Every eye in the guild turned to Kael.
Fairy Tail didn't have a rigid hierarchy, but the S-Class wizards functioned as the guild's informal leadership. When the Master was away, important decisions naturally fell to them. If Kael actually accepted Laxus's invitation, many members felt they would truly be pushed out of the home they loved.
Kael, however, simply shook his head.
"I'm not interested in joining hands with you to create the 'strongest guild in history.' That's just not my thing."
He continued, unhurried.
"And as for that 'playing house' comment—what's so bad about playing house? Isn't it supposed to be fun? Personally, I enjoy it quite a bit."
"As for the people you call 'weaklings'… I don't see anyone here who fits that description. They use what they have to earn a living. They don't steal, and they don't cheat. They live with integrity. To me, that's what real strength looks like."
"Kael…"
At his words, a wave of emotion swept through the guild. Faces that had been tense and anxious softened, replaced by gratitude—and a quiet, renewed respect.
"For me,"
Kael added with a shrug,
"as long as I'm happy every day—ideally with an S-Class mission to keep me busy—I'm satisfied. Even if a guild is the strongest in the world, what's the point if you aren't enjoying yourself?"
Kael understood exactly what Laxus was thinking. Even without knowing any future "plot," it was obvious. Laxus was acting like a pay-to-win player in a game—someone who only wanted to stack the roster with top-tier fighters, ruthlessly cutting anyone who didn't meet his standards.
Back in his old life, Kael had been broke. He couldn't afford to play that way. He'd always joined casual guilds with ordinary people. Even if they got beaten now and then, they still had fun together—and that was what mattered.
Laxus stared at Kael. The intense fire in his eyes dimmed into cold, sharp disappointment.
"I misjudged you, Kael. I actually thought you were like me."
He turned to the room, his voice rising.
"When I inherit this guild, all you weaklings will vanish. Anyone who dares resist me will be kicked out. Only then will I create the greatest guild in history—one that surpasses all others! Hahaha!"
With a sweeping gesture, Laxus threw his arms wide and walked out, his arrogant laughter echoing behind him.
Clap, clap!
Kael clapped loudly to snap everyone back to themselves.
"Alright. Back to work. Don't let his words get to you."
Erza stepped forward as well, her voice firm.
"Kael is right. There's no reason to dwell on what Laxus said."
With the two of them speaking up, the heavy atmosphere lifted—at least a little. Still, a lingering unease remained. Laxus wasn't just anyone, and he had the pedigree to back up his threats.
"Inherit the guild… is that even possible?"
Lucy asked, troubled. Even though she considered herself a capable wizard, she couldn't help feeling like Laxus's "weakling" remarks had been aimed straight at her.
Mira sighed, expression turning somber.
"It's not impossible. Laxus is actually the Master's grandson. If the Master ever decides to retire, it wouldn't surprise anyone if Laxus was next in line."
"Wh-what?!"
Lucy shrieked.
"That guy is the Master's grandson?! You've got to be kidding me!"
She couldn't wrap her head around how that kind, quirky little old man could have such a haughty, arrogant grandson.
"Is he… is he actually related by blood?"
"He is,"
Mira confirmed.
"How can that be? I really don't like him,"
Lucy muttered.
"How can someone who doesn't care about his own comrades become the Master?"
"That depends entirely on the Master's decision,"
Mira said quietly.
"But whenever the topic of a successor comes up, he refuses to say a word."
Makarov was getting older. By all rights, he should have retired years ago. Mira knew his health better than anyone—she was the one who made sure he took his medicine on time every day. Normally, a leader would have groomed a successor by now, but Makarov remained silent.
That Evening
A crescent moon hung over Magnolia, bathing the town in a silver glow.
Makarov sat perched on a wooden beam in the guild's rafters, sipping cold beer and watching the moon. It was a rare moment of peace.
"Retire… huh…"
He sighed, remembering the advice Yajima had given him earlier that day. He wanted to shield his "children" from wind and rain a little longer, but they were growing faster than he'd ever expected. Before he knew it, they'd become wizards capable of standing on their own.
"The guild has a fresh start,"
he murmured.
"Maybe it's time for a fresh Master, too."
He'd already heard about the confrontation earlier.
"Laxus… that boy has serious issues he needs to work through. He's not ready."
"Gildarts? No…"
Makarov shook his head. Gildarts was the strongest, and in terms of sheer presence he was an obvious candidate—but the man was a nomad. He spent more time roaming the continent than he did at the guild. If he were forced behind a desk, he'd probably jump out a window within a week.
"Mystogan? Hopeless at communication. Half the guild hasn't even seen his face. He doesn't have the rapport—or the visibility—to lead."
"Erza… Erza is a wonderful candidate. But she's still so young."
Makarov's gaze drifted toward the floor below.
"Then there's only one person left."
Kael.
Among the S-Class wizards, Kael was the newest—only with the guild for a year. Normally, seniority mattered a great deal in choosing a Master, which made Kael an unconventional option.
But in every other category, he was ideal: character, temperament, prestige, and power. At such a young age, he'd defeated Jose Porla, a former member of the Ten Wizard Saints. At the rate he was growing, it wouldn't be long before he surpassed even Makarov himself.
In all his years, Makarov had never seen such monstrous talent—perhaps only God Serena, the top-ranked Saint, could compare.
The only real drawbacks were Kael's age and his short time in the guild. But in Makarov's mind, those were hurdles that could be overcome.
"I'll need to find a time to have a proper talk with that kid,"
Makarov decided.
For the next few days, Kael kept busy helping at the reconstruction site. It was good exercise, and he enjoyed contributing to their new home. Life felt steady—comfortable.
"Kael!"
A cheerful voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Mira running toward him, waving a piece of paper and looking genuinely excited.
"Kael, I've got great news! Guess what it is?"
Kael wiped sweat from his forehead and grinned.
"Great news? Let me guess… you've decided you want to marry me?"
Mira's face instantly turned bright red.
"W-what kind of nonsense is that?! It's not that!"
She thrust the paper forward.
"Look—it's an S-Class mission!"