Three days later.
It had only been three days since the war with Phantom Lord ended. Three days since the final clash of magic and steel shook the region.
And yet… somehow the guild hall looked worse now than it did after the war. As it was utterly destroyed. The once-repaired guild hall now lay in ruins. Splintered beams poked out of collapsed walls. Tables were shattered, barrels upended, and even the front sign had been scorched beyond recognition.
Now every member could be seen hard at work recreating the guild completely.
"Oi, careful with that beam!" Macao shouted, sweat dripping down his forehead as he balanced a log with Wakaba.
"It's not my fault it's heavy, you old fart!" Wakaba barked back, cigarette bouncing between his lips.
"You're older than me!"
Nearby, Cana was half-heartedly sweeping rubble into a pile. "Urgh… why did no one stop me after my fourth barrel…?"
"You didn't let us!" Max called back while nailing planks together, only to yelp when a hammer slipped and caught his thumb.
Erza was seen in a construction uniform despite the heat, barked orders like a general. "Form straight lines with the lumber! Brace the support beams first! Gray, put on some clothes while you're carrying those bricks!"
Gray looked down at his bare chest and shrugged. "Huh. Guess I did it again."
"STOP MAKING IT A HABIT!"
"Oi! Jet, that beam goes on the left side, not the roof!"
"I told you, it fell from the roof—what's the difference?!"
"WHERE'S MY ALE?!"
The remains of Fairy Tail stood surrounded by piles of wood, broken stone, scaffolding, and various items for construction. Hammering, shouting, swearing, and magical bursts of energy rang out from every corner as guild members ran around with supplies, blueprints, and improvised tools.
But the real question was simple: Why was the guild destroyed again?
Surely after all they went through, after all the care Tamamo-no-Mae had taken to repair every inch of the structure with her magic, things should've been perfect.
And they were. For about five hours.
—-------------------------------------------------
Flashback: The Night of the Celebration
"TO FAIRY TAIL!!"
"TO SURVIVAL!!"
Cups clanged, bottles popped, and explosions of confetti filled the air. Roasted meat, soups, skewers, bread, and bottles upon bottles of sake, beer, and rum flooded the long tables. Drunken singing echoed through the streets. Someone lit a firework indoors.
But then it turned chaotic as Natsu challenged Gray. In their fight they bumped and tackled Elfman to the ground breaking a table and Elfman getting up and throwing a table to Cana, which she then grabbed her cards to attack other members.
Tamamo warned them, multiple times. Miya even brought out the mask but as they were too drunk, it proved to be less effective.
The fight continued and as they brought out their magic… it was all over.
By sunrise, the entire guild hall had been destroyed. Again.
—---------------------------------------
Of course, things hadn't been so simple in the days following their victory. To make things worse, the Rune Knights had shown up marching into Magnolia the next day. Their armored boots echoed through the empty streets.
Apparently, a huge number of legal violations had stacked up due to the Phantom Lord conflict: public endangerment, unregulated magic, massive property damage, illegal use of ancient spells and… disturbing the peace. Repeatedly.
Every Fairy Tail member who participated in the battle, was arrested and hauled in for interrogation. Except for Matsu and Karasuba, because none of the Rune Knights could find them. Tamamo, Miya, Miki, Gorou, Misuki and Sakura who were deemed non-combatants as they were not part of the guild.
After a long, brutal night of questioning, everyone was released. In the end, Jose was branded guilty of endangering Magnolia and abusing his rank. The Magic Council decided to disband Phantom Lord entirely, sentencing Jose Porla to prison as the one responsible and placed under heavy magical sealing.
The cost of repairing all the damage across the city was deducted from Fairy Tail's budget—and Makarov's personal savings.
—------------------------------------------
When the Fairy Tail mages were released the next morning, battered but free, the first thing Makarov had done was shuffle over to Tamamo, drop to his knees, and beg. Hands clasped together, tears in his eyes, voice hoarse.
"Tamamo-chan, please… just one more time! Fix the guild! I beg you!"
Tamamo had stared at him flatly, tail flicking behind her, ears twitching with irritation.
"I. Fixed. Everything. Twice. I've healed your guild. I've patched your wounds. I've rebuilt your bar, your floors, and your library. You destroyed it all again because you guys couldn't stop fighting."
Makarov sniffled. "But!"
She turned and walked away. "You're on your own and I'm not your maid," Tamamo had said, her voice sweet but sharp. "You all break things faster than I can fix them. If you love this guild so much, then fix it yourselves."
The old man had wept all day.
—----------------------
Back to Present Day
Now, sweat and curses filled the air as Fairy Tail labored under the morning sun, each hammer strike punctuating the morning.
A hammer snapped in half.
"DAMMIT!" Elfman roared, staring at the splintered handle in his hand.
"Maybe if you didn't hit it with all your strength and scream about manliness every time you hit a nail, it wouldn't keep breaking," Levy muttered, floating by with a blueprint.
