"Is it appropriate to say 'long time no see'...or perhaps 'nice to meet you'? Though it's not really a meeting," Mira scrutinized the masked figure in the black robe.
Besides her, many in the guild were curious about what Mystogan looked like.
Not just curious—they really wanted to punch him.
Anyone would be annoyed being hypnotized every time, right?
Although President Makarov said he had his reasons, it didn't conflict with wanting to punch him.
Because the President also mentioned that fighting is a process of mutual understanding.
"Sorry, I have my reasons for doing this."
Mystogan was surprised by Mira's relaxed demeanor, but considering her S-Class status, it seemed reasonable.
As for the mask...
In the past, overly trusting his magic led Laxus to see his true face.
Now, he needed to be more cautious.
Mystogan adjusted his mindset and went to the bulletin board to select a commission: "Is the President not here?"
Mira said, "He was in the yard watching Natsu and Erza duel, but you've completely disrupted it now."
"Sorry." He showed Mira the task he selected.
Mira noted the mission details, then asked, "Can you really not take off the mask and show us?"
She was planning to boast to someone about it.
"It would cause unnecessary trouble." Mystogan turned to leave.
Mira pouted, "Then I'll just tell everyone you're ugly."
"..." Mystogan paused but continued walking out.
Mira sighed boredly; maybe she should really say that later. It wasn't worth fighting Mystogan over a mask.
Who knows what burdens he carries.
A playful voice sounded from upstairs, "Not going to chase him down for a fight? That's not like you."
Mira looked up; a blond young man was leaning against the railing, looking down.
"Laxus?"
Laxus looked down at her, "I heard the Demon has returned. Seems true? But... have you become weak too?"
Mira smiled, "If considering my companions makes me weak."
"Damn, where's Mystogan?" Just then, a group burst in, clamoring to teach him a lesson.
Laxus ignored them and continued talking to Mira:
"Such a boring reason. I also heard you can't even beat someone like Erza anymore, so you're not fit to be my opponent."
"What do you mean by that, Laxus?"
Erza walked in, hearing Laxus belittle her.
"I mean I am the strongest." Laxus smirked arrogantly, "In Fairy Tail, no one can beat me, not Erza, not Mira, not Mystogan. I'm not giving up the strongest position to anyone! That includes the old man too!"
Rhode didn't join the jostling crowd but instead stayed back, introducing Lucy to Mystogan.
Lucy hadn't even had the chance to complain about Mystogan's odd behavior before hearing Laxus's declaration of strength.
"Who's that?"
Laxus seemed different from when he was in the magazine, so Lucy didn't recognize him immediately.
"Laxus, one of the guild's 5 S-Class Mages. I guess he's going through a rebellious phase now."
Rhode wasn't quite at the age to understand if a rebellious phase at twenty-three or twenty-four was normal.
"So he's on the same level as Miss Mira, Erza, and the recent Mystogan... Who's the other one?"
"An older mage named Kildas. I've never seen him either."
Lucy was surprised, "You haven't seen him, Mr. Rhode, even after a year in the guild?"
"Yeah, but everyone says he hasn't been back in over two years... Did you really remember when I joined the guild?"
"Because I saw it in a magazine before, something about the strongest newcomer, just a year before me, so..."
Lucy had always kept up with Fairy Tail's news.
And Rhode's joining coincided precisely with her leaving home, so it was memorable for her.
"Sounds like we're quite fated." Rhode thought about whether having fate with the heroine was good or bad?
Natsu, unable to find Mystogan, happened to notice Laxus: "Fight me!"
Gray sighed, "Didn't you just fight Erza?"
Natsu didn't care, "Whatever, just come down here!"
Laxus chuckled, "If you can get up here, I'll fight you."
"I'm coming right now!" Natsu said, starting to run upstairs, but Makarov stretched an arm to stop him.
"No, Natsu, you can't go up to the second floor yet."
Laxus laughed gleefully, "Oh my, getting scolded, Natsu. How are you going to fight me if you can't even get up here?"
"Damn it, let me go, old man!"
"Don't be reckless; you can go up when you reach S-Class." Makarov didn't even lift his head, "And stop talking, Laxus."
Laxus backed off; although this guild was getting softer, teasing Natsu occasionally was fun.
The guild's atmosphere wasn't great.
Not just the ones being mocked felt bad; those not mocked weren't happy either.
Because, in Laxus's eyes, only Erza and Mira mattered; he didn't even bother looking at the rest.
The thought of him being the President's grandson, being strong, and likely inheriting the guild one day didn't sit well with anyone.
Even being under Erza's rule seemed better than Laxus becoming President.
They hoped Erza and Mira would teach Laxus a lesson, or that the older mage would return.
Or perhaps...Rhode could work harder in his training?
He'd only been in the guild for a year, but maybe Rhode was the most suitable.
Unaware of anyone plotting against him, Rhode was deep in thought...
In his memory, every time Laxus appeared, it ended awkwardly.
Even though he was the President's grandson, Laxus always seemed at odds with Fairy Tail.
Rhode went to the counter, holding Mira's hand, "Did Laxus say something mean?"
Mira shook her head, "Nothing special."
So, there was something.
Quietly, Rhode suggested, "Why don't we block his path with Erza, Natsu, Gray, and Kana, put a sack over him, beat him up, and run away?"
"No way we could do that, plus he just said a few words, it's not a big deal."
Rhode thought for a moment and decided to say something that might cheer Mira up: "So...did you meet Mystogan?"
"I saw him, but he had a mask on and wouldn't take it off." Mira pouted, "He's definitely too ugly to show us."
Rhode nodded earnestly, "Yeah, I think so too. Let's tell everyone that!"
Mira laughed; this guy was just as mischievous as she was.
"How about we go out for a change of scenery?" Rhode worried Mira was unhappy,
"I'll find a suitable mission. It's been a while since I've ventured out anyway, plus I promised to visit Wendy."
"Hmm...alright." Mira nodded. If it was Rhode's promise to Wendy, the President would probably agree.
"I'll go find one now." Rhode ran to the bulletin board, only to remember he could check the counter files directly.