"How could revenge happen without me?" Ian chuckled, clearly eager to get involved in the coming showdown with Brian.
"Ian, today's your birthday. I already feel bad for not letting you properly enjoy the day, so how could I drag you into my personal matters?" Ur frowned, looking apologetically at Ian.
"Besides, Brian is the head of the Magic Development Bureau, which is under the Magic Council. His connections run deep, and I don't want you or your guild to get into trouble because of me."
"Eh?" Ian raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "I thought we were friends after spending the past half-year together."
"Friends help each other out. If you're going to be so formal with me, maybe I misjudged you. I guess it's time for me to leave," Ian sighed dramatically, pretending to pack up his things to go.
"No! That's not what I meant!" Ur jumped up from her seat, looking flustered as she grabbed Ian's hand instinctively.
"Oh?" Leon's smirk widened as he watched Ur hold Ian's hand. "Ur-sensei is holding Ian's hand. Seems like what Aunt Sherry said was true—there's definitely something going on between them!"
"Huh?" Gray, oblivious to the situation, was busy stuffing his face with food and completely missed the point. To him, this conversation was meaningless background noise.
"It's exactly as I thought," Ultear muttered, eyes gleaming with realization. She'd always suspected something, and now she was certain calling Ian 'uncle' wasn't wrong. Maybe soon, she'd be calling him something else entirely.
"Seriously?!" Ur, normally calm, was now flustered as the children teased her. She felt her face flush as she realized how this must look. She angrily let go of Ian's hand and snapped, "Fine! If you insist on coming along, you can. But don't say I didn't warn you!"
"Who do you think I am?" Ian grinned confidently. "A Fairy Tail wizard is never afraid of a little trouble."
As Ur turned to leave, Ian chuckled softly to himself, wiping the sweat from his brow. Whew, close call! I almost crossed the line there.
"I can't believe I almost caused an incident," Ian muttered to himself. "I must be picking up bad habits from hanging out with that scoundrel Gildarts for too long. I swear, I'm still pure at heart!"
Ian shook his head. Better not upset Irene—or I might just get hit with one of her divine magic attacks!
"Where did you even learn to say things like that?" Ian turned and whacked Leon playfully on the head. "You've been hanging around the wrong people, kid!"
Leon, now rubbing his head and blinking back tears, had no idea what Ian was talking about. "I don't get it at all," he muttered, confused.
"You don't need to understand. Just get ready—we're going to take down Brian!" Ian announced, his voice full of energy.
"Yeah!" This time, Gray perked up. The moment he heard about beating someone up, his enthusiasm returned. He was a natural fit for Fairy Tail.
---
Meanwhile, at the Magic Development Bureau...
"Director, Experiment 3373 is still missing," reported a group of nervous researchers, standing in front of a man with long white hair.
"Find her!" Brian, the director of the Magic Development Bureau, growled. "Do you understand? She's the daughter of Ur, one of the top wizards in the land. A subject like her is irreplaceable!"
Brian, head of the Bureau and future leader of the Six Demon Generals, was obsessed with finding prodigies like Ultear. His entire plan hinged on powerful individuals who could help him suppress his violent alter ego, 'Zero.'
For years, Brian had been searching for five such geniuses who could bind Zero and keep him sealed away. Ultear was one of his top candidates. But now, she had escaped, and Brian's carefully laid plans were falling apart.
However, what Brian didn't realize was that Ultear had the potential to surpass even him. She had inherited her mother's talent and possessed even greater potential. If she continued to grow, she could easily surpass the strength of the infamous Ten Wizard Saints. But that was precisely why Brian could never fully control her.
"Useless!" Brian spat, furious that his people had failed to contain a mere child.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out as several figures rushed toward him, panic evident in their faces.
"What now?" Brian barked. "How many times do I have to tell you not to run in the Bureau?!"
"Director Brian, we've found Experiment 3373!" one of the workers exclaimed.
"Haha! Excellent!" Brian's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Where is she? Bring her to me at once!"
"Uh, well, she's returned… but with her is the 'Saint Ten' level ice mage, Ur," the researcher added awkwardly.
"What?!" Brian's face paled. "Take me to them immediately!"
---
Before Brian could even finish processing what was happening, a loud explosion echoed through the Bureau. A figure wrapped in an immense aura of magic descended from the sky, landing directly in front of him.
"You... Who are you?" Brian felt a tight knot of fear in his stomach. The last time he had encountered such overwhelming power was when he had met Fairy Tail's legendary second master.
"Someone here to punch you in the face!" Ian wasted no time. With a swift movement, he appeared in front of Brian and landed a solid punch on his face.
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Bonus chap! Please leave a review and power stones if you like the story so far <3