against the pillow, he sighed and opened his system interface to check his rewards.
[Major quest completed successfully.]
Reward 1: Hoverboard – stored in inventory.
Yes! Finally! He had been waiting for that hoverboard. Maybe he could figure out a way to replicate it and sell it later.
Reward 2: Method to save Layla Heartfilia commencing in 10 days, 12 hours, 27 seconds. Additional steps to save her will be shared after the time limit.
Another major problem solved.
Now for the mystery prize. The system had hinted at its significance in the upcoming war. Hopefully, it wouldn't be anything too troublesome.
Reward 3: ???
[???]
[Revealing major needed item in saving the world…]
[??? – Drakon Slayer Fragment – has the ability to grant the person that assimilates with it Drakon Slayer properties, enhancing magic, objects, and people. The enchantment's duration depends on the caster's skill, and its power is determined by the object or magic used.]
Karna's eyes widened in shock.
Dragons, gods, and demons already existed in this world…
What the hell are Drakons?!
A/N- hope you like the rewrite and every 100 powerstone gets extra chapter of Jason.