Chapter 46: You Messed With Our Brother
" Laxus, you're registered for this S-Class Mage Trial, right? "
On the way to the guild, Moen casually struck up a conversation with Laxus.
"Yeah. Just wait and see—I've got a 100% chance of passing this time. "
Laxus answered with full confidence.
His mastery over Lightning Dragon Slayer Magic had grown significantly in recent years, and he'd already built quite a reputation for himself.
At just 17 years old, Laxus Dreyar was poised to break the record as the youngest S-Class Mage in Fairy Tail's history—if he passed.
"Then give it your all, Laxus.
You'd better pass soon and enjoy that glory—because once I take the test, that honor definitely won't be yours anymore," Moen teased with a grin.
"Hmph. You talk big for someone who hasn't done it yet."
Laxus scoffed but didn't take the words too seriously.
Makarov, walking ahead, smirked faintly as he listened to the exchange between the two.
At least Laxus was willing to talk to Moen now—that was progress.
The three of them quickly arrived at the Fairy Tail guildhall, where Makarov rang the guild's gathering bell—a unique, resounding chime that spread in all directions.
The townsfolk of Magnolia were instantly startled by the sound.
Everyone knew what that bell meant.
Magnolia had a number of signature bell chimes—like the infamous "Gildarts Protocol" , and of course, this one: the "Summon Bell".
Within moments, every available Fairy Tail member in Magnolia had rushed to the guildhall. The place quickly became packed.
"What's going on? Did something happen?"
Macao asked lazily, one finger in his nose, glancing at Wakaba beside him.
"How would I know?! And get away from me, you freak!"
Wakaba scowled and shoved Macao away, worried that booger might end up on his jacket.
"Ah, Erza's looking so fine today~"
Macao sighed dreamily, now gawking at Erza across the room.
"Tch."
Wakaba rolled his eyes and shuffled a little farther from his long-time rival.
"QUIET! "
Makarov leapt onto the bar counter and shouted, his voice instantly silencing the chatter below.
"This emergency gathering is to prepare for a raid on the dark guild Iron Forest. "
He didn't beat around the bush—going straight to the point.
"Iron Forest?"
Many members looked confused.
Most of them didn't know about Moen's previous run-in with Iron Forest, so their first reaction was surprise.
"Those bastards had the nerve to attack one of OUR members! "
Makarov added, explaining the reason behind the mission.
"WHAT?!"
"They attacked us?!"
"They've got a death wish!"
As soon as he said that, the hall erupted with outrage.
Everyone was furious.
Fairy Tail had always been a tightly bonded guild.
Attack one member, and you attack them all.
It didn't matter who was targeted—the entire guild would never let it slide.
And once they found out that the victim had been Moen, everyone got even angrier.
This was their golden boy, the darling of Fairy Tail—and Iron Forest had the audacity to lay a hand on him?
They were asking for extinction.
Still, amidst the fury, there was some relief—thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.
If the target had been a younger or weaker member, the outcome might've been tragic.
But those fools had picked Moen—and ended up kicking an iron wall.
"We'll destroy them! "
The guild roared with unity, everyone shouting together, the air thick with battle fervor.
"Good! Get your gear ready—we leave immediately!"
Makarov declared, his voice filled with conviction.
Seeing the passionate response from everyone, Makarov nodded in satisfaction.
This was the atmosphere he loved—the spirit of Fairy Tail.
A guild where hearts were united, where everyone pulled together, where strength came from love and solidarity.
"Tch. What's the point of bringing so many people?"
Laxus scoffed from the sidelines.
He clearly disapproved of gathering the entire guild for this mission.
In his eyes, many of the guild members were weak and would be more of a burden than a help. Some might even need protection themselves.
"This is called unity.
It's what makes Fairy Tail different from other guilds.
Fairy Tail is a guild filled with love."
Moen, standing beside him, replied calmly.
"Fairy Tail doesn't need the weak," Laxus shot back coldly.
"Love won't make the guild stronger. When I become guild master, I'll change all of that."
He lifted his chin, defiant as always—mouth saying one thing, heart maybe thinking another.
"If that day really comes, Laxus," Moen said seriously, turning to look him in the eye,
"Don't do it. Trust me—you'll regret it."
"Stop preaching at me! I'm the older brother, Moen!"
Laxus snapped, glaring at him.
"..."
Moen was momentarily speechless.
You're pulling the "I'm your big brother" card now? Really?
Wait a minute... why does that sound like something Danzo from Naruto would say?
Moen shook his head, brushing the thought aside with a silent chuckle.
But as he looked at Laxus, he silently made a decision in his heart:
One day, our roles will reverse. One day, you'll be the one saying "You'll regret this," and I'll answer you with—
"I'm the Guild Master."
Their quiet exchange didn't affect the others.
Soon enough, everyone in the guild had finished preparations and was assembled again.
"Alright, everyone," Makarov addressed the room.
"We'll split into two teams for this operation:
One team will come with me to strike Iron Forest's headquarters.
The other will stay behind to protect Magnolia."
As a professional guild—not a military force—Fairy Tail couldn't force all its members to participate in such a dangerous mission.
Not everyone was suited for combat.
But at the same time, Makarov couldn't just dismiss the weaker members or tell them they weren't welcome.
That would crush morale.
So, dividing the guild into voluntary strike and defense teams was the perfect solution.
This way, those who weren't confident in battle could choose to stay back.
And because the strike team had limited slots, weaker members with less experience naturally stepped aside for the stronger, more capable ones.
In doing so, Makarov:
Preserved morale.
Ensured efficiency.
Inspired those left behind to train harder next time.
It was a win-win all around.