"To think a trash guild like Phantom Lord looked down on us! I've been embarrassed just walking down the street these past two days!"
"Laxus! Shut your mouth!!"
Erza could no longer hold herself back. She stepped forward and shouted sharply, "You didn't even take part in the war! You have no right to criticize everyone who fought for their lives!"
Laxus stuck a finger in his ear, his contempt plain in his eyes. "Don't make me laugh, Erza. You think some little scuffle with a second-rate guild was worth my time?"
Nearby, Happy frowned and said:
"Whoa... Laxus put on that smug face the moment he got back. Even the air feels heavier."
"That bastard started throwing his weight around as soon as he got back..." Gray glared at him.
"That's the S-Class mage, Laxus..." Lucy huddled behind Gray, watching the man with uncertainty and alarm.
Just as Lucy tried to make herself less noticeable, Laxus suddenly turned his gaze toward Levy and the other two:
"You three!"
Levy and the other two exchanged glances, then pointed at themselves in confusion.
"Yeah, I'm talking to you!"
Laxus pointed at them disdainfully.
"Gajeel picked you as his targets because you were too weak! You're only sitting here without a scratch because of that guy who loves playing babysitter."
"Ah, what a pain. You're so useless I can't even remember your names. Who were you again?"
Then his tone darkened:
"Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?"
Levy went pale. Jet and Troy clenched their fists, but neither could force out a single word in protest.
If not for Blanc that night, the three of them dared not imagine what would have happened to them.
Yet Laxus's disgusted gaze did not stop there. His eyes swept around the room before finally settling on