"No need to be so nervous, see you in the competition!" Ivan said coldly, then led the Fairy Tail members toward their destination without looking back.
However, just as he turned around, he subtly cast his gaze toward the hotel in the distance—which happened to be the Fairy Tail Fairy Tail's residence.
"Zorn... he is indeed exceptionally strong!" Ivan thought to himself.
A cold smile crept onto his lips. "It seems you've found a satisfactory successor, Father." He snorted coldly afterward.
He adjusted the cloak on his back and continued on his way.
It's not over yet, Father. See you in the match!
As Ivan and the others walked further and further away, Lucy's tense body relaxed slightly, and she asked curiously, "What exactly is that Fairy Tail...?"
"This is the Raven Tail Fairy Tail. Although they have been officially certified as a legitimate Fairy Tail, the tasks they complete still operate in a gray area, which is despicable!" Sorano stared at the departing figures of the Raven Tail Fairy Tail members and angrily denounced them.
"They'll stop at nothing to carry out these shady missions!"
After a moment's hesitation, he sneered and continued, "In my opinion, it won't be long before they are driven out!"
"So if you ever run into them in a match, don't be soft-hearted, understand, Lucy!" Sorano earnestly instructed.
"Mmm!" Lucy nodded emphatically.
At this very moment, Zorn, standing atop the hotel, held a glass of red wine, his gaze fixed intently on the scene below, coldly observing everything that was happening.
If Ivan makes the slightest unusual move, he can deliver a fatal blow in an instant.
Easy.
"Zorn, you're Guild Master just like a doting parent!" Laxus picked up a glass of red wine, slowly walked over to Zorn's side, and took the opportunity to tease him.
Looking at the brightly lit streets in the distance, I thought of my grandfather.
Shaking his head, he said helplessly, "The old man is the same; he hasn't come back yet. And ever since you became the Guild Master, he's been indulging himself even more!" Laxus was also helpless with his grandfather's temper.
Grandpa used to at least have the air of Guild Master, but now he's become so carefree.
Laxus had already seen through everything that was happening on the other side thanks to his powerful Observation Haki.
Moreover, that familiar Celestial Spirit light was simply too dazzling.
However, Laxus was planning to only help Lucy when she could no longer hold on.
You must learn to face powerful enemies alone; they cannot be there forever.
In contrast, Zorn is more like a mother afraid of her child getting hurt, locking onto her target with light, seemingly ready to engage in a fierce battle at any moment.
It was as if no one could harm his child.
"You're right, Laxus. I really do wish someone could feel the love of their parents!" Zorn replied with a vague, light laugh.
His constant attention wasn't just because of the Raven Tail Fairy Tail, but because a force that couldn't be ignored had arrived in this Town.
"Someone? Parental love?" Laxus was about to ask Zorn what this strange question meant.
"Time's almost up, Laxus. If they come back, give them a good talking-to: get ready. The match starts at midnight!"
"I need to go out now!"
After giving his instructions, Zorn suddenly vanished from the spot.
"Damn it, this guy is always so secretive!" Laxus complained.
In such a short time, he could no longer sense any of Zorn's Magic Power.
At the corner of a bustling street stood an inconspicuous old man with a white beard.
He gazed silently ahead, his eyes filled with endless envy.
A child's voice broke the silence--
"Mom and Dad, I want to eat that cake! It looks so delicious!" Looking in the direction of the voice, there was a cute little boy pointing excitedly at the beautiful cakes in a cake shop window.
The father smiled and stroked his child's head gently, asking tenderly, "Okay, baby, which flavor do you like?"
The little boy's eyes sparkled like two twinkling stars. He turned to his parents and said sweetly, "Mom and Dad, you like fruit, so let's buy this colorful fruit cake, okay?" He then winked and made a cute face.
The mother couldn't help but laugh at her child. She gently tapped the little boy's forehead and said with a smile, "You little rascal! You were just being greedy!" The father laughed along, his eyes filled with affection for his child.
At this moment, the father squatted down and earnestly instructed the little boy, "But you must understand, you can't eat too much tonight! Otherwise, your stomach will feel uncomfortable."
The little boy nodded quickly, promising earnestly, "Yes, yes, I know! I'll definitely control myself, don't worry!"
Seeing this scene, a warm feeling welled up in the white-bearded old man's heart.
Gazing quietly at the happy family of three before him, his thoughts drifted back to the past... He had never experienced such a beautiful time before.
Perhaps that's why he found the scene before him so precious.
As time passed, pedestrians came and went on the street, but the white-bearded old man remained immersed in his memories.
His parents, one of whom is no longer alive, and the other is unaware of his existence.
Why am I not loved by anyone?
His gaze suddenly sharpened.
I saw that cute little boy carefully holding a piece of cake, walking briskly towards me.
"Grandpa, do you want some cake? I'll treat you! This cake is delicious!" The childish and clear voice was like a magic key, instantly breaking his reverie and bringing him back to reality.
He saw the grandfather, who was gazing sadly at the cake shop.
This grandfather must have really wanted to eat it, but didn't have the money, so he shared it.
He's a good kid.
The old man slowly lowered his head, his gaze falling on the little boy holding a piece of cake.
Then he looked up and gazed at the boy's parents, who were standing not far away, their faces beaming with warm smiles as they watched them.
"Thank you, little one. Grandpa really loves cake; it looks absolutely delicious!" the old man replied softly, his voice gentle and loving.
Then, she knelt down, took the cake from the little boy, and said to him in a caring tone, "But remember, you must be obedient, listen to your parents' teachings, and cherish every moment spent with your family!"
The little boy nodded vigorously to show he understood, and replied with a happy smile, "Yes, yes! Hehe, don't worry, Grandpa, I will! I'm a good boy! Goodbye, Grandpa."
After saying goodbye, the little boy waved to the old man, held his parents' hands tightly, and couldn't wait to go home to enjoy the delicious cake.
At this moment, only the old man remained, silently gazing at the cake in his hands, his thoughts drifting away.
Without realizing it, he subconsciously picked up the spoon stuck in the cake, gently scooped out a spoonful, and put it in his mouth.
The sweet taste was like a warm current that soothed his heart and soul, making him intoxicated and unable to extricate himself from it.
"Seeing how much you're enjoying your cake, I'm thinking of buying one to try too. It's been so long since I've had one. Would you like to try some other cakes?"
Zorn's voice came from behind the old man.
"No need, this cake is already one of a kind! Besides, it doesn't seem appropriate for you to call me 'senior'!" the old man replied calmly.
The ending note, so subtly inappropriate, faded away.
Zorn felt a surge of pressure and his heart tightened. This old Monster's temperament was truly unpredictable.
"As expected of the leader of the Twelve Holy Shields — the Magic King!"
To be continued~