Chapter 22: Erza
Mira explained, "The guild master is attending a regular meeting, so he isn't here for now."
Yushi's actions this time had caused a massive upheaval—over twenty dark guilds were destroyed.
This created a significant earthquake in the underworld. It was unclear how the dark guilds would retaliate, but their response was inevitable.
Because of this, the local guild alliances needed to prepare in advance. Should trouble arise, the guilds would have time to support one another.
"Regular meeting?" Lucy asked, unfamiliar with the term.
Mira picked up a magical light pen and began writing in mid-air to explain.
"You've only just joined the guild, so it's no surprise you don't understand the structure of the magical world."
"The ten most influential members of the Wizarding Council oversee everything. They are affiliated with the government and responsible for maintaining order in the magical world. They also judge wizards who commit crimes."
"Below them are the guild masters. They convey the council's decisions, facilitate communication between local guilds, and manage their guilds. It's an incredibly demanding role."
"Collaboration between guilds is vital. Ignoring it could have disastrous consequences—"
Natsu snuck up behind Lucy and whispered, "The dark ones are coming!"
"EEEEEK!!" Lucy screamed.
"Uh-heh-heh-heh!" Natsu chuckled mischievously. "What are you scared of?"
Lucy clutched her chest and snapped, "Don't scare me like that!!"
Happy chimed in, "Coward Lucy! We'll call you Coward for short!"
"Stop giving me weird nicknames!!" Lucy fumed.
Mira grew serious. "But dark guilds are real, and they're dangerous. Guilds that aren't part of the alliance are classified as dark guilds. Be cautious if you ever encounter them."
Suddenly, the guild doors flew open, and Loki burst in, his face pale.
"It's bad news!! Erza is back!!"
"WHAT?!"
The guild fell into a panic as if a great calamity had arrived.
Confused, Lucy asked, "What's going on? Who's back?"
The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the guild hall.
A figure strode in, carrying a massive monster's horn over her shoulder.
She had fiery red hair, a stunningly beautiful face, and gleaming silver armor. Her presence radiated both elegance and power.
It was none other than Erza Scarlet—the Fairy Queen and an S-Class mage of Fairy Tail.
"So… so beautiful!" Lucy exclaimed, mesmerized.
Erza's beauty and commanding aura captivated anyone who saw her, whether man or woman.
"I'm back," Erza announced. "Is the guild master here?"
"You're back! The guild master is attending a regular meeting," Mira replied.
"Miss Erza," Lucy asked hesitantly, "what's that massive thing you're carrying?"
"This?" Erza glanced at the horn on her shoulder. "It's the horn of a demon I defeated. The locals gave it to me as a decoration. I thought it was beautiful, so I brought it back as a souvenir. Is it in the way?"
"No, no! Not at all!!"
"Amazing…" Lucy muttered.
Erza's demeanor shifted as she scanned the guild. "But more importantly… you've all been slacking off."
She pointed around the room.
"Cana, stop drinking in such a ridiculous posture. Birgitta, if you want to dance, take it outside. Wakaba, your cigarette ashes are everywhere. Nab, are you still just staring at the mission board? Get to work!"
When Erza's gaze landed on Macao, she sighed deeply. The sigh hit Macao harder than any scolding.
"You should say something!" Macao muttered, flustered.
"Really, this guild is a mess. Where are Natsu and Gray?"
Natsu and Gray appeared arm in arm. "Hey, Erza! We're getting along great today!"
"See? All good!"
Lucy stared at them in disbelief. "What… what's wrong with Natsu? He's acting just like Happy!"
Mira chuckled. "Both of them have been beaten by Erza so many times that they don't dare cross her."
Erza nodded approvingly. "Good. Friends can argue sometimes, but I like seeing you two getting along."
"We're not friends!" Natsu and Gray protested in unison.
"Hey~!" Happy teased.
Erza ignored their protests. "Where is Yushi?"
Yushi stepped forward. "Hey, Erza. Long time no see. You've become even more beautiful."
While most guild members were terrified of Erza, Yushi had an easy rapport with her. His strength and reliability ensured he rarely faced her wrath.
Erza raised an eyebrow. "It's only been three months. How could I have changed that much? You're being insincere."
"I'm serious!" Yushi replied earnestly. He truly thought she was even more stunning.
Erza waved off his comment. "Flattery isn't important right now. I need your help with something. I was going to consult the guild master, but since you're here, you'll do."
"What?! What's going on?!" the other guild members murmured.
"This is the first time Erza has asked someone for help!"
"She's teaming up with Yushi? Are they going to destroy a city?!"
Erza ignored the chatter. "Prepare yourself. We leave tomorrow. I'll explain the mission on the way."
Without waiting for Yushi's reply, she turned and left.
Yushi sighed helplessly. Erza always had her own way of doing things. Still, he wouldn't refuse her request.
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800 words
The usual...