"It's all right... We can rebuild a guild, but once we lose our family, they're gone." Mira hugged Lucy and patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Lucy, you're part of our family."
Everyone smiled knowingly as they watched Mira and Lucy.
A week had passed since the battle between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord, and Makarov had finally woken up. Just as Erza had predicted, he froze all over when he saw the guild's ruins, but his heart was also filled with relief.
Of course, the Magic Council's enforcement troops had surrounded them because of the battle between the guilds. Everyone had to be investigated and questioned every day. Only after a week did things gradually settle down.
The Magic Council had yet to announce Fairy Tail's punishment. There were too many factors to consider, and Phantom Lord had struck first, so the punishment probably would not be too severe.
Afterward, Fairy Tail's members began rebuilding their guild. During this time, Lucy also went home once. After making things clear to her father, she felt lighter, free of any pressure.
Meanwhile, the Magic Council delivered its verdict on Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord. Phantom Lord was disbanded, Jose was stripped of his place among the Ten Wizard Saints, and Fairy Tail was found innocent and received no punishment whatsoever.
Makarov's behavior, however, left the councilors thoroughly embarrassed. He had actually fallen asleep during the hearing.
"Guild Master Makarov..."
"Huh?" Hearing someone call him, Makarov woke from his pleasant dream and asked groggily, "Is the hearing over? Huh?"
"..." Hearing Makarov's sleepy voice, Ogre, the second councilor, looked utterly exasperated.
"Mak, you've been found innocent," Yajima, the sixth councilor, said.
"Really? Then I'll be off." Makarov scratched his head, turned, and started walking away.
"..." Makarov's casual attitude left Ogre speechless. He wanted to get angry, but there was nothing he could do.
"Wait... Guild Master Makarov, I have a few questions for you."
Just as Makarov was about to leave, Jellal suddenly called him back.
"Hmm?" Makarov looked at Jellal in confusion. "What is it, Councilor Siegrain?"
"Nothing much. I just received word that Ur Miruku Bich, who supposedly died taking Deliora down with her all those years ago, has appeared in your guild."
Jellal gave Makarov a knowing look as he spoke, then glanced at Ultear.
"!!!" Ultear's pupils contracted at Jellal's words, but she immediately recovered.
Makarov's thoughts churned before he said quietly, "You must have been mistaken, Councilor Siegrain."
"Not at all. Take a look, Guild Master Makarov." Jellal shook his head and produced a photograph of Ur helping rebuild Fairy Tail. "If your guild has mastered resurrection magic, shouldn't you share it for the benefit of the magical world?"
"Resurrection?!"
All the councilors were stunned by Jellal's words, then turned eager eyes toward Makarov. Ogre spoke up immediately. "Guild Master Makarov, if you truly possess such magic, sharing it would benefit not only the magical world, but all of humanity."
"..." For a moment, Makarov did not know how to answer. If he told them, the Magic Council would certainly target Xi Feng. Given Xi Feng's personality, he would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar at the council, and then things would become difficult.
"Councilor Ogre, you know that magic is a private matter. It isn't something people can freely disclose; it is their personal property. Besides, resurrection magic defies the natural order. Reviving someone must come at a tremendous price." Once again, Makarov's old friend Yajima stepped forward to help him out.
"Hmph..." When Yajima spoke up, Ogre snorted and said nothing more. He did not want to sour relations with Fairy Tail too much just yet. Makarov, meanwhile, looked at Yajima with gratitude in his eyes.
Outside the Magic Council, the two old friends, Makarov and Yajima, got together for a chat.
"Yaji, thank you so much for today."
Makarov spoke to Yajima with genuine sincerity.
"Spare me the empty words. Give me something tangible. Fairy ramen, with twelve slices of roast pork." Yajima gazed at the sky as he spoke casually.
"Twelve slices? Isn't that too many?!"
"And what about today?"
"All right, all right! As many slices as you want!"
"Twelve will be enough. No need for more..."
"Now tell me, what's going on with this resurrection magic?" With the small talk over, Yajima turned to the real issue.
"I don't know either." Makarov sighed, then said, "That boy Xi Feng was behind all of it."
