The thought of Makarov enjoying family happiness once more brought a kind smile to Gaal's face. He downed a glass of juice at the bar.
Taking advantage of still being around, Gaal planned to create some Pokémon.
Placing the glass down, Gaal got up and left. From a bird's eye view, Magnolia Town was surrounded by the sea.
The town was divided by wide waterways, and the Fairy Tail Guild's base was located beside a vast ocean, with forests and mountains surrounding it to the east and west. Magnolia Town was at the eastern border of the Fiore Kingdom.
The core of the Fiore Kingdom seemed closely connected to the Ishgar Continent, yet it was actually located at the continent's southwest corner. Between the kingdom's eastern border and the Ishgar Continent was a strait a few kilometers wide.
Upon close inspection, the map showed little distinction. From the shore, only the faint outline of distant mountains could be seen.
This geographic separation by the sea, with no neighboring countries, allowed Fiore Kingdom to maintain its status as a permanently neutral nation. Had it been surrounded by countries, neutrality wouldn't have been feasible.
Gaal headed to the forest on the west side of Magnolia Town. The Gengar army had been practicing deep within this forest, though how Evergreen found them there was a mystery.
Fortunately, the Gengar army had cleared the forest of magical creatures, or it would have been dangerous. Numerous low-level magical beasts roamed these woods.
Arriving at the lakeside, where massive tree roots sprawled into the water, Gaal noted it to be an ideal fishing spot.
Delving into his system's exchange space, Gaal then summoned blue Squirtles with wavelike tails and three-clawed limbs to the lake and tree roots before him.
"Squirtle! Squirtle!"
A group of Squirtles eagerly swam up to Gaal, chirping and looking at him expectantly. Gaal patted each of their heads, imparting basic knowledge and how to recognize enemies.
He instructed them, "Stay around this lake and the town's waterways. If you encounter anyone with a sinister aura, report to the Guild."
The Squirtles nodded, assuring with: "Squirtle! Squirtle!"
Gaal then handed a pair of sunglasses to the first, and strongest, Squirtle he had created. The Squirtle, thrilled, put them on, and with arms crossed, he struck a formidable pose.
"You're their leader now," Gaal smiled, "This lake is under your control."
The Squirtle, now adorned with sunglasses, nodded solemnly, "Squirtle!"
Afterward, Gaal created a flock of Pidgeys and distributed them across the town's three sides and within the forests. If they spotted anything suspicious, they were to inform Guild Master Makarov or Ur.
Gaal purposefully did not create overly powerful Pokémon like Blastoise or Pidgeot. Given their current strength levels, starting with basic forms as scouts proved more effective. Pidgey would monitor the skies and nearby forests, whereas Squirtle kept watch over the waterways and lakes around Magnolia Town.
Finishing these tasks, Gaal's communicator lit up, alerting him to Makarov's return. He immediately headed to the Guild's base.
Inside the Guild's base, Makarov sat at the bar, overwhelmed, holding a stack of files from the Council. "I thought I'd find peace returning…" he sighed, "I was wrong..."
Cana chuckled beside him, with Ultear appearing equally resigned.
In a distant hall, Ultear taught the basics of magic to Erza, Levy, Shaw, Simon, and Millianna, all listening intently.
By the Guild's main entrance, Laxus sparred fiercely with Gray, while Fried and Lyon taunted each other.
Gaal skipped past the playful duels and approached the bar. Joking, he said, "Master, why so worried? These are the future pillars of our Guild. Fairy Tail's glory is just around the corner."
Makarov winced. "I doubt I'll live to see that day. How am I supposed to manage these kids?" These weren't his grandchildren, and contrary to how he'd indulge his own, he found it hard to discipline these children.
Gaal suggested, "Why not groom a leader among them?"
Makarov gave him a sidelong glance, "Who could best Laxus?"
Gaal shrugged, "But Laxus wouldn't waste his energy on weaker opponents." Perhaps due to the Thunder Dragon Crystal, Laxus had grown proud, only fighting Gray. But Freed and the Pidgeot were Gaal's informants, ensuring Laxus hadn't fundamentally changed.
Makarov pondered, "Who do we choose? Gray? He's unreliable too."
Gaal's gaze landed on Erza, diligently listening to Ur's lesson. "Erza could be a great choice. She's talented, with the most magic power among them, and she's the hardest worker. Plus, boys her age would feel embarrassed losing to a girl, spurring them to train harder to beat her."
Makarov's eyes brightened, "You're right! This might help Erza's social skills and combat her loneliness. If it's posed as a mission, it'll improve her behavior. It's decided then."
Makarov eyed Gaal mischievously, causing Gaal to nervously shift his stool back.
With a grin, Makarov said, "You have a lot of magic equipment, right? Share some with Erza, enough to beat the other children."
Gaal's mouth twitched as he declined, "Giving her equipment is fine later, but she needs a strong foundation now, no shortcuts. By the way, what did the Council discuss during your visit?"