Off to the side, Makarov was kneeling on the grass, a look of complete defeat on his aged face. "…I should just have died with dignity…" He muttered.
"There, there, master, it's not so bad." Behind Master Makarov was Mirajane soothing the poor master by patting his back to not lose hope.
Yet despite the grumbling, despite the exhaustion, there was laughter too. Jokes shouted across scaffolding. Rivalries renewed over who could carry the most bricks. Songs started, forgotten, and started again.
—-------------------------------------
Under Construction Lakeside residence
The tranquil sound of the lake lapping gently against the shore was broken by the rhythmic sound of hammers and the groaning of strained ropes.
In the clearing by the water, the same one Natsu had once brought Issei to for a peaceful day of fishing with his father, stood something that was beginning to look like a big mansion. Or at least, something vaguely house-shaped, cobbled together from logs, planks, and the creative chaos of a dozen different personalities trying to "help."
"MOVE FASTER, YOU USELESS TWIG, MORE CHOPPING!" Bellowed Karasuba, standing atop a half-built scaffolding with her sword resting on one shoulder.
"Ugh! You don't even know how to say please!" Snarled Totomaru, sweat clinging to his brow as he hacked another log into shape. Totomaru, the ex-Phantom Lord mage, was bent over a log pile, grumbling under his breath as he continued, his black and white hair clinging to his face. "Why the hell am I doing this?! I'm a mage, not a lumberjack!"
""You're whatever I tell you to be." Karasuba replied with a grin that definitely wasn't innocent.
Totomaru growled and swung harder. "This is humiliating. Helping my enemies build their love shack! Do you know who I am?!"
Nearby, Kuromaru dragged a thick bundle of beams across the clearing with one claw, his electric aura crackling faintly as he huffed from the exertion. Sakura, sitting comfortably on his back, kicked her legs in the air like she was riding a pony.
"This is so much fun! Faster, Kuromaru! Daddy needs the walls finished!" She cheered.
The wyvern groaned.
In the middle of the half-built foundation, sweat rolled down Issei's brow as he hammered another board into place, the sound of chirping cicadas and birds filled the scenery , along with the laughter of Sakura playing by the lakeside.
They had walls. Beams. A roof in progress. Even a small outdoor bath setup already dug out.
"Man… building a house from scratch is harder than smashing a guild master in the face, Thank god I learned something during my days working in construction." He muttered, tossing his hammer onto the growing frame of what would one day be their porch.
Beside him, Gorou chuckled while hauling a beam across his broad shoulders. "Really you were a construction worker. That's surprising coming from you, building a home takes patience. Something you never had."
"Hey!" Issei shot back, puffing his chest a little. "I've got patience! …Kind of."
"Kind of," Miki repeated with a smirk at her son as she passed by carrying a bucket of nails, her long hair tied back. "That's the understatement of the year."
Issei's attention was then taken by the weird rando that was helping them. "…Okay. Not that I'm complaining for the help." Issei said, stepping closer to Totomaru. "But is someone gonna explain to me why this random person is now our personal lumberjack?"
Totomaru gritted his teeth. "I HAVE A NAME, DAMMIT!"
Issei blinked, squinting. "…Uh, yeah, about that. Who are you again?"
"I'm TOTOMARU!" He roared, throwing his arms up. "Part of Phantom Lord's Elemental Five!"
".... Who?" Issei said with a tilt of the head.
"WE WERE THE STRONGEST MEMBERS IN PHANTOM LORD!!"
Issei stared blankly. "I don't remember you."
"AAAAARGH!!" Totomaru's scream echoed across the clearing, making even the birds scatter.
Karasuba casually tossed a hammer past his head. "Quit yelling and finish those support beams, or I start aiming lower."
Totomaru went back to chopping wood with tears of injustice in his eyes.
Issei turned to Matsu, who was comfortably sitting cross-legged on a levitating board she had rigged together using wind magic. "Matsu. Seriously. What happened while we were all in jail? And why's this guy even here?"
She grinned and adjusted her glasses. "He was Karasuba's opponent during the Phantom Lord battle. She beat him fast and I found his magic intriguing. So I decided to kidnap him. Then Karasuba and I took advantage of the confusion after the battle and… ransacked Phantom Lord's personal belongings of value."
Issei blinked. "You what?"
"Books, weapons, tools, even some cash." Matsu was quite proud of their findings.
"So all this material for building our home?"
"Well," She continued, casually inspecting a rune-inscribed chisel, "We sold some of the stuff we didn't need, using Misuki's talents in business and bought high-end building materials for this house."
Issei crossed his arms. "And no one stopped you?"
Matsu smirked. "Everyone was in jail to care. Plus the rune knights never found us."
Issei frowned. "That still doesn't explain why he's actually listening to you guys. He doesn't exactly look cooperative. If he was once our enemy. How'd you even convince him to work for us?"
Matsu quickly looked the other way. "You're going to have to ask Tamamo."
