Chapter 4: Master Makarov

"Father, there's a strange hooded man asking for you."

A young black haired man ran up to the counter. His hair is combed back and gelled, making him look quite intimidating when combined with his rough beard.

"Should I allow him entrance into the guild hall?"

Master Makarov looked up from his porno, his features are aged and wrinkled but a deep power is hidden in his frail body.

"Hmm..."

After contemplating for a few seconds Makarov got up from his seat with a tired expression.

'What annoying person is at my doorstep this time?'

Makarov was used to such abrupt visits, mostly of these were from the magic council while others would be from local guilds in the area.

Fairy Tail was a large guild, one of the best and most well rounded in it's capabilities.

Despite it being a magic guild, it had created several other guilds under the same name, each specializing in a different industry. Lacrima mining, magic item enchantment, construction and even manufacturing of processed goods.

Anything and everything was produced by Fairy Tail. Because of this Fairy Tail received a lot of attention from local guilds that wanted business partners or investors.

The other reasons they received so much attention was due to the damage that Fairy Tail generally caused as well the responsibility they upheld.

Fairy Tail was a massive guild and was a major power in the kingdom of Fiore. Just like Phantom Lord, Fairy Tail occasionally crushed entire dark guilds, enforcing law and acting as police or military.

As the guild master of Fairy Tail, Makarov usually cooperated with the magic council to crush any and all opposition to the kingdom. As much as he disliked the council, they were the ruling authority and he would do as they say given that they don't push their power too much.

As soon as Makarov opened the door he saw the red glowing mask of Raven.

"Alright kid. What do you want with me?"

Makarov stared at the tall figure with an unimpressed expression. Although there were multiple magic jammers on Raven, Makarov could still sense the faintest trace of magic power leaking from his body.

Judging by it's strength it seemed that the boy wasn't sent by the magic council nor was he even a properly trained mage.

"I apologize if I've caught you at a bad time guild master Makarov. My name is Raven and I want you to teach me magic, more specifically light magic."

Surprisingly, Raven bowed at the short man immediately after introducing himself.

"Oh so you want to learn from this old man?"

Makarov scratched his white beard as he thought about it.

'This kid had no control or strength in his magic power but he has something that's blocking his magic signature from leaking. Even I could only barely detect it standing from just a foot away so it's certainly effective...'

"Why do you want to learn magic young man?"

Raven smiled under the mask as he looked down at the dwarf of a man. From his memories he knew of the guild master's kind nature and overly trusting characteristics.

"This may sound strange but I am not from this land. You people speak a different language and have completely a different culture from my own. I have no knowledge of magic and no way to protect myself in this dangerous world. I ask of your assistance master Makarov."

Makarov chuckled a little at the hooded man's exaggeration.

"Well, I wouldn't say completely defenseless. Your body is fairly strong, more so than most mages."

"We are both well aware that isn't enough master Makarov."

With a light sigh Makarov pulled Raven to the door.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Open the door, I'm an old man with not much strength left, I can't open this large door."

"Does this mean you'll teach me?"

Makarov picked his nose and condensed a small ball of light that dug itself in Raven's chest.

"Uarrghh."

He fell on his knees as he felt the tremendous amount of magic power slam into his body. It made him shake all over as if he'd been electrocuted.

"I'll teach you kid, but you have to join Fairy Tail in exchange. I don't want a slacker so make sure to keep up with my training alright?"

"Yes, master Makarov."

'I wonder whether I'll regret this or not.'

Regardless, Makarov had already made a choice and he would stick to his promise no matter what. If this bit him in the ass later he could only blame his lack of foresight.

A few days later in the guild hall the same young black haired man from before is currently talking with a few other mages.

"So who's the new guy Ivan?"

A young woman with dark green hair lightly tinkered with her floating clay doll as she spoke.

"Yeah, I don't think I've seen him around either," says a dark skinned man covered in glowing red tattoos.

"I believe his name is Raven, I saw my father personally stamp his application to Fairy Tail."

"Raven? Isn't he that bounty hunter that killed the ace of Grey Wing?"

"Oh?"

Ivan turned his gaze towards the masked figure standing in front of the request board.

"I didn't know he was an assassin. I know my father's personally given him some advice and even sold him a few light magic books but I didn't think he'd accept a cold blooded killer into the guild."

The green hair woman lazily leaned against the soft sofa without bothering to pay attention to Raven.

"Maybe the old man has finally stopped being so soft?"

Ivan sneered, "The old man will never change, that bounty hunter Raven is probably paying a pretty penny to purchase magic books."

"Regardless he should be of superior quality to most of our own mages. After all, master wouldn't bother with him if he wasn't special."

Ivan hummed a little as he further examined the new guild member. Strangely, despite his strong talent and skill in magic he couldn't detect any magic signature from the hooded man.

"Let's go and ask him how he's able to hide his magic signature. I'm sure I can tempt with a few light magic books, my father is probably making him pay ten of thousands so this should be easy."