Just like before, Kaien chose to cross the Canyon on his way back.
Now that his magic had reached the Six-Star level, Kaien no longer needed to ration his Take Over usage like he did in the early days.
Magic wasn't exactly some rare treasure—so long as he rested properly, it would recover quickly.
Of course, overusing magic did place strain on the body. Severe exhaustion could leave him vulnerable in emergencies.
So Kaien's strategy was simple: once his magic reserves dropped below half, he'd either stop and rest—or switch to public transportation.
After about three days, he made it back to the guild. The round trip had taken a little over a week, and to finish an S-Class mission in just that time?
That was nothing short of incredible.
"I'm back, everyone!!"
Kaien stepped into the guild.
Though the building was still under reconstruction, the sense of home hit him immediately—it just wasn't the same as being out in the world.
Mirajane's face lit up with joy when she saw him return safely.
Even though Kaien was powerful, an S-Class mission was still dangerous—she had worried.
"Kaien's back!"
"Welcome home!!"
…
"Hey! I've been gone for a week and the guild still looks the same. Don't tell me you guys slacked off again?"
Kaien gave the room a look—the progress wasn't that much different from when he'd left. This bunch of lazybones must've been half-assing the reconstruction.
Gray quickly defended himself, "Everyone's been out on jobs! With fewer hands, the work naturally slowed down. And you're one to talk—you were out on a mission too."
Natsu grinned wide. "Kaien! You completed another S-Class job, right?!"
"With me on the case? Of course it was smooth sailing."
Happy flew over and asked with shining eyes, "How much did you earn this time?!"
"Fifteen million J."
The Giant King had paid the full reward without hesitation.
Though the Giant Kingdom didn't deal often with humans, there were still a few bold merchants who had opened trade routes. The kingdom kept a small reserve of foreign currency for emergencies—and this time, it had been well used.
"FIFTEEN MILLION?!"
Lucy's jaw dropped.
Even knowing Kaien's ridiculous earning power, she was still blown away.
"If only I could team up with Kaien…" she muttered.
These past few days, she'd done two missions with Natsu—and after factoring in the damage, the profit had mostly vanished. She was back to worrying about next month's rent.
If she could just go on one S-Class mission with Kaien, she'd be set for the year.
Mirajane laughed.
"You should be glad you didn't go with him. Every job he takes on could kill a normal person."
Because of their close relationship, Mira often heard the details of Kaien's missions—and even as an S-Class Mage herself, she found them nerve-wracking.
"Y-yeah… Good point…"
Lucy remembered their last job together had been smooth—but not every mission would go that way. She still valued her life.
Mirajane walked over. "Welcome back. Want something to eat?"
"Same as always. Is the Master around?"
She chuckled. "The Council summoned him again."
Kaien sighed. "Figures. That poor old man—always taking the heat."
If it weren't for Makarov's tolerance, they'd have been shut down ages ago. He took the blame, wrote the apologies, and bore the lectures.
The job of Fairy Tail's Guild Master… wasn't one anyone sane would want.
"Kaien! Tell us what your mission was this time!"
"Yeah, tell us!"
Natsu, Gray, Elfman, and several others swarmed around him, eager for details.
S-Class Mages were rare in Fairy Tail, and Kaien was one of the few who'd share his adventures openly.
"This time? I went to the Giant Kingdom in the eastern part of the continent…"
As Kaien told the story of his mission, gasps echoed all around. None of them had imagined there were real giants and trolls in the world—towering over thirty meters tall! It was like living among a whole country of Makarovs!
When Kaien got to the part about Makarov's youth… and how he once confessed to a giantess, the entire guild erupted.
"Master… seriously?!"
Macao looked impressed. "No wonder he's the Master… Even giants—"
"Ahem!"
A loud cough interrupted them.
Everyone turned—and there was Makarov, standing behind them, face dark with irritation.
"Master! You're back!"
"You brats! Got nothing better to do?! If you're bored—get back to work!"
The moment they saw Makarov's scowl, the crowd scattered like pigeons.
Makarov turned to Kaien. "You little punk—don't listen to Haiya's nonsense. That guy was the one who had a crush on Lina, but he didn't have the guts. So he asked me to help. How are they doing, by the way?"
"They're doing great. He's the King now, and she's the Queen. Honestly, they look like they're in their thirties—both full of energy."
Makarov's eyes softened with nostalgia.
"I see… That's good."
He missed his friends—of course he did. But they lived across the continent, in the far east. Meanwhile, he'd inherited the title of Guild Master… and with it, responsibilities he couldn't ignore.
"Come with me. I need to show you something."
Kaien blinked at the shift in tone—but seeing Makarov's face, he could tell it was serious. He followed.
They went down to Level 1 of the underground chambers—a section that had survived the last disaster.
Makarov opened a hidden door.
A long staircase spiraled downward.
"Wait… There's more under the guild?"
"You think you know everything? Just shut up and follow."
They reached a heavy door.
Makarov raised his hand and summoned a magic circle. The seal glowed—and the door creaked open.
Inside was a vast chamber… and at its far end stood a massive magic crystal.
Suspended within the crystal…
Was a naked girl with golden hair.
"…What is this…?"
Kaien stared.
At first, he didn't understand.
Then—his expression shifted.
He knew what this was.
Makarov's tone was solemn.
"This… is our guild's greatest secret—"
Lumen Histoire.