New Friends

After the banquet began, Keibel and his three companions walked straight over to Allen and Laxus. With a friendly smile on his face, Keibel was the first to break the silence, asking with some excitement, "You two, do you know why our guild is called Wild Cat's Eye?"

Hearing this, Allen and Laxus exchanged a glance and both shook their heads, indicating they knew nothing about it. In truth, if not for this chance encounter today, they likely would never have even heard of such a guild's existence, let alone looked into the origin of its name.

Seeing this, Keibel unhurriedly picked up a drink from in front of him, took a light sip to moisten his throat, and then began to explain in detail to the two: "Our guild's name comes from a legend in Obanis. It's said that long ago, a mysterious wild cat roamed Obanis. That cat supposedly had a pair of unique and extraordinary eyes that could easily see through all lies and disguises—nothing false could hide before them. Our guild's founder, back in the day, made a name for himself in this area through his exceptional sharpness. He grew up hearing stories about this wild cat, so when he felt he had enough strength, he resolutely joined with like-minded companions to establish this guild. That's the origin of Wild Cat's Eye."

As Keibel's vivid storytelling unfolded, Allen and Laxus gradually became captivated, their eyes showing full curiosity and keen interest. At this point, the straightforward Laxus couldn't hold back his question and pressed on: "Then, may I ask how long your guild has been established?"

Reni couldn't wait to jump in and answer: "Our guild has been around for sixty years! This guy Keibel—his grandfather was our guild's second master, so since he was a kid, he's been making bold claims, shouting that when he grows up, he'll take over his grandfather's spot and become the third master! But... hehehe, we all see it clear as day—with his current skills, he's still a long way off from that goal! Hahaha!"

Hearing this, Keibel instantly couldn't hold it together, his face flushing red and pale by turns. Flustered and exasperated, he grabbed a drink from the table and shoved it into Reni's arms without a word, muttering, "Oh, so you're like that, huh? With all this good food and drink laid out, it still can't shut that stinking mouth of yours!"

Dock and Rudeus joined in from the side, teasing Keibel one after another.

Watching these four bicker back and forth, soon laughing and messing around, Allen and Laxus stood by, amused by the lively scene. Laxus turned to Allen with a curious look and asked, "Big brother, do you think our guild will be this lively and chaotic every day in the future too?"

Allen's mind quickly flashed through the subsequent plot developments. After a moment, he revealed a mysterious smile and said, "I think it might be even more exciting and thrilling than this, haha!"

Just as the two were chatting and laughing, Keibel's grandfather—Bessy—slowly approached, carrying something in both hands. Sharp-eyed Keibel spotted his grandfather's figure at once and, as if hit by a freezing spell, instantly stopped his ruckus. The other three, catching on, also reined in their playful antics, since everyone knew that if they acted up in front of the old man, they'd get two solid knocks on the head and end up with two big lumps!

When Bessy drew closer, Allen and Laxus could finally see that he was holding two badges.

Bessy smiled, handed the two badges to Allen and Laxus respectively, and said earnestly, "These are our guild's badges. Though our guild isn't large or strong, I sincerely hope you'll come to like it. This badge symbolizes our guild's friendship. If you ever run into any trouble or need something in the future, you can come to us for help. We'll spare no effort and do our utmost to accomplish whatever you ask of us!"

Allen and Laxus reached out almost simultaneously, steadily taking the badges Bessy offered. Allen didn't examine his badge right away; instead, he first extended his right hand to Bessy in a friendly gesture and firmly grasped Bessy's hand. Then, looking Bessy squarely in the eye with a serious expression, he replied sincerely, "Don't worry, old man Bessy. We'll treasure your friendship dearly. We're truly grateful for how much you value us. If you ever need our help in the future, you can come to Magnolia to find our guild. As long as it's within our power, we'll certainly step up without hesitation!"

Hearing this, Bessy's previously relaxed expression instantly turned serious. He patted the back of Allen's hand firmly and replied with a grave tone, "Good! It's a deal!"

After the banquet ended, the night sky was dotted with twinkling stars, and a gentle breeze rustled through the treetops with a soft whisper. Allen and Laxus slowly made their way back to the guest room that Wild Cat's Eye had prepared for them.

Entering the room, the two both flopped onto the bed at the same time, as if all their strength had been drained in an instant. After walking all day, lying in bed felt wonderful!

Allen squinted, his right hand idly fiddling with the badge in his grasp.

The badge's exterior seemed simple, but upon closer inspection, it had a unique charm. It was shaped like a wild cat's eye, very plain at first glance, but within the eye's pupil, some mysterious patterns were carved. These irregular designs lent the badge an unusual flair.

Lying beside him, Laxus grew curious and also examined his badge. He turned it over in his hands a few times but found nothing special about it, so he tucked it into his backpack. Then, lazily, he said, "Big brother, there's nothing wrong with this badge, right? Honestly, making these new friends has been pretty fun. I hope we'll run into some more interesting folks on the rest of our journey."

Hearing his brother's words, Allen couldn't help but think back to the friends he'd made that day—the cheerful, energetic Keibel and his three companions; the steady, mature Ur; and the gentle, kind Bessy... At the thought, the corners of his mouth lifted into a warm smile. He turned to Laxus beside him and said, "Trust me, Laxus, this is just the beginning. Our training journey is still long ahead. There are definitely more stories waiting for us to experience!" With that, the brothers exchanged smiles, their eyes full of anticipation and longing for the road ahead.