Knight naturally refused Laxus's invitation to fight, but before he could say anything, Erza had already spoken up:
"Laxus, if you want a fight, I can accompany you!"
"Huh?" Laxus frowned, clearly displeased. "What does this have to do with you, Erza?"
As he spoke, the electricity around him intensified, crackling with energy. Erza stood her ground, silent but resolute. She could tell that Knight wasn't the type who enjoyed conflict. Fighting Laxus? Knight would definitely refuse. But Laxus, being who he was, might still try to force the issue. Erza knew she had to intervene.
"Stop it, Laxus!" Makarov's voice suddenly echoed. "The guild isn't a place for brawling. If Knight agrees, you can find somewhere open to fight all you want."
Laxus clicked his tongue, but reluctantly powered down, the electric sparks around him fading. In a flash of lightning, he disappeared from the second floor.
After Laxus left, Makarov reassured Knight, "Don't worry about him. That kid just doesn't know how to communicate properly. His heart's in the right place."
Knight shrugged. "It's fine, President."
Just then, the ring on Knight's finger flashed. He opened his online interface and saw a friend request:
[Laxus has applied to be your friend...]
Knight accepted it, and immediately a message popped up:
Laxus: [The old man's annoying. Meet me in the Eastern Forest. I'll be waiting!]
This guy really wants to fight, Knight thought, sighing. He typed back:
Sigma Man: [Hold on!]
Though Knight wasn't one for conflict, he thought maybe teaching Laxus a lesson with a little "Friendship Face-Breaking Fist" wouldn't be the worst idea. And could he win? Of course, he was confident he would.
Just as Knight stood to leave, Mirajane appeared from the reception room.
"Nate!"
"What's up?" he asked.
"Remember that S-class commission you took before? The one for Galuna Island?"
Knight's brow furrowed. "The evil aura has appeared again?"
Mirajane nodded. "Yes, the villagers contacted the guild. They're asking for you."
Knight sighed and scratched his head. The evil aura over Galuna Island had been a recurring problem. It seemed that if the Moon Drip ritual wasn't permanently dealt with, the dark energy would continue to reemerge.
"I promised them I'd handle the aftercare. I'll take care of it," Knight agreed.
Before he could leave, Erza chimed in. "An S-class mission? I'll come with you, Nate. You helped me with the Iron Forest, so now I'll return the favor."
Knight hesitated, but seeing the determination in her eyes, he knew there was no point in refusing. "Alright, thanks."
"Great, I'll meet you at the station," Erza said, and Knight left the guild, heading for the door.
As soon as he stepped outside, another message from Laxus appeared:
Laxus: [You running away? What happened to being a man? I misjudged you, Knight.]
Knight grimaced.
Sigma Man: [I have to finish an S-class commission first.]
Laxus: [Sure, like I'm going to believe that excuse. If you're a man, meet me in the Eastern Forest!]
Knight sighed deeply and replied:
Sigma Man: [Believe it or not, I'll beat you up when I get back, smirk.jpg]
Laxus: [Where are you going?]
Sigma Man: [?]
Laxus: [I'll come with you. Once you're done, we'll fight.]
Knight was speechless. Why do you all want to come along?
...
Soon after, at Magnolia Station, Knight, Erza, and Laxus stood together. The tension was palpable. Erza crossed her arms and glared at Laxus.
"Why is he here?" Erza asked, her tone annoyed. "Laxus, are you still pushing for a fight?"
"And what are you doing here, Erza?" Laxus glanced at the luggage cart behind her and smirked. "Going on a trip?"
Knight raised his hands in surrender. "You two are S-class wizards. Don't you have your own things to do?"
Just then, the train pulled up to the platform. Without a word, Laxus boarded first.
"Don't worry, Nate," Erza reassured, clapping him on the shoulder. "I'm on your side."
The two stubborn wizards weren't listening to him at all. Knight just sighed and followed them onto the train.
Before they could take their seats, Knight's ring flashed again. This time it was Juvia.
Juvia: [Sir Knight, I've arrived in Magnolia! Should I meet you at the guild?]
Great, another one. Knight quickly typed back:
Sigma Man: [I'm at the station.]
Juvia: [You came to the station just to meet me? I'm so touched! Heart emoji.]
How could I know what train you're on?! Knight thought, exasperated.
Using his magic to scan the area, Knight quickly spotted Juvia at the entrance to the station. Excusing himself, he told Erza, "You get on the train. I need to find someone real quick."
In no time, Knight found Juvia, who excitedly ran up to him, holding a book.
"Lord Knight!" she beamed. "I brought the magic book I... borrowed. President Joseph still doesn't know!"
"You really stole it?" Knight didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"And this!" Juvia handed him a card. "The money from selling the rings—8 million J! I saved some for myself, but the rest is yours."
Knight tried to give some back, but Juvia insisted.
"Lord Knight, can I treat you to dinner?" she asked shyly.
Before Knight could answer, he explained about the commission and how he was leaving soon. But Juvia's eyes lit up.
"Can I come with you?"
Knight was stunned. He already had Laxus and Erza with him, and now Juvia too?
"Sure... why not," he sighed.
What would Leon think if he saw me showing up with three S-class wizards? Knight thought. Maybe this will all work out...
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