Intelligence on the Northern Continent

Allen adjusted his expression and asked seriously, "Guild Master Bob, do you happen to have any information about the Dark Magic Group or a Dark Guild called 'Serpent's Lair'? To be honest, Laxus and I are investigating both matters."

Upon hearing Allen's question, the smile that Guild Master Bob had maintained all this time froze for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. After pondering briefly, he replied unhurriedly, "Ever since I learned about the Dark Magic Group from Makarov, I immediately arranged for people to gather every clue related to them. Although time was tight, everyone's unrelenting efforts eventually paid off. Still, judging from what we know so far, this Dark Magic Group is no simple organization. They worship Zeref, and they even have the means to summon demons. Nothing about them is ordinary. However, since Makarov allowed you to investigate them, I assume you have your own plans and confidence. As for the Dark Guild you mentioned, Serpent's Lair, I'll have to ask the guild members before I can know anything."

The moment he finished speaking, Guild Master Bob suddenly straightened up and shouted toward a certain direction, "Ichiya! Ichiya! Where are you hiding, you rascal? Get over here right now!"

A moment later, a magnetic male voice that naturally inspired goodwill came from the stairway landing on the second floor. "Guild Master Bob, I'm coming!" Along with the reply, a figure spun down from the second floor like a whirlwind. In the blink of an eye, he landed steadily in front of Guild Master Bob and struck a frozen pose. Allen and Laxus took a closer look and saw that the newcomer was a short, chubby man. Though his figure was somewhat round, it did nothing to conceal his unique charm. If anything, he seemed quite dependable.

"Men!"

Allen knew it was Ichiya the instant he heard that voice. He had not expected that the Ichiya of the present and the Ichiya of more than ten years later would not have changed much at all.

Bob said to Ichiya, "These two young men are Allen and Laxus from Fairy Tail. Tell them everything you know about the Dark Magic Group. Also, do you know of a Dark Guild called Serpent's Lair? These two young men are looking for it."

After hearing Bob, Ichiya turned to look at Allen and Laxus. He immediately wore the same expression Bob had just shown. He was about to move forward and do something when Bob coughed from the side, signaling him to calm down.

Ichiya did not find the situation awkward. After thinking for a moment, he said, "As for the Dark Magic Group, all I know for now is that they are mainly active on the Northern Continent. It seems they intend to resurrect some kind of demon there. I have no information about them here in Fiore yet. As for Serpent's Lair, I have heard that name before. One of the guild's young men happened to see several people in the northern Rainbow Port with giant serpent tattoos, and they mentioned it. As for where their guild is based, I have no idea."

Upon hearing about the demon on the Northern Continent, Allen's first thought was Deliora. Recalling how Deliora would ravage the Northern Continent several years later, it seemed that the members of the Dark Magic Group had successfully resurrected it. Moreover, people from Serpent's Lair had appeared in Rainbow Port. It would not take long to travel from Rainbow Port to the Northern Continent. In that case, it seemed necessary to make a trip there.

After thinking it over, Allen said gratefully to the two of them, "Thank you for the information, Guild Master Bob and Big Brother Ichiya. Laxus and I will head to Rainbow Port and take a look. If I learn anything, I'll tell Grandpa Makarov. You can find out from him."

Seeing that Allen was about to leave as soon as he finished speaking, Bob hurried over to stop him. "It's almost dark. Stay here for the night, and we'll hold a feast to celebrate making new friends."

Before Allen could react, Bob stood where he was and shouted, "Everyone! We're having a feast tonight! Let's celebrate meeting Allen and Laxus from Fairy Tail! Everyone, let's get this party started!"

"┗|｀O′|┛Awoo~~"

Although everyone had not met Allen and Laxus yet, it did not matter. There was no one a single feast could not make friends with.

Allen had intended to decline, but when he saw the anticipation on Laxus's face, he held his tongue. After all, Laxus really did need to relax after the battle. He was a genuine ten-year-old boy, unlike Allen, who was not quite what he seemed.

Thus, Allen and Laxus decided to stay and attend the feast held for them.

The long dining table was covered with all kinds of mouthwatering delicacies. The dishes were dazzling to behold, and their aromas filled the air. Laxus wasted no time immersing himself in the lively atmosphere, his hearty laughter echoing throughout the banquet hall.

As the meal continued, Laxus rolled up his sleeves and began a food-eating contest with the people around him, drawing cheers from everyone nearby.

Allen was somewhat more reserved. He sat quietly beside the table, tasting the delicious food with utensils in one hand while resting his chin on the other, watching the boisterous scene with interest. Just then, Bob approached Allen with a smile, holding a cup of fine wine.

"Young man, don't be so reserved! Relax and enjoy this rare moment of happiness!" Guild Master Bob patted Allen warmly on the shoulder, his eyes full of encouragement.

Suddenly, a fierce drumbeat thundered through the hall. It turned out that a skilled drummer from Blue Pegasus had been moved by the lively atmosphere and begun to play. The intense drumming instantly drew everyone's attention. Following the drummer's brilliant opening performance, the guests—already eager to show off—could no longer contain their excitement. One after another, they rose to display their talents.

While Allen was still watching everyone perform, Laxus came charging over, grabbed him, and dragged him toward the dance floor in the center of the hall.

"Big bro! Come dance with me!" Laxus shouted excitedly.

Unable to bear refusing Laxus, Allen could only start dancing along.

At first, Allen was still somewhat unfamiliar and clumsy with the dance moves. But under Laxus's enthusiastic guidance and the influence of the cheerful atmosphere around him, he gradually let go of his reservations and threw himself into the dance. Accompanied by the energetic melody, Allen's steps became lighter and smoother. A brilliant smile blossomed across his face as he wholeheartedly enjoyed the happiness and freedom of the moment.

Bob watched the lively hall and smiled in satisfaction.