With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 14

As for Natsu, he was hard at work in the university lab alongside Professor Gildarts Clive. The two were huddled over a small workstation, surrounded by vials, microscopes, and equipment humming quietly under sterile lights.

They were working on an ambitious project—a genetic-altering formula designed to grant humans the ability to regenerate lost limbs, inspired by reptiles like lizards and salamanders. Gildarts had begun developing the formula years ago after losing his arm in a tragic accident. But after the death of his wife, Cornelia, his passion waned... until his daughter Cana was diagnosed with a rare illness.

Desperate to afford her mounting medical bills, Gildarts had thrown himself back into his work.

"What do you think, Professor?" Natsu asked, peering at the glowing blue serum swirling in the test tube. "You really think this will work?"

Gildarts gave a small smile and gestured toward a glass enclosure. "Take a look at this little guy."

Inside was a white lab rat, energetically twitching its whiskers and walking in circles. Natsu's eyes widened. The rodent had a fully intact leg—one he remembered was missing just a few days ago.

"No way... did you sew his leg back on?" Natsu asked, astonished.

Gildarts chuckled. "Nope. That's a brand-new leg. I injected him with the formula, and in seventy-two hours, it grew back on its own."

"That's... incredible," Natsu whispered, amazed. "You really are a genius, Professor Clive."

"I'm not a genius," Gildarts said, his voice heavy. "I'm just a man trying to save his daughter."

Natsu's expression softened. "So... are you gonna try it on yourself now?"

"Not yet," Gildarts replied, turning back to his notes. "Still too many unknowns. I need to test for long-term side effects. Mutations. Cellular breakdown. If I can perfect this... not only could I regrow my arm, but I could finally afford the treatment Cana needs to survive."

Just then, a cold voice echoed from the doorway.

"And how long do you expect that to take?"

Both men turned. Standing in the entrance was a tall, sharply dressed man in a charcoal-gray suit. His slicked-back hair and steely eyes gave him a polished, businesslike appearance—but there was something unsettling about him. Something off.

"Mr. Geer, what a surprise," Gildarts said, masking his unease. "I wasn't expecting you here tonight."

Mard Geer gave a thin smile. "I just wanted to check on the progress of your experiment, Professor." His sharp gaze shifted to Natsu. "And who's this young man?"

"This is Natsu Dragneel, one of my students," Gildarts introduced. "Natsu, this is Mard Geer."

Natsu stepped forward confidently and extended his hand. "Great honor to meet you, sir."

Mard shook his hand with practiced politeness. "Likewise. Professor Clive has told me you're quite the science wiz. You know, I'm something of a scientist myself."

"I've read about your work," Natsu replied, impressed. "You're brilliant, sir."

Mard's smile sharpened. "Glad to know you're impressed. If you don't mind, young man, I'd like a word with Professor Clive—alone."

"Of course," Natsu said. "Professor, should I come back later?"

"No, Natsu. You're done for today. Go on home," Gildarts said, waving him off.

"Alright. See you tomorrow," Natsu said, removing his lab coat, goggles, and gloves before leaving.

Once the door closed, Mard's tone grew colder. "I expected that formula to be finished by now."

"I'm close," Gildarts replied evenly. "Just a few more tests to ensure it's safe."

"Professor, you're trying my patience."

"Mr. Geer, these things take time. I can't rush a formula that hasn't been tested on humans yet."

"You're human, aren't you? Test it on yourself."

"I'm not reckless. I have to make sure it's safe first. That takes time—you understand, right?"

Mard leaned in, voice low and threatening. "I understand, Professor. But more time means I'll have to make cutbacks—including those medical bills I'm helping you pay for."

"No! You can't do that! Cana needs intensive care. Without your support, she won't survive."

"Then you'd better hurry. If I don't have that formula by next week, I'm done with you."

Mard slammed the door behind him, leaving Gildarts alone with a heavy weight on his shoulders. Poor Gildarts didn't know what to do. He couldn't afford Cana's life-saving treatments on his own, yet he desperately needed Mard Geer's money. But how could he possibly have the formula ready by next week? He wasn't even sure if it was possible. Still, he had no choice — for his daughter's sake, he had to get it done. With renewed determination, he grabbed a syringe and prepared to run another test.

Meanwhile, outside, Natsu met up with Gray.

"Hey buddy, I was just on my way to find you," Gray said. "How's it going with Professor Clive?"

"Pretty good. He's almost done with that formula of his."

"That's awesome. You really think he can find a way for people to regrow lost limbs?"

"If anyone can, it's him. So, what's new with you?"

"Aunt Ur's at it again with her matchmaking. Remember that girl she wants me to meet? She's coming over tomorrow."

"Ooo... tough break. But maybe it won't be so bad."

"Doubt it. Guess what I found out? She's the little sister of my psycho boss, Gajeel."

"You mean the guy always trying to make Red Dragon and Blue Tiger look bad? You're going out with his sister?"

"Against my will, but yeah."

"Man, I feel sorry for you."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Hey, Natsu! Gray! Over here!" They heard a voice call out. It was Lucy, walking toward them.

"Lucy, what brings you here?" Natsu asked.

"I'm looking for Professor Clive," she said. "I borrowed one of his textbooks last week for a paper but forgot to return it. Do you guys know where he is?"

"I can walk you to his office," Gray offered, eager.

"Newsflash: he's not in his office. He's in his lab," Natsu corrected.

"Well, since you know where he is, Natsu, why don't you walk me there?"

"I'd love to. Gray, don't wait up."

With a victorious grin, Natsu escorted Lucy inside, leaving Gray behind, feeling defeated. He rolled his eyes and was about to head home when his hearing caught an unusual sound. Worried, he decided to stay nearby, just in case.