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Fairy Tail.
The "King" of the guild's third floor sat comfortably on his exclusive sofa.
Laxus had been in a good mood lately.
Freed had retrieved that embarrassing video for him, and two days ago, led by Erza, he had joined in giving Noah a good beating and seeing his pathetic state.
All the past grievances had been repaid at once. Such a delightful thing—how could it not make one feel good?
With his mood improved, Laxus, for once, didn't pull a long face. He leaned back comfortably on the sofa, turned on his music Lacrima, and leisurely closed his eyes to enjoy his favorite classical rock music.
Normally, he would listen with his headphones, but then again, hardly anyone came to the guild's third floor, as there were only a few S-Class Mages.
Classical melodies blended with various rock elements echoed through the room.
"That's awful."
"It's too soft compared to my heavy metal."
An unromantic voice came. Laxus glanced at the newcomer and snorted coldly. "Gajeel, I'm in a good mood today. If you're here to challenge me, I can graciously grant your wish and let you know just how big the gap between us is."
"This is a challenge opportunity Natsu would beg for. Don't disappoint me, Iron Dragon."
Gajeel seemed tempted. Just as Laxus said, unless he became an S-Class Mage, this lightning guy wouldn't accept a challenge.
But unfortunately, Gajeel wasn't here to fight.
He had come for something else.
Finding a random spot to sit, with his hands resting on his knees, Gajeel's expression turned serious. "Laxus, have you noticed a very terrifying fact?"
Hearing this, Laxus was startled.
He had heard the old man say that despite Gajeel's rough demeanor, he was actually a very capable information gatherer.
Could it be that this guy has noticed something about the guild's relationship with the Black Wizard? He is indeed much smarter than Natsu.
Thinking of this, Laxus couldn't help but look at Gajeel with higher regard.
Feeling Laxus's approving gaze, Gajeel's heart settled. As expected of an S-Class Mage with the title "Lightning Dragon"—he has indeed noticed something amiss.
Laxus sat motionlessly on his "throne," maintaining a steady demeanor, and said to Gajeel, "It seems you've already understood. This matter is a very serious crisis for us."
Gajeel nodded slightly. "Yes, we must find a way to deal with it quickly. Otherwise, if those guys find out... we will definitely be isolated."
"Hmph, isolated? It'll be us isolating them."
"Laxus, you're being a bit presumptuous. We are, after all, part of the guild, and it's impossible for us to cut ties with those people."
Laxus frowned.
Although he was rebellious at times and occasionally made his grandfather Makarov quite angry, Fairy Tail was an extremely important existence in Laxus's heart.
He also didn't want the guild's reputation to be damaged.
However, since Gajeel came to him, he might already have some ideas.
"Tell me, what's your plan?"
Gajeel looked puzzled. "Plan? What plan?"
This guy isn't being honest. He's actually playing dumb with me. Laxus was a bit annoyed, but he still patiently said, "Of course, it's the plan for how we should handle it if the guild's relationship with the Black Wizard is exposed."
"What?! Black Wizard?!"
Gajeel's eyes widened, and his mouth was open wide enough to fit two eggs.
Seeing Gajeel's shocked expression, Laxus finally realized that this guy hadn't detected the guild's secret.
Instead, he had inadvertently blurted out the secret himself.
What do I do? If that scoundrel Noah finds out about this, he'll surely mock me mercilessly.
Perhaps... Laxus's fingers moved slightly, and tiny electric sparks flickered.
"Too obvious, Laxus!"
"Your murderous intent is too obvious! We're comrades, you know!"
Gajeel wasn't an idiot. He knew he had learned a huge secret. He just didn't expect Laxus to be so direct, actually intending to act on it immediately.
Knowing that he had just heard an incredible piece of news, Gajeel repeatedly promised that he would never reveal the secret he had just heard, even if he were beaten to death. Only then did Laxus let Gajeel off the hook.
"What exactly did you come to me for? You made me misunderstand."
It was clear Laxus was trying to cover up his earlier slip of the tongue. Gajeel didn't expose him, but simply stated what he wanted to discuss with Laxus.
"Have you noticed that all the Dragon Slayers in the guild, besides the two of us, have their own cats?"
"Hmph, just a mere cat, what's so important..."
Laxus's dismissive words suddenly stopped in his mouth, because he suddenly realized that what Gajeel said was true: most of the Dragon Slayers in the guild seemed to have an cat each.
Natsu has Happy, Wendy has Carla.
Rogue has Frosch, Sting has Lector.
Even Noah, who inexplicably acquired Dragon Slayer Magic earlier, has a snow cat, Cheese, as a companion.
One or two could be explained by coincidence, but five Dragon Slayers all having their own talking magical cats? This definitely couldn't be brushed off as mere coincidence.
Flying, talking cats are a standard for Dragon Slayers!
Laxus had already realized the seriousness of the situation. No wonder Gajeel had made such a big deal out of it.
Out of their seven Dragon Slayers, only the two of them didn't have magical cats.
How could this be?
"What are we waiting for, Gajeel?"
"Let's hurry and find a talking cat. We must do it before that Noah discovers this!"
Laxus and Gajeel met each other's eyes, sharing a unity they had never had before.
"Tsk tsk, amazing, amazing."
"Look what I found."
In an alley where stray cats often gathered, Noah looked at Laxus and Gajeel, whose faces and hands were covered in scratches, marveling at the sight.
Because of Erza and Mira, Noah, who had been indulging in sweet romance, hadn't left his house for two days. Today, he planned to check in at the guild.
Who knew he would witness such an incredible scene on the way?
Laxus and Gajeel were actually in a sorry state, scratched up by a group of stray cats.
"Hahaha, Gajeel, you're supposed to be the tough guy type. How did you get scratched up like this by cats?"
"And Laxus, you didn't even strike back at the cats that scratched you. Are you that gentle? Is that rebellious demeanor you usually put on just an act?"
Faced with Noah's unrestrained teasing, Laxus and Gajeel, by tacit agreement, remained silent. They were now allies on the same front and absolutely could not reveal their purpose. Otherwise, it would only invite louder mockery from Noah.
But would keeping quiet work?
Noah saw through their hidden thoughts at a glance.
After all, there was only one reason that would make these two actively go out looking for cats.
Dragon Slayers with cats—Noah had actually noticed this long ago, but he hadn't taken it seriously. He didn't expect that the two guys who seemed least likely to care would be so superstitious.
"You two, do you want a cute cat companion like Cheese? Just ask me."
Noah's smile became even more mischievous. "As long as you ask, I will definitely satisfy you."