After the guild had been restored, it stood shining anew. The wounded, after receiving simple bandages in the underground storeroom, were carried into the newly rebuilt guild.
But the overall situation was grim—almost everyone in the guild was injured, and many had already lost the ability to fight.
"It's frustrating… we actually had to retreat."
"And they even hurt Levy! We still haven't settled that score!"
"Ugh… it hurts…"
Some members whispered strategies, wondering if they could launch a counterattack.
"We could retaliate with the Magic Cannon…"
"Long-range magic sniping could work too."
The guild was full of chatter, one voice after another, but one thing was certain—everyone was furious.
Lucy sat silently on a bench, saying nothing for a long time, lost in thought.
"This time, I'll bring all of my explosive lacrima."
"Prepare for a second war."
…
"We can use the improved explosive lacrima. Their power is absolutely formidable."
Noel pulled out a large pile of modified explosive lacrima. Ever since the magic crystal mine had been opened, there had been far too many crystals. Out of boredom, he had refined a number of them into different products.
At that moment, Lucy, who had been silent, finally spoke:
"…It's pathetic. My father… he went this far just to take me back…"
"I'm so sorry… If I just go home, all of this will be over."
"No, it's not your fault. It's your father's," Elfman said—then realized his blunder and quickly corrected himself: "No—that's wrong! It's Phantom's fault…"
"Idiot," Gray muttered, glaring at him with disgust.
"Because of my selfishness, I've brought everyone so much trouble. But in the end… it's because I ran away from home," Lucy said regretfully.
"Don't dwell on that," Noel tried to comfort her.
"What's wrong? Are you scared?" Gray asked.
"No… it's not fear. I just… feel guilty," Lucy quickly explained.
"This is the fate of a rich man's daughter. Blackmail, ransom—stuff like that is common. Protecting you is what makes a man," Elfman declared.
To Noel, Elfman was just pouring fuel on the fire. He was clearly no good at comforting people—his words always backfired.
"But Lucy, why didn't you tell us sooner?" Happy asked curiously.
"Because…" Lucy began, but the words caught in her throat.
"If you don't want to say it, then don't. You need to calm down," Noel said gently, seeing her struggle. Lucy nodded slightly.
"You're nothing like some pampered heiress," Natsu interjected bluntly. "Laughing, shouting, going on adventures with us in this messy guild—that's who you are."
Lucy lowered her head, uncertain what decision she should make.
"If you want to stay, then stay. No one will blame you—because this is your home," Noel said warmly.
"You're Fairy Tail's Lucy. So don't worry about it," Natsu added casually.
Cana, however, looked troubled. She was trying to reach out to as many people as possible, hoping to contact an S-Class wizard.
"No good. I can't find Mystogan."
"If Phantom's target is Lucy, they'll come again. With so many of us injured… we're at a disadvantage," Cana analyzed.
"But defensively, we hold the upper hand. Don't worry—with me here, it'll be fine," Noel promised.
That reassurance eased Cana's mind somewhat. Indeed—with Noel present, their defenses would be much stronger.
Elsewhere, Mirajane was attempting to contact Laxus through the crystal ball. For a while, there was no response. Then at last, a figure appeared within it.
"The master is gravely wounded, and Mystogan is nowhere to be found. We can only rely on you now… Laxus," Mira said heavily.
"…Hah?" Laxus sneered.
"Please, come back quickly. Fairy Tail is in grave danger," Mira pleaded.
"The old man got what he deserved! Hahaha!" Laxus suddenly burst out laughing.
"Laxus, don't go too far," Noel snapped. Already on edge, his temper flared.
"This has nothing to do with me. Handle it yourselves," Laxus said coldly.
"What do you mean nothing to do with you? Aren't you a member of Fairy Tail!?" Noel roared.
"I'm not wrong. This war was started by the old man—why should I clean up his mess?" Laxus shot back.
"They not only destroyed our guild—they kidnapped one of our comrades. Are you just going to ignore that!?" Noel demanded.
"Oh? And who did they take?" Laxus asked with mocking curiosity.
"…They took Lucy." Noel clenched his fists tightly.
"You mean that big-breasted rookie? Hmph," Laxus sneered.
"Tell her—if she becomes my woman, maybe I'll bother to save her. And tell the old man he'd better step down. The guild master's seat should be mine." His lips curled into a cruel smile.
"…Forget it. If you won't come back, then don't. I'll protect the guild," Noel said firmly.
"I'll be watching with interest," Laxus replied with amusement, then cut off the communication.
"I can't believe it… someone like that… is he really part of Fairy Tail?" Mira whispered, tears streaming down her face.
"Laxus is just like that. You know this. And… some things hit him harder than others," Noel said gently. "Don't take it to heart. Everything will be alright."
"…Then I'll fight too," Mira declared.
"No. On the battlefield you'd be in danger. For your safety, I can't allow it."
"Not even if you used to be an S-Class mage." Noel's tone was quiet, but resolute.
"But… it feels so frustrating… everyone's fighting to protect the guild, and I can't help at all…"
"You've already done plenty. Don't worry," Noel reassured her again.
I'll protect it… Noel vowed silently in his heart.
"Look outside."
The ground beneath the guild began to tremble again, like another earthquake.
"What!?"
"What's happening!?"
In the distance, a colossal walking fortress appeared—an entire mobile guild, built with incredibly advanced alchemy.
"A walking guild…"
"Is that… Phantom?"
Everyone's jaws dropped. None of them had ever seen such a thing.
"I can't believe it…"
"They're actually attacking us like this…"
"What do we do…?"
Panic spread quickly through the guild.
On a high platform, Jose looked down on the scene below.
"Magic Converging Cannon—Jupiter. Prepare to fire."
"Disappear!"
"Alchemy—Bastion!"
Layer upon layer of earthen walls surged upward, fusing into a massive bulwark. The Jupiter blast slammed into it, gouging out a crater—but failing to penetrate.
It was close. Far too close.
Noel panted heavily. "Blocked it…"
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