Chapter 302: Don’t Move Your Hands
"Because I have a summoned beast that helps heal my injuries, an amazing pharmacist to keep me in check, and Mira to take care of me," Rhodes said matter-of-factly, "I'm still alive and kicking."
That said, he remembered how every visit to Grandma Porlyusica during his intense training days had come with a fierce scolding.
"She even told me she'd never treat me again," he added with a nostalgic sigh.
Things had gotten better recently, mostly because he'd shifted some of his time from brutal physical training to deeper magical meditation.
Even so, Lucy still looked unconvinced as she reread the training schedule. "This is just... insane."
"If you ever watch Natsu train, you'd stop thinking that. Sometimes, he works even harder than I do," Rhodes said, sipping from his cup. "Honestly, there's no shortcut to power. Unless, of course, you're up for dark alternatives."
He leaned back and said in a more serious tone, "There used to be a place called the Magic Development Bureau. They ran horrible experiments on kids, modified their bodies to try and force power into them."
Lucy's eyes widened.
"It's been banned now," Rhodes continued. "But if you're in a hurry, I could always sign you up for something like that."
"Absolutely not!" Lucy blurted, appalled.
Rhodes chuckled. "Exactly. That's why the only real way is to train. That's it. I'm not saying you need to do what I do. Our magic types are different. I told you before—my summoning isn't Celestial Spirit Magic, so don't measure yourself by my results. Find your own path."