Lu Chongwei's First Mission Failure?

Two days later.

Kingdom of Fiore, Maglonia.

The bustling streets teemed with people, and hawkers called out one after another. The signs of magic-item shops shimmered with neon light, while little boats drifted leisurely along the canals.

"Wow! That's amazing!"

Lisanna clung to Lu Chongwei's back, eyes wide as she took in everything around her.

"Is that a flying broom? That crystal ball is so bright!"

Elfman followed behind, nervously gripping the hem of his clothes. He wanted to look around too, but didn't dare glance about too carelessly, afraid he might bump into someone.

Mirajane had wrapped herself in a roomy cloak and kept her head down, trying to draw as little attention as possible. Lu Chongwei had told her it would be fine, but the deep-seated trauma still made her instinctively want to hide her demon's arm.

"We're here."

Lu Chongwei stopped.

Before them stood a magnificent three-story building. A huge guild crest hung above the main entrance, and the clamor from inside could be heard even through the thick doors.

The clinking of glasses, the sound of laughter, and the crash of tables and chairs.

"So this is... Fairy Tail?"

Mirajane lifted her head. The warmth and energy washing over her made her feel inexplicably nervous.

"Ready?"

Lu Chongwei glanced back at the three of them with a mischievous grin.

"We're going in."

Before the three could react—

"BANG!"

Lu Chongwei unceremoniously kicked the guild doors.

The heavy wooden doors groaned and flew open, slamming against the walls and sending dust billowing across the floor.

The noisy guild hall fell silent for a second.

Everyone turned toward the entrance.

When they saw Lu Chongwei, the guild erupted.

"Yo! Lu Chongwei's back!"

"That was a quick job!"

"Did you bring us any souvenirs, bastard?"

Wakaba shouted, holding up his glass, while Macao cheered him on from beside him.

Just then—

A figure wreathed in flames charged out of the crowd, letting out an excited yell.

"Lu Chongwei!!! Fight me!!!"

It was Natsu.

The kid was covered in flames, rocketing toward Lu Chongwei like a cannonball, his fist wreathed in scorching fire.

"Fire Dragon's... Iron Fist!"

Mirajane and the others jumped. Elfman instinctively tried to shield his sister.

But—

Lu Chongwei didn't even look. He simply reached out and planted a hand firmly on Natsu's head.

"Out of the way, brat."

Lu Chongwei flicked his wrist and tossed him up with a little force.

"Whoosh—"

Natsu shot straight toward the ceiling like a red shooting star.

"Thud!"

With a muffled crash—

Half of Natsu's body plunged straight through the second-floor floorboards, leaving his legs dangling helplessly in the air.

"Mm-mm-mm..." (Get me down!)

"Hahahaha! Natsu's stuck up there again!"

"How many times is that now? A hundred?"

Gray, bare-chested, pointed at Natsu on the ceiling and laughed so hard he doubled over.

Watching this, Mirajane felt her nervousness suddenly ease.

The people here... really did seem like a lot of fun.

No one paid any attention to the three strangers. Everyone was focused on the unlucky guy hanging from the ceiling.

The relaxed, carefree atmosphere gave her a sense of comfort she hadn't felt in a long time.

Lu Chongwei led the three of them across the hall and straight to the bar.

Makarov was sitting on the counter, drinking. When he saw Lu Chongwei return, he asked with a smile, "Oh? You're back. Did you deal with the demon at the church?"

At the word "demon," Mirajane stiffened and instinctively clutched the edge of her cloak.

Lu Chongwei took the glass of water someone handed him, drained it in one gulp, then shrugged.

"The mission failed, old man."

"Hm?"

Makarov froze, his glass poised at his lips.

The entire guild fell silent as well.

Lu Chongwei had failed a mission?

That was Big News Morgans-worthy! Ever since the kid had become an S-Class Mage, no one had heard of him failing a job.

"What happened?" Makarov frowned. "Was the demon that strong? Even you couldn't handle it?"

"No."

Lu Chongwei shook his head and turned sideways, revealing the three siblings behind him.

"When I got there, I didn't find any demon causing trouble."

"I only found three children who'd been driven out by ignorant villagers."

Lu Chongwei briefly explained what had happened.

He told them about the villagers' persecution, the so-called "curse," and how Mirajane had taken in a demon's power to protect everyone.

As Lu Chongwei spoke, the mood in the guild grew heavy.

The members who had been joking around moments earlier now wore grim expressions, anger flickering in their eyes.

"That's outrageous!"

Erza slammed her fist on the table, smashing it to pieces.

"To do something like that to such young children!"

"Were those villagers blind?" Gray gritted out.

Makarov fell silent for a moment after hearing the story.

He hopped down from the counter and walked over to Mirajane.

The old man, who usually seemed a little frivolous, now had eyes full of kindness and tenderness.

"You've been through a lot, child."

Makarov reached out, hoping to pat Mirajane on the head.

But Mirajane shrank back, her voice trembling.

"B-but... my hand..."

She still didn't dare.

Here, in front of all these Mages, would they think she was a freak if she showed them her hand?

"It's all right."

Lu Chongwei patted her shoulder and gave her an encouraging look.

"No one here will laugh at you."

Mirajane took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and suddenly threw off her cloak.

Her hideous, jet-black Demon's Hand, radiating an ominous aura, was exposed to everyone's view.

The hall went quiet for a moment.

Mirajane's heart leaped into her throat as she waited for screams and accusations.

But—

"Whoa! That's so cool!"

A voice of amazement broke the silence.

Mirajane opened her eyes in surprise.

Natsu had somehow gotten down from the ceiling and was now leaning close to her arm, his eyes shining.

"What's that? A dragon's claw? It looks so tough!"

"Idiot, it's a demon's arm."

Gray came over too. There was no fear on his face—in fact, he looked a little envious.

"So that's Take Over Magic? It looks like it packs a serious punch."

"That's a pretty cool look."

Wakaba blew out a ring of smoke and gave her a thumbs-up.

"That's a man's romance right there! She's a little girl, but that arm's got some real punch!"

"Oh, the scales have such a lovely sheen."

Even Cana came over with her drink, examining the arm with curiosity.

No screams.

No fear.

No disgust.

They looked at her arm as if it were a rare weapon or an interesting new hairstyle.

Their gazes held nothing but curiosity and admiration.

"See?"

Lu Chongwei folded his arms and smiled.

"Told you these guys were pretty thick-skinned."

Makarov looked at Mirajane, who stood frozen in shock, and spoke gently.

"That's what power is, child."

"At Fairy Tail, we don't judge where your power comes from. We judge the person who wields it."

"If this arm was born to protect your family, then it's a badge of honor."

Mirajane looked at the sincere smiles around her and listened to their words of praise.

The iceberg of self-loathing inside her crumbled completely in that moment.

"Ugh..."

She couldn't hold back any longer and covered her mouth as she sobbed.

But this time, they were tears of joy.