"So, what's happened in the last four years?" Ian asked as he sat at the dining table, holding a bottle of chilled yogurt, its frosty condensation visible as he took large sips. Across from him, in the open kitchen, Gray was busily preparing breakfast for everyone. Ian's tone was casual, but his question was filled with concern. "I mean, how's Ur and the others?"
"Actually, after you left, Ultear asked us everything she could about you. Although we couldn't tell her everything..." Gray paused for a moment, clearly avoiding discussing the painful possibilities Ultear had uncovered.
"Still, Ultear analyzed everything—piecing together events from the 'other' timeline, the one where you came to fix things. She figured out most of it on her own."
Gray didn't want to share the specifics, knowing Ian had once told them they didn't need to dwell on those potential tragedies.
"We're supposed to live carefree and happy lives," Gray thought, his resolve hardening. He wouldn't let Ian's efforts be wasted.
"After you left, we stayed where we were, waiting for the Magic Council to arrive. We helped the investigation team and retrieval squads release the children Brian had illegally imprisoned. Afterward, we watched as Brian was sentenced by the Magic Council for his experiments on children." Gray recounted the aftermath of Ian's departure, detailing how Brian was punished.
As expected, the Council sentenced Brian to life imprisonment—not just any imprisonment, though. Brian was condemned to spend the rest of his days in a one-cubic-meter, transparent magical sphere, exposed to constant daylight from powerful lamps. He would be monitored around the clock, and all his bodily functions—eating, drinking, even bathroom needs—would take place within that sphere, in full view of guards.
It was a humiliating fate, worse than being treated like an animal in a zoo. Brian's punishment would last until his death, with the added torment that he was unable to take his own life, thanks to the anti-suicide magic embedded in the sphere.
"For someone as proud as Brian, this is worse than death," Gray concluded.
"After that, we followed your instructions and joined the Fairy Tail Guild," Gray continued. "On our journey there, we had some interesting adventures—like taking down a few dark guilds and even meeting one of the current Magic Council members, Councilor Torch Endeavor ."
Gray chuckled at the memory, then continued, "There was also a little side trip to Blackvox, the biggest prison under the Council's control, where we stopped a planned prison break. That's where we ran into Gildarts."
"Gildarts?!" Ian raised an eyebrow, fully knowing the reputation of the powerful but eccentric wizard.
"Yeah, he had intentionally let himself get caught to complete a mission," Gray said, still in awe. "That guy is a monster. He's just as strong as you, Ian. I mean, the Ian I remember from when you took down Deliora."
Gray's eyes widened slightly as he recalled how Gildarts had destroyed half the prison while "saving" it. His logic was, if the prison was in ruins, then no one could escape. Typical Fairy Tail thinking.
Ian couldn't help but laugh. "Yep, that sounds like Gildarts."
He could already picture the reckless wizard being hailed as a hero after defeating the invading monsters, only to get kicked out of the village for accidentally destroying everything in the process.
"After that, we followed Ultear's advice and waited for you at Fairy Tail," Gray continued. "As for Ur, Ultear, and Lyon, they took the letter of recommendation from Master Makarov and sought out Warrod Sequen, just like you said. They've been training with him ever since, and by now, their training should be nearly finished."
Gray briefly summarized what had transpired over the past four years, giving Ian a clear picture of the progress everyone had made.
"You've done well," Ian said sincerely, standing up and walking over to Gray. "All of you have."
Gray smiled faintly, clearly moved. "It wasn't as hard as what you had to do."
Ian nodded, his expression soft, but then, just as Gray was caught up in the emotion of the moment, Ian placed his empty yogurt bottle in front of him. "Mind getting me another one?" he asked with a sheepish grin.
"…" Gray was speechless.
That shamelessness—yes, this was definitely the Ian he knew.
---
Later that morning, after everyone had finished breakfast, Gray volunteered to stay behind and clean up, while the rest followed Ian toward the Fairy Tail guild.
As they walked, Ian glanced at Erza, who was walking beside him. "Erza, have you learned any magic yet?"
"Yes, I have, father—I mean, Uncle Ian," Erza said with a beaming smile. "I've learned Requip Magic and Enchantment Magic."
Hearing that, Ian paused for a moment. The mention of Enchantment Magic confirmed something for him—Erza had been trained by Irene. After all, Enchantment Magic was nearly lost on Ishgar, and very few knew how to use it.
"Though, I should test just how much she's mastered," Ian thought, glancing over at the sleepy Natsu, who was trailing behind them.
"Erza, how about a match with Natsu?" Ian suggested casually.
"This…" Erza glanced at Natsu, looking a bit conflicted.
"Did someone say a fight?" Natsu, who had looked half-asleep just moments ago, was suddenly wide awake, eager for action.
"What's the matter?" Ian asked, sensing Erza's hesitation. "Are you not confident?"
It wasn't that Erza wasn't confident—it was more that she didn't want to hurt Natsu.
"No, I'm just worried I might accidentally kill him," Erza replied with a smile, though her tone was as sweet as ever.
"WHAT?!" Natsu's face flushed with indignation. "Don't underestimate me! I'm strong!"
As if to prove his point, flames erupted around him, flickering with excitement at the prospect of a fight.
"My, my…" Erza sighed playfully, a magical circle glowing beneath her feet as a sword appeared in her hand. "Let's see just how strong you are, then, little dragon."
The tension between them began to rise as Natsu's flames roared louder, and Erza's sword gleamed in the light.