"The commission is posted on the first floor; anyone can take it, right!" Shane argued, covering his forehead.
He had specifically checked the guild rules with Cana just now. Commissions on the second floor required S-class Mage certification, but there were no restrictions on those on the first floor.
"Still no!" Makarov crossed his arms, his attitude firm. "Even for first-floor commissions, suitable Mages need to be selected. This is the guild's responsibility."
Shane looked at Makarov's "don't mess around, kid" expression. Knowing that mere words were useless, he sighed helplessly.
He deeply felt that his age indeed lacked persuasiveness at certain times.
Originally, he wanted to save releasing his True Name for later, finding a suitable opportunity in the guild to show it off and surprise everyone. Now it seemed there was no other way.
"Although I just told Gray... but I'm actually really strong," Shane said seriously.
As his voice fell, the cloth strips wrapped around his right arm disappeared, and a deep red longbow appeared out of thin air.
At the same time, a warm and thick aura permeated from his body, like sunlight piercing through clouds in winter—not scorching, but containing heart-palpitating power.
That wasn't an intentionally released oppressive feeling, but more like an aura naturally revealed after the sublimation of life's essence.
Makarov, who originally had a straight face, instantly changed his expression.
His eyes widened. Although Gildarts had indeed mentioned to him that Shane wasn't simple, he thought that guy was exaggerating again. He didn't expect... it was actually true?
"This level... even for an S-class mission, it's far beyond just 'helping out', right?" Makarov stared at Shane, who seemed like a different person, and actually felt a faint threat from him.
Not far away, Wakaba, who was drinking, forgot to puff on his pipe, his mouth slightly open: "Too exaggerated, right? This rookie..."
Macao was stunned at first, then as if thinking of something interesting, he nudged Wakaba beside him with his elbow and lowered his voice:
"Hey, say... that guy Gray, if he trains desperately and comes back, finally feeling he can defeat that 'Shane' from just now, and then suddenly sees Shane become like this... what expression do you think he'll have?"
"Hehe..."
Imagining Gray doubting his life, the two looked at each other and simultaneously revealed gloating smirks.
Makarov looked at Shane's helpless expression that said "Now you should believe me, right?", rubbed his brow hard, and softened his tone:
"Fine... with this kind of strength, I indeed have no reason to stop you anymore. I only have one requirement." The Master's gaze became serious. "Complete the commission, and don't disgrace Fairy Tail's name!"
"Of course." Shane and Erza nodded simultaneously, looking serious.
When the figures of the two young people disappeared outside the guild gate, Macao couldn't help leaning close to the Master and whispering, "Master, are you really letting them go? That's a Dark Guild..."
In his opinion, no matter what, two eleven or twelve-year-old kids shouldn't be allowed to go alone to destroy an entire Dark Guild.
This wasn't about strength, but about adult responsibility.
Makarov looked in the direction of the guild gate, his gaze profound:
"You felt Shane's power too. That is no longer the aura a fledgling needing protection under wings should have. A Mage's path must ultimately be walked by oneself, and one must be responsible for the choices one makes."
...
...
Shirotsume City wasn't far from Magnolia, where the Fairy Tail guild was located. Taking the train, they arrived in less than a day.
According to the address on the commission form, Shane and Erza stopped in front of an extremely magnificent mansion.
The soaring walls, the gilded gate, and the building behind the gate resembling a small palace all demonstrated the owner's abundant financial resources.
"What a luxurious house..." Shane looked up, compared it with the description on the commission form, and nodded. "Didn't go wrong; this is the residence of the client, Duke Everlue?"
Erza was more direct. She stepped forward, knocked hard on the heavy solid wood door, and asked clearly, "Is anyone there? We are Mages from Fairy Tail, here to discuss the commission."
As soon as her voice fell, an abnormal vibration suddenly came from the ground beneath their feet!
Immediately after, with a boom, the bricks and stones in front of the door were violently broken open.
A burly woman with bulging muscles, wearing a tight maid outfit and resembling a gorilla, drilled out of the broken hole.
Shane was slightly surprised by this exaggerated entrance and body shape, but still maintained politeness and asked:
"We are Mages from Fairy Tail, here for Duke Everlue's commission to destroy 'Ghoul Spirit'."
"Fairy Tail?" A sharp, arrogant voice came from the hole. Then, a short, fat man wearing a silk formal suit with a small mustache drilled out closely behind, patting off the dust.
"I thought Mages were all cowards. This commission has been up for so long with no one taking it... Hmm?"
Halfway through speaking, the short and fat Duke Everlue saw Shane and Erza standing in front of him clearly.
Two obviously underage teenagers.
His face instantly turned from arrogant to angry, his voice rising: "Is Fairy Tail playing me? I spent two million Jewels! Not to invite you two brats over to amuse me! Go back!"
To be honest, Shane was used to being looked down upon because of his age.
"Mr. Duke, we are here to confirm the details of the commission. If you have additional information about 'Ghoul Spirit', please tell us. As for ability, why not wait until the mission is completed to evaluate?"
"Additional? Evaluate?" Everlue screeched like a cat whose tail was stepped on. "I said no means no! I want truly powerful Mages, not the likes of you—"
His words came to an abrupt halt.
Because a black Tachi had silently been placed horizontally on his fat, short neck.
The blade was cold and gloomy; just looking at it made one's skin crawl.
Fine cold sweat instantly broke out on Everlue's forehead, and all the harsher words following were stuck in his throat.
He froze in place, daring not move a muscle, afraid that a single movement would make that sharp knife cut into his flesh.
"You... you dare treat a client like this?!" He tried to maintain his momentum, screaming with a fierce look but weak inside.
Shane's hand holding the sword was as steady as a rock, his face still wearing that cheerful expression.
"Wouldn't dare, wouldn't dare," his tone was relaxed. "Just giving you a direct demonstration of 'ability', lest you always worry about our young age and inability to get things done."
Saying this, he flicked his wrist, and the Tachi was deftly withdrawn, dissipating into light specks with a clink.
Duke Everlue felt the chill on his neck disappear, then breathed a huge sigh of relief. He subconsciously retreated two steps, hiding behind that giant maid.
He touched his neck in shock, confirming there was no wound. Anger resurfaced on his face, but more so a dread after being intimidated.
He snorted coldly. Although his tone was still unkind, he no longer mentioned making them scram: "Hmph! Go if you want! I want to see what ability you have! Best if you die there!"
Shane acted as if he didn't hear the curse in the second half of the sentence, still responding with a smile: "Thanks for your 'blessing'."