Tamamo then approached, holding a silver tray with cups of chilled juice and tea. Her movements were graceful, ears twitching lazily as she handed Issei a drink.
He looked at her. "Tamamo… what exactly did you do to him?"
She smiled sweetly. "I paced him under a Geas."
"A… what?"
Tamamo sat down beside him, tails curling behind her. "A Geas. A sacred soul-binding contract that imposes unbreakable conditions on both parties. With his consent, of course."
Issei raised a brow. "And what were the conditions?"
Matsu raised her hand like a schoolgirl. "He obeys everything we say or he dies."
"WHAT KIND OF CONSENT IS THAT?!" Issei shouted. "You guys basically forced him."
Tamamo shrugged elegantly. "More or less. He agreed, after all."
Totomaru, sweating nearby, yelled, "IT'S NOT CONSENT IF YOU THREATEN ME WITH A BLADE!"
Tamamo took a delicate sip of her tea. "You signed the contract."
"YOU HAD A SWORD TO MY NECK!"
Karasuba waved lazily from the roof. "You lost, just accept your life from now on."
Matsu beamed. "But don't worry, Totomaru. Once you teach us your magic and finish helping us build this lovely home. We'll release you.
Totomaru groaned, dropping his head. "You're all monsters…"
Issei rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "This… feels kinda wrong, guys. Miya, you didn't stop them?"
Miya appeared beside him, silent as always, setting down a basket of vegetables. "I tried. I didn't approve of stealing all this material either… but they swore they'd let him go after he teaches them."
"And after the house is finished," Matsu corrected cheerfully.
Issei sighed, dragging a hand down his face. "Figures."
Sakura giggled. "Daddy, are you mad?"
"No, sweetie," He sighed. "Just… confused. As usual."
—----------------------------------------
A few hours later
The house stood proudly against the lakeside horizon, its wooden beams sturdy, its walls already rising high with a promise of permanence. It wasn't finished—not by a long shot. Whole rooms were still empty shells, rafters exposed to the air—but the shape was there. A true home.
Issei dropped down into the grass with a tired sigh, running a hand through his messy hair as the sound of the lake lapping against the shore filled his ears. "Huh. Not bad. Guess we're actually pulling it off."
Gorou and Miki shared a jug of sake, Misuki and Yuuka splashed their feet in the cool water, and Sakura sat proudly on Kuromaru's back, her arms stretched wide as if she were riding a parade float.
Even Karasuba, though pretending indifference, had set her sword aside for once, letting the breeze ruffle her long black hair.
Tamamo sat with her tails fanned out like a soft cushion, watching the sunset reflect on the lake's surface. "A fitting view for our new estate," she mused aloud.
The girls spread out across the bank, their usual bickering subdued by the fatigue of honest labor. Meanwhile Totomaru, who sulked on a log, muttering curses under his breath as he rubbed his sore arms.
Matsu stood in front of the house, hands on her hips and her glasses flashing proudly in the fading light. "Perfect. Just as my blueprints dictated! Three stories, full expansion wings, reinforced with magic bracing. Honestly, I've outdone myself this time."
Issei sat up, staring at the growing structure with wide eyes. "Wait… three stories? And more rooms than I can count? Do we really need all this space? All we needed was a house."
"Correction," Matsu chimed in immediately, flipping a page in her notebook. "A three-story structure with a central hall, private chambers, a bathhouse, and a library. More than 'just a house.'"
"Oh, it's absolutely necessary. What if we have more kids in the future? You think we're all gonna cram into one tiny shack when we've got a whole family to raise?" Uzume said immediately, flopping down beside him and leaning back on her hands with a smug grin. "Think about it—this isn't just a house, Issei. This is going to be our vacation home. What happens when we have more kids? Hm?"
Issei blinked, frozen, as Uzume's words sank in.
"More… kids?" he repeated dumbly.
A ripple of color touched Uzume's cheeks, but she didn't back down. "Obviously. Did you think Sakura was going to be the only one?"
The clearing went silent for a heartbeat.
Then Yashima's face turned crimson as she ducked her head. Akitsu fidgeted, her icy expression cracking with the faintest blush. Even Yuuka, usually so brash, suddenly found the ground very interesting.
Miki let out a teasing laugh from where she sat with Gorou, elbowing him. "Well, well. Looks like you will be busy, son."
"M-Mom!" Issei groaned, burying his face in his hands. "That's way too fast to be thinking about kids—!"
Tamamo, smirking, swayed over with her tray of drinks. Her tails brushed across Issei's shoulder as she leaned close to whisper in his ear. "Don't look so shocked, darling. You are the one who keeps talking about becoming a harem king, after all."
Before Issei could stammer out a reply, Matsu clapped her hands, her voice too chipper for the topic at hand. "Besides! It's not just about future children. We'll need more space for potential new members of your harem as well!"
The words hit the lakeside like a bomb.
