Chapter 26: Chapter 26 : Erza’s Invitation!
"What?!!"
The atmosphere in the guild shifted abruptly, with most faces contorting in various expressions, but Kyros's countenance brimmed with joy. It had been over a year since he last saw Erza, and he had sorely missed her.
Mira noticed the gleam in Kyros's eyes and nudged him lightly.
Both Natsu and Gray were perspiring profusely.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The sound of heavy footsteps reverberated.
"It's Erza!"
"I'm done for, it's over!" Macao paled in terror.
Lucy, too, was taken aback upon hearing Macao's words. Who was this Erza? And why did everyone in the guild seem to tremble at her mention?
Before long, a girl with lustrous, crimson locks and clad in steel armor on her torso, with a blue skirt adorning her lower body, entered the guild, bearing a colossal horn.
"So stunning!" Lucy couldn't help but marvel.
Indeed, Erza appeared both beautiful and imposing, akin to a regal figure.
"Boom!" Erza set the massive horn down with a thud.
"I'm back. Is the master here?"
"You're back!! The master has left for a routine meeting."
"Ah... Miss Erza, what's... that... gigantic thing?"
"Huh? This is the horn of a demon I vanquished. The locals gifted it to me as a keepsake. I found it exquisite, hence, brought it back as a memento. Is it in the way?"
"N-no, not at all!"
"Slaying monster horns?... impressive..."
Gazing at the horn towering over three meters, one could deduce that the creature it belonged to stood at least fifteen meters tall or more, undoubtedly a behemoth.
Erza's demeanor suddenly shifted. "Compared to this, you all are merely causing disturbances again. Even if the master pardons you, I won't."
"Cana, why are you drinking like that?"
"Vijeeter, if you wish to dance, do so outside."
"Wakaba, the ashes have scattered."
"Nab, are you still loitering around the task board? Get to work."
"Macao... ugh!" Erza's gaze fell on Macao, her expression tinged with exasperation.
"You ought to say a word or two!"
This was more discomforting for Macao than enduring a string of reprimands.
"I'm truly concerned. I'll keep quiet today."
"Hey... Erza... hi! I... We had a good day together, didn't we..."
"Love!"
Gray and Natsu clapped each other's shoulders with one hand while grasping each other's hands, their voices trembling as they addressed Erza.
"Natsu's acting just like 'Happy' now!" Lucy exclaimed, her eyes wide with fear. "They were just fighting fiercely a moment ago, and now this sudden change! What's going on?"
Erza nodded approvingly as she observed, "Indeed, true friends sometimes have their quarrels, but I appreciate the harmonious bond between you two."
"No... we've told you countless times, we're not just friends..."
"Love!"
"I've never seen Natsu act like this before!"
In Lucy's memory, Natsu had always been a fearless individual, seemingly immune to fear. Yet today, he was as obedient as a kitten in the presence of this woman named Erza.
Mira chimed in with a smile, "Both Natsu and Gray are wary of Erza. Natsu once challenged her and ended up battered. Gray found himself stripped and similarly chastised by Erza. Even Loke, smitten as he was with Erza, received a beating that nearly did him in."
Erza smiled warmly, "It's heartening to see such camaraderie between you two."
"Miss Erza doesn't seem that intimidating."
"Where's Kyros?" Erza inquired, scanning the surroundings.
Kyros promptly approached, lifting a hand in greeting to Erza. "Erza, it's been a while. You're as formidable as ever..."
"Hush!"
A glint of cold steel flashed, a sword descending towards Kyros's forehead.
"Clang!"
Kyros's head was severed.
"Stop!!!" Lucy collapsed to the ground, horrified, as Kyros had been right beside her. She felt as though she was next in line to be decapitated. What had transpired? Why did Erza attack Kyros the moment they met?
Lucy...
"Crack!"
Kyros's head was unharmed, but Erza's sword shattered upon impact.
"Eh-?!!" Lucy's eyes widened in disbelief. Despite Kyros's head remaining unscathed, the sword lay shattered, testament to his thick skin.
Kyros offered a wry smile. "Erza, it's been over a year since we last met. No need to be so eager for our reunion..."
"Humph! You've been absent from the guild for a year! Off gallivanting without a word, leaving us all worried sick. A mere sword cut seems lenient punishment for your disappearance," Erza retorted sharply.
"I had matters to attend to..."
"What kind of matters? Wandering aimlessly as usual?" Erza's tone held the weight of her disapproval, knowing Kyros's penchant for aimless wandering in the past.
"..."
Kyros sighed inwardly. He couldn't exactly explain that wandering the world was his primary occupation.
And knowing Erza's uncompromising nature, she wouldn't care for his reasons.
"Alright, I've heard about some issues at work. I intended to seek the Guild Master's guidance, but he's unavailable. It's imperative we resolve this promptly."
"Coincidentally, you're free now. Join me, and let's address the matter together."
****
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