Magnolia, Fairy Tail.
Even through the heavy doors, Hope could still faintly hear the ruckus coming from the guild—every single day. These people really have endless energy.
But the one beside him had even more.
Natsu kicked the door open and shouted excitedly, "We're back!"
The already-bustling hall cranked the atmosphere up another notch the moment everyone saw the comrades who'd gone to crush Oración Seis return safe and sound.
Mirajane was always the first to greet them. Today she wore a black-and-white gown, her face as gently smiling as ever.
"Welcome home, everyone."
That warm smile felt like family.
The rest of the crowd pressed in, chattering welcomes and questions until the guild sounded like a farmer's market. Only when Erza cleared her throat and unleashed her queenly aura did the doorway finally clear.
After more clamor, Natsu settled his restless friends and spun the tale of their fight against Oración Seis—embellishing his own battles, of course.
But everyone's attention locked on Mystogan. So he's Jellal from another world—no wonder he always hides his face… When Wendy and Carla were introduced, excitement spiked again, cutting Natsu's story short.
"What a cute little sister!"
"How old are you?"
"A white Happy—amazing!"
"…"
Their warmth delighted Wendy. Though this was her first day in the guild, she already felt she belonged.
Mirajane knelt to the girl's eye-level and smiled. "Wendy, what magic do you use?"
"I use healing magic—'Sky'."
Wendy added shyly, "I'm also the Sky Dragon Slayer Mage."
Carla crossed her arms, looking proud. "Wendy can also use Attachment Spell. Don't let her age fool you—she's a terrific Mage."
The hall fell silent.
Wendy lowered her head, thinking they doubted her—then cheers exploded.
"A Dragon Slayer like Natsu!"
"Incredible!"
"Dragon Slayer Magic isn't rare here, though—counting Wendy we've got six Dragon Slayer Mages."
"Healing magic's the real rarity."
"I still say Attachment Spell has the most potential…"
"…"
While everyone chattered, a tipsy Cana looked Carla up and down. "So you're the Mother Happy. You must know Wing Magic too, right?"
"What did you say?!"
Compared to that flighty Blue Cat? Carla's fur bristled, but Cana pinned her with one hand. The usually dignified cat flailing about looked oddly adorable.
Wendy giggled at the scene, unaware of someone in a corner shadow watching her and her cat.
"Cat…"
"Cat…"
Gajeel's eyes flicked between Natsu-Happy and Wendy-Carla, sweat pouring down his face as if under crushing pressure.
A Dragon Slayer without his own cat—unthinkable!
A Dragon Slayer Mage without a flying cat was incomplete—no, impossible.
But Hope and Erza don't have—his thoughts halted; Hope knows Wing Magic, so he's basically Erza's "cat"!
Damn it, why don't I have a cat?!
…While the guild began a feast to welcome Wendy and Carla…
Up on the third floor, Hope, Erza, and Mystogan had laid out everything about Rogue Cheney, Blue Moon, and Nirvana to Makarov.
Makarov sighed in admiration; he respected Gajeel.
The old man had once wondered how an obscure guild qualified for the allied force against Oración Seis—turns out they were the real heavyweights.
As for Mystogan's identity, the New Council worked fast; Makarov had already received confirmation that Mystogan was from the parallel world "Edolas".
From today on Mystogan could walk in daylight without hiding.
Porlyusica being from Edolas too left the old man stunned.
"Hold your surprise, Master—there's more."
Hope smiled and released his magic power.
Feeling the several-fold increase, Makarov beamed. "You've opened your second magic source?!"
Erza nodded. "Not just Hope—on the ride back he helped Natsu, Gray, and Lucy unlock theirs too."
She quickly recounted the events at Mildian Magic Academy.
After hearing her out, the old man fell silent, then exhaled lengthily and gave Hope a complicated look. "You brat… always giving my heart a workout. Still, coming home stronger is what matters."
Hope rubbed the back of his head and grinned. "Don't worry, Master—we held back. Headmaster Hyberion also wanted to use us to shake up his own students; everybody won."
"Fair enough."
Makarov nodded, then smirked. "Speaking of which, Hyberion's payment arrived the day after you left for Mildian."
"A hundred million J—centuries-old academy, generous indeed."
He looked at Hope. "How about you and Erza each take twenty million?"
"The rest stays as guild funds. The Harvest Festival's in ten-odd days; after that I'll expand the grounds."
Hope and Erza had no objections.
Fairy Tail owns a huge plot yet only has a three-story building; with more members, development is overdue.
Besides, the Mildian trip gave Hope gains money can't measure—unlocking his second magic source and cataloging a pile of great spells.
He'd have paid out of pocket if asked.
"Speaking of the Harvest Festival…"
Hope asked curiously, "What exactly is it?"
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