Every single female present turned to give her a murderous glare.
Karasuba cracked her knuckles, eyes narrowing. "Care to repeat that?"
"Future… girls?" Yuuka echoed dangerously, her voice low.
Akitsu's hands started to glow faintly with frost.
Even Miya, calm and poised as ever, gave Matsu the kind of smile that promised pain.
Matsu, either oblivious or far too confident, adjusted her glasses with a grin. "Oh, come now. It's Issei we're talking about. Did you really think this would be the end of it? We might as well be practical."
"Matsu," Miya interrupted, hand drifting lazily to her bokken. "Shut. Up."
Issei waved his hands frantically. "Wait, wait, wait—hold on! Let's not kill each other, okay?! Please?!"
His protests fell on deaf ears. The air grew heavier by the second as the girls' glares sharpened, only breaking when Sakura shouted from Kuromaru's head.
"Daddy's mine!"
Everyone froze.
Then the girls broke into laughter, the tension dissolving as quickly as it had come. Even Miya chuckled softly, though her eyes still lingered on Matsu with a silent warning.
Issei slumped in relief, only to perk up again as another question hit him. "How about we focus on something else. Like—uh—why is my room twice the size of everyone else's? That doesn't sound fair."
That got him a round of mischievous giggles.
"Oh, don't worry about that," Matsu said sweetly, her grin far too wide.
"Yeah," Uzume added with a sly smile. "We've got a lot of plans for your room."
Even Miya's lips curved into a faintly ominous smile.
Issei blinked nervously. "…Plans?"
"Big plans," Yuuka purred, leaning closer.
He swallowed hard as the girls giggled together, exchanging glances like conspirators.
Somehow, Issei had the feeling that once the house was finished, his room was going to be the most dangerous place in it.
The sound of light footsteps on the forest path broke the easy chatter by the lakeside. A gentle voice followed soon after.
"Um… excuse me."
Everyone turned.
There stood Mirajane Strauss, smiling softly, her snow-white hair catching the last rays of the sun. In her arms was a basket covered neatly with a cloth, the scent of baked bread and roasted meat wafting out and instantly capturing the attention of every nose in the clearing.
Issei blinked, then grinned, standing to wave her over. "Oi, Mirajane! Over here!"
She walked closer, her calm presence instantly softening the atmosphere. Setting the basket down, she smoothed her apron. "Hello, everyone. I heard from the Master that you all came here to build a home. Since I'd just finished cooking for the guild, I thought I'd bring you something too."
The eyes of every girl in Issei's group narrowed in unison. The sudden shift in atmosphere was so sharp it was almost audible.
Still oblivious to the death glares, Issei scratched his cheek sheepishly. "You didn't have to go out of your way. And… sorry. I should've been helping everyone rebuild the guild instead of slacking off here."
Mirajane shook her head gently, smiling brighter. "Don't apologize. It's thanks to you and your group that we were able to stand victorious against Phantom Lord. Without you, things might have turned out very differently."
Issei waved his hands dismissively. "Nah, that's not true. Everyone in Fairy Tail's strong—strong enough to win without us. I'm sure you guys would've beaten those losers. And besides, it wasn't even me who took down Jose, it was Master Makarov after he recovered."
Her blue eyes softened, though they narrowed slightly in disapproval. "Issei… you shouldn't take your accomplishments for granted. Even Erza said she was impressed by what you did. I think she'd love to see you in that armor again. I know I would."
Heat rushed to Issei's cheeks as he rubbed the back of his head. "E-Erza said that? Well, I'd show you, but I can't right now. Still recovering, you know."
From the side, the entire group of Sekirei girls stared with identical expressions—like they'd just bitten into lemons.
Yuuka's arms were folded so tight her knuckles turned white.
Uzume tapped her fingers against her thigh, eyes narrowed dangerously.
Akitsu's normally blank face carried a hint of frost that wasn't from her magic.
Even Tamamo narrowed her eyes, her tails twitching dangerously.
Matsu, scribbled in her notebook with a sly grin. "Hmm, fascinating social development…"
Meanwhile, Gorou and Miki exchanged stunned glances, their jaws nearly dropping.
"Are… are we seeing this right?" Gorou leaned toward Miki, his expression stunned. "Am I crazy, or does Mira-chan look like she's flirting with our boy?"
"Looks like it," Miki replied in equal shock.
They turned toward Misuki, who was sitting serenely, sipping from a cup of tea she'd poured herself.
"Since when are those two so close?" Miki asked.
Misuki smiled knowingly. "It appears Mirajane may have a little crush on Issei. Don't worry—the other girls won't interfere. For now. But who knows what might happen later."
That earned her a sharp look from Yuuka, who clearly had heard, but Misuki just hummed innocently.
—--------------------------------
Soon, the basket was opened and plates were shared around. Fresh bread, roasted chicken, steamed vegetables and everyone gathered to eat together by the lakeside.
