belamy20

26-30

Added 2025-07-23 16:46:37 +0000 UTC

Chapter 26: "You Can't Be Serious Right Now"

"This should make accepting future missions a bit easier."

That was the thought lingering in Rayne’s mind.

Having defeated a magical beast even seasoned C-Class mages would struggle against, he could now take on higher-risk, higher-reward C-Class missions—maybe not B-Class yet, but Master Makarov would likely approve.

"Good. At least you’re not injured."

Makarov gave Rayne a quick once-over, relieved to find no wounds. He’d fought Rayne before and knew his limits. Taking down a Moonlight Bear should’ve been a brutal battle, yet according to Wakaba, it had been almost one-sided.

Then there was that strange red magical armor—something Rayne had never used before. Makarov glanced at Conner beside him, suspecting the power came from the dragon. Otherwise, how else could his strength have surged so drastically?

"But the dragon I saw before was white… Could this be a new one?"

The question flickered in Makarov’s mind, but he didn’t press. Some secrets weren’t his to pry into.

"I’ll go check the job board."

Noticing Makarov’s silence, Rayne took Conner and walked toward the request posters.

"Impressive."

Macao watched the boy’s retreating figure, surprise flickering in his eyes before melting into a grin. Having a talented junior in the guild was something to celebrate.

As for Wakaba? He’d never doubted Rayne’s victory—their bickering was just their usual dynamic.

"Who do you think would win if they fought?" someone suddenly asked.

"Definitely Laxus. He’s been raised in the guild since childhood—way more experienced with magic than Rayne."

"True. Rayne’s got talent, but he’s still new to this."

"Laxus is no slouch either."

"I’d bet on Rayne," Wakaba cut in, stroking his beard. "You didn’t see what happened out there."

The sheer brutality of that fight had left an impression.

Opinions split, but most leaned toward Laxus. They knew him better—his pride, his undisputed strength. Even the older members wouldn’t claim they could beat him.

Rayne, on the other hand? Just a kid Makarov brought back, rumored to be gifted. Wakaba’s wild description didn’t quite match their image of him.

"How about a wager?" Wakaba smirked, puffing his cigar.

"On what?" Bickslow paused mid-spin, intrigued.

"Who’d win in a fight. Losers cover the drinks."

A classic Fairy Tail gamble.

"Deal!"

The others quickly agreed.

"I’ll back Rayne too," Macao chimed in, siding with Wakaba.

No one batted an eye—those two always bickered but were inseparable.

"Final call?" Wakaba glanced at the group.

With no objections, the bet was set. The crowd dispersed, returning to their usual spots.

"You really think he can win?" Macao propped his chin on his hand, watching Rayne study the job board.

"Nope." Wakaba shrugged without hesitation.

He was rooting for Rayne, but victory wasn’t guaranteed. Still, high risk meant high reward—and if they won, the others would be footing their bar tab.

"Then why—?"

"Because you’re splitting the bill with me. If we win, free drinks!" Wakaba grinned, downing his ale.

"…Can I back out now?"

Macao finally realized this was payback for earlier.

SLAM.

"You can’t be serious right now." Wakaba set his mug down, smirking as he locked eyes with his friend.

By the next day, the guild was buzzing—but neither Laxus nor Rayne had shown up.

"Wait, Rayne took another job already?!" Macao and the others crowded the bar, gaping at Makarov.

He’d just completed a mission! Who skipped rest like that? It made them look lazy by comparison.

"This one might take a while," Makarov said, eyeing them. He knew what they were thinking but ignored it, focusing instead on Rayne’s task.

[Mission Details]

Title: Missing Children

Rank: C-Class

Location: Oak Village, near Hargeon Port

Details: Over the past week, three children have vanished without a trace—no signs of struggle. The village seeks a mage skilled in tracking or investigation.

Reward: 50,000J

Makarov had hesitated.

This mission might involve a dark guild—maybe even killing. Too heavy for a rookie, especially one so young.

But Rayne had been firm.

"I’m ready, Master."

His voice was calm, eyes unshaken. Maybe he didn’t want others to suffer as his village had. Or maybe he suspected the same attackers were behind this.

