As twilight settled, the setting sun cast a peaceful, slanting light across the land. But this tranquility was short-lived.
"What kind of joke is this?! Why are you the only one getting kicked out of the guild?!" Alba Green's loud shout shattered the silence.
"Didn't we all commit the same crime, huh?" another asked.
Laxus simply gave a casual answer. "That was the old man's decision."
"If that's the case, then I'm leaving the guild too."
"Me too! Without you in the guild..."
"You guys are a pain. Can't even say goodbye," Laxus complained, a small, wry smile visible on his face.
Felide, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up. "Why? Do you intend to bear all this responsibility alone?"
"That's not the issue. I'm different. I don't have any ties to this guild," Laxus said indifferently, turning his face away.
"We'll ask the president for help!"
"Natsu and Gray would object too, right? Oh, and there's Chen Fan too. The president usually listens to what he has to say," Laxus smiled at the Thunder God Tribe, then turned and waved his hand, leaving them with only a single phrase. "Take care of yourselves!"
"Laxus!"
"What kind of joke is this?! What's going to happen to the Thunder God Tribe?! Damn it!" Laxus kept walking, his figure slowly fading into the distance.
Suddenly, Chen Fan appeared in front of him. "Is this the right way to do things, Laxus?"
"It's not about right or wrong. They're too dependent on me. Maybe this is for the best. They'll grow into S-class mages," Laxus replied to Chen Fan.
"Oh, I didn't expect you to have changed so much. It seems you're thinking more clearly now," Chen Fan smirked, trying to tease him.
"You haven't changed at all. You're still so annoying!"
Chen Fan's smile instantly froze.
Seeing Chen Fan's shocked expression, Laxus was suddenly amused. He didn't know why it felt so good to see Chen Fan humiliated. Maybe it was because his personality was naturally at odds with Chen Fan's. He waved his hand. "Just kidding."
"Bro, don't joke like that. It's so cold!" Chen Fan shivered, holding his shoulders.
"Fine. What do you want to say to me? You didn't come all this way just to mock me, did you?" Laxus stopped laughing.
"It's nothing serious. I just wanted to see your attitude, and to remind you..." Chen Fan's face suddenly turned serious. "Be careful of your father, Ivan!"
"What do you mean?" Laxus's expression also turned serious.
"Exactly what I said. There's nothing more to be said. Go and gain experience. With that move, you won't be in any serious danger. Everyone here is waiting for you to come back," Chen Fan's tone suddenly changed. "When you come back, I'll already be the president of Fairy Tail. Oh, oh, oh!" At the end of his sentence, Chen Fan covered his mouth and let out a strange laugh.
Laxus looked helpless. "I really find you annoying!" With that, he left.
Chen Fan was furious. He jumped around, yelling at Laxus's back, "Hey, you bastard! Get back here! What do you mean?!"
Laxus didn't stop. Chen Fan yelled again, "Remember, come and watch Fantasia tonight!" Laxus just waved and kept walking.
Night arrived, and Fantasia finally began. Colorful fireworks burst across the sky above Magnolia Town. The monorail, dancing fairies, beautiful magic, and energetic symphonic music made the parade feel like a dream.
The crowd followed the procession, screaming and celebrating the harvest festival together.
A lotus flower bloomed from the front float, and Mira emerged from its pistil, like a flower fairy. The people on the street screamed at her beauty. Suddenly, a golden light appeared from Mira, and a huge red snake emerged, shocking the crowd.
Elfman transformed into the Beast King, sitting on a parade car, letting out a loud roar that startled the children on the street.
Gray and Juvia used their magic to build an ice castle on their parade car. They wore prince and princess costumes, like characters from a fairy tale.
Erza showcased her sword dance, changing her beautiful armor at every turn, dancing gracefully, radiating an unmatched charm and beauty.
At the back of the team, Natsu, still wrapped in bandages, looked severely injured. He lifted his head and breathed fire, forming the words "Fairy Tail" in the air. The precision of his technique was met with thunderous applause.
The other members of Fairy Tail also performed. Makarov was about to get on, but he saw Gajeel leaning on his staff. "Aren't you going to get on?" he asked.
Gajeel waved his hand. "A scene like this doesn't suit me, gufufu."
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