"No need to be so tense; we'll see each other in the competition!" Ivan said coldly before turning and leading his Guild Members towards their distant lodging.
However, as he turned, he subtly cast his gaze towards a hotel in the distance—which happened to be the Fairy Tail Guild's dwelling.
"Zorn, huh… he's indeed extraordinarily strong!" Ivan mused to himself.
A cold sneer couldn't help but appear on his lips, "It seems, Father, you've found yourself a satisfactory successor this time." After a cold snort.
He casually adjusted the cape on his back and continued walking.
It's not over yet, Father; I'll see you in the competition!
Watching Ivan and his group gradually walk away, Lucy's previously tense body finally relaxed slightly, and she asked curiously, "What guild was that…?"
"That's the Raven Tail Guild. Although they've gained official recognition as a legitimate guild, the tasks they complete still operate in a gray area, which is despicable!" Sorano glared at the departing Raven Tail Guild Members, indignantly denouncing them.
"To carry out these gray tasks, they stop at nothing!"
After a moment of contemplation, she continued with a cold laugh, "In my opinion, it won't be long before they are expelled!"
"So, if you cross paths with them in the competition, you absolutely cannot be soft-hearted, understand, Lucy!" Sorano earnestly instructed.
"Mhm!" Lucy nodded heavily.
At this moment, Zorn, holding a glass of red wine, stood above the hotel, his gaze sharp as he coldly observed all movements below.
Should Ivan make the slightest abnormal move, he could deliver a fatal blow in an instant.
With ease.
"Zorn, you're acting just like an overprotective parent as a Guild Master!" Laxus picked up a glass of red wine, slowly walked over to Zorn, and seized the opportunity to tease him.
Looking at the brightly lit streets in the distance, he also thought of his own grandfather at this moment.
Shaking his head, he said helplessly, "That old man, he still hasn't returned. And ever since you became Guild Master, he's become even more unrestrained!" Laxus was helpless regarding his grandfather's temperament.
Before, his grandfather at least had some semblance of a Guild Master, but now he had become so casual.
Laxus, with his powerful Observation Haki, had already perceived everything happening far away.
Moreover, that familiar Star Spirit's light was simply too dazzling.
However, Laxus calculated that he would only choose to help again when Lucy could no longer hold on.
They must learn to face powerful enemies alone; they can't always be there.
In contrast, Zorn was more like a mother afraid of her child getting hurt, directly locking onto the target with light, seemingly ready to launch an intense battle at any moment.
As if no one could harm his children.
"You're right, Laxus, I really hope someone can feel a parent's love!" Zorn replied ambiguously with a light chuckle.
His constant attention wasn't just because of the Raven Tail Guild, but because an… unignorable presence had arrived in this town.
"Someone? A parent's love?" Laxus was about to ask Zorn what he meant by those inexplicable words.
"Time is almost up, Laxus. If they return, make sure to tell them to get ready; the competition starts at 12 AM!"
"I need to go out for a bit!"
As soon as Zorn finished speaking, his figure suddenly vanished from the spot.
"Damn it, this guy is always so mysterious!" Laxus immediately complained.
In such a short time, he could no longer sense any of Zorn's magic.
At a bustling street corner stood an inconspicuous Whitebeard old man.
He silently watched ahead, his eyes filled with endless envy.
A tender voice broke the silence—
"Mama, Papa, I want to eat that cake, it looks so delicious!" Following the direction of the voice, it turned out to be a cute little boy, pointing excitedly at an exquisite cake in a cake shop window.
The father smiled and stroked the child's head, gently asking, "Alright, darling, what flavor do you like?"
The little boy's eyes sparkled like two twinkling stars. He turned to his parents and said coquettishly, "Mama, Papa, you like fruit, so let's buy this colorful fruit cake, okay?" After speaking, he didn't forget to blink, putting on a cute expression.
The mother couldn't help but be amused by the child. She lightly tapped the little boy's forehead and said with a smile, "You clever little rascal, you're just greedy yourself!" The father also laughed, his eyes full of affection for his child.
At this moment, the father squatted down and earnestly instructed the little boy, "But, we have to agree first, you can't eat too much tonight! Otherwise, your stomach will hurt."
The little boy nodded repeatedly, earnestly promising, "Mhm, I know! I'll definitely control myself, don't worry!"
Seeing this scene, a warm current surged through the Whitebeard old man's heart.
Silently gazing at the happy family of three before him, his thoughts gradually drifted back to the past… He had never experienced such beautiful times.
Perhaps it was precisely for this reason that the scene before him felt especially precious.
As time passed, pedestrians came and went on the street, and the Whitebeard old man remained immersed in his memories.
His parents, one was already gone, and the other didn't even know he existed.
Why am I not loved!
His gaze suddenly sharpened.
He saw the cute little boy carefully holding a piece of cake, walking towards him with light steps.
"Grandpa, do you want to eat cake? I'll treat you! This cake is super delicious!" The tender and clear voice was like a magical key, instantly breaking his contemplation and bringing him back to the real world.
He had seen this Grandpa constantly looking at the cake shop with a sad expression.
This Grandpa must really want to eat it but has no money, so he will share.
He was a good child.
The old man slowly lowered his head, his gaze falling on the little boy holding out a corner of cake before him.
Then he looked up again, towards the boy's parents standing not far away, their faces beaming with kind smiles as they watched them.
"Thank you, little friend. Grandpa really loves cake, it looks absolutely delicious!" The old man replied softly, his voice revealing a hint of gentleness and affection.
Then, he squatted down, took the cake offered by the little boy, and said to the little boy in a caring tone, "But remember, you must be obedient, listen to Mama and Papa's teachings, and cherish every moment spent with your family!"
The little boy nodded vigorously, indicating understanding, and happily replied with a smile, "Mhm! Hehe, don't worry, Grandpa, I will! I'm a good child! Goodbye, Grandpa."
After speaking, the little boy waved goodbye to the old man, tightly held his parents' hands, and couldn't wait to go home to enjoy the delicious cake.
At this moment, only the old man remained alone, silently gazing at the cake in his hand, his thoughts gradually drifting away.
Unconsciously, he instinctively picked up the spoon stuck in the cake, gently scooped a spoonful, and put it into his mouth.
The sweet taste was like a warm current that permeated his heart, intoxicating him and making him unable to extricate himself.
"Seeing Senior eat so happily, I also want to buy a cake to try. I haven't had one in a long time. Senior, would you like to try another cake?"
Zorn's voice came from behind the old man.
"No need, this cake is already unique! And the term 'Senior,' it doesn't seem quite appropriate for you to use, does it?" The old man replied faintly.
As soon as that faint, inappropriate ending sound fell.
The pressure around Zorn sharply increased, and his heart tightened. This old monster, his temperament was truly hard to fathom.
"As expected of the Magic King, the leader of Twelve Shields!"
To be continued~
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