Everyone in the guild also turned their gaze towards Qi Yan.
Although the Fairy Tail Guild didn't have a clear hierarchy, S-Class Mages were essentially the leadership within the Fairy Tail Guild. When the Master was absent, all decisions would be made by the S-Class Mages.
If Qi Yan accepted Laxus's invitation, then they would truly be on the verge of being kicked out of the guild.
Qi Yan shook his head and said, "I won't team up with you to create some so-called strongest guild in history. I'm not interested in that kind of thing."
"Also, you mentioned playing house. Isn't playing house good? Isn't it fun? I, for one, really enjoy playing house."
"As for the weaklings you mentioned? I don't think everyone in the guild is weak. They work using their own abilities, they don't steal or rob, they live honestly. That's what makes them strong."
"Qi Yan..."
Everyone in the guild was deeply moved by Qi Yan's words.
"For me, as long as I live happily every day, and ideally have S-Class Quests to do, I'm very content."
"Even if the guild is strong, if I'm not happy, what's the point?"
Qi Yan knew what Laxus was thinking, even without knowing the plot, he knew.
This was like the role-playing games he used to play. When creating a guild, some pay-to-win tycoons would want to form the strongest guild, and with only so many guild slots, they would kick out those with lower combat power as soon as someone with higher combat power appeared.
The game was actually very simple; you could get stronger just by spending money.
Sorry, Qi Yan was also a pauper before he transmigrated, so he naturally wouldn't spend money.
He could only join an ordinary guild and play games with other ordinary players like him, and he was still very happy.
Of course, being defeated also made him very angry.
Laxus watched Qi Yan's fervent gaze dim: "I misjudged you, Qi Yan. I thought you would be someone like me."
"If I inherit the guild, all you weaklings will disappear! And anyone who dares to resist me will also be kicked out! Then I'll create the strongest guild in history, one that surpasses all others! Hahahahaha!!"
Laxus spread his arms and laughed as he left.
Clap clap!
Qi Yan clapped his hands: "Alright, everyone, go about your business. Don't take his words to heart."
Erza also said, "Qi Yan is right. Everyone doesn't need to care about what that guy Laxus said."
With Qi Yan and Erza speaking up, the oppressive atmosphere in the guild slightly eased, but there was still some worry, after all, Laxus's status was undeniable.
"Inherit... How could that be?"
Although Lucy considered herself a first-tier Mage, second only to S-Class Mages, she always felt that Laxus was referring to her, which made her somewhat annoyed by his words.
Mira sighed and said, "That's not necessarily true. In fact, Laxus is the Master's grandson, so if the Master retires, it wouldn't be surprising if the next Master were Laxus."
"Eh——?!"
"That Laxus... is the Master's grandson?! That's super surprising!"
Lucy couldn't imagine that the short, kind old man actually had such an arrogant and overbearing grandson.
"Is he his biological grandson?"
"He is his biological grandson!"
"How... how could this be... I don't like him. How can someone who doesn't consider his guildmates become the Master?"
"That will depend on the Master's decision. Regarding the successor for the next Master, the Master hasn't said a single word more."
The Master was old, and by rights, he should have retired long ago. Mira was also very aware of the Master's health; to prevent him from forgetting, she would give him his medicine on time every day.
Normally, the Master should have arranged for his successor long ago, but she had never heard him mention it.
Evening.
A crescent moon hung in the sky, illuminating the entire Magnolia.
Makarov sat on a beam in the guild, enjoying the moon in the sky, drinking beer, feeling utterly at ease. There was nothing more joyful in life than this.
"Retire... ah..."
Makarov also recalled what his good friend Jellal had said earlier that day. He actually wanted to shield the guild's children from the wind and rain for a while longer, but the children's growth speed had exceeded his expectations. Unbeknownst to him, they had all become Mages capable of standing on their own.
"The guild has also been revitalized, it's time for a new Master, isn't it?"
"Laxus, that guy has serious psychological problems."
He had heard from Mira about what happened in the guild during the day—Laxus wanted to invite Qi Yan to build the strongest guild or something, but Qi Yan refused.
"Gildarts... no!"
Gildarts himself was indeed the best candidate for Master, but he was a wanderer by nature. He had been roaming outside since he was young, spending many times more time outside than in the guild. If he were made to stay obediently in the guild, that guy would definitely run away.
"Mystogan... That guy is completely bad at communication. No one in the guild has ever seen him. He lacks the trust and prestige of the guild members."
"Erza, Erza is indeed a good candidate, but she's still too young."
"Then there's only one person left."
Qi Yan.
Among the S-Class Mages, Qi Yan was the latest to join the guild, having only joined a year ago.
Logically speaking, joining for such a short time and becoming the Master would be very unsuitable, as becoming a guild Master also depends on one's seniority.
But Qi Yan was qualified in all other aspects: his character, personality, prestige, and strength.
This kid, at such a young age, could already defeat Jose, who was one of the Ten Wizard Saints. At this kid's rate of progress, it wouldn't be long before he himself wouldn't be this kid's match.
He had never seen such a monstrously talented young man.
Such talent could only be rivaled by Serena, ranked first among the Ten Wizard Saints, perhaps.
His only drawbacks were being a bit too young and having too little seniority.
But these weren't major issues.
"I should find some time to have a good talk with this kid."
In the following days, Qi Yan continued to work at the construction site. This allowed him to both exercise and help build the guild, making his days quite relaxing.
"Qi Yan!!"
Just then, a voice rang out. Qi Yan looked up and saw Mira waving at him, looking very happy. Mira quickly ran towards him.
"Qi Yan, I have good news! Guess what it is?"
"Good news? Then I guess you want to marry me."
Mira's face immediately flushed slightly: "What nonsense are you talking about? It's not that. Look, it's an 'S' Class Quest!"