"Wow, Mira-san, this is amazing!" Yashima said, delighted.
Mirajane blushed faintly at the praise. "I'm glad you like it."
Miki, leaning forward, rested her chin on her hand as she studied the girl. "So, Mirajane… tell us more about yourself."
Gorou crossed his arms and nodded firmly. "Yeah. If you're gonna be around our boy, we should know more."
Both Issei and Mirajane froze mid-bite, their faces flushing.
"W-wait, hold on, it's not like that!" Issei sputtered, waving his arms wildly.
Mirajane fumbled with her words, cheeks pink. "N-no, they're misunderstanding! I was just—!"
But Gorou and Miki weren't letting go. "Don't mind him," Miki said cheerfully. "So, Mirajane, what about your family?"
The smile faded slightly from her lips. Setting her fork down, she folded her hands in her lap. "I… have a little brother, Elfman. And I used to have a little sister, Lisanna. But… she died, during a quest years ago."
The clearing grew quiet.
Even Karasuba, usually indifferent to sentiment, frowned slightly at the pain in Mirajane's tone.
"I'm sorry," Issei said softly, his usual cheer gone. "I didn't know."
"Please don't apologize," Mirajane said gently. "We're… moving forward. Elfman and I are trying to overcome it. Bit by bit."
Miki reached over and patted her hand warmly. "You're a strong girl."
Gorou nodded solemnly. "Takes guts to keep living after something like that. I respect it."
The moment lingered in respectful silence—until Mirajane, perhaps to shift the topic, looked back at Issei.
"Oh, that reminds me. Lucy went home."
"Wait, what?!" Issei exclaimed, almost dropping his plate.
The girls blinked, shocked. "Home?" Yuuka repeated.
"Didn't she run away from home?" Uzume added, eyes wide.
Mirajane nodded sadly. "Yes… and Natsu, Gray, Happy, and Erza went to bring her back."
Issei leaned back, thinking. "Huh. Figures Natsu wouldn't just sit around. Well I wouldn't worry, I'm sure he'll solve it. He always does. I'm sure they'll all be back later."
Mirajane then brushed her skirt down as she rose to her feet, her eyes widening as she took in the structure rising proudly by the lake.
"My… Issei, is that going to be your house?" She asked, noticing just how big it's gotten. "It's coming out beautifully."
Issei rubbed the back of his neck, glancing back at it. The unfinished framework gleamed in the sun, Lacrima-powered lamps already set along its edges. "Yeah, that's the plan. It's still a work in progress, but it's getting there."
He gave a small laugh, his eyes softening with a strange kind of pride. "Guess it helps that I had some experience. Worked as a construction worker for a while—nothing major, just enough to know the basics. Plus, Matsu's basically a genius, so we just follow her orders and pretend we understand half the things she says."
Matsu adjusted her glasses and struck a proud pose, as though he'd just crowned her queen. "Damn right. This isn't just a house—it's a masterpiece in progress. Three stories, reinforced beams, magically sealed foundations, and a water flow system that'll make anyone jealous."
"Calm down, it's not that impressive." Yuuka muttered.
"It should be," Matsu shot back, completely unfazed.
Issei just chuckled. "Well, with her brains and magic making the job easier, everything's coming together."
Mirajane smiled warmly, clasping her hands in front of her. "I hope you'll invite me once it's finished."
Issei looked over at her and grinned without a second thought. "Of course! I'll give you the grand tour. Hell, you might even want to sleep over one night."
The words slipped out naturally, almost casual.
Mirajane's face went red instantly, her hand flying to her cheek as she sputtered. "S-stay the night? W-well… maybe I will…"
Issei tilted his head, clueless as ever. "Yeah, I mean, it'll be roomy enough for guests. No sense building all these rooms if they just sit empty, right?"
The girls behind him looked like they had collectively bitten into lemons again—Yuuka's fingers twitching dangerously."How is he so dense…?"
Uzume rolling her eyes, Akitsu staring blankly but frosty air beginning to leak around her. Tamamo's tails flicked like blades, while Matsu whispered gleefully, "Oh-ho-ho, this is getting good."
Issei, utterly oblivious, just smiled at Mirajane's flustered expression.
It was then Mirajane's eyes caught movement near the pile of cut logs. She spotted Totomaru, shirt sticking to his back with sweat, grimacing as he lifted another plank into place.
Her expression softened with surprise. "Wait… isn't that one of Phantom Lord's mages? What's he doing here?"
The entire group stiffened.
A bead of sweat trickled down Yuuka's temple as she leaned forward quickly. "He, uh… he feels guilty. For what Phantom Lord did. So he volunteered to help us out, right girls?"
The others immediately chimed in.
Yashima nodded rapidly. "Yes, he—he came to us wanting to help out."
"Yes, guilty!" Miya nodded too hard.
"Very guilty," Uzume said flatly, glaring daggers at the poor man.
Akitsu's voice was flat but firm. "Atone."