Whatever the reason, his resolve was clear.

"Ready" meant ready to stain his hands with blood.

Makarov hated the idea. No child should carry that weight. But the life of a mage was rarely clean.

"Fine. But you’re taking a partner."

He couldn’t refuse, not after Rayne took down the Moonlight Bear. If anything, the boy was stronger than expected.

"Understood."

With a nod, Rayne left with Conner, unaware of the guild’s chatter behind him.

Chapter 27: "Master, What Do You Do for a Living?"

The Next Day

Hargeon Port – City Gate

"Tch— What’s the old man thinking, pairing me up with you this time?"

A haughty voice rang out as Laxus crossed his arms, glaring at the two.

"And now you’re even dragging a kid along. I don’t get what’s going through your heads."

"If you’re not happy, you can leave."

Rayne shot Laxus a dismissive glance, refusing to indulge his attitude. Holding Kanna’s hand, he began searching for a carriage heading toward Oak Village.

When Makarov said he’d assign a teammate, Rayne never expected it to be Laxus.

Lately, as if to prove his maturity, Laxus had been taking on jobs solo. The tension from their previous clash had cooled—not because Laxus had forgotten, but because he’d decided not to "bully a kid." Instead, he seemed to be waiting for Rayne to grow stronger before settling the score properly.

In a way, this version of Laxus wasn’t yet the arrogant force of nature he’d later become.

"What’s his problem? Why’s he so pissed?"

The blond teen frowned as Rayne walked away without another word. He could tell Rayne was in a foul mood, but since this was a job assigned by his grandfather, Laxus wasn’t about to bail.

On the Road

Before long, heavy footsteps thudded behind Rayne. Even without turning, he knew who it was—the sheer force in each step was unmistakable.

"Tch. Only doing this because the old man said so!" Laxus caught up, glaring sideways. "So, what’s the job?"

"Oak Village. Kids have been disappearing."

Rayne tossed the request sheet at him, keeping his explanation brief. If Laxus was coming, they’d have to set aside their friction—for now.

"...A dark guild’s work?" Laxus muttered, scanning the details. As a "veteran" with over a dozen solo jobs under his belt, he quickly pieced together the likely culprit.

"No wonder he’s in a bad mood."

Rayne had never hidden his past, so Laxus had heard the rumors—though he’d never asked directly.

"Why’d Gramps suddenly approve you for a job like this?" Laxus asked, watching Rayne negotiate with a carriage driver.

In his mind, Rayne should’ve still been nursing bruises from training. How was he already taking on missions—let alone one of this caliber?

"......"

Rayne paused mid-motion, turning to give Laxus a look.

"......"

Realizing his own stupidity, Laxus stiffened. Of course Rayne had been cleared for jobs—meaning Makarov deemed him strong enough. The awkwardness was almost physical.

Rayne, mercifully, didn’t rub it in. They were teammates for this mission, after all. Taunts could wait until they were back at the guild.

The Carriage Ride

Once aboard, Laxus sat in silence, stealing occasional glances at Kanna. Up close, the girl gave him an odd feeling—not dislike, not fondness, but something closer to... rivalry?

"The hell? Since when do I see a kid as competition?"

He shook his head. There was no way some tiny girl—someone he could flick away with one hand—could ever be a threat.

But Kanna noticed his stare.

"Grr—" She turned and growled at him, squirming uncomfortably.

"What?" Rayne followed her gaze.

"She’s... Never mind." Laxus bit back his words, aware of the carriage driver nearby.

"Hm."

Rayne’s eyes narrowed. Considering the Lacrima implanted in Laxus, he could guess the unspoken question.

He’d prepared for this—Kanna’s draconic nature was bound to draw attention eventually. But it seemed Dragon Slayers’ senses weren’t as sharp as he’d thought. Maybe Laxus couldn’t pinpoint her scent because he’d never met a real dragon.

Or perhaps, as a dragon from another world, her aura was different.

Either way, it bought time. By X777, when Natsu and the others arrived, Rayne would be strong enough to protect her—even if her identity got out.

Oak Village

After a quiet ride, they disembarked at the village outskirts.