"Xi Feng, huh? That boy really is capable." After praising Xi Feng, Yajima grew serious. "He may have a lot of trouble coming his way. Tell him to be careful. Resurrection is something that could drive people mad."
"Ah..." Makarov sighed. "They really are a bunch of children who never grow up."
Chapter 56: An Incoming Attack
The guild's reconstruction was gradually getting on track. Although it was not completely finished, the job board was up, so no one minded much. After all, most Mages made their living from jobs.
During this time, Loke-Leo the Lion of the Twelve Zodiac-also became Lucy's Celestial Spirit.
Everyone in the guild was astonished to learn that Leo was a Celestial Spirit. Natsu, in particular, kept inspecting him from every angle.
Thanks to Leo, Xi Feng and the others had come to Akane Beach to enjoy a leisurely vacation.
What a feast for the eyes.
Lying on a beach chair, Xi Feng silently marveled at the girls in bikinis on the sand.
"Big brother..."
"Xi Feng..."
While Xi Feng was admiring how vast the sea was and how blue the sky looked, Erza and the others called out from behind him.
Xi Feng turned around and was greeted by the thrilling sight of three girls in bikinis. Although he often saw Erza's body, he never tired of it. Lucy's swimsuit also made him nod in satisfaction, showing off her proportions perfectly, especially her bust.
As for Wendy, she was still young, but she was an adorable little girl. Perhaps because she was not used to the surroundings, she kept hiding shyly behind Erza.
"What are you staring at? Hurry up and come play with us."
Seeing Xi Feng looking at her, Lucy blushed slightly, then planted her hands on her hips.
"Yes, yes, of course."
Xi Feng nodded repeatedly. He was more than happy to play with three beauties. He rose straight from his beach chair and began a delightful day.
Not far away, however, a girl in a blue bikini was crying and biting through her handkerchief. "Lord Xi Feng, Juvia is wearing a swimsuit too..."
"Erza! Freedom doesn't exist in this world!"
"You betrayed everyone!"
"You're a traitor!"
"No! I didn't!" Erza shook her head repeatedly, then finally woke from her nightmare with a shout.
"What's wrong, Erza?!"
Xi Feng had been studying magic inside the room. Hearing Erza's voice, he hurried out onto the balcony to check on her.
"Big brother!"
At the sight of Xi Feng, Erza threw herself into his arms and began sobbing. "Big brother... I didn't betray everyone. I didn't..."
"It's all right. It's all right..." Seeing her like this, Xi Feng knew she had dreamed about what happened at the Tower of Heaven again. He patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm here for you."
"Mm." Nestled in Xi Feng's arms, Erza slowly calmed down.
"Erza, Xi Feng!"
Just then, Lucy knocked on the door and called from outside. Everyone in the guild knew about Erza and Xi Feng's relationship, so she was not particularly surprised that they were sharing a room.
Lucy? What is she doing here?
Although he was puzzled, Xi Feng went to open the door.
"What's up, Lucy?"
Xi Feng asked as he looked at Lucy, who was dressed casually.
"I found an underground casino here! Want to go have some fun together?" Lucy looked at Xi Feng excitedly. She had always lived as a sheltered young lady, restricted by her father. Now that she had a chance to visit a casino, the mere thought thrilled her.
"What about Natsu and the others?"
"Natsu and the others are already playing there," Wendy said timidly from beside Lucy.
"They're already playing? Honestly, those guys..." Xi Feng shook his head helplessly, then turned around. "Erza, do you want to go?"
"Hmm?" Erza considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Let's take a look. Being alone would be boring anyway."
"Okay." Xi Feng nodded. "Hurry and get changed, then."
"No problem!" Erza spun around, and a backless evening gown with a slit appeared on her body. She looked at herself in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction.
"You look so pretty, Erza."
"Thank you." Wendy's praise made Erza very happy.
"Requip Magic really is convenient." Seeing Erza change clothes in a single second, Lucy felt a little envious.
"Since we're ready, let's go have some fun."
"Yeah!"
The man, three girls, and a cat then headed to the underground casino.
"This casino is pretty big!"
Before you continue