Thus, Gray successfully became Ur's disciple.
In just a brief conversation between Ian and Ur, Gray's entire life path had been set in stone.
This was also the beginning of the nickname he would carry for life—being labeled as a "pervert," also known as the "Ice Nudist of Fairy Tail."
"Since the demon Deliora, which ravaged the town, has been completely destroyed by Ian," Ur crouched down and looked at the young Gray with a smile, "and now that you've become my disciple, how about coming back to my home with me?"
"After all, you don't have anywhere to live now, right?"
Ur glanced at the vast, empty village surrounding them. Even the simplest of wooden houses would take at least two or three days to build with the help of magic, so bringing Gray to her home seemed like the most appropriate solution.
Although Ur's house wasn't particularly large, it had everything needed for daily life.
It was enough to ensure Gray's survival in the midst of the heavy snow.
"Speaking of which, I haven't had the chance to introduce myself yet," Ur continued, "My name is Ur, Ur Milkovich, and I'm just an ordinary Ice-Make wizard." Without giving Gray a chance to respond, she went on introducing herself and her abilities.
Then, as she instinctively turned her head to look at the white-haired boy standing next to her, she finally remembered someone important who had been with her the entire time.
Feeling a bit apologetic, she introduced the white-haired boy to Gray: "Oh, I almost forgot your senior brother! This here is Leon, Leon Bastia. He's your senior disciple. I hope you two can get along well from now on."
"Hello, Gray. I'm Leon," Leon said, offering his hand in greeting.
"Hello, I'm Gray, Gray Fullbuster," Gray hesitated for a moment before taking Leon's hand, mimicking the introductions Ur and Leon had just given.
"Hehe, it's nice to see brothers getting along so well," Ur smiled happily after watching the two of them shake hands. "By the way, Gray, I live in a town about thirty miles west of here. It's going to be a tough journey ahead, so don't slack off."
"Of course, if you ever feel unwell or exhausted, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm a kind teacher when it comes to my students," Ur said, giving Gray a playful wink.
"Hey! Don't underestimate me! I'm confident in my stamina!" Gray stubbornly replied.
"Well then, I'll be taking Gray with me," Ur said, now turning to Ian, preparing to leave with both Gray and Leon.
"Ur, we'll leave Gray in your capable hands," said Silver, Gray's father, as he and his wife, Mika, hurriedly approached, tears welling in their eyes as they sincerely entrusted their son to Ur.
"Your Gray?" Ur was a bit puzzled by this sudden remark.
"Yes, I'm Gray's father," Silver explained.
"And I'm his mother," Mika added, sobbing as she introduced herself.
"Wait, what?!" Ur was shocked by their words. She had originally assumed that Gray was an orphan when Ian had arranged for him to become her disciple. After all, if Gray had any living family, it wouldn't make sense for a stranger—let alone a Fairy Tail wizard—to make such a major decision for him.
But it turned out that Gray's parents were alive and well, and had been standing right there the whole time, watching as Ian took it upon himself to arrange everything.
This was absurd!
"Hey, Ian! You didn't tell me that Gray's parents were still alive!" Ur yelled, suddenly flashing in front of Ian and grabbing him by the collar, her voice filled with anger. "Since his parents are right here, what gives you the right to make decisions for Gray and make him my disciple?! You have no authority here!"
"I never said Gray was an orphan," Ian replied, looking slightly exasperated. "I saved Gray's entire family, so I figured they wouldn't mind me making this small decision."
"You figured? That's just your assumption!" Ur huffed. "I swear, you Fairy Tail wizards are all the same—whether it's you or Gildarts! You're all incredibly strong, but you have no sense of boundaries. Learn some common courtesy!"
She forced a smile and turned toward Silver and Mika, gently asking, "Now, as for Gray becoming my disciple and leaving his family to study magic with me, how do you both feel about that?"
"We'll trust Ian's judgment," Silver replied, smiling.
"Ian saved our lives. We have no doubt his decision is the right one," Mika added. "We also trust that since Ian believes in you, Ur, you must be a good person like him. So we feel reassured leaving Gray in your care."
"See? I told you it wasn't a problem," Ian said, grinning as he walked over to Ur.
"Shut up," Ur sighed, thoroughly exasperated by the Fairy Tail wizards.
"Gray, say your goodbyes to your parents," Ur said, patting Gray on the shoulder and urging him to bid his final farewells before they set off.
"Yes, ma'am!" Gray said, immediately walking over to his parents. Bowing deeply, he said, "Father, Mother, I will follow Teacher Ur and work hard to learn magic. One day, I'll become as strong as Ian and defeat any enemy that dares to threaten you."
"Go on, then!" Silver waved his hand dismissively, urging Gray to return to Ur's side so they wouldn't keep her waiting.
"I know you can do it," Mika said softly, patting Gray on the shoulder, her heart swelling with pride at her son's determination to protect them.
"Mm!" Gray nodded and, after saying his goodbyes to his parents, quickly returned to Ur's side. "Teacher Ur, I've said my goodbyes. I'm ready to go."
"Alright then, let's head out," Ur said, sounding a bit weary.
Ur swore to herself that she wanted nothing more to do with Fairy Tail wizards like Ian and Gildarts.
Unfortunately, the world doesn't always go as one wishes.
"Although I don't want to ruin this heartfelt moment…" Ian suddenly said, approaching Ur and the others. "Before we leave, we need to take care of a little tail that's been following us. After all, after observing us for so long, they ought to pay a fee for the show. Don't you agree?"
"Wait, hold on…" Ur's eyes narrowed as she realized something strange in Ian's words. "What do you mean 'we'? Hey, Ian, you better explain yourself—who exactly is included in this 'we'?"
Ian wouldn't be leaving with them, would he?
She definitely wasn't planning to take Ian to her hometown!
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