Chapter 77 : Selection?

After Laxus uttered those words, he turned on his heel and departed from the guild hall.

Kyros pursed his lips, frustrated by Laxus's callous demeanor. It seemed like he was afflicted by another bout of his second ailment.

However, Kyros wasn't entirely incapable of grasping Laxus's mindset. It resembled the strategies employed by certain guilds in online gaming.

They'd recruit thousands with formidable combat prowess, solely to bolster their standing in the guild rankings. When the guild's position fell short, they'd purge the weaker members and replace them with stronger ones.

Eventually, all these guilds morphed into a congregation of self-important leaders, a path Kyros once traversed.

One could only remark that anyone keen on exhilarating gameplay could find solace in such guilds. For they were fraught with challenges, with every passing day either marked by skirmishes or preparations for one.

During battles, they'd swarm their adversaries, reveling in the overwhelming might of their combat force, deriving a twisted pleasure from dominating the less proficient.

In Laxus's eyes, Fairy Tail stood atop the guild hierarchy. Its supremacy had been affirmed after the Phantom Lord's downfall, establishing it as the preeminent guild in the Kingdom of Fiore.

Yet within this esteemed guild existed both stalwarts and novices. Laxus couldn't bear witnessing the latter dilute Fairy Tail's prestige. They didn't augment the guild's might; instead, they dragged its reputation through the mud.

Nevertheless, reality diverged starkly from the realm of gaming.

Human relationships weren't dictated by sheer strength alone.

Each member harbored a deep sense of loyalty towards their guild, a sentiment Laxus held in near obsession when it came to Fairy Tail's honor.

"Inheritor? Ridiculous," Lucy retorted furiously. Though Laxus hadn't explicitly singled out the incompetent members, his arrogant demeanor irked her. How could he utter such disdainful words towards his fellow guildmates?

Mira sighed wearily before speaking, "It's not out of the realm of possibility. Laxus is, in fact, the Guild Master's grandson."

"What?!"

Lucy was taken aback, failing to discern any familial resemblance between the Guild Master and Laxus.

"So, when the Guild Master eventually steps down, it's plausible that Laxus could ascend to the position of the next Guild Master."

"Yes... I don't like him. How can someone who doesn't think about his guild companions become the guild leader?" 

Mira chuckled and replied, "Don't fret, Laxus is just one possibility. Kyros and Erza actually stand a chance of becoming the next guildmaster."

"Darn it, that arrogant Laxus! Next time, I'll definitely give him a piece of my mind," Natsu exclaimed angrily.

Elfman interjected, "But didn't Laxus scold you just a year ago?"

"I was just a kid six months ago, it's different now," Natsu retorted.

"What's the difference?"

"Ah, forget it! Lucy, let's get to work."

"Huh? Isn't the team already done for the day?!"

"Of course not!"

Natsu and Happy dragged Lucy along for a mission.

Later that night, Makarov sat atop the newly constructed guild beam, savoring the moonlight and enjoying a small drink, appearing relaxed.

His mind drifted to the conversation he had with his friend Yajima earlier that day.

"Retire, the guild has undergone a new transformation, and it's time for a new guildmaster," Yajima had said. At eighty-eight years old, Makarov was well into his twilight years. Most wizards would have retired long ago at his age.

However, there were still many who clung to their positions, not for the sake of status, but because they still had young guild members to look after, making it difficult to let go.

Never did Makarov imagine that Fairy Tail would grow to its current stature.

The guild boasted numerous talented wizards, each one a powerhouse in their own right, sought after by other guilds.

In the past, Makarov had hoped Gildarts would succeed him. Gildarts was immensely strong and trusted by the guild members. However, he was a wanderer who could never settle down, often disappearing for years at a time.

Even now, after completing a century-long mission that no one else had achieved, Gildarts hadn't returned in three years, causing Makarov great concern.

Laxus, his grandson, possessed formidable strength, especially since his defeat by Kyros six years prior. Laxus had diligently trained to surpass his former self and may even match Makarov's strength now.

Yet, his troubled psyche remained a concern. Handing the guild over to Laxus was a daunting prospect, with uncertain consequences.

Mystogan was notorious for his poor communication skills, making it difficult for others to understand him. Erza was deemed too young to be a consideration in his eyes.

His affections were reserved for Kyros, a rough but kind-hearted member of the guild who treated everyone with care. However, Kyros's impulsiveness often led to trouble, disregarding the potential consequences. Even the Magic Council acknowledged his penchant for destruction.

Handing over the guild to Kyros seemed to invite chaos and calamity, causing unease among the members.

"Let's give these young ones a few more years to mature," it was decided.

As time went on, the construction of Fairy Tail guild neared completion. Kyros, not one for paperwork, naturally gravitated towards physical labor under Makarov's supervision, contributing to the guild's structure.

His interactions with Mira grew more intimate by the day. They were inseparable within the guild, and even after its doors closed for the night, they departed together.

"Psst! Have you noticed something between Kyros and Mira?" Lucy whispered to Levy, covering her mouth with her hand.

Levy, Lucy's friend whom she befriended during her time at Fairy Tail, was also seventeen and shared Lucy's passion for reading. Naturally, they became close friends.

Levy whispered back, "Kyros and Mira have a long history. They've grown up together and share a strong bond. Though it's not official, they're practically a couple."

Lucy's eyes widened in fascination. As a young girl experiencing the early stages of romance, gossip like this intrigued her.

"Tell me more about how they met," Lucy urged.

And so, Levy began recounting the tale of Kyros and Mira's journey from childhood friends to something more.

Though their conversation was hushed, Kyros, despite his aloof demeanor, couldn't help but overhear. He harbored feelings for both Mira and Erza, but if he were to make a choice, he suspected he'd lean towards Mira.