Chapter 25 : Erza!

Compared to regular guilds, dark guilds aren't much different in terms of strength; in fact, they often boast even higher combat prowess. This is because dark guilds frequently undertake shady tasks such as assassinations, tasks that regular guilds don't condone.

Natsu casually leaned back, hands behind his head, and grinned. "Those guys play fast and loose with the law, so it's risky business."

Lucy couldn't help but complain, "Then someday you'll get cught."

Though she had only teamed up with Natsu for a mission once, she was well aware of his lawless nature. Initially, she thought partnering with someone she was somewhat familiar with was a wise choice for a newcomer.

And Natsu's reputation as the "Salamander" certainly preceded him. Witnessing Natsu's fighting prowess firsthand, she knew just how formidable he was.

Being somewhat timid herself, Lucy naturally sought out a strong teammate. However, Natsu's unpredictable nature, coupled with their last mission where Natsu and Happy were solely focused on finding a blonde maid (and coincidentally, she happened to be blonde), made her contemplate going solo.

"Oh, and hurry up and pick a job," Natsu chimed in with a smile.

Happy added, "Last time we chose randomly, so this time it's Lucy's turn to pick."

"What a joke! Our team is definitely disbanding."

"Why?"

"Seriously?"

"As long as it's a blonde woman, anyone will do!"

"What are you talking about, of course..."

"Hey!"

Natsu looked at Lucy with a warm smile and said, "But we chose you, Lucy, because you're a good person."

Seeing Natsu's genuine smile, Lucy found herself wavering on disbanding the team.

Suddenly, Gray's voice cut in, "Why force yourself to team up with them? I've heard it all. You've proven yourself enough; no doubt you're getting plenty of invitations to join teams."

"Lucy, want to team up with me tonight? Just you and me," Loke interjected, wearing his characteristic Aquaman-like grin.

"No, thank you!" Lucy immediately refused. Initially, she found Loke charming and handsome, especially considering his top ranking on the "Most Wanted Boyfriend List" among wizards. But witnessing his flirtatious behavior with multiple girls in the guild shattered her illusion.

"So you're the one who defeated both South Wolf and that gorilla-like woman? Impressive," someone remarked.

Lucy sighed. "It was all Natsu's doing." She knew firsthand how rumors spread and twisted.

"So it was you who did it!"

"Any complaints? It's annoying."

"What?! You think I'm annoying?!"

"Yeah! It's annoying, you pervy clothes-less bastard!"

Natsu and Gray immediately launched into a scuffle.

Kyros shook his head in resignation. Seeing Natsu and Gray bicker was nothing new; they'd been at it since he first joined Fairy Tail, and it hadn't changed much over the years. The rest of the guild barely batted an eye at their antics.

Loke approached Lucy with enthusiasm, gazing at her with admiration before uttering a rather nauseating compliment: "You're truly stunning, Lucy. Even through these sunglasses, your beauty radiates brightly. If I were to look at you directly with my naked eyes, I'd surely be blinded."

"Let's not dwell on that," Lucy replied, brushing off his flattery.

Loke was taken aback when he noticed the Celestial Spirit key hanging from Lucy's waist.

"Whoooooooa! You... you're a Celestial Spirit Mage?!" he exclaimed in surprise.

Happy chimed in, "Yeah, there are cows and crabs and stuff."

Loke's expression faltered. "Fate... Fate's playing a cruel joke on me...! I'm sorry, but I think I better leave now," he muttered before swiftly exiting the scene.

Perplexed, Lucy wondered aloud, "What's gotten into him? We barely even started..."

Mira explained, "Loke isn't comfortable around Celestial Spirit mages."

"Why's that?" Lucy inquired.

"Well, it's likely tied to something from his past," Mira elaborated.

Meanwhile, Kyros furrowed his brow in thought. Though Loke had joined Fairy Tail three years ago, Kyros had been preoccupied with his own ventures, rarely crossing paths with Loke. However, vague memories stirred within him, hinting at some connection with Loke.

Before Kyros could fully recall the details, a sudden commotion interrupted their conversation.

"Bangdang-!"

"Oh no—!!!"

The guild doors burst open, revealing Loke standing at the entrance.

"What's going on?" everyone in the guild turned their attention to Loke.

With a look of horror, Loke exclaimed, "Erza is back!"

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