Chapter 10: Training & Mission
---
January 21, X784 – One Week of Pain, I Mean, Training
It had been a week since Richard completed his first mission, and instead of taking a break, he had spent every single day getting beaten up by his guildmates—or as they called it, training.
Well, mostly beaten up.
Just thinking about made Richard winced as he rolled his shoulders, still sore from yesterday's fight with Elfman. It had been brutal, but not completely one-sided. If wasn't for Lunaris , his second Summon A Moonelle, he wouldn't have survived it for so long.
Lunaris is a Moonelle which is a graceful, quadrupedal celestial creature with a rounded face, large glowing blue eyes, and a soft, cloak-like membrane covering its torso. A crescent-shaped crest sits atop its head, shimmering like moonlight on water. Its long, thick tail is adorned with petal-like decorations, trailing behind it like ripples in a pond. Gentle and wise, Moonelle radiates calm energy, focusing on support and healing rather than direct combat.
Moonelle – The Lunar Tide Spirit
Species: Celestial Sonarise Beast
Type: Support & Water Magic Summon
Abilities
Water Manipulation → Controls and shapes water, using it for both defense and mobility.
Tidal Mend → Channels soothing moon-infused water to heal minor to moderate wounds and restore stamina.
Sonarise Blessing (Passive Buff) → When Moonelle is summoned, Richard's mana regeneration rate increases slightly, allowing him to maintain his summons longer.
"At least I know I can take a punch now," he muttered.
Despite the pain, bruises, and occasional faceplants, he had gotten stronger—physically and magically.
His magic reserves had increased significantly, now reaching nearly 4,000 MP, and his reaction speed, battle instincts, and stamina had improved.
Guess getting beaten up really does make you stronger…
---
Over the past week, Richard had sparred with multiple guild members, gaining a rough understanding of their power levels.
Strongest (Above S-Class)
Erza Scarlet, Mystogan, Laxus Dreyar (Hasn't met them yet but heard a LOT from other members.)
(Conclusion: Absolute monsters—avoid until stronger.)
(A+ Rank)
🔹 Natsu Dragneel (Hit like a damn train, unpredictable, super fast, FIRE EVERYWHERE—total defeat.)
🔹 Gray Fullbuster (Extremely versatile, precise, and fast. Got frozen. Twice.)
🔹 Cana Alberona (Tricky fighter. Thought he had her, then BOOM—explosion card.)
(Conclusion: Can't win. Yet.)
(B+ to B Rank)
🔹 Elfman Strauss (B+) (Lost but managed to survive longer than expected. Strength-type mage—tough to deal with.)
🔹 Macao & Wakaba (B) (Barely won against them, mostly due to strategy.)
🔹 Alzack, Bisca, Laki (B) (Strong but beatable with the right strategy.)
(Conclusion: Fights are winnable but still tough.)
(B- Rank)
🔹 Team Shadow Gear, Reedus (B-) (Fought well but not as aggressive as Natsu or Gray.)
(Conclusion: Okay, maybe I'm not hopeless…)
---
One person Richard wanted to fight but couldn't was Loke.
When Richard challenged him, Loke immediately started avoiding him like he was the plague.
Richard had no idea why—until he heard about it from a unknown person who was totally NOT Mirajane who spilled the details.
Turns out, Loke had a bad breakup with a Celestial Spirit Mage, and ever since then, he avoided Summoners like the curse of bad dating decisions.
Damn. I was looking forward to beating that playboy—I mean, TRAINING with him.
---
At this point, Richard was very familiar with them though still not participate in there daily brawls as not want get flaten by Guild Master and help with the repair.
As laki only repair the wooden parts and all other damages had to repaired by the people that destroy it. (Natsu and Gray were frequent customers.) ir paid by them.
Despite the chaos, constant destruction, and occasional near-death experiences, Richard loved being here.
It felt like home.
With the month nearly over, Richard realized something.
His rent was coming up.
And his wallet was still depressingly light.
Though still think house was worth it .
I need at least 120,000J to stay in the clear… not counting his savings .
Richard sighed, rubbing his temple.
Time to pick a new mission.
As he turned toward the Mission Board, one thought echoed in his mind.
"Why does being a wizard feel like being broke all the time?"
---
Richard stared at the Mission Board, scanning through various jobs. Most were combat-based, requiring monster subjugation or escorting traders, but he wasn't in the mood for them.
His wallet was looking dangerously light, and rent was coming up soon.
With no other options, he sighed and walked toward the bar counter, where Mirajane was busy cleaning mugs.
"Mira, can you help me find a mission?" Richard asked, rubbing his temples. "Something that doesn't take too long but pays well?"
Mirajane gave him a sweet smile. "Well, let's see… How about this one?"
She handed him a gathering quest request.
---
Mission: Gathering Magical Herbs
Objective: Collect Briarthorn and Swiftthistle, two valuable magical herbs used in healing and speed potions.
Location: Hillsbrad Mountain, about 5–6 hours by carriage from Magnolia.
Payment: 4,000 Jewels per stalk
---
Richard nodded as he read through the details. "Not bad. It's just gathering plants, right? Shouldn't be too hard."
Mira giggled. "Well, you'll need to be careful of the monsters that roam the area. They're not super strong, but if you run into too many, things could get tricky."
Richard scratched his chin in thought. Hmm… Finding these herbs could take a long time, especially since I don't know what they look like…
Then, an idea sparked in his mind.
"Wait… Mira, does the guild have any Briarthorn or Swiftthistle here?"
Mira blinked, thinking for a moment before shaking her head. "I don't think so. Why?"
A small smirk formed on Richard's face. "Groff has an amazing sense of smell. If I let him memorize the scent of these herbs, he can track them down easily in the wild."
Mirajane's eyes lit up. "Oh my! That's a wonderful idea, Richard! You'll save a lot of time that way!"
Meera simile and said " Although guild does not have these herbs you have buys then a Alchemy Shop"
Hearing this Richard eyes lit up" Then i will take this mission "
"Sure I will register it for your "
Richard said his thanks and bolted out of the guild.
---
Since the guild didn't have any Briarthorn or Swiftthistle, Richard needed to buy some to let Groff memorize the scent.
So, he made his way to the local alchemy shop in town.
Inside, the shop smelled like a mix of herbs, potions, and old parchment. Bottles filled with glowing liquids lined the shelves, and a sleepy-looking shopkeeper sat behind the counter, flipping through a book.
Richard walked up and said. "I need a stalk each of Briarthorn and Swiftthistle."
The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow and said "9,000 J not bargaining "
Richard winced at the price but said nothing and placed 9,000J on the counter, Shopkeeper then carefully wrapping the herbs in parchment paper before handing them over.
"Here you go, kid. These are fresh."
Richard took them and sighed. "There goes my money again…"
Still, he knew this was a necessary investment. If Groff could memorize their scent, he'd save hours—maybe even days—of searching.
With that, he headed home to rest. Tomorrow, he'd start his next mission.