Totomaru's mouth opened, about to shout the truth—
THWACK!
Karasuba's elbow shot into his stomach, making him double over with a strangled groan.
He clutched his gut, face pale, but when Mirajane turned back with innocent blue eyes, she didn't notice a thing.
"I see…" She said kindly. "That's wonderful. I didn't expect anyone from Phantom Lord to want to make amends. I'm glad. Wanting to make amends is never easy."
Totomaru groaned pitifully from where he was hunched, voice weak. "…Y-yeah… I'll… atone…"
Karasuba smirked darkly from behind him. "Smart boy."
Mirajane clasped her hands together, the very image of purity. "Well, then I'll leave you all to it. I should head back and help the others with the guild repairs. But thank you for letting me visit."
"Of course," Issei said, waving. "You're always welcome here, Mirajane and thanks for the food."
The others chimed in their goodbyes, though the tones varied.
She smiled warmly at Issei, gave a polite nod to the rest, and started down the forest path, basket swinging in her hand.
The moment she was out of sight, Yuuka crossed her arms with a huff. "That woman is too nice. I don't trust her around you."
Uzume smirked, flopping onto the grass. "Jealous much? Weren't you the one who said we wouldn't interfere."
Yuuka flushed. "Just because I said that, doesn't mean I would like it."
Matsu, meanwhile, leaned back with a devilish grin. "Oh, this little drama is going to be delicious to watch unfold."
Issei just blinked at all of them, tilting his head. "…Drama? What drama?"
No one answered him.
—------------------------------------
Night time, Magnolia Inn
The moonlight spilled through the open window of a quaint inn room, pale silver painting across the floorboards. Outside, Magnolia had long gone quiet, the chaos of the day settling into the rhythm of crickets and the occasional splash from the river.
On the bed, Issei Hyoudou lay sprawled out, staring up at the ceiling. His body still ached from days of labor. His body was nestled comfortably between Akitsu and Karasuba, both sound asleep after a day of backbreaking labor.
Akitsu's cool, steady warmth pressed against his left arm, her grip gentle but firm as she pressed Issei's arm into her heavenly breasts, her icy breath brushing his chest in steady intervals.
On his right, Karasuba clung to him like a predator guarding prey, her arm hooked tightly around his waist, her lips curved in the faintest smirk even in sleep. Both had worked hard that day, cutting, hauling, hammering—neither letting go of him even now.
Issei looked at them, smiling faintly, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
"…Alright, Ddraig," He murmured into the dark. "You owe me some answers."
The inn room blurred. The warmth of the sheets and the softness of Akitsu and Karasuba faded away.
When Issei opened his eyes again, he stood in the center of his soulscape—an endless sky of flames. The air here pulsed with heat and strength, his pulse syncing with the steady thrum of something ancient and powerful.
And there he was.
The great Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig. His scales gleamed like burning rubies, each movement shaking the ground beneath Issei's feet.
Floating just beside him was a small orb of light, flickering like a star was Sherri her voice carrying its usual warmth as she hummed.
Issei shoved his hands into his pockets, frowning up at the dragon. Alright, Ddraig. No more dodging. You're gonna tell me what that armor was back there, or do I have to keep guessing? It's about time you told me what the hell it actually is."
Ddraig rumbled, vibrating through the crimson sky. His emerald eyes narrowed slightly before he inclined his head. (Very well. You've earned the truth, partner.)
Sherri floated closer, her glow bobbing like an eager child waiting for a story.
Ddraig's booming voice filled the expanse. (That armor you wore—it is known as Balance Breaker. The evolved form of Sacred Gears. A state where their true power awakens and their limits cast aside. Few ever achieve it as it manifests when emotions run high, when the wielder's heart changes, or when the spirit undergoes a great revelation.)
"Balance Breaker…" Issei muttered, rolling the words around in his mouth.
The dragon nodded. (Your Boosted Gear's Balance Breaker manifests as the Boosted Gear Scale Mail, a full suit of red dragon armor, studded with green jewels. While wearing it, you can double your power endlessly. It is the truest form of the Red Dragon Emperor.)
Issei's eyes widened, excitement and awe warring with disbelief. "So… basically, I get to wear a dragon-themed mech suit of ultimate power?"
Sherri chimed, her voice amused. "In very crude terms, yes."
"Hell yeah," Issei grinned—then immediately sobered. "But wait. Why did it drain me so badly? I barely lasted thirty minutes before it shut down. I still feel like crap three days later."
Ddraig's eyes gleamed knowingly. (Because you were already exhausted when you triggered it. Balance Breaker consumes vast amounts of stamina and magical power. You forced the armor out on empty reserves—it's a miracle you stood as long as you did.)
Issei blinked, realization dawning. "…So that's why I collapsed right after it faded. I still feel like crap. I've been running on fumes since then."
(Correct,) Ddraig said. (Had you been at full power, you could have maintained Scale Mail for up to three hours. At your current level, that is your limit.)
