Looking at the grinning brat before him, Makarov let out a heavy sigh and sat back down.
He knew Chase's personality well. No matter how much he warned him, it would be useless. Every now and then, he would do something jaw-droppingly outrageous.
But even so, he still firmly believed that Chase was the best candidate for the next master. After all, compared to idiots like Natsu and Elfman, this guy could see things much more clearly in many ways.
Like the Council's behind-the-scenes maneuvering this time.
Makarov had also come from a youthful, troublemaking phase. So, he knew that with time, Chase would surely become more mature and steady.
"Although the relationship between the Council and the guild is that of managers and managed, in the end, we're just using each other's needs."
After a brief pause, Makarov said in a deep voice, "As long as the guild's interests aren't substantially harmed, just let those fools do as they please. Just remember not to place too much hope in them."
Magic is free. Worrying about what those above think will only hinder your growth. You don't need to care about the Council's crap. Move forward on the path you believe in—that is what it means to be a mage of Fairy Tail!
He had said these very words back when Lucy first joined the guild.
"I understand," Chase said with a nod and a smile. "As long as your fists are hard enough, even if we tear down the Council building, they'll applaud us for doing such a great job."
"..." The corner of Makarov's mouth twitched violently.
Which part of what I said gave you that impression?!
"After that fight with Hades, I feel like the burden on my body is getting heavier and heavier. My heart even aches a little now. I probably won't last much longer," the old man said, his eyes darting around. He immediately clutched his chest and started playing the sympathy card.
"So, Chase, you wouldn't want the guild to fall into chaos with no one to lead it after I'm gone, would you?"
This old man is actually pretty good at pretending. And isn't this acting a bit too thick?
Chase silently complained. For some reason, scenes that only appeared in certain kinds of manga suddenly popped into his head.
"Well... alright. For the sake of the guild's future, I'll try my best to become a qualified master," he said, spreading his hands helplessly.
"Really?!" Makarov perked up instantly.
The surprise was so sudden that even he, who had weathered many storms, felt a sense of unreality.
"Yeah. But only if your health really has deteriorated to the point where you can't go on, Master."
Chase took a sip of his tea, using it to hide the smile he could barely contain.
"How wonderful! This is wonderful!" Makarov laughed like a child.
Could Chase possibly know his own body better than he did?
Not to mention the various age-related functional declines, the accumulated internal injuries from years of battle, high blood pressure, and other common old-age symptoms—just the heart condition that even Porlyusica couldn't cure was more than enough.
This was a fact the whole guild knew. Even if Chase wanted to retort or refuse, he wouldn't have any grounds to stand on!
The old man had never imagined that the illness that had plagued him for so many years would now become such a powerful proof for his glorious retirement!
"By the way, old man, what do you think of the 'Heart' magic Hades developed?" Chase asked with a sly smile.
Already fantasizing about his leisurely retirement life, drinking tea with Yajima in a forest cabin under the setting sun, Makarov instinctively answered, "It's flawless in every aspect. Not only does it provide nearly unlimited magic power, but it also enhances various bodily functions, effectively extending lifespan."
"If not for that magic, that guy Hades probably would have—"
His words suddenly cut off. His expression froze as if he had realized something terrifying.
If he remembered correctly, all of Hades's magical research information had been packaged and handed over to Chase by Ultear.
Knowledgeable guys like Dark Magician were probably already studying those books.
Given the example of the Nirvana, they would likely develop a more perfected 'Grimoire Heart' fairly soon.
That meant...
"That's right, old man! You're saved!" Chase finally burst out laughing.
Only then did Makarov realize that he had completely fallen into the trap set by that sinister card nerd. He clutched his forehead, tears streaming down his face. "Nooo! Not like this!!"
"Hey, in the next carriage! Keep it down!"
The mournful wail even penetrated the VIP carriage's good soundproofing, drawing a scolding from a passenger in the next compartment.
Because this was a special meeting concerning the strongest dark guild, Grimoire Heart, far more important than ordinary meetings, the venue was directly set at the Ishgar Magic Council headquarters.
Upon arriving at the station, they took a carriage sent by the Council, traveled through the bustling town streets, wound their way up the mountain road, and finally reached the solemn building at the highest point.
Led by a Council guide, Chase and Makarov successfully reached the meeting hall.
Quite a few people had already gathered in the hall—guild masters who had come from various places.
"Yo! Long time no see, Makarov-chan! And Chase-kun~"
Amidst a pink sparkly background, a greasy bald monster in heavy makeup and colorful clothing danced over with light steps.
Bob, the master of Blue Pegasus, propped his chubby cheek on one hand and said with feigned shyness, "I heard, you know. You guys took down that Grimoire Heart in one fell swoop. So cool~"
"Yo, Bob. Long time no see," Makarov said with a smile.
Chase quietly hid behind the old man, trying his best to lower his presence.
Even he could only avoid a beauty like Bob.
But dodge one pervert, and another appears.
"I still vividly remember the days we fought side by side against Oración Seis. I've been missing you day and night during our time apart, my best friend."
A handsome face with its own sparkly special effects suddenly appeared. Ichiya pressed close to Chase, sniffing him like crazy. "Chase-san's scent... is still full of manliness, man~!"
Chase: "..."
"I was really shocked when I heard the news. Makarov, you guys actually tore up an entire forest."
"Haha! As expected of you, Chase. I approve of this wildness!"
Two voices came from the side—Goldmine, the master of Mermaid Heel, and Bacchus, the guild's ace mage.
"The mere thought of the fierce battle against Grimoire Heart makes me want to spin. Spin, spin, spin~"
Oba Babasaama, the master of Lamia Scale, appeared, followed. Jura, who had come with her, greeted Makarov before turning to join the group of younger mages: Chase, Ichiya, and Bacchus.
They were all old acquaintances from brother guilds. Except for Bacchus, they had also participated in the operation to subjugate Oración Seis together. Running into each other here, catching up was inevitable.
From this, it was clear that the various guilds took this special meeting on Grimoire Heart quite seriously, bringing their core members who were likely to become the next masters.
With the appearance of the event's protagonists, Makarov and Chase, the previously dull hall suddenly became lively and active.
***
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