"How come..."
"President!"
Natsu was the one who couldn't accept it: "Old man! It's too much to just kick Laxus out, right? It's just a fight, like before, we can compensate for the damage, can't we?"
Gray also said: "Although that guy is an idiot, this time I agree with his perspective."
Laxus stood silently nearby with a cane.
"Shut up! He has done something harmful to the guild, which is absolutely unforgivable!" Makarov turned his back, raising his right arm, trying not to let anyone hear the abnormality in his tone, "Now... get out!"
Makarov learned yesterday that Laxus had prepared 300 Thunder Magic Crystals, originally intending to use the entire city as a 'hostage' if he couldn't turn the girls into stone.
Although it was because the statue and the technique were cracked too quickly, he couldn't activate it in time.
But this kind of thinking was already very dangerous.
Whether from the perspective of the guild or the responsibility as a mage, this behavior is absolutely unforgivable.
If the Council hadn't been non-operational yet, this would have been enough to land him in jail.
Despite the pain in his heart, and although Laxus realized his mistake, Makarov decided to proceed.
Someone wanted to argue with the President, but Laxus was already heading towards the guild's door with his cane: "I understand, thank you for taking care of me... Grandfather."
Makarov's shoulder shook slightly; it had been a long time since he heard Laxus call him Grandfather.
"Don't run away, Laxus, I haven't defeated you yet!" Natsu wanted to chase after him, but Erza held him back by the shoulder.
"Don't do that, Natsu." Erza said, "Just let it be a little bit of his dignity and the President's feelings, say a proper goodbye."
"..." Natsu couldn't bring himself to say anything no matter what.
To him, the guild was like family, and Laxus was akin to a big brother who liked bullying, if he made a mistake, just give him a beating, how could you just kick a family member out?
Rhode couldn't quite empathize with Natsu's feelings because he wasn't familiar with Laxus and was more worried about the President's emotions.
But such a low mood inevitably made him uncomfortable.
Laxus silently walked to the door and waved his hand with his back to everyone.
"By the way..." He hesitated for a moment but still said, "I'm sorry."
After saying this, Laxus strode out the door, the black guild emblem on his left side turned into golden starlight and scattered in the air.
It became very quiet inside the guild, some people were experiencing a comrade being expelled for the first time, while others remembered the scene when Ivan was kicked out before.
If someone did something harmful to the guild, even if they were a relative by blood, they could not be forgiven, Makarov had always done so.
After collecting his emotions, Makarov continued: "Next is Fried, Biguslo, Ibarglin."
The three helped each other up and stepped forward: "Yes."
"Since you assisted Laxus in his reckless behavior, the loss of this time's chapel and the city will be jointly borne by Laxus and you three. Additionally, you must also participate in the chapel's repair project."
Makarov had already decided that he would speak for Laxus's part, and he could also help with the Thunder God Tribe.
But Fried said: "We'll bear Laxus's part as well, after this we will work diligently to earn enough rewards."
Originally, the savings of Laxus and the three of them combined were nearly enough, but they had bought too many Magic Crystals in the past few days, which made them a bit short on cash.
However, the team formed by the three of them had a really good ability to earn money, after all, they were strong and smart, and unlike Natsu, they didn't just destroy streets at the drop of a hat.
So, there's no need to worry about not being able to pay.
"Then it's decided." Makarov nodded.
After pondering for a moment, he added: "Now for the final issue, it's because of my inadequate teaching of Laxus that this situation occurred, so I have decided to resign from the President's position and leave the guild immediately!"
Everyone couldn't sit still this time, and they persuaded fervently:
"Don't joke around President!"
"It's absolutely not your fault!"
"If you leave, what will happen to the guild?"
"That's right, nobody thinks this is your responsibility."
"Don't try to persuade me anymore, no matter what he's my grandson, as a grandfather, I have to take responsibility! I've even packed my things and will leave today!"
There was no way everyone was going to let him leave, a group blocked the President's way, another group tugged at his package from behind, and Hapi simply hugged the President's leg.
"Rhode, Mira, you guys say something too!"
"If this is the President's decision, then I don't have much to say. However..."
Rhode went to the counter, stacked up various documents, bills, commissions, complaints, and whatnot, then carried them out and placed them on the floor in front of Makarov with a thud.
Makarov's vision darkened—the literal sense of vision darkened because the pile of paperwork was taller than him, blocking the light.
Rhode laughed and said: "Since you're leaving, please hand over the work properly, here's all the documents that haven't been processed yet, please deal with these before you go."
Makarov broke out in a sweat on his forehead but still spoke stubbornly:
"Don't think you can stump me like this, mere paperwork, after all, it's my responsibility, I'll process it for you right now!"