Chapter 76 : Arrogant Laxus!

Fiore Magic Council Branch

"Buzzing, buzzing—!"

"Buzzing, buzzing..."

Within the trial hall, Makarov stood upon the judgment platform, but his eyes began to grow heavy, and soon he drifted off into a deep slumber, his snores resonating through the room.

The magical artifacts surrounding him seemed equally disgruntled. This was a place of divine judgment, yet those being judged were casually dozing off. It was clear they didn't take the gravity of the situation seriously.

"Makarov, sir?"

"Huh?!" Makarov jolted awake.

"The trial is underway. Did you just doze off?"

Upon hearing this, Makarov blinked groggily, scratching his head with an embarrassed expression. Had he really nodded off?

Soon, the verdict was delivered.

"The dissolution of Phantom Lord and the expulsion of Jose from the Ten Wizard Saints were anticipated outcomes. However, Fairy Tail being acquitted was unexpected," Makarov remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice. After all, Fairy Tail had vigorously fought back, and their retaliation was formidable.

"It's primarily to pacify you and Kyros, as well as to uphold stability within the magic community," Yajima explained.

Kyros's actions had caused quite a stir, completely shocking the Magic Council. They hadn't anticipated such immense power from the mages.

Moreover, the primary blame for the incident rested with the Phantom Lord, so as a gesture of goodwill, Fairy Tail was acquitted.

"Yajima, thank you for your efforts. Now that the guild is secure, I invite you to visit sometime," Makarov extended his gratitude.

"Makarov, the youngsters in the guild have grown up. I advise you to consider retiring soon, lest your current condition overwhelms you," Yajima cautioned.

"Well, I'll give it some thought."

******

"Everyone! Starting today, we're back to our usual tasks. Even though this is a temporary information desk, let's all approach our duties with enthusiasm!"

Mira stood before the makeshift workstation, rallying the spirits of her fellow guildmates.

"Yay for enthusiasm!"

"There's a job! There's a job--!"

Numerous guild members rushed to the task board, eager to find assignments they could undertake.

"What are you all up to? I usually give off an air of leisure while sipping my drink," Lucy remarked casually.

"Hahaha!" Mirajane chuckled upon hearing Lucy's remark. That was indeed the essence of Fairy Tail.

The Fairy Tail guild had been wrecked, forcing a halt on commission acceptances. In an effort to save on rebuilding costs, everyone pitched in to reconstruct the guild.

The laborious task of rebuilding the guild was dreary and monotonous. It was tolerable for a day or two, but after ten consecutive days of relentless construction, even these freedom-loving individuals found it unbearable.

The main structure of the guild had been completed, with the remaining work to be done gradually.

Then, suddenly, "Bang!"

A table was overturned, startling Lucy.

"Give it another shot!"

Erza's thunderous voice echoed, silencing the guild members as they turned their nervous gazes towards her. They had never witnessed Erza display such fiery intensity within the guild before; something was clearly amiss.

Laxus sat across from Erza, wearing a grim smile. "Let me make it clear: our guild has no use for weaklings."

"Laxus is back?" Happy exclaimed with surprise. Laxus had seldom been seen in the guild in recent years, but his presence had become more frequent of late.

While not exactly a task enthusiast, Laxus displayed diligence when it came to guild duties.

Several years ago, before attaining S-rank mage status, Laxus, despite his arrogance, had maintained frequent interactions with guild members on the ground floor.

However, in recent times, upon his return to the guild, he seemed intent on setting himself apart, or perhaps elevating his status. He would only appear on the second floor, reserved for S-rank mages, and interact solely with them.

His demeanor had grown increasingly haughty, making him difficult to approach. He appeared disinclined to foster relationships within the guild, preferring the company of his personal guards, the Thunder God Tribe.

"That guy, always acting so high and mighty," Gray remarked, expressing his disdain for Laxus' arrogant demeanor.

"Laxus, the same Laxus who's an S-class mage like Kyros and Erza?!" Lucy recalled her encounter with Laxus on the second floor prior to the Galuna Island mission. 

It was then that she learned of the presence of S-class mages within Fairy Tail. However, Laxus had left her with the impression of being unapproachable during that encounter.

"You...

"Look at this guild, the renowned Fairy Tail. The guild is bustling with so many members, yet Gajeel's actions have brought shame upon us. It's humiliating. I feel embarrassed to even walk down the streets knowing that spirits are looking down on me."

"Not everyone was present in the guild at that time," Mira interjected.

"Is that the only reason? It's because of the incompetence that our guild has become the target of disdain, leading to attacks and destruction. Why should we be ashamed to remain in this guild?"

Suddenly, Kyros's voice cut through, "Enough, Laxus."

"Well, well! Isn't this the great hero Kyros who turned the tide and saved the guild?! Even besting the Wizard Saint, truly remarkable!"

Kyros frowned, "Do not take your anger out on me. No one in the guild owes you anything. Show some respect."

Laxus's temper flared at Kyros's words, his expression darkening.

"Kyros, do not think that defeating Jose, the Wizard Saint, makes you superior. Jose was nothing but a weakling. I could have defeated him effortlessly."

"And what of it?"

"What of it? Let me remind you, do not become too arrogant. I am the strongest mage in Fairy Tail!"

"You may claim to be the strongest all you like. I am not interested. Fairy Tail belongs to everyone, not just you. Each member of the guild is a comrade. Strength alone does not define worth. There are many formidable individuals in this world; being the strongest in one's own nest holds no significance."

"Comrades? I have no interest in befriending the weak. Only the strong are worthy of my companionship!"

"If I were to inherit the guild, all you weaklings would be eradicated, and those who dare to oppose me would be expelled."

"I aim to construct the most powerful guild! A guild that surpasses any in history!"