Laxus's astonishment was written all over his face, as Marco kept pulling off one incredible feat after another, making it impossible for him to remain indifferent.

"Can't help it. That's just how talent works."

Marco shrugged with a helpless expression that made Laxus want to punch him.

Yet, Laxus had to admit that Marco's innate gifts were becoming increasingly evident.

A golden carp was never meant to stay in a pond—once it encountered wind and clouds, it would transform into a dragon.

Some people's talents were undeniable, and no amount of hardship could bury them—it was merely a test.

"So, what kind of ability did you gain this time?" Makarov asked, his face filled with pride.

He was clearly overjoyed at Marco's growth.

Laxus also watched Marco with curiosity.

Though shocked and feeling a strong sense of crisis, he was still happy for Marco's progress.

"This time... it's complicated. It's like an ability hidden in my bloodline? Or maybe a new way of applying magic power?"

Marco carefully chose his words, as he hadn't fully grasped the essence of this upgrade yet—it had been a complete surprise.

The still-distant "Dragon Transformation" aside, Marco had also sensed another power awakening within him.

As he channeled his magic, he could clearly feel it slowly transforming into a new kind of energy.

It was a force called "Ki," a manifestation of "Nature energy."

In a way, it shared nearly the same essence as magic power, which was why Marco could convert his magic into this new energy.

As more of his magic turned into "Ki" Marco sensed a change on his back—a vivid Azure Dragon Tattoo emerged, its fierce and lifelike appearance almost breathing under the influence of Ki.

The tattoo suddenly glowed, and an Azure Dragon Phantom materialized behind him.

Watching the phantom emerge, both Makarov and Laxus gaped in shock.

Erza, Mirajane, and the others, who had just arrived, also witnessed the spectacle.

"What... what is that?"

The children were deeply shaken—the majestic Azure Dragon Phantom was awe-inspiring.

"It... it feels really dangerous!"

Natsu shuddered and beside him, Gajeel and Wendy, fellow Dragon Slayer Mages, were also intimidated.

It was as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

'Forming Ki in the shape of a divine beast... Is it because Ki and magic share a fundamental similarity?' Marco mused inwardly.

'Unfortunately, the Ki I've condensed is still too little. Right now, I can't even produce Ki and can only generate Ki by converting magic. Is it because my comprehension of this ability isn't deep enough?' Marco speculated.

Perhaps he shouldn't have been able to condense "Ki" at this stage, but magic coincidentally aligned with its essence, allowing him to generate it through conversion.

The "Ki" condensed from magical power continuously circulated and grew within Marco's body.

If not used, it could be accumulated indefinitely, serving as both a hidden trump card and reserve energy source.

In any case, the emergence of "Ki" gave Marco more aces up his sleeve.

At the very least, in situations or environments where magic power and spells failed, he could still use "Ki" to enhance his body for combat—his meticulously tempered physique was no mere decoration.

Dispersing the Azure Dragon Phantom, Marco turned his gaze toward the stunned crowd.

"It's essentially a magic that enhances physical abilities. It can also absorb the power of this divine dragon, much like Take Over Magic," Marco explained in terms everyone could understand.

Dragon scales manifested on his arm, making it indeed resemble "Take Over Magic"—specifically, the half-baked version Elfman used, where only one arm could be temporarily transformed.

"I see!"

As expected, Marco's explanation made perfect sense to everyone.

"You—" Mirajane's eyes widened.

Her Take Over Magic had awakened naturally, so of course she could tell Marco's so-called "Take Over Magic" was anything but.

That wasn't Take Over Magic at all!

Marco clearly didn't know Take Over Magic either.

Back when he had secretly taught Lisanna and Elfman the theoretical foundations to help resolve Mirajane's emotional struggles, he had only ever discussed pure theory.

"I never said this was Take Over Magic. This is just another application of my Celestial Spirit Magic, similar to how I use it for my Requip," Marco said with a laugh.

Mirajane's reaction mirrored Erza's from before.

Erza, too, had refused to believe Marco's Saint Cloth-changing ability was "Requip Magic," as they were fundamentally different in nature.

"Your Celestial Spirit Magic... is ridiculously versatile," Mirajane muttered.

It could requip, perform Take Overs, wield ice more powerfully than Ice-Make Magic, and even had all sorts of other bizarre abilities.

"Can't be helped. With so many constellations, it's only natural they grant me all kinds of powers. And right now, I've only awakened a small fraction of them."

The moment Marco said this, everyone nearly lost their composure.

The strength Marco had already displayed was just a fraction of his magic's potential?

Once his magic fully awakened, wouldn't he be practically invincible?!

Even Makarov struggled to keep a straight face.

He didn't doubt Marco's words—he was just worried the other kids might be discouraged.

This brat was simply too monstrous!

"I'll definitely become stronger than you!"

But Makarov's concerns proved unnecessary, at least for Natsu, Gajeel, and the others.

Far from being disheartened, they were only further fired up.

Young and fearless, they brimmed with unshakable confidence.

"The future belongs to you."

Marco chuckled and shook his head, delivering that classic line.

As for when that future would arrive—well, that was entirely up to him.

After this brief interlude, the group rested briefly before setting off again, hurrying back to Magnolia Town.

Marco had a lot of luggage—mostly preserved magic beast materials—but fortunately, the crows helped transport everything. It didn't slow them down or hinder their progress.

Soon, everyone took the train back to Magnolia.

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A bit of change, it was supposed to be Qi from cultivation shit but i change it to Ki from dragon ball.

Ki (気 "Ki", lit. "Air, Breath"), also known as Youki (妖気 Yōki, lit. "Bewitching energy")[1] or simply energy (エネルギー enerugī), is the energy used by Dragon Ball characters.

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