"Let’s find the client first," Laxus declared, taking the lead with the confidence of experience.

Rayne didn’t argue, carrying Kanna as he followed.

"Kanna, can you smell anything unusual?" he whispered, lips brushing her ear.

"Nngh—!" She shuddered, wriggling away.

"What’s wrong?"

"Tickles... feels weird..." She tilted her head, expression blank but body still tingling.

"Ah, sorry." Rayne chuckled. He hadn’t realized dragons were ticklish too.

"Sniff-sniff—"

Recovered, Kanna flared her nostrils, sifting through the scents in the air...

Chapter 28: Laxus’s Frustration

"There’s a nasty smell in the forest."

Kanna soon wrinkled her nose, her face twisting in disgust.

"Is it the same as those people from the other day?"

Rayne stroked her head soothingly, his voice deceptively calm—yet laced with something dangerous.

"Mmm… just as bad," Kanna murmured, frowning as she tried to compare. But in the end, she couldn’t decide.

To her, it was like trying to figure out which rat smelled worse.

Whether it was these people or the ones before, their stench was equally revolting. She couldn’t tell the difference.

"I see… Sorry you had to smell something unpleasant."

Rayne pinched Kanna’s cheek and offered an apologetic smile.

"Did they make you upset, Rayne? I’ll burn them all."

She tilted her head, pressing her face closer to make it easier for him to pinch. Her tone was casual, her expression unchanging—as if she were talking about torching an anthill.

As Rayne’s summoned partner and closest companion, Kanna understood his emotions better than anyone else.

Ever since last night, Rayne hadn’t been himself. She didn’t know how to fix it, so she’d stayed quiet and obedient.

But now that she’d found the ants responsible for his foul mood, she saw no reason to let them live.

"You were worried about me, huh? Guess I’ve been a little on edge."

Seeing Kanna’s concern, Rayne realized just how much his past life’s memories were affecting him.

But even knowing that, he didn’t try to suppress them.

After all, they were his experiences.

"Excuse me… Are you the mages who took the request?"

A hopeful voice interrupted their conversation.

Rayne and Kanna turned to see a middle-aged woman standing before Laxus.

Her clothes were plain, her hair unkempt, and her weathered face was etched with exhaustion. Bloodshot eyes brimmed with desperate hope as she stared at the young man.

Her hands twitched, as if she wanted to grab him—but she quickly pulled back, afraid of scaring him off.

"If you mean the missing child request… then yeah, we’re the ones."

Laxus took an awkward step back, his tone uncharacteristically stiff.

The woman’s grief-stricken gaze—mixed with sudden, fragile hope—made his chest tighten.

Though he’d completed over a dozen requests, they’d all been monster-hunting jobs. He’d taken them to prove his strength.

But this kind of request?

He’d heard of them, but he’d never actually dealt with one.

He didn’t understand her emotions.

Normally, he’d brush it off with his usual bravado—but under that pleading stare, the words died in his throat.

"Please, Mage-sir! You have to find my child!"

At his confirmation, the woman’s eyes lit up. Her voice cracked as she nearly dropped to her knees.

"Ma’am, there’s no need for that. We’re from a proper guild."

Rayne stepped forward, gently steadying her. His voice was calm, soothing her frayed nerves.

Letting a client kneel? That’d ruin Fairy Tail’s reputation in a heartbeat.

And even beyond that—no victim should have to beg.

Beside him, Laxus exhaled in quiet relief.

"Ma’am, can you tell us about your child’s appearance? And when and where they went missing?"

Kanna had sensed something off in the forest, but she couldn’t be sure it was connected.

According to the request, the first disappearance was nearly a week ago.

The culprits might’ve already fled.

If they rushed in only to find the wrong people, crushing this woman’s hope would be cruel.

So before acting, Rayne wanted details.

"O-Okay!"

Eager to help, the woman steadied herself and began explaining.

By now, the commotion had drawn other villagers.

Though it wasn’t their children missing, fear hung thick in the air.

They understood—if it happened once, it could happen again.

But the sight of two teenagers and a little girl made them murmur in doubt.

"Can these kids really handle it?"

"They’re from that famous guild, right?"