"Three hours…" Issei muttered, whistling low. That was more than enough time to wreck anyone dumb enough to pick a fight.
Sherri then chimed in. "If Master gets stronger I'm sure the time will extend."
Still, another question gnawed at him. He folded his arms, staring up at Ddraig. "You said Balance Breaker needs high emotions, right? Some big shift in my heart. But… when I triggered it, I wasn't feeling some grand revelation. No sudden burst of determination or anything. Are you sure that's what did it?"
There was a pause.
Ddraig's tail flicked, his great head turning slightly. (Fear.…Yes. Fear of defeat. That must have been it.)
Issei narrowed his eyes. "That sounded… way too quick. And suspicious."
Sherri floated closer, glowing gently. "It probably doesn't matter how it happened in the end, Master. What matters is that you achieved it."
Ddraig let out a grunt of agreement, as though eager to drop the subject.
Issei studied the dragon a moment longer before sighing, letting it go. "Fine. I'll let it slide… for now."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "So, how long until I can use it again without face-planting?"
(Four more days,) Ddraig answered firmly. "Your stamina needs time to replenish fully."
Issei groaned. "Great. So I get this shiny new toy and can't even play with it until the week's over. Typical."
Sherri's laughter tinkled softly through the crimson air. "Patience, Master. Power without restraint is self-destruction."
"Yeah, yeah…" he muttered, though a smile tugged at his lips.
—--------------------------------------
Issei's eyes fluttered open back in the inn room. The faint light of the moon brushed over the curves of Akitsu's hair and Karasuba's pale face, both still clinging to him tightly in their sleep.
He stared at the ceiling, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and unease.
'Balance Breaker, huh? Boosted Gear Scale Mail…'
A future where he could wield that kind of power stretched ahead of him, terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
"…Guess I better be ready," he whispered, before finally allowing his eyes to close.
—----------------------------------
Hyoudou Residence
Three days had passed in a blur of sweat, sore muscles, and more than a few arguments over where walls should go. But now it was finally done.
The Hyoudou family, along with Kuromaru and even the begrudging Totomaru, stood in front of the completed house.
A towering three-story structure of polished wood and stone, wide balconies overlooking the lake, and a grand double-door entrance large enough for Kuromaru to pad through without even ducking his head.
Issei felt his chest swell as he looked up at it. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this proud, not just of himself but of everyone standing beside him.
"…We actually did it," He muttered, almost in disbelief.
Yuuka elbowed him, grinning. "Of course we did! What, did you doubt us?"
Uzume crossed her arms with a smirk. "Honestly, it turned out better than I thought. With everyone's work, it looks like an actual mansion."
Totomaru groaned loudly, still rubbing his back. "Yeah, and don't forget the slave labor of yours truly."
Karasuba smirked, stepping closer to jab him in the ribs. "Careful. Keep whining and I'll move you into the pen with Kuromaru."
The wyvern let out a low growl, his tail flicking behind him as Sakura climbed down from his back to race toward the front steps.
"Come on, Daddy, let's go in!" She cheered, tugging at Issei's hand.
Issei laughed, ruffling her hair. "Alright, alright. Let's check it out."
—--------------------------
Inside, the house was already alive with possibility. The scent of freshly cut wood filled the air, sunlight streaming through wide windows onto polished floors.
To the right was a personal library, shelves already brimming with books scavenged from Phantom Lord and purchased by Matsu. She stood there with sparkling eyes, stroking the wood of the shelves like a mother seeing her child for the first time. "My kingdom… finally complete."
Next to the library was Matsu's lab, humming faintly from the Lacrima she had already installed. "And here," she said proudly, "is where genius shall shape the future."
To the left, a wide archway led to a massive kitchen. Miya's eyes softened with approval while Tamamo's tails swished excitedly. "Plenty of space for meals," Miya said with a small smile. Tamamo giggled, her golden eyes gleaming. "And for keeping Issei well-fed."
The dining room stretched beyond, a long table already waiting to be placed in the center.
Down another hall lay the dojo and gym, Karasuba's personal territory. She walked in, testing the wood under her boots, then gave a satisfied smirk. "Perfect. Now I can train without anyone whining about the noise."
Nearby Uzume's workshop, already filled with different types of cloths. She cracked her knuckles. "Finally, a space just for me."
Yuuka practically squealed when she saw the shooting range tucked behind the workshop. "I should invite Bisca!"
On the second floor, a wide playroom for Sakura was already stacked with cushions and toys, courtesy of Miya and Miki. Sakura ran inside and immediately dove into a pile of pillows, giggling.
And perhaps the crown jewel—an artificial hot spring, steam curling invitingly from a stone pool in the back garden, born from Tamamo's magic and Matsu's design. "Ohoho~ it even smells like sulfur," Tamamo said proudly, tails wagging.
Everyone's laughter and chatter filled the halls as they scattered, claiming their rooms and daydreaming about how to decorate.
