Chapitre 41: Chapter 41 : Retrieve!
The following day arrived.
"Hey, lazybones! You've been back in the guild for a month now. Isn't it about time you got back to work?" Guild Master Makarov scolded Kyros with frustration evident in his voice.
It's a common parental predicament; when you're away, they miss you, and when you're home too long, they nag you.
It had been a month since Kyros's return to the guild, yet he hadn't lifted a finger to do any tasks. Instead, he spent his days indulging in food, drink, merriment, and flirting, much to the detriment of the guild's atmosphere.
"Guild Master, I just got back. Don't rush me into work just yet. Besides, I'm not too young anymore; it's time to contemplate life's bigger picture," Kyros retorted nonchalantly.
"Uh...fair point, kid. But tell me, do you fancy Erza or Mira?" Makarov whispered into Kyros's ear.
As the guild master, Makarov had watched Kyros, Erza, and Mira grow up together. It was evident to him that the dynamics between the three were more than ordinary.
In Makarov's eyes, these guild-raised youngsters were akin to his own children. And like any father, he longed to see them settle down and establish families, envisioning himself doting on his grandchildren.
Kyros whispered back, "I like them both."
Makarov gave Kyros a knowing look, muttering to himself, "This kid has the same spirit as I did in my youth."
Suddenly, Mira's voice interrupted their conversation. "Guild Master, we've got trouble! There's a missing mission scroll from the second floor!"
"What?!"
The guild fell silent. The missions on the second floor were all S-rank or higher, often perilous endeavors.
Laxus, lounging in a chair on the second floor with a cigar between his lips, chimed in, "I saw a cat sneaking around last night, tearing things up. And yes, it had wings."
"Happy?!"
The image of a winged cat was synonymous with "Happy" in their minds.
"So Natsu and Lucy are involved too?!"
"Those blockheads..."
"They must be off tackling an S-class mission?!"
Expressions of concern swept over the guild members. Undertaking S-class missions in this manner was a breach of guild regulations, not to mention the peril involved.
Guild members were required to register at the front desk and report to the guild leader before undertaking any tasks, precisely to prevent such reckless actions beyond their capabilities.
Performing tasks clandestinely was strictly prohibited.
Laxus spoke solemnly, "This is a grave violation of our guild's rules. Upon their return, they will indeed face expulsion from the guild, isn't that right, old man?"
"Speaking of which, attempting S-rank missions with that kind of amateurish skill? They might not even return, hahahaha."
Within the vast expanse of the guild hall, only Laxus's laughter echoed.
Mira questioned Laxus, her tone laced with concern, "Laxus, why didn't you intervene knowing the consequences?"
Laxus retorted, "I merely witnessed a gust of wind, a cat tearing a piece of paper, and dashing away. How was I to discern that it was 'Happy,' or predict Natsu's intentions to undertake an S-class mission?"
Mira shot Laxus a disapproving glare at his excuse.
"Oh? It's been a while since I've seen that expression of yours," Laxus remarked nonchalantly.
Makarov, unfazed by Laxus's antics, interjected, "Which piece of paper was it that went missing?"
Mira responded, "It was the request for the cursed island, Galuna Island."
"Devil's Island?!" Makarov couldn't contain his astonishment. Galuna Island held a notorious reputation in the vicinity, rumored to be inhabited by demons, hence its moniker, Devil's Island.
Demons were universally feared creatures, and consequently, the island was deemed perilous.
"Kyros, fetch them back immediately!" Makarov instructed Kyros, who happened to be idling in the guild at that moment. Makarov found solace in Kyros's reliability whenever the need arose.
"Devil's Island?... I understand," Kyros pondered briefly. It occurred to him that he hadn't yet ventured to Devil's Island, despite his lengthy tenure in the guild. The prospect held a certain allure for Kyros.
Laxus erupted indignantly, "Hey, hold on! Father, didn't you say it yourself? This guild doesn't require assistance in cleaning up after the mages' messes. Natsu and the others clearly breached guild regulations and should be promptly expelled."
"Hmm..." Makarov was momentarily at a loss for words. Though he had indeed made such a statement recently, he hadn't anticipated Laxus bringing it up.
Despite his declaration, the guild members were like his own children; he couldn't fathom expelling them over a trivial matter.
Kyros furrowed his brows and rebuked Laxus, "Laxus, you're speaking out of turn to the old man. The guild master is Makarov, not you. It's not your place to mete out punishment for Natsu's transgressions. You're acting as if you're the guild master."
"What did you say?!" Laxus seethed at Kyros's words, glaring menacingly at him.
"You could have intervened this time, but you chose not to. So when others step in to help, it's best for you to remain silent."
"Kyros!"
Kyros playfully covered his ears with his index finger and thumb. "There's no need to shout, I can hear you just fine. If you're upset, we can always settle it elsewhere. There's no need to let it fester all day."
"I wouldn't mind teaching you another lesson on behalf of the old man."
"You scoundrel!!"
"Crack crackle crackle crackle!" Golden lightning crackled around Laxus's body, his eyes locking onto Kyros with intensity, as if poised for action. Nearly everyone in the guild quivered in response.
The destructive potential of two S-rank wizards clashing within the guild hall was staggering. The entire guild, perhaps even the entire street, stood at risk of annihilation.
"That's enough!!"
Makarov's voice boomed.
Laxus regained his composure. He was within the confines of Fairy Tail guild now, with Makarov, one of the Ten Wizard Saints, present. Even if he were to engage Kyros in combat, the old man would surely intervene.
"Kyros, go and retrieve Natsu and the others."
"Yes!" Kyros nodded firmly, then turned to depart.
"Hmph!" Laxus watched Kyros leave before turning on his heel and retreating into the depths of the guild hall.
If a confrontation with Kyros was inevitable, it was imperative that Makarov couldn't interfere. Then, and only then, would Laxus make Kyros realize that he was no longer the same person. He was now the most formidable wizard in the guild.
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone