Chapter 27: Invitation and Rejection
Erza seemed to have something important to do and left the tavern without another word.
The moment she was gone, Natsu sprang back to life, full of energy. "Alright, Roddy! Let's fight!"
"It's Rhodes," Rhodes corrected, sighing. He quickly added, "You saw what happened just now. I'm weak. Erza took me out with a single punch."
Happy, the blue Exceed, eagerly chimed in. "That's fine! Natsu challenged Erza before, and she knocked him out with one punch too!"
"You talk too much, Happy!" Natsu growled, puffing up his chest. "I'm not the same as before! Now I can definitely—"
Happy covered his mouth and muttered under his breath, "He can definitely last a few more punches this time."
"What was that!?" Natsu turned red with anger, looking ready to fight Happy first.
Happy quickly darted behind Mira, peeking out with a smug grin.
Mira simply smiled, drying a freshly washed glass, unfazed by their antics.
"Anyway, fight me! Your crab looks pretty strong!"
Rhodes hesitated for a moment before replying, "Tomorrow. I need to rest."