Chapter 38 : Mystogan!

Magic Council Venue ERA

"The removal of one Eisenwald guild does not address the root issue. Dark guilds are numerous," Org declared, his grip tight on the re-sealed 'Lullaby' flute, its fragments dense with power.

"Then it's time we devise a strategy for a decisive strike," proposed another council member.

"But how? We cannot risk Zeref's magic falling into the wrong hands," Org interjected, his concern evident.

"It seems the blame falls upon our management," Crawford remarked with a wry smile. "This time, Fairy Tail's assistance proved invaluable, despite their usual reputation."

Ultear, stifling a laugh behind her sleeve, added, "It's remarkable how they managed to dismantle an entire guild with just four members."

"Indeed," murmured others, though many held a deep-seated animosity towards Fairy Tail for their frequent disruptions.

"As much as we may dislike it, their impact cannot be denied. If the Lullaby had succeeded, all Guild Masters would have been eliminated, with dire consequences," Org exclaimed, his frustration evident as he pounded the table.

Michelo, equally incensed, added, "Are you implying we share responsibility for this? Nonsense! It was the rash actions of those Jiahuis that brought this upon us!"

"Despite Fairy Tail's controversies, they have also contributed positively on numerous occasions, such as the Hargeon incident. It's time we set aside our biases and acknowledge their efforts," Crawford argued.

After the meeting concluded, disgruntled commentators swiftly departed, displeased with the acknowledgment of Fairy Tail's deeds.

Returning to his office, Crawford reviewed the interrogation materials with a thoughtful expression.

A smirk played on Jellal's lips as he muttered to himself, "So, the 'Immortal Demon King' is Kyros? Don't stand in my way, or I won't hesitate to eradicate you completely."

******

The Eisenwald incident sent shockwaves throughout the magic community, not due to the enemy's strength, but their objective of targeting Guild Masters.

The successful execution of such a plan would severely cripple both the Magic Council and the Mage Guilds.

Despite Fairy Tail's significant role in thwarting the plot, mainstream magic critics seldom acknowledged their contributions, further elevating the guild's reputation.

Fairy Tail Guild

"Kyros! Erza! Natsu! Happy! You guys really ditched me!" Lucy's voice echoed through the guild hall as she stormed in, visibly annoyed at being left behind by her comrades.

Kyros hurriedly dashed away, leaving Lucy, who had been tagging along aimlessly, to be apprehended by the Magic Council and brought back for questioning.

It took approximately three days before Lucy was finally released. Though physically unharmed, the experience of being confined like a prisoner was undoubtedly unpleasant.

Kyros and the others felt somewhat sheepish upon hearing Lucy's tale.

It could be chalked up to Lucy's misfortune or her naiveté as a newcomer to Fairy Tail.

The primary rule for survival in Fairy Tail dictates that if one commits a misdeed, and the Rune Knights or the military come to arrest, the imperative is to flee at the first opportunity and avoid being caught red-handed.

Being caught on the spot, regardless of culpability, leads to detention for further questioning, with the duration depending on the efficiency of the authorities; a good day may result in swift release, while a bad one could entail a week or more, even without a conviction.

For severe infractions, the Guild Master himself may intervene for the release.

If one manages to evade capture, often, writing an apology letter is sufficient penance.

Kyros, Erza, and Natsu, being seasoned members of Fairy Tail, instinctively bolted at the first sign of trouble, completely forgetting about Lucy, the rookie, left behind.

"Lesson learned, Lucy. You've gained some valuable experience this time," Kyros reassured, patting Lucy on the shoulder.

Lucy grumbled, "I'd rather not have this kind of experience!"

"Kyros's right, Lucy. Let's pick a mission and tackle it together," Natsu chimed in, flashing his trademark grin.

"No, thanks! I'd rather work alone! Team disbanded!" Lucy protested adamantly, not eager to face Rune Knights again. The recent ordeal had made her acutely aware of the dangers lurking within Fairy Tail, even from her own teammates.

Gray chuckled, "Lucy, you're quite the sensation again. First, you single-handedly derail a train, then you take down the entire Eisenwald Guild by yourself. You've earned yourself the title 'Iron Woman'."

"I am not an 'Iron Woman'!" Lucy retorted indignantly. She hadn't sought out such feats. Last time, she only accompanied Natsu on a mission and ended up defeating the Gorilla Girl and dismantling a mercenary syndicate. This time, she unintentionally brought down an entire Dark Guild while merely accompanying the group.

"Hahaha!" The guild erupted in laughter, knowing full well the true story behind Lucy's supposed heroics.

Makarov furrowed his brows, sensing something amiss.

"What's troubling you, Master?" Mira inquired, noting Makarov's expression.

Makarov waved it off, "It's nothing, just feeling a bit tired. Must be that fellow again."

Kyros also began to feel drowsy, but in an instant, he overcame it by his own Conqueror's Haki.

"Ah!" A wave of drowsiness hit, causing Mira to collapse to the ground and drift into sleep.

"What's happening?"

"Feeling sleepy!"

One by one, everyone in the guild succumbed to sleep, except for the guild master Makarov and Kyros.

"Taptaptap!"

Footsteps echoed on the wooden floor as a figure wrapped in a cloak entered the guild.

"Mystogan."

****

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