Heading to Fairy Tail

Ur had a somewhat strange expression. 

"This... I've heard that those who join Fairy Tail are quite headstrong, but I didn't expect the initiation to be so nonchalant." 

Without any assessment, they simply put the stamp on it. 

Seeing the peculiar looks from the others, Gaal shrugged his shoulders, "Don't be skeptical. That's truly how it is. But it's quite a distance from here to the Fiore Kingdom. Since you want to join Fairy Tail, let's consider this as your training. You'll have to go on your own."

Gray's eyes widened in disbelief, "Huh?! Aren't you coming back with us?!"

Gaal chuckled and replied, "I have other tasks to handle. I probably won't return until I'm almost done. But I can accompany you for a bit. A sheltered flower can't withstand the storm. By the time you travel alone to the Fiore Kingdom and join the guild, your strength should surpass Lyon's."

Gray's eyes instantly lit up. Meanwhile, Lyon's face turned red. "What nonsense are you spouting?! No way! I will definitely be stronger than Gray!"

With determination, Gray proclaimed, "Then let's see about that. When we meet again, I will definitely be stronger than you."

Lyon smirked, "Is that a challenge, Gray? I accept it. I'll show you through my strength who is truly capable of protecting Ur!"

Ur couldn't help but facepalm; she hardly felt she was at a stage where she needed protecting. However, this feeling... wasn't bad at all.

"Alright, alright. We've delayed long enough; the meat is almost overcooked! Time to eat!" 

"Ah—! My meat!" 

"Damned Gray! Don't steal my meat!" 

"You clearly stole mine!" 

"Unbelievable!!"

----

The next day.

In front of the wooden cabin on the snowy mountains.

Ur, Lyon, and Gray had all packed their things. Since the decision had been made, there was no time for hesitation; Ur's eagerness to find her daughter could not be restrained.

Looking at the locked cabin, the three felt a bit dazed, unsure if they would return, or if the cabin would even still be here upon their return.

Ur quickly snapped back to reality and looked towards Gaal, saying, "I'm counting on you to look after this brat, Gray. I'll find the time to visit Fairy Tail and see him."

Her daughter's whereabouts were within a powerful dark guild stationed to the east, while the Fiore Kingdom lay to the west of the Ishgar continent. It was uncertain how long it would take to find them or when they might meet again.

Gaal nodded and replied, "Don't worry. I know a bit of ice magic, so guiding him won't be a problem."

A smile appeared on Ur's face, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear."

Then turning to Gray, she added, "Make sure to learn well from Gaal. I expect that when we meet again, you'll be able to defeat me."

Gray firmly nodded, "I will, Ur."

The melancholy of parting eliminated Lyon's usual prideful rebuttals. 

After a simple farewell, Ur led Lyon eastward. In the midst of the heavy snow, the duo, a large figure and a small one, took deliberate steps, gradually vanishing into the storm.

Once they could no longer be seen, Gray turned back and sheepishly looked at Gaal, "Mr. Gaal, I'm sorry for making you wait."

Gaal chuckled and said, "Calling me 'Mr.' feels too formal. Besides, I'm not that much older than you. You can call me Gaal or Big Brother Gaal."

Gray nodded and responded, "Gaal... big brother. Where are we headed now?"

Gaal replied, "First, we'll go to the small town at the foot of the mountain. Then we'll head to the border city 'Mone.' There's a powerful creature called 'Unicorn' that has disrupted sea traffic. Many wizards have failed to deal with it. The request has already been sent out to the Fiore side."

Gaal pulled a bounty list from his pocket and handed it over. 

Gray took the bounty list, surprised, "They're offering 300,000 jewels?!"

Looking at the blurred photo of the bounty, he could only make out a massive shadow lurking beneath the water. The ships on the water appeared toy-like beside it. 

Gray felt a surge of anticipation and eagerly handed the bounty back to Gaal, "To get to the town, we need to go in that direction. Let me lead the way. We should arrive before noon."

As he pointed to a direction opposite to where Ur had just departed, he added, "I can create an ice sled. Just... no magical beasts to pull it."

Gaal nodded and took out his wand, "There's no need for that."

Gray looked at Gaal with some confusion as he observed.

Gaal raised his wand and pointed it ahead. Suddenly, a silver-white magic circle appeared at their feet, enveloping them both: "Magic is never something so cumbersome."

As Gaal finished his sentence, 

whoosh!

Their figures disappeared into the vast snowy mountain.

----

Half a day later.

In the town center. 

On the train waiting to depart, Gaal and Gray sat in a cabin, waiting for the train to depart. 

Gray leaned over the table, having gazed outside for a while, then turned to Gaal, who was reading a magic book and asked, "Big Brother Gaal, what kind of guild is Fairy Tail?"

Gaal set down the magic book and pondered for a moment before replying, "How should I put it...? It's a place that's quite headstrong and carefree. But the people are nice; everyone cares a lot about their comrades. There are many strong wizards, ranking among the top in the Fiore Kingdom. The one Ur and I refer to, Gildarts, is known as the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail. Of course, that's just within our guild.

Outside, he's generally considered the strongest wizard in the western continent. Then there's our Master Makarov, who is one of the Ten Wizard Saints. Makarov's son Ivan is also a powerful S-Class wizard. Then, there are some A-Class wizards, including myself, as well as many B-Class and C-Class wizards, which make up most of our members. We also have several kids in the guild, around your age."

As Gray listened to Gaal's narration, his expression grew more expectant. He knew that Gildarts was quite a formidable figure, someone that even Big Brother Gaal treated with great respect. Also, the strongest ten wizards in the magical world, the Ten Wizard Saints existed in Fairy Tail, and even the guild master had a son who was an S-Class wizard.

Gray's heart raced with excitement. He realized that learning here would surely make him stronger quickly. He would be able to protect Ur then.

Seeing Gray's excited expression, Gaal smiled, "Joining the guild is just a matter of time. First, let me check your magic, Gray."

----

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