Fairy Tail: I Can Hear Everything With My Unique Skill

48: The Favor

" Damn that shameless old man," Akira cursed as he walked through crowded streets. On his head, there was a noticeable bump. He still couldn't believe that Makarov actually punched him so hard because of jealousy. Fortunately, he left out the part about the Heartfilia family and how he technically acquired a Celestial Spirit.

If those guys learned that, he is pretty sure others would also join in on the fun and beat him out of jealousy.

Speaking of the Heartfilia family, now that he thinks about it, isn't he technically indebted to them? Although Layla didn't mind giving him the Celestial Spirit Key since she had already gotten Ophiuchus's word for cooperation, Akira knew it wasn't that simple.

Logically, even if Ophiuchus expressed her opinion on how much she wanted to form a contract with him, Layla didn't need to care, as legally the Celestial Spirit Key belonged to her, as she had paid for it.

And if Akira wanted to take the Celestial Spirit Key, he should either buy it from Layla or wait until Layla finished her one-time use. Then all Akira would have to do is go search for it.

So technically Layla's willingness to give the Celestial Spirit Key to him can be considered as a big favor, Akira. Well, at least that is how Akira thinks of it.

And Akira didn't like to owe favors to others. So he began to think of a way to repay Layla for this.

As Akira was thinking about this, he looked at the sky in deep in thought. He could take an oath to protect the Heartfilia family if they were to ever face any problem, and considering how Lucy would join Fairy Tail in the future, this isn't a bad option. But considering Jude's character, Akira was very hesitant about it.

Unlike Layla, Jude is a pure businessman and has a weak mentality. This was proven when Layla died; he began to change drastically and become a cold and indifferent person who didn't even take her daughter's feelings into consideration.

'Wait, can't I just prevent Layala from dying like in the original timeline? ' Akira suddenly paused as he thought about it. He felt like an idiot for thinking so deeply.

Although Layla now has Ophiuchus's full cooperation, there is still a bit of risk in the whole mission. Even though Ophiuchus is strong and is the guardian of the Astral Plane, she can't replace any of the zodiac keys' authority without paying a steep price.

For example, the price needed to replace a zodiac key may be 10 times the magic power or even 10 times the celestial mana. Akira couldn't be sure, as he had no knowledge about the Eclipse Gate or how it functions. So until he fully understands why the Eclipse Gate needs specifically all 12 Zodiac Keys to operate, Akira couldn't guarantee Layla's safety 100%.

'Well, although it is hard, I think I may be able to help Layla,' Akira thought. If what he remembered was right, Layla would only miss Aquarius's key due to her contractor living in the Western Continent. So if Akira managed to escort that person in time, wouldn't things be fine?

And what's better, he may also be able to stop the animosity that would happen between Brandish and Lucy in the future.

"Wow, my geniuses sometimes even frighten me, " Akira said smugly before he was hit on the head by someone.

"Yeah, keep saying that your huge ego would grow even bigger," Laxus, who arrived at his side at some time, said sarcastically.

Akira glared at Laxus with annoyance. He couldn't wait to beat this bastard. Did he really have to hit the exact place his stupid grandpa hit him?

Feeling Akira's resentment, Laxus only smirked victoriously. Obviously, the proud Laxus has changed to a person who is very much like his grandfather. A petty bastard who wouldn't mind screwing his friends for fun.