Issei wandered up to the third floor, where his own room waited. It was huge—at least double the size of the others. He frowned, scratching his head. "…Why's mine so big, again?"
From below, the girls giggled in chorus.
Even Totomaru had been grudgingly assigned his own room. "Seriously?" He muttered as he opened the door to a modest chamber with a single bed and a desk. "You drag me into this, work me to the bone, and then… give me a place to sleep? You people are insane."
From the doorway, Karasuba leaned in, smirking. "Think of it as your cage. Behave, and maybe we'll decorate."
Totomaru groaned into his hands. "…I miss Phantom Lord."
—-----------------------------
Back in the main entrance, Issei leaned against the doorframe, watching everyone explore and laugh together. His chest tightened in a way he couldn't quite explain.
"ISSEEEIIIIIIIIII! WHERE ARE YOUUUUU?!"
And then, a second voice, lighter but no less annoying: "Aye!"
Everyone stopped what they were doing. Even Kuromaru lifted his head from his pen with a low, irritated rumble.
From the forest path burst Natsu and Happy, waving their arms like maniacs. Natsu's eyes went wide when he spotted the mansion towering over the lake. "Whoa! Since when was there a huge house here?!"
Happy hovered in the air, wings buzzing as he pointed. "That's really big."
From inside, Issei poked his head out the doorway, looking exasperated. "What's with the yelling?!" He stepped outside fully. "Natsu? When did you get back? And what the hell do you need me for?"
Several of the girls drifted out behind him, drawn by the noise. Yuuka folded her arms, annoyed. "Tch. Just when it was finally quiet."
Natsu's eyes locked on Issei. Without a word, he rushed forward, grabbed Issei by the arm, and started dragging him away.
"Wha– Hey!!" Issei dug his heels into the ground, nearly tripping as he leaned back to resist. "What the hell, Natsu?! Where are you taking me?!"
"Did you forget already?!" Natsu yelled with a grin, not slowing down. "You promised we'd train together!"
Issei blinked, struggling to keep up as his brain caught up. "…Wait… oh crap, I did say that." He scratched his cheek nervously. "Something about wanting to learn Dragon Slayer magic, right?"
"Exactly!" Natsu said proudly, his grip unrelenting.
Issei stumbled as Natsu yanked him toward the forest. "Wait, wait, hold up! Why can't we train here? We've got plenty of space!"
Natsu whirled around, his face dead serious. "Are you crazy?! Fire magic is dangerous! Especially Dragon Slayer Fire! What if we burn something important down?!"
For once, Natsu's words made sense.
Issei froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. "…You… you're the one making sense right now? The guy who burns everything is worried about safety?"
"Of course!" Natsu puffed up his chest. "You don't mess around when it comes to training with Dragon Slayer magic!"
Even Happy nodded solemnly. "It's super dangerous, aye."
Behind them, the girls all looked equally stunned.
"…Did he just say something reasonable?" Uzume whispered.
"This must be a sign of the apocalypse," Matsu muttered.
Karasuba smirked. "Even idiots has his moments."
Issei sighed heavily, scratching the back of his head. "Alright, fine. But how long are we talking? A couple hours? A day?"
Natsu shrugged. "I dunno. A few days, maybe?"
"A few days?!" Issei groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
Still, he straightened, remembering his own words. A promise was a promise. "Alright. I'll go. Just… let me tell the others first."
He turned back toward the girls. Their expressions ranged from murderous (Yuuka) to worried (Yashima) to outright sulking (Tamamo). Miya just stood calmly, though her gaze was sharp.
"Looks like I'm heading out for a few days," Issei said, trying to sound casual. "Don't worry I'll return as quickly as I can."
A chorus of protests immediately erupted.
"Wait, you're just going with him?!" Yuuka snapped.
"We still have so much left to do!!" Uzume yelled.
Tamamo's tails bristled dangerously. "And I had plans for tonight."
Issei held his hands up defensively. "Hey, hey, I didn't forget! But I promised Natsu first, alright? I'll make it up to you when I get back!"
Before they could fire back, Natsu grinned, threw Issei's arm over his shoulder, and started hauling him away at full speed.
"Let's go, Issei! Time to get serious!"
"Wha—wait! At least let me grab some of my stuff!" Issei shouted as his voice grew fainter, carried into the forest.
Happy flapped along cheerfully. "This is gonna be fun, aye!"
The girls stood there in the doorway, watching their Ashikabi disappear into the trees.
"…I hate him," Yuuka muttered.
"Who? Natsu or Issei?" Uzume asked.
"Yes," Yuuka said flatly.
Matsu chuckled, adjusting her glasses. "Well, this will be interesting. I wonder if Issei will come back roasted."
Tamamo crossed her arms, tails swishing irritably. "If that idiot dragon burns a single hair on him, I'll fry him myself."
Miya only sighed, folding her hands together. "Let us see what he learns."