Magnolia, the original site of the Fairy Tail guildhall.
The rubble that had been piled mountain-high just a few days ago had now been cleared away completely.
Wooden posts surrounded the site, with screening fabric stretched across them to form a makeshift barrier.
A crooked wooden sign hung at the entrance, bearing a line of large letters: "New guildhall under construction. Authorized personnel only!"
Inside the barrier, part of the building's framework was already up. Thick pillars stood in rows, with beams crisscrossing overhead, outlining a building considerably larger than the old one.
In the open space beside the framework, Mira had set up a temporary bar, surrounded by tables and chairs recovered from the basement. As usual, a row of drinks stood behind the counter, making it look for all the world like an open-air tavern.
All around, the clanging and hammering had continued nonstop since early morning.
Everyone wore matching work clothes and towels wrapped around their heads. Some hauled timber while others sawed boards, and the whole site bustled with activity.
"Aah-what a pain!!"
Carrying a piece of timber thicker than his waist, Natsu stopped halfway and shouted at the sky:
"Seriously, why don't we get Blanc to help? One little 'whoosh' of his magic, and the whole building would pop right up!"
He freed one hand to gesture. "Just like when he built my house! Hands together, 'bam!' It'd save so much trouble!"
Gray, walking beside him with another piece of timber, rolled his eyes at him.
"You'd better not let Laki hear that. She's been working day and night to get all this timber ready. What if she thinks you're turning your nose up at her work and goes on strike?"
"Besides, Blanc isn't even here. He's still at the Magic Council. We can't just