The Arrogant Laxus

The construction site was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, and the comical scene of Natsu being knocked down by Erza with a single punch caused everyone to burst into laughter.

However, just as this joyous atmosphere reached its peak, an extremely untimely voice, like an icicle in the dead of winter, suddenly rang out.

"Oh? That's really impressive, Jiang Bai. You've actually become Ten Wizard Saints. Should I congratulate you?"

The voice was filled with undisguised sarcasm and irony.

The smiles on everyone's faces froze instantly, and they looked in the direction of the sound.

A tall, arrogant blond man was leaning against a large tree, a cigar dangling from his mouth, his eyes sweeping over everyone with disdain.

It's Laxus, he's back.

He ignored the unfriendly stares of the crowd and continued speaking to himself. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"But if you're really as powerful as everyone says, why can't you even protect your own guild?"

"And they even dared to let that Phantom Lord- rate, trashy guild, Spectre, run wild on Fairy Tail's turf?"

"Laxus!"

Erza gripped the sword hilt, her eyes instantly turning sharp.

What exactly are you trying to say?

What am I trying to say?

Laxus chuckled, as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.

"Let me tell you why. It's simple: there are just too many weak people in our guild!"

His finger pointed mercilessly at Levy, Sarukusuke, and Droy, who were feeling uneasy because of his words.

"Look, like those few, what were they called again?"

"Oh, I don't remember. Sorry, I've never really remembered a good-for-nothing's name."

Laxus exhaled a smoke ring, his contempt growing even stronger.

"What use are members who can be easily captured by the enemy and turn into a threat and burden to the guild?"

The vicious words, like poisoned steel needles, pierced the hearts of Levy and her two companions.

Unable to bear the stares of those around them any longer, they lowered their heads in shame, their bodies trembling slightly.

"Laxus, you've gone too far!"

For the first time, Mirajane's gentle smile vanished. She stepped forward and glared at him angrily.

"Laxus, say that again and see what happens!"

Erza took a step forward, and her body began to radiate immense magical power.

"Oh!"

Laxus glanced at Mirajane, his disdain undisguised.

"Mirajane, a woman who can't even use magic, has no right to speak to me."

These words turned Mirajane's face instantly pale.

"Laxus."

A calm voice rang out, and Jiang Bai had appeared in front of Mirajane without anyone noticing, shielding her behind him.

He stared at Laxus expressionlessly.

"Apologize to Mira and Levy!"

"Oh dear! How terrifying! The infamous Ten Wizard Saints, Lord Jiang Bai, has lost his temper."

Laxus patted his chest dramatically, his mockery growing even more pronounced.

"Am I wrong? If Fairy Tail didn't have these useless bastards holding us back, the guild would definitely be even stronger!"

"If that's the case, can it still be called Fairy Tail?"

Natsu, who had gotten up from the ground, dusted himself off and retorted loudly.

"Enough!"

Jiang Bai's voice suddenly turned cold.

He looked at Laxus, his eyes devoid of any warmth.

"Laxus, if you're itching for a beating again, then find some time. I don't mind beating you up until you're lying on the ground contemplating life, just like last time."

"You..."

Laxus's arrogance finally subsided a little after hearing those words.

There aren't many people in this guild that he truly cares about, but Jiang Bai is definitely the most important one.

He was genuinely humiliated and thoroughly outmaneuvered by the other party more than once.

Laxus snorted coldly, knowing he wouldn't gain any advantage today, and then uttered some harsh words.

"Hmph! You can keep playing house with these weaklings! Once I take over the guild, I'll completely change Fairy Tail according to my own ideas!"

"I will drive all the weak out of Fairy Tail!"

"I will make Fairy Tail the strongest guild on the entire continent, one that no one will dare to provoke again!"

After saying this, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and disappeared into the sky amidst a burst of arrogant laughter.

The atmosphere on the construction site was somewhat somber for a moment.

"Tch, that guy's even more arrogant than Jiang Bai,"

Lucy looked in the direction Laxus had disappeared and muttered to Jiang Bai,

"I'm clearly weaker than you."

"Ai!"

Happy flew over to add,

"Laxus has always been like this."

At this moment, Levy and the other two walked up to Jiang Bai with their heads down and full of guilt.

"I'm... I'm sorry, Jiang Bai..."

Levy's voice was barely audible.

"It's all because we were too weak, that's why..."

A warm hand gently landed on Levy's head, interrupting her.

Jiang Bai gently ruffled her short blue hair and said softly, "Levy, it's only a matter of time before the Phantom Lord start a war. Even if you weren't captured, they would find another excuse. So, don't take that bastard's words to heart."

He stared at the direction Laxus had disappeared in, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"And that guy, it seems he hasn't gotten much of a beating lately, he's starting to act all high and mighty again. Once the guild is set up, we'll find some time to give him another beating."

The simple and direct words of comfort dispelled the gloom in Levy and the other two's hearts, and they nodded vigorously.

"Seriously! How could someone like him possibly inherit the guild?!"

Lucy continued, still indignant.

Well, that's not necessarily true.

Mirajane's smile returned, and she explained, "Laxus is the guild master's grandson."

"Therefore, from a bloodline perspective, there is indeed a possibility that Laxus will succeed the guild leader after his abdication."

"Huh?! That arrogant guy is actually the chairman's grandson?!"

Lucy's jaw nearly dropped in astonishment.

"I can't tell anything about his personality at all! But I definitely don't want someone like that to be our president!"

Mirajane glanced at Jiang Bai, smiled, and continued, "But the most likely successor to the guild is actually Xiao Bai. It's just that Xiao Bai himself has absolutely no interest in being the guild leader."

"Perhaps Laxus is so jealous because what he cherishes and desires so much, Xiao Bai doesn't care about at all."

"So that's how it is..."

Lucy suddenly realized.

Mirajane patted her on the shoulder, reassuring her, "Don't worry, Lucy. With Xiao Bai here, the guild won't fall apart."

"Yes! That's true!"

Lucy watched Jiang Bai playfully fighting with Natsu and Gray, and nodded vigorously, feeling an immense sense of security.