Watching the two flee in panic, Ankh observed the scene as a relaxed spectator.
Natsu inviting Lucy to join the guild was the true beginning of this world's story, the prologue to the future joys and sorrows of the fairies.
So in the original work, Natsu seemed carefree, but in reality... he could be quite thick-headed.
The king's soldiers eventually surrounded the fleeing Natsu and Lucy.
In the end, it was only because Ankh secretly used his connections that they managed to escape...
Mainly, he had promised that Fairy Tail would cover the compensation for the damaged streets and buildings.
It couldn't be helped—in this regard, Natsu really was a troublemaker.
Over the years, Makarov had been training Ankh to handle guild affairs, so he knew exactly how to deal with such situations...
However, Ankh didn't blame Natsu.
According to Makarov's teachings, he would bear any catastrophe that fell upon them.
The members just needed to be themselves and walk the paths they believed in.
From Ankh's perspective... since no one was hurt, so what if some streets were destroyed? The Master would just have to write more apology letters and pay the fines.
In short, neither he nor the Master were blind.
They knew Fairy Tail was targeted not just for these minor disturbances and property damages...
...
After handling the aftermath in Hargeon, Ankh and Natsu finally led the newcomer Lucy onto the road back to the guild.
On the way, Natsu was visibly sulking.
Lucy, walking beside him, noticed this and anxiously asked Ankh, "What's wrong with him?"
Ankh shook his head, while Happy, flying nearby, raised his little paw and said enthusiastically.
"Natsu couldn't find Igneel, and he's angry now!"
Lucy sweatdropped. "How thick are his reflexes to only start getting angry now..."
"That's just Natsu!" Happy laughed naturally.
Lucy looked at Ankh, who was facepalming, hesitated for a moment, but couldn't resist her curiosity.
"Ankh-san, are you also a Celestial Spirit Mage?"
Hearing Lucy's formal address, Ankh softened his intimidating aura a little and said.
"Just call me Ankh. I can only be considered a self-taught Celestial Spirit Mage. I only have one spirit."
Seeing Ankh being talkative, Lucy felt relieved and asked delightedly.
"Is Ankh-san spirit really the legendary thirteenth zodiac, Ophiuchus?"
"I heard that Ophiuchus is a super powerful spirit that surpasses the twelve zodiacs, even rarer than the twelve golden keys!"
When it came to topics she was familiar with, Lucy immediately became more talkative, asking questions non-stop.
Ankh took out Ophiuchus's black-gold key and explained.
"Surpassing the twelve zodiacs isn't really accurate. This spirit is different from the other twelve—her combat power is directly tied to her master's magic power."
Seeing Lucy's confused expression, Ankh deliberately changed the subject.
"What about you? How many spirits have you contracted with?"
Lucy thought for a moment, counting on her fingers: "I have three zodiac spirits and four ordinary spirits... if we include the key you sold me before, that makes five."
Ankh nodded, feeling a bit sentimental.
This was perhaps the biggest difference between him and Lucy.
Lucy saw the spirits as "partners"—she genuinely treated them as friends.
As for how Ankh treated Ophis... although he was quite good to her too... But every time he summoned her, it felt a bit like summoning a tool.
Although Lucy wasn't strong in combat, as a Celestial Spirit Mage, she was truly dedicated.
And the supreme Celestial Spirit Magic "Urano Metria"—a spell ordinary Celestial Spirit Mages could never master in their lifetime—was something only Lucy can use.
Just considering the profession of Celestial Spirit Mage alone, Lucy during the Tenrou Island period had already reached the peak.
Along the way, the group chatted and laughed, growing closer.
And Natsu's attitude toward Lucy seemed quite special—even though they'd just met, he was more friendly with her than he was with his childhood friend Lisanna...
Ankh scratched his head curiously.
'So childhood friends really can't beat sudden newcomers?'
Ankh was lost in thought until the trio and the cat boarded the return train, when the atmosphere suddenly quieted down.
Mainly because a certain unreliable someone had vomited and passed out again...
After getting off the train, Ankh brought the listless, weak Natsu and led Lucy to the gates of the Fairy Tail guild.
"Wow!! It's so beautiful!" Lucy carried her luggage, looking full of joy at the somewhat aged guild building.
The guild stood at the very center of Magnolia town, showing what role it played in the city.
The most famous and powerful guild in the magic world—this was Fairy Tail, currently the number one guild in Fiore!!
Lucy's eyes turned into hearts as she emotionally murmured.
"I'm actually... here.. in Fairy Tail..."
Seeing the excited Lucy, Ankh looked up at the fairy emblem carved on the guild's front door, suddenly remembering how he felt when he first joined.
Ankh couldn't help but ponder.
"Does a fairy... have a tail? And do fairies themselves truly exist?"
"These are all mysteries, eternal unknowns. And as members bearing this name, adventures will always await us."
"This passage is likely the origin of our guild's name."
Lucy sighed with emotion. "I see... I like this name..."
Ankh smiled. Actually, he had only guessed the meaning of the guild's name himself.
But it was probably close...
Lucy took a deep breath and was about to step forward to knock when suddenly a pink whirlwind shot past, followed by a loud bang!
"BOOM!!"
"We're back!" Natsu kicked the heavy door to pieces, roaring excitedly, while Happy flew around him, cheering him on.
Lucy's hand, poised to knock, froze in mid-air...
Perhaps she didn't understand the rules yet? This door... was it supposed to be kicked?
The people inside saw the door fly off but remained completely calm, instead smiling and greeting Natsu.
Lucy stood stunned in the wind with eyes wide open.
Did nobody have any reaction to the door being destroyed?
As soon as Natsu charged into the guild, he ran toward one particular spot.
Lucy thought he was going to hug a friend when another loud bang sounded!
"BAM!"
Natsu threw a fierce punch, sending the guy who'd just greeted him flying along with his table!
"Damn it! It's your fault for saying Igneel was in Hargeon, making me go there for nothing!" Natsu angrily jumped while cursing and shouting.