"Could this be... Lalabai? Why is it in your hands?"
Lucy, Erza, and Gray stared at the flute in Kira's hand, their expressions ranging from confusion to disbelief. The plan had been simple: gather information on the Iron Forest and their plans. And yet, here Kira was, already holding the infamous magic flute.
Gray scratched his head. "Wait, weren't we supposed to be gathering clues? How did you...?"
Lucy tilted her head. "Didn't you just say you didn't find anything?!"
Kira waved his free hand dismissively. "Oh, I meant I didn't find the Iron Forest itself. Lalabai is a separate matter."
Still puzzled, the group bombarded Kira with questions until he sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Let me explain."
For the next thirty minutes, Kira spun a tale of intrigue, magic, and valor. He detailed how he had spent two hours tirelessly combing through Ghost Lotus City, piecing together obscure clues, using his unparalleled reasoning and magic to locate Iron Forest's hideout, and engaging in a fierce battle to wrest Lalabai from their grasp.
"No wonder you said we only had to deal with the wizards at Kunuki Station," Erza said thoughtfully. "You'd already taken care of half the guild."
"But why didn't we hear anything?" Lucy asked, still skeptical.
Kira gave her a proud smile. "Simple. I cast a soundproofing barrier while I fought to avoid alarming the townsfolk. No sense causing unnecessary panic."
Lucy's face twisted in incredulity. "Seriously? All that, and you didn't think to tell us until now?!"
Kira shrugged. "I've been busy for two hours. What's wrong with taking a little break to digest all this effort?"
…..
Meanwhile, at Clover City
At the site of the regular meeting of guild masters, Fairy Tail's own Markov sat at a table with several other guild leaders, swaying slightly with a flushed face.
"Markov, your wizards are certainly full of life," teased Bob, the flamboyant president of Blue Pegasus, whose vibrant blush and heart-shaped lipstick stood out against his purple dress.
Markov laughed heartily, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, you're just jealous, Bob. Our new girl, Lucy? Incredible! Especially her..." He hiccupped loudly, "breasts. Just amazing!"
Bob giggled in response. "Ah, Markov, you pervert!"
Nearby, Goodman, the stern president of the Four Hounds guild, adjusted his sunglasses. "Markov, you might want to rein in your wizards a bit. Some council members are starting to worry they'll destroy a city one day."
Markov snorted. "Destroy? Ha! They'd use Lucy's assets to rebuild it. Hahahaha!"
Before the conversation could devolve further, a white dove wearing a wizard hat swooped down, carrying a letter. The bird landed on Markov's shoulder and spoke in a clear, human voice. "President Markov, a letter from Miss Mirajane."
Markov opened the letter, and a glowing image of Mira appeared, her gentle smile illuminating the room.
"President, I hope this letter finds you well! I just wanted to update you on some exciting news from the guild."
Markov grinned proudly. "Look at her! Our guild's signature beauty! Isn't she wonderful?"
The other guild masters nodded appreciatively, their eyes turning to hearts.
Mira's projection continued, "Erza, Kira, Natsu, Gray, and our newcomer Lucy have teamed up for a mission. Isn't that amazing?"
Markov's grin froze. His hand trembled slightly as he began to sweat.
Mira went on cheerfully. "They're after the dark guild Iron Forest, which has gotten their hands on the magic flute Lalabai created by Zeref. Kira suspects their target might be the regular meeting, so please be careful!"
Markov's face turned pale, his grip tightening on the letter.
"And that's all for now! Bye!" Mira's image vanished.
Markov slumped to the floor, twitching. The other guild masters rushed to his side.
"Markov! Are you okay?!"
Still lying on the ground, Markov whispered weakly, "They're going to destroy a city. I just know it..."
….
At Kunuki Station
The Iron Forest guild had occupied the train station, filling it with their thuggish presence. Groups of wizards lounged about, discussing everything from their disdain for the Council to their favorite models in Magic Weekly.
Their conversations were abruptly interrupted when a massive fireball crashed into the station, sending many of them flying.
"Who's there?!" one of the surviving wizards shouted.
Emerging from the flames was Natsu, his fiery aura blazing around him. The Fairy Tail emblem on his arm gleamed brightly as he snarled, "Where's Eligore?"
As the train carried Kira, Erza, Gray, and Lucy toward Kunuki, Lucy looked out the window anxiously. "Do you think Natsu will be okay?"
Gray leaned back, crossing his arms. "Natsu's tough. He won't lose to those idiots."
Lucy's worry softened slightly, replaced by a sly smile. "You really care about him, don't you?"
Kira grinned, chiming in. "See? I told you, ice and fire are the perfect duo. You two are basically brothers!"
Erza nodded in agreement. "It's heartwarming to see how much you all care for each other."
Gray blushed, turning away. "You guys are so annoying..."
Kira threw an arm around Gray's shoulders. "Aw, don't be shy! A real man isn't afraid to show his feelings!"
"Stop talking like Elfman!"
Kira laughed. "What's mine is yours, Gray. We're all family here!"
"Fine, then lend me one of your magic items."
"Sure, for a discounted rental fee."
"Figures."
Lucy watched the exchange with growing amusement. "Kira, what exactly do you sell in your shop?"
Kira's face lit up. "Oh, Lucy, let me tell you..."
Erza's stern voice interrupted. "Focus on the mission, Kira!"
Kira raised his hands in surrender, grinning mischievously. "Fine, fine. But after this, Lucy, I'll show you the Hope House! You'll love it!"
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto