In Magnolia, on the street leading to the Fairy Tail guild, Lucy looked around, her heart brimming with uncontrollable excitement.
"Lucy, once you finish your registration, I'll take you back to my place. You can stay there from now on," Ultear said.
"My place? Isn't that a bit too much trouble?"
Lucy was clearly surprised by the offer, though even more so she felt flattered—and a little embarrassed. Truthfully, she had already wanted to agree. She had run away from home with limited money, and now she was nearly broke.
"It's fine. There are plenty of people living there. I'll introduce you," Ultear replied with a smile.
"Ah, okay. Thank you, Ultear—really, you've helped me a lot. I was worried I wouldn't be able to find an affordable place to stay."
Lucy clasped her hands together and bowed repeatedly in thanks, her sincerity evident.
"No need to be so formal," Ultear said, a bit amused.
"Oh right—I remember Lord Arlen mentioning that you have a childhood friend named Brandish. Why didn't she come with you this time?" Ultear asked.
"Ah, that… Brandish was taken to the Alvarez Empire," Lucy sighed, rubbing her head.
"What happened? Tell me more."
Ultear's curiosity was piqued, her interest instantly ignited.
"It was an old man named August. He said Brandish had immense magical potential and wanted to teach her magic. Aunt Grammi went with her too, since she didn't want Brandish to go alone."
Lucy spoke casually, not sensing anything unusual.
But Ultear was deeply shaken.
August… she knew exactly who that was—the Magic King August, one of the Empire's Two Pillars, standing alongside Irene Belserion, the Scarlet Despair.
Now she was puzzled. Was there something special about the Kingdom of Fiore? First Irene, then Arlen's hints, and now even August had shown up.
Still, that girl Brandish was incredibly fortunate—to be taken in by someone like the Magic King. Her growth in magic would surely skyrocket.
"Is something wrong? Did I say something strange?" Lucy asked cautiously.
"No, nothing. Brandish is just very lucky to have met such a great teacher," Ultear replied with a smile.
"You know him? Can you tell me more?"
Lucy looked at her eagerly, wanting reassurance that her friend was safe.
"Of course."
Ultear told Lucy everything she knew.
"Welcome… to Fairy Tail."
Ultear led Lucy to the guild. Looking at the building and its signboard, Lucy's heart pounded with excitement.
Bang!
"It sounds so lively inside… are they renovating or something?" Lucy tilted her head, confused by the crashing and shouting noises.
"Haha… you'll understand once you go in," Ultear said awkwardly.
Lucy took a deep breath and pushed open the doors—
—and immediately froze in shock.
The place was utter chaos.
People were fighting everywhere. Tables, chairs, food, beer, cups, plates—everything was smashed across the floor. She even spotted Natsu brawling with a guy wearing nothing but underwear—well, not even that anymore.
"What… what is going on?! Is Fairy Tail under attack?!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Hehe, this is just one of our guild's daily routines. You'll get used to it. Come on, I'll introduce you to Mira and Lisanna," Ultear said with a chuckle.
"Oh, you're back, Ultear! Come have a drink! Oh? A new girl? She's pretty!" Cana, sitting at the bar, waved her glass at them.
"Cana, you should drink a little less. If Erza or Lord Arlen finds out, you'll be in trouble," Ultear warned.
"Oh, relax, I'm not drinking that much."
She then lifted an entire barrel and started chugging.
"THAT'S 'NOT MUCH'?! Is she the reincarnation of a wine god?!" Lucy blurted.
Ultear rubbed her forehead. "That's Cana Alberona. She lives with us."
"You're back, Ultear."
A soft, sweet voice rang out. Turning toward it, Lucy saw a petite girl with short white hair, deep blue eyes, and a bright, gentle smile, holding a tray.
"Ah, Lisanna, I'm back. Let me introduce you—this is Lucy. Help her with the registration. She'll be living with us from now on. By the way, where's Mira?" Ultear asked.
"Mira's in the underground library organizing books. Oh! So you're Lucy—the one Arlen mentioned? You're so cute! I'm Lisanna, nice to meet you. Come with me, I'll handle your registration."
"Ah—thank you! Nice to meet you too, I'm Lucy!"
Lucy bowed quickly and followed behind Lisanna.
"Where's Arlen? Didn't he come back with you?" Cana asked.
"Lord Arlen went to Crocus for a birthday banquet," Ultear replied as she sat beside her.
Cana nodded knowingly and continued drinking.
"Oh? A newcomer? Hello, I'm Mirajane—Lisanna's older sister."
Mira, having just come up from the basement, spotted Lucy and greeted her with a warm smile.
"Wow—Mirajane! The real one!"
Lucy cupped her face, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Mira, this is Lucy—the one Arlen talked about," Lisanna added after finishing the paperwork.
"Oh? So you really joined Fairy Tail. Welcome!"
"Um… aren't you going to stop them?" Lucy asked hesitantly, glancing at the ongoing brawl.
"They're always like this. Let them be—it's kind of fun, isn't it?" Mira said with a smile.
Just as she finished speaking, Elfman's massive body crashed right into her.
In Lucy's stunned gaze, a spirit identical to Mira floated out of her body.
"Miss Mira! Are you okay?!"
Lucy rushed forward, but Lisanna was already there, clearly used to it.
"Honestly, if you're going to fight, don't drag others into it!"
"So noisy… how am I supposed to enjoy my drink? You bunch of tasteless men—quiet down!"
Cana set her drink aside, a card appearing between her fingers. Magic surged, forming a green magic circle.
As if following her lead, the others also began gathering magic. All kinds of magic circles lit up throughout the guild.
"W-Wait, are they going to use magic to fight now?!" Lucy cried out in panic.
"Aye."
Happy appeared beside her at some point, raising a paw.
"Why are you answering?! And wait—when did you get here?!" Lucy snapped.
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