Dong—Dong—Dong—
In the summer of X776, a heavy and urgent bell suddenly rang out across the skies of Magnolia.
The bustling townspeople froze the moment they heard the rhythmic tolling. Then, just as quickly, the streets erupted into murmurs and anxious chatter.
Inside the Fairy Tail guild, the once lively atmosphere came to an abrupt halt—as if someone had pressed pause. Every member stood frozen mid-action.
At one table, Erza, Kagura, Cana, Ultear, Ur, Arlen, Gray, and Lyon sat together.
"A bell? That's strange… is today some kind of important holiday?" Erza asked, casually eating strawberry cake.
"What's going on? Why did everyone suddenly go quiet?" Kagura looked around in confusion.
"…He's back?"
"Yeah."
Wakaba and Macao walked over, drinks in hand, both smiling knowingly.
"Huh? Who are you guys talking about?" Gray asked, tilting his head—still wearing only his underwear.
"Gray, your clothes."
BAM!
Ur punched him on the head.
"Ah! Sorry!" Gray scrambled to put his clothes back on.
"It's Gildarts," a voice said casually.
Laxus had appeared at some point, standing nearby with his coat draped over his shoulders.
"Gildarts…" Arlen tapped the table lightly, recalling what he knew.
Gildarts Clive—Fairy Tail's strongest mage aside from Makarov. A user of the ultimate-tier magic: Crash Magic. Some even said his strength rivaled Makarov himself.
"Whoa, Gildarts is back?!"
"That guy always disappears for years on missions…"
"Does that mean he completed a Ten-Year Quest this time?!"
The guild instantly exploded into cheers, as if the pause button had been lifted.
"Cana, what's wrong?" Ultear asked, noticing her trembling slightly.
"I—I'm fine," Cana forced a smile, though it looked strained.
Arlen narrowed his eyes slightly. Cana's reaction… combined with what he knew about her father being a guild member—
A possibility formed in his mind.
"But even if he's been gone a long time, isn't this a bit too much excitement?" Lyon crossed his arms.
"That's because Gildarts took on a Ten-Year Quest," Macao explained.
"A Ten-Year Quest? What's that?" Erza asked, tilting her head.
Macao straightened up, clearly enjoying the attention.
"There are five types of guild quests. The first is the standard jobs on the request board—anything below S-Class."
"The second is S-Class quests—extremely dangerous missions where one mistake can cost your life."
"The third is SS-Class—beyond even S-Class."
He paused dramatically.
"And above that… are Ten-Year Quests. Missions so difficult that no one has completed them in ten years. That's what Gildarts just tackled."
His eyes shone with admiration—and a hint of regret.
"That's only four types. What's the fifth?" Erza asked.
"Hundred-Year Quests," Laxus said calmly, arms crossed and eyes closed. "Missions no one has ever completed."
"So cool! I'm gonna take a Ten-Year Quest someday!" Gray and Lyon shouted in unison.
BAM! BAM!
Ur punched both of them.
"Put your clothes on before you talk about that!"
"S-Sorry!" x2
"They never learn…" Ultear sighed.
At that moment, several floating magic loudspeakers with small white wings appeared in the sky.
"Attention, citizens of Magnolia! Magnolia will now switch to Gildarts Mode. All residents, please move to designated safe zones immediately."
"Gildarts Mode?" Kagura asked.
"You'll see," Wakaba grinned. "Go take a look—it's impressive."
Curious, Arlen stood and walked toward the balcony. The others followed—Ultear, Erza, Kagura, Gray, Lyon, and Ur.
Only Cana remained behind, sitting quietly with her head lowered.
Then—
Rumble…
The ground shook violently.
Before their eyes, the entire city of Magnolia began to shift—buildings sliding apart, streets rearranging, sections rising and moving.
Within moments, a wide, straight path—nearly five meters across—formed from the city entrance all the way to the Fairy Tail guild.
"…Incredible," Ultear whispered, covering her mouth.
"What kind of monster needs THIS kind of welcome?" Gray's jaw dropped.
"Hah! Now that's someone special," Ur laughed.
"So this is Gildarts…" Arlen rested a hand on Arayashiki at his waist, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "If nothing goes wrong… he'll be one of the S-Class examiners."
With his strength, Arlen could have taken the S-Class exam last year—but his short time in the guild delayed it.
Now, with Gildarts back…
Things were about to get interesting.
"Yo! Long time no see, everyone! Still the same old Fairy Tail!"
A tall, muscular man with orange slicked-back hair and light stubble walked in, laughing loudly.
He wore a worn dark green cloak with shoulder armor, a sleeveless shirt, wide belt, dark pants, and boots. His presence alone filled the room.
"Oh? Some new faces too, huh?" Gildarts scratched his head, grinning.
"Gildarts—you finally decided to come back," Makarov called out from the bar.
"Yo, Master! Been a while!" Gildarts walked over casually.
"Good to see you again," Rob greeted.
"Hey, old man Rob! You're back from traveling? Glad to see you're still kicking!" Gildarts laughed, surprised but happy.
"Thanks to Arlen, actually," Rob said with a smile.
"Huh? What do you mean? And who's Arlen?" Gildarts blinked, completely confused.
"We'll explain later," Makarov waved it off. "Did you complete the mission?"
"Yeah," Gildarts grinned, flashing bright white teeth. "Mission accomplished. Time to relax for a while."
"Well done. You've earned it," Makarov nodded, clearly pleased.
"Get some rest. The S-Class exam is in a week—you and Ur will be the examiners."
"Got it," Gildarts nodded.
"Come on," Makarov said, hopping down from the bar. "Let's talk in the library. I'll explain Rob's situation—and later, you can meet the new members properly at tonight's banquet."
With that, Makarov led Gildarts and Rob downstairs—while the rest of the guild buzzed with excitement for what was to come.
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