With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 23

After what had happened with the formula, Gildarts had no choice but to discontinue it. It was too dangerous—too unpredictable. He couldn't risk turning himself, or anyone else, into a monster. Mard Geer, predictably, was furious.

"So that's it?" Mard snapped. "You're just walking away?"

"The formula is unstable and extremely dangerous, Mr. Geer," Gildarts replied calmly. "I don't think I'll ever be able to perfect it."

Mard's tone turned cold. "Very well. If that's your decision, I'll take my business elsewhere—and don't expect me to cover your medical bills anymore."

Gildarts gave a faint smile. "I'm sorry to hear that, sir. But you know what? I've found another way to support my daughter. An old friend—Dr. Kingston—is loaning me what I need. He has something you lack, Mr. Geer: compassion."

With that, Gildarts turned and left the office without looking back.

Mard Geer didn't show it, but he was rattled. The formula Gildarts had been working on was meant to boost profits and secure his position in a market that was becoming increasingly competitive. Rival scientists like Professor Edgar Stein and Dr. Acnologia Kingston were already threatening his dominance. He had taken care of Kingston once—by bribing a spy to sabotage his latest project—but now Kingston was back, and working on something even more effective.

Mard clenched his fists. He knew there was only one thing that could help him stay ahead now.

And he was willing to do whatever it took to get it.

It was a chemical Mard Geer had developed himself—designed to enhance both body and mind. But even he had hesitated to test it. His team of scientists warned him repeatedly: the formula was highly unstable, unpredictable.

Still, he refused to let fear stand in the way.

"Sir, we really don't think this is a good idea," one of the scientists said cautiously.

"Now is not the time to be squeamish," Mard snapped. "I will not let all my work be undone by that sanctimonious fool, Acnologia. Find me a test subject."

"We can't do that, sir," the lead scientist replied firmly.

"What do you mean you can't? It's easy—find some desperate soul off the street, offer them fifty bucks. We've done it before."

"Not with a compound this volatile," the lead replied. "If someone dies—or worse—you could be arrested. Sued. This crosses the line."

Mard's voice darkened. "Sacrifices have to be made sometimes."

"Not by us. If you go through with this, we're done."

"You can't quit! I won't allow it!"

"We have every right to leave," the scientist said, and others murmured in agreement.

Despite Mard's rage, many of his team walked out that day. Not all—but enough to shake the foundation of his operation.

Furious and undeterred, Mard made a choice.

"If they won't do it... I will."

He stormed into his private lab, hands trembling with anger.

"Ungrateful traitors," he growled. "I'll deal with them later. For now... if you want something done right, do it yourself."

He prepared the chemical, loading it into a machine designed to vaporize and release it in a sealed chamber. Once inhaled, it would take effect immediately.

He stepped inside. A thick, purple mist filled the chamber. Mard inhaled deeply. The effects were instant—his body surged with energy, strength, clarity. But something else came with it. His muscles twisted, bones stretched unnaturally, and his mind fractured under the weight of it all.

He smiled through the pain. This transformation would give him everything: the power to destroy his competition, punish those who defied him, and seize the city for himself.

...

"So, Gray—are you going to the fair tomorrow?" Natsu asked as they walked home from class.

"I kind of have to. Gajeel wants me to take photos of the fair to use for a story. He's convinced someone's going to try pickpocketing again."

"You going as backup or bait?" Natsu grinned.

Gray rolled his eyes. "Bit of both. What about you?"

"Yeah, I'm going. Been way too busy with all the crime-fighting lately—I need a break."

"I hear you."

"Hey, I heard Professor Stein is going to be there."

"The chemist from uptown Magnolia?"

"Yeah, him. I'm hoping he'll take a look at my paper on paranormal chemistry."

"You think he'll go for it?"

"Maybe. Doesn't hurt to ask, right?"

"Right."

"Oh, and speaking of gossip—heard Lucy might be dumping Loke."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Not confirmed—just rumor. But if she does, I'm finally asking her out."

Gray raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean you're asking her out? What about me?"

"Dude, I liked her first."

"Yeah, but I can actually talk to her without barfing."

"Aren't you dating Juvia?"

"We're not dating. We're just... hanging out. Makes my aunt happy."

"Do you like her?"

"She's nice, but... I don't know. I don't think she's the one."

"I can name three people who'd argue otherwise."

"Who?"

"Mrs. Redfox, Erza... and me."

"Wait—how does Erza know about her?"

"I might've mentioned her. Once or twice."

Gray groaned. "You and Erza think we'd make an adorable couple, don't you?"

"Well... yeah. But I've got my motives too. Let's be honest—if Juvia's out of the picture, that gives me a better shot at Lucy."

Gray gave him a deadpan look. "Figures."

"Hey, here's an idea," Natsu said, perking up. "Lucy's supposed to be at the fair tomorrow, right? So we hang out, chill, and at the end of the day, we ask her—if she had to pick one of us, who would it be?"

"And if she picks neither?"

"Then we cut our losses and move on. Simple."

"Honestly? Probably how it's going to end anyway. That rumor about her dumping Loke is probably a load of crap."

"Only one way to find out."