Chapter 16: Lucy?
If he didn't know about Devil Fruit abilities and how dangerous the enemies he might face in the future, Dino might not be so diligent in his training. But knowing what lay ahead created a constant sense of urgency in his heart. He always felt that if someone with Devil Fruit abilities didn't reach the level of awakening, they were no different from a complete failure.
It was long after Dino left that some people in the city dared to show themselves, like the few thugs who had tried to rob him earlier.
Looking at the massive crater, several of them were terrified. Only then did they realize what a stupid thing they'd just attempted. Robbing that monster? It would be easier to rob an entire kingdom. If he'd been more ruthless, their fate might not have been any better than the dark guild's.
"Let's… be good people from now on!"
"Yeah!"
Dino didn't know that he'd inadvertently saved several lost teenagers and set them on the right path. If he had known, he wouldn't have cared much, because he was eager to return home.
On the streets of the abandoned city, a man came to the enormous crater Dino had created. Looking at the terrifying destructive power, he was so frightened he couldn't speak. "What… what incredible destructive power. Who actually destroyed the Dark Guild Phoenix?"
Suddenly, he spotted Dino's departing figure. He was shocked, his face changing color. "That figure from behind is… it's him! Dino Maxim, the S-class mage of Fairy Tail Guild, the 'Humanoid Natural Disaster'. After disappearing for more than half a year, that man is back! I need to report this to the Council immediately!"
Hargeon Town
Dino was walking down the street when suddenly there was a loud commotion ahead. He walked over to take a look and saw a group of girls surrounding a man in his thirties, asking for autographs. "Fan girls? I thought there'd be something exciting to see. Boring. What a waste of time."
Suddenly, Dino heard a familiar voice. "Igneel! Igneel!" Then he saw a young man with pink hair pushing through the crowd.
"Where is Igneel?"
Happy complained, "If you think about it carefully, there can't be a fire dragon in the city!"
"Ah! Why didn't I think of that!"
"Natsu? Happy?!"
Natsu and Happy were shocked when they heard that voice. They turned their eyes to Dino. The moment they saw him, their faces showed pure joy. "Dino!"
Happy spread his wings and quickly flew into Dino's arms, tears in his eyes. "Dino! I missed you so much!"
"I especially missed the tuna you gave me. I've never eaten such expensive fish since then. Let's go catch fish now."
Dino smiled and stroked Happy's head. "I'll take you fishing after I return to the guild!"
"Aye!"
"Dino!" Natsu was extremely excited when he saw him. If Erza was the big sister among their generation, then Dino was the big brother. He usually treated his younger guildmates with genuine care.
"We haven't seen each other for more than half a year! Natsu, you've grown taller!" Dino gave Natsu a light punch on the chest.
"You're one to talk! You disappeared without a trace for half a year. I thought you'd never come back!"
Suddenly, several annoying voices interrupted them. "Hey! You two are so rude! Ignoring the great Fire Dragon like this!"
"Yes! This is the great wizard Salamander!"
"Apologize! Apologize right now!"
This was supposed to be a reunion after a long separation. Dino had been in a good mood, but hearing these people chattering made him frown. He uttered one word. "Scram."
Almost as soon as Dino spoke, the air vibrated with a low hum. The ground trembled slightly. Cracks appeared in the windows of the surrounding buildings, followed by the sharp sound of shattering glass as it fell to the ground.
"Kyaaaah!"
"Ahhhhh!"
"What's wrong?"
"What happened?"
All the girls screamed in fright. The middle-aged man immediately put on a fake smile to comfort them. "It's okay, it's okay, everyone. Please stay calm. It's just a small earthquake. If you're scared, I'll hold a party on my ship tonight to help everyone relax. You're all invited!" Purple flames rose from his feet, and he stood on them, flying toward the port.
"So cool!"
"As expected of Salamander! A true gentleman!"
"Yeah! Unlike some people…"
Dino frowned again, and the girls immediately turned and ran away. Just moments ago, Dino had spoken a single word and an earthquake had occurred. Though it was supposedly a coincidence, they were still inexplicably afraid of him.
Natsu looked at Dino with excitement. "Dino! That was amazing! You've gotten even stronger! Come on, let's fight!" Unlike the others, as a guildmate who'd spent so much time with Dino at Fairy Tail, Natsu knew perfectly well that the tremor just now had been caused by him. A single word had made people tremble all over.
Happy, forgetting he was Natsu's cat, complained, "Natsu, you'll lose badly."
"It doesn't matter! At least I want to show you the results of my training over the years! Gurgle!" As soon as he finished speaking, Natsu's stomach growled. The sound seemed contagious. Happy's and Dino's stomachs began rumbling one after another.
"Let's go eat first!"
Suddenly, a girl's voice called out. "Um, if you don't mind, I'll treat you to dinner."
Dino and Natsu turned around and saw a beautiful blonde girl standing not far away.