While everyone else was gossiping about Darwin's love life, he had successfully broken free from Erza's "Kabedon" and diverted her attention with a new topic: "Novice Missions."
"Let's go with this one!"
"Of all the missions I feel capable of completing, this one has the most generous reward!"
"I'll choose this as my very first job!"
As Darwin spoke, he patted a request on the task board.
The content of the request involved helping villagers eliminate wild beasts that were destroying crops. Since it involved "combat" but the enemies didn't seem particularly strong, it was classified as a C-Class Mission, suitable for a newcomer like Darwin.
"I plan to set off tomorrow. Erza, do you want to do this mission with me?"
"Well... probably not."
Facing Darwin's enthusiastic invitation and his slightly expectant gaze, Erza actually really wanted to agree in her heart. However, she ultimately declined with a hint of apology: "Mama said she already picked out a request for my first job, and she's going to personally lead me tomorrow, so..."
"Auntie Irene is going to lead you personally?"
"That makes sense; after all, you are her only daughter!"
Erza asked in return: "Darwin, who are you planning to have lead you for your first mission?"
In Fairy Tail, except for those wizards who transfer from other magic guilds and are already industry veterans, newly joined wizards are generally assigned a "senior" to lead them. Only after completing two or three missions—once the newcomer is familiar with the workflow and can work independently—will the senior let go.
Even though Darwin, Erza, and the others grew up in the guild, they had no prior work experience. To start taking on missions, they definitely needed someone to show them the ropes.
Even if they wanted to do it themselves, the adults wouldn't allow it.
"Uncle Precht said he would lead me."
Erza was slightly surprised: "Eh?? Why Uncle Precht? What about the Master and Auntie Mavis??"
Darwin replied: "They're going to a neighboring town in a couple of days to attend a meeting of the Local Guild Alliance."
"Ah? Is that how it is?"
Erza looked at Darwin with pity and patted his shoulder to comfort him. After two pats, she felt it wasn't enough, so she switched to an embrace, pressing the boy's head against her shoulder. She then adopted the gentle tone one would use to soothe a stray kitten.
"It's okay, Darwin!"
"Don't be sad; everything will pass."
Darwin's eyes widened, and his whole being stalled. Two seconds later, he seemed to realize something, and the corner of his mouth twitched: "I say, have you misunderstood something?"
Erza: "Hmm??"
"It's not that my mom and dad are too busy to accompany me—I specifically chose this time!"
Erza's gentle stroking froze in mid-air: "Uh... why is that?"
"To prove that I'm already a wizard capable of standing on my own, of course!"
Darwin gave himself a thumbs-up and said with great confidence: "I memorized the wizard workflow long ago, and I feel my strength is fine, so I don't need anyone else to lead me at all."
"Originally, I planned to complete it secretly and give them a big surprise when I got back! Who knew..."
"Who knew this guy wasn't cautious at all? He actually forgot that the person currently in charge of managing task acceptance at the guild is my mom!"
Makarov chimed in from the side, his expression somewhat speechless, as if he were worried about Darwin's IQ.
"A few days ago, Darwin ran to the request desk with a job, all excited, saying he wanted to go work by himself. But obviously, my mom couldn't just stand by and watch him do something so foolish, so she told the Master."
The others could imagine what happened next.
Sure enough, Chris's voice followed immediately, completing the final puzzle piece of Darwin's failed "Secret Departure Plan."
"Dad and Auntie Mavis have to go to the meeting and can't be in two places at once. My mom has to lead me to work too. So, they asked Uncle Precht—whose strength and prestige in the guild are second only to theirs—to help look after him!"
It felt like Uncle Precht was like a brick: wherever he was needed, he was moved there.
Didn't he have his own things to do?
Well...
It seemed he really didn't!
Despite being in his thirties, he spent all day immersed in magic research, with no romance or other hobbies to speak of...
In the eyes of the children, while Precht was reliable, he was definitely an "eccentric uncle."
Darwin whispered: "I've already made a deal with Uncle Precht!"
"He'll just be a background character. As long as I don't ask him for help, he won't step in!"
"If I can complete the whole thing alone, once it's over, he's willing to vouch for me in front of my parents and say I have the ability to work independently!"
Erza asked in confusion: "Darwin, why are you so eager to prove your strength? We're still children and haven't worked before. Isn't it good to gain more experience under the supervision of adults?"
Chris cast a similar gaze: "Yeah, I'm also curious why you're doing that."
Darwin closed his eyes with a look of feigned depth and shook his head.
"If all I pursued was becoming an excellent wizard, or becoming the Master of Fairy Tail, then doing it that way would be fine!"
"But I feel I should have a greater goal in life!"
As soon as he said this, Erza, Chris, and Makarov were all stunned.
"A greater goal in life?"
I see!
Because he has a grand dream he wants to achieve, he holds himself to strict standards from a young age?
As expected of Darwin!
No wonder he keeps losing to Chris but always fights on despite setbacks. It's because he has this conviction supporting him!
Thinking of this, Erza and Makarov felt a sudden surge of respect for Darwin. Even Chris secretly changed her opinion of her "idiot brother."
"So, what is your goal in life?"
"Is it to become one of the Wizard Saints?"
"Or do you want to enter the Council as a member? No, a mere member can hardly be called 'grand'... Do you want to become the Guild Master?"
Darwin gave a few "Heh-heh" laughs.
"My goal in life... I haven't thought of it yet!"
"...??" × 3
The originally serious and solemn atmosphere plummeted instantly, becoming farcical.
The admiration and respect on the trio's faces vanished completely, replaced by three identical sets of black lines.
After all that drama, it turns out you're just having a bout of 'Eighth-Grader Syndrome'!!