"But they look younger than my boy…"

"Doesn’t matter. We’re out of options."

An elderly man pushed through the crowd and bowed slightly to Rayne.

"Mage-sir, may I see your request form and guild mark?"

His demeanor marked him as the village chief.

"Of course. Standard procedure."

Rayne didn’t mind.

A gust of wind whistled behind him. Without turning, he caught the request form Laxus had tossed over.

With a flick of his wrist, he unfurled it—simultaneously revealing the Fairy Tail emblem on his hand.

Behind him, Laxus undid his collar, exposing the black guild mark on his chest.

"Very well. Then, Mage-sirs, if you’ll follow me—"

The chief nodded, gesturing toward the village hall.

But Rayne cut him off.

"No need. Let’s settle this here so we can start immediately."

Walking back and forth would waste time. Better to gather intel now, then head straight for the forest.

If it was a dead end, they’d adjust.

Watching Rayne handle things so efficiently, Laxus clenched his fists.

He’d faltered over something so simple.

The memory of their first meeting flashed in his mind—Rayne’s words echoing:

"Strength isn’t proven by words."

"…Then we’ll skip formalities."

The chief nodded, impressed by Rayne’s no-nonsense attitude.

"It started a week ago…"

His voice was grave but concise.

Thankfully, he knew time was precious—this wasn’t a speech, just the facts.

(•̀ᴗ•́)و

Chapter 29: "Yeah, That's Right!"

As the elder recounted the events, Rayne and Laxus—who had now steadied himself—understood the situation.

Just as the request described, three village children had vanished over seven days.

The disappearances followed no pattern.

The first went missing at noon seven days ago, the second at noon the next day, and the third just two nights prior.

There had been no sounds, no signs of struggle—nothing.

"Mind control magic? Or were they knocked out?"

Laxus voiced his thoughts aloud.

At his words, the three mothers’ faces darkened, grief raw in their eyes. Their husbands clenched their jaws, chests heaving.

"Unknown. But there’s good news."

Rayne stopped tapping his fingers and lifted his gaze, tone calm.

"They weren’t killed on the spot. That means they’re likely needed for something—so there’s a chance they’re alive."

The villagers’ eyes lit up.

"But only a chance."

Seeing their hope, Rayne added the cold truth.

"I understand! My child’s a good kid—they’ll be fine!"

"Yes, yes!"

"They’ll come home safe!"

The mothers whispered, half to soothe themselves, half in prayer. Yet their eyes held a flicker of hope now.

"Mage-sir, anything else you need to ask?"

The elder waited for their emotions to settle before speaking.

"Are there other villages nearby?"

Rayne paused, then continued.

"Two more, on the forest’s edge—but a fair distance apart."

The elder gestured toward the trees, as if anticipating Rayne’s next question.

"While searching for our children, we learned their villages had missing kids too."

Rayne’s eyes followed the elder’s finger—straight toward the direction Kanna had sensed the foul magic.

He pressed a fist to his lips, piecing together the puzzle.

The culprits were using the forest as a base, abducting children from multiple villages.

The other villages’ requests might’ve gone to different guilds.

And if the kidnappers knew their actions would draw mages…

Those with real power wouldn’t hide.

Which meant they’d likely flee soon.

"Understood. We’ll investigate the forest first."

Rayne nodded to the elder, then turned.

"Laxus, move out."

"Kanna, guide us."

Earlier, he’d hesitated—but the elder’s words had all but confirmed their suspects.

Whether it’s them or not, we’re hunting.

"Hey! Where are you—?!"

Laxus stared, baffled. That’s it? No further questions?

"Explanations later. Keep up."

Rayne’s voice brooked no argument.

Grumbling, Laxus followed.

Fine. Let’s see how this plays out.

If he screws up, I’ll never let him live it down.

Behind them, the mothers’ prayers grew frantic.

"Village elder… Do you really think they can find them?"

One of the men spoke, doubt thick in his voice.

The others shared his skepticism.

Just a few questions, then they left?

The elder sighed, watching the trio disappear into the trees.

"…What choice do we have but to believe?"

The villagers fell silent.

Against magic-users, they were powerless.

Forest Chase

Three figures darted through the undergrowth, leaves rustling in their wake.

Laxus kept pace with Rayne, eyeing his unwavering focus.

"You know where they are?"

"Kanna detected foul magic here. Combined with the elder’s info, the odds are high."

Rayne didn’t hide Kanna’s role, his breathing steady.

Magic reflected its user.

Fire mages burned hot in others’ senses; ice users chilled the air.

And dark mages with twisted hearts?

Rotting stench.

"This kid can do that?"

Laxus shot Kanna an incredulous look.

Her speed in the forest was one thing—but sensing magic from outside it?

The forest stretched endlessly, a sea of green.

That’s not just "good perception."

"No wonder Gramps sent you."

Laxus smirked.

For a search mission, this ability’s broken.

"Yeah… that’s right."

Rayne nodded smoothly.

Let Laxus fill in the blanks himself.

The canopy thickened, blotting out the sky.

Time blurred as they ran.

Then—

"There."

Kanna pointed ahead.

"Laxus, halt."

Rayne stopped abruptly.

Kanna mirrored him without question.

"Scared? Stay here. I’ll handle the fight."

Laxus grinned, cracking his knuckles.

"Don’t worry—I won’t tell Gramps. You did help a little."

He’d admit Rayne’s composure earlier impressed him.

But that didn’t mean he respected him.

"Are you stupid?"

Rayne stared at him like he’d grown a second head.

(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧

Chapter 30: A Sudden Shift in the Air

Tension Rising

"Hah!? You coward—!"

Laxus’ veins bulged on his forehead, his eyes wide with fury.

"We scout the enemy’s strength first. And confirm if all of them are back," Rayne cut in coldly, shutting down Laxus’ outburst. "If we rush in and some are still out kidnapping kids, they’ll bolt at the first sign of trouble."

"Plus, that sprint drained stamina. We recover now." He met Laxus’ glare unflinching. "Anything else to add?"

"Tch! Those bastards aren’t even our main targets anyway!" Laxus snarled, looking away—but the fight in his stance faded. For now.

"Tsundere’s outdated. Especially on a grown man." Rayne tugged Kanna forward, ignoring the twitch in Laxus’ eye.

"Tsun… what?!" The term meant nothing to Laxus, but his instincts screamed insult. He filed it away for payback—preferably in their next brawl.

Scouting the Enemy

"Kanna. Any watchers?" Rayne whispered.

"No." Her reply was instant.

"No sentries? Complacency… or preparing to leave?" Rayne’s gaze swept the forest before locking onto a slanted tree ahead.

Noticing, Laxus bent his knees—then launched upward like a cannonball. He grabbed a branch, hauled himself higher, and scanned ahead.

"Kanna. Up." Rayne tossed her without hesitation.

Instead of fear, her eyes sparkled. She caught the branch, spun mid-air with a soft "Oh~", and landed lightly.

"Play later. Mission first." Rayne scaled the tree more methodically, joining them at the top.

Through the foliage, a vine-woven hideout came into view.

"No wonder they’re lax." Rayne’s lips thinned. The structure blended perfectly with the forest. Without detection magic or sheer luck, no villager would ever stumble upon it—let alone brave the monster-infested woods in force.

Peering through the hideout’s "doorway," Rayne’s hopes sank.

"Tch. Not them."

No uniforms. No masks. No Black Magic cult insignias. Just a ragged dark guild.

Still, he counted: Thirteen members. Two kids confirmed alive in a corner—maybe more out of sight.

"One uses vine magic. Others unknown. Leader’s probably the robed guy or the axe-wielder."

No one below reacted to their gaze—a good sign. If the enemies couldn’t sense this much, they weren’t that strong.

"We wait. Catch them all at once."

Rayne sat, conserving energy. Kanna, ever-patient, settled beside him. To a dragon, hours were but a blink.

The Trap Springs

As the sun dipped, painting the forest in shadows, a crunch of leaves snapped Rayne’s focus downward.

Two figures emerged from the path he and Laxus had taken. One carried a limp boy—freshly snatched.

"Will Leer be pissed we’re late?" the kidnapper fretted.