"You lot… causing trouble again, huh?"
Makarov spun around to look at the guild members still dangling in mid-air. Clasping his hands behind his back, he gestured to Kael, signaling him to release them.
Kael received the cue and retracted his magic.
Seizing the moment, Makarov made a quick jump and stomped on Natsu's head.
"Ow~!" Natsu yelped, hitting the ground hard, while Makarov safely leaped onto the second-floor railing, his expression serious as he surveyed everyone below.
One by one, the guild members landed, stood up, and quietly listened as the master began his lecture.
"All of these…" Makarov began, producing a massive stack of papers from somewhere, shaking them lightly, and casting a sidelong glance at the group. "…are all complaint letters about you."
"You fools… you've caused me to get scolded by the council every single day!" Makarov trembled with anger, crumpling the letters in his hands. He glanced at Kael with a hint of resentment, thinking that if Kael hadn't been away for so long, he could have attended the regular meetings instead—and spared him from these scoldings.
Kael rubbed the back of his head, slightly embarrassed, shrugging with a helpless expression.
Lucy, standing nearby, looked up with concern, awaiting the master's next words.
"But…"
The master's tone shifted. Flames flickered around his hands as he incinerated the complaint letters into ash and tossed the remnants aside.
Natsu, like a starving dog snapping up a meal, leapt into the air and swallowed the flames whole before landing safely on the ground.
"Forget that council nonsense!" Makarov continued, his voice booming. "Listen carefully, all of you: The power to surpass limits comes from unwavering determination. Magic isn't some miraculous force; it manifests only when our internal energy flows harmonize with the natural currents of the world around us."
"It is only when you pour your entire soul into it that magic takes form. If you constantly worry about high-ranking officials or the opinions of others, how can you truly refine your craft? And as for those council people… I'll stand in front of you. No fear is needed. Walk your own path with unwavering belief—this is what it means to be a Fairy Tail wizard!"
Makarov's words resonated like thunder, and with the final, iconic Fairy Tail gesture, the guild's atmosphere ignited.
"Yeahhh! Long live Fairy Tail!!"
Cheers erupted, echoing through the guild hall.
Lucy watched with wide eyes, her heart pounding with excitement. Placing her hands over her chest, she felt the surge of hope and energy, finally understanding why Fairy Tail had earned its reputation as Fiore Kingdom's top guild.
Meanwhile, in the council chamber, a massive blue magical aura hovered overhead as several council members convened a meeting on Fairy Tail's recent actions.
"Damn it… half the port is destroyed. If Kael hadn't returned in time, we don't even want to imagine the damage Fairy Tail could have caused this time."
"Hmm… I've always had a soft spot for those troublemakers. Now that Kael is back, I'd like to find a chance to see him."
"But the guild really does gather a lot of talent, doesn't it? Otherwise, it wouldn't be the kingdom's number one."
"Indeed. That's why the world isn't boring, right?"
A young blue-haired man, hands on his hips, replied with a grin.
"Fine. On Kael's account, we'll let it slide this time."
"Meeting adjourned."
In a hidden corner, the same blue-haired man now stood face-to-face with a black-haired woman.
"Jeral… you really want to meet Kael? The one who became a Saint Ten at just over ten years old?" Ulutia asked, holding a crystal orb with a hint of skepticism.
"Who knows? Maybe he'll seek me out instead," Jeral replied without a care, leaving Ulutia puzzled about his true intentions.
"Elza…"
Back at Fairy Tail Guild Hall…
"Master, you idiot!" Romeo's eyes welled with tears as he punched Makarov's face, then wiped his cheeks and bolted from the guild.
"Bam~!"
Natsu slammed a rogue task onto the job board with a punch, then walked out in silence, dragging Happy along.
"Eh… what's gotten into Natsu?" Lucy asked, surprised by his actions.
"Maybe it's because Romeo's father suddenly vanished on a mission, and Natsu thought of his own father, Igneel. He too disappeared without a word," Kael explained, his voice low and serious. His words made Lisanna pause mid-motion, wiping plates.
"...Since that day, Natsu has been striving to meet his father again, and he's worked hard all these years for that," Kael continued.
"Really… then I want to go too," Lucy muttered, deep in thought. After a moment, she waved goodbye to Kael and Kana and dashed off to catch up with Natsu.
Makarov watched the guild entrance with a sigh.
"Master… I don't see Laxus, Mirajane, or Erza. Are they all out on missions?"
Kael glanced around, noting that several S-class mages were absent.
"Yes. Laxus and Mirajane went on an S-class mission with the Thunder God squad and Lisanna," Makarov confirmed. "Erza should be back soon, though."
Kael's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Ah, Laxus and Mirajane together, huh?"
"Alright! I'm going to do some shopping. Come on, Master!"
"Kana, let's check out the new magical items shop and see what I brought back. It should still be valuable."
Kael finished the last sip of his drink and led Kana out of the guild.
"Kana… look." She tugged at Kael's sleeve, pointing to Romeo sitting dejectedly on the steps.
"What's wrong? Worrying about Makarov and Natsu? Or blaming yourself?" Kael crouched before Romeo, meeting his tearful gaze.
"Kael… Kana… do you think I'm too easily influenced by others? If I hadn't pushed my father to hurry on that mission, none of this would've happened…" Romeo sniffled, filled with guilt.
"It's not your fault. Caring about others' opinions isn't wrong. Encouraging your father isn't wrong either. In this world, you'll always face criticism. But as long as you believe in yourself and don't harm others, keep moving forward," Kael said, smiling gently while ruffling Romeo's hair.
"Just remember one thing: trust yourself, trust your father, and trust that Natsu and the others will bring him back safely."
"I promise!" Romeo's voice trembled with determination.
"Really? Then pinky swear!"
"Ha! Fine. Pinky swear… and seal it with a stamp."
Kael and Romeo hooked pinkies, thumbs touching. Romeo's face brightened, though a sudden rumble in his stomach made him blush.
"Come on, let's get some food," Kana said, smiling and helping Romeo to his feet. The three walked down the street together.
Kael gave a playful "OK" sign behind them.
Makarov, standing at the guild entrance, let out a relieved sigh and smiled before stepping back inside.
...
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