The guild hall was unusually peaceful. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, scattering golden warmth across the wooden floors, and for once there weren't tables flying or barrels of ale spilling everywhere. A few members were playing cards, others lounged in groups, talking idly about jobs or rumors from distant towns.
I sat at my usual corner table, notebook open, quill scratching softly. To anyone glancing over, it looked like I was lazily doodling or jotting mission notes. In reality, I was drafting plans again — blueprints for something bigger.
Hidden bunkers beneath Magnolia.Bedrock fortifications encasing Fairy Tail.Layered magical barriers fueled with splash potions of resistance and regeneration.Automatic dispenser turrets that could fire enchanted arrows at intruders.
If the "Estimated Danger: Catastrophic" warning was right, then we had just under two weeks before all hell broke loose. No matter how carefree the guild looked right now, I knew… this fragile peace wouldn't last.
"Hey! You're scribbling again," Natsu's voice broke through my thoughts. He leaned over my shoulder with that endless grin, eyes darting across the notebook. "What's that supposed to be? A chicken?"
I slammed the book shut before he could peek further. "It's none of your business, Salamander."
"Aha! So it was a chicken."
Before I could retort, Happy swooped down carrying a fish almost as big as himself. "Aye, it's a chicken!" he chimed in, completely misunderstanding.
I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Why do I even talk to you guys?"
"Because you like us," Happy said with a smug smile.
Erza's voice carried from the far end of the hall, sharp enough to make everyone sit straighter. "Natsu! Stop pestering him and prepare for your training session. If you slack off, you'll fall behind again."
Natsu groaned. "Why does she always pick on me?"
Gray, who'd been sitting a few tables away shirtless as usual, chuckled. "Because you're easy to pick on, flame-brain."
"WHAT WAS THAT?!"
"YOU HEARD ME, ICE PRINCESS!"
And just like that, peace shattered. The two charged at each other, fists and magic flying. Chairs splintered, mugs flew, and Happy cheered them on as if this was normal entertainment.
I leaned back, letting out a small laugh. For all their noise and chaos, this guild… felt like home.
Still, my hand subconsciously drifted toward my inventory menu. With a thought, I summoned a single block of obsidian into my palm, its glossy black surface catching the light. Indestructible. Immutable. Just one of thousands I could conjure in an instant.
I could wall off Magnolia in a single night if I wanted.I could construct entire fortresses, sky-ships, and weapons this world couldn't even imagine.But power like this… needed to be hidden. For now.
I dismissed the block back into storage just as Mira walked by with a tray of drinks. She gave me that soft smile of hers, the kind that made the entire guild forget about the destruction happening just a few feet away. "You're always so quiet, you know. Planning something?"
I returned her smile faintly. "Just… making sure Fairy Tail is ready for what's coming."
She tilted her head, curious, but didn't press further. Mira had that gentle way of respecting secrets. Instead, she set down a glass of juice in front of me. "Then make sure you don't overwork yourself. You're one of us now — remember that."
For a moment, the noise of the guild faded into the background, and I let myself breathe.
This was what I was fighting for.Not just the world. Not just survival.But these people. This family.
Because deep down, I knew… the countdown was already ticking.
And when it hit zero, I had to be ready.