Sorano's pupils contracted violently, and her ice-blue eyes instantly misted over.
She looked at Makarov's small hand, which seemed to contain infinite power, then at her sister Yukino's encouraging and expectant eyes beside her, and then at the gazes around her, which, though curious, seemed to hold no obvious malice... A huge, warm current, mixed with bitterness, grievance, relief, and disbelief, suddenly broke through the last line of defense she had built in her heart.
Tears, without warning, burst forth.
Trembling, she slowly extended her hand, which was wearing a suppressor, and carefully, as if touching a fragile treasure, gently clasped Master Makarov's hand.
..."Thank... Thank you, Master..." Her choked voice was barely coherent.
"Welcome, Sorano-neechan!" Wendy was the first to bravely speak up, her clear voice breaking the emotional atmosphere.
"Welcome to the guild!" Lucy also showed a sincere smile.
"Welcome!" Cana, Levy, Erza, and others also spoke up.
"Tch, another one." Gajeel mumbled, and Natsu nudged him with his elbow.
"Aye—! Welcome!" Happy circled in the air.
"Hmph, I hope she's not trouble." Carla tilted her head, but her tone wasn't sharp.
"Meow meow!" Yuumi rolled onto her back and patted her little paws.
Sorano's tears flowed even more fiercely; she hastily wiped them with the back of her hand, but couldn't dry them.
Yukino held her hand tightly, her eyes also sparkling with tears.
"Alright, alright!" Makarov patted Sorano's hand, then turned to everyone, his face resuming its usual boisterousness, "A new member! Mira! Let's have a feast!"
"Yes, Master!" Mira responded with a smile, immediately beginning preparations.
"Oh—! Feast! Feast!" Natsu was the first to jump up and cheer.
"More good food!" Happy echoed.
The guild instantly returned to its lively state, even more so than before.
Everyone started to gather around, chattering as they asked Yukino about her journey, and also greeted Sorano with kind curiosity.
Although Sorano was still a bit reserved and shy, under Yukino's encouragement and the warm atmosphere around her, her tense body gradually relaxed.
Just then, the guild doors were pushed open again.
A cool, tall figure walked in silently.
She wore a simple white kimono, with the pure white tachi named "Gekka" hanging at her waist.
Her cherry-colored long hair was simply tied back, with a few strands falling over her forehead, making her fair face even more refined.
Her steps were light and steady, as if treading to a silent rhythm, instantly attracting the attention of some people.
It was Ikaruga.
Her gaze calmly swept over the bustling guild, and when she saw Yukino and Sorano, a subtle hint of understanding flashed in her eyes.
She didn't immediately join the noisy crowd, but as usual, found a relatively quiet corner by the window and sat down, gently placing her Gekka tachi beside her.
"Ikaruga-neechan! You're back!" Lucy, sharp-eyed, immediately waved and greeted her.
Ikaruga nodded slightly in response.
"Ikaruga, was the mission smooth?" Cana also asked.
"Mm." Ikaruga's voice was as cool as ever, concise and to the point.
"Ikaruga-senpai!" Wendy also greeted her politely.
Ikaruga looked at Wendy, her cold gaze seeming to soften for a moment, and she nodded gently.
Ezreal, holding a teacup, strolled over and sat beside Ikaruga, offering her a freshly poured cup of hot tea: "You've worked hard."
Ikaruga took the teacup, feeling the warmth from the cup wall on her fingertips: "It's nothing. How about you, how is your recovery?"
"As you can see, I can eat and drink." Ezreal smiled, his gaze turning to Sorano, who was surrounded by everyone, "It seems the guild is getting another Celestial Spirit Mage."
Ikaruga followed his gaze and said lightly: "For those who bear darkness, finding a place of light is a blessing."
"Indeed." Ezreal took a sip of tea, "Yukino's efforts were not in vain."
The feast started very quickly.
The long tables were laden with food and fine wine meticulously prepared by Mira and Laki. The atmosphere was lively and harmonious.
Yukino took Sorano by the hand and introduced her to each member of the guild.
"Sister, this is Lucy, also a Celestial Spirit Mage; she has the Zodiac keys!"
"Hello, Lucy-san." Sorano bowed a little nervously.
"Hello, Sorano-neechan! Just call me Lucy!" Lucy responded enthusiastically, "We can study Celestial Spirit Magic together in the future! I've collected so many legends of the Celestial Spirit World!"
"This is Wendy, the Sky Dragon Slayer Mage, with powerful healing abilities."
"Wendy-chan, you're so cute!" Sorano looked at the tiny Wendy, her eyes softening considerably.
"Hello, Sorano-neechan!" Wendy smiled sweetly, "My healing magic is still in practice, please guide me in the future!"
"This is Cana, the fairy card Mage..."
Cana raised the golden card in her hand and gave Sorano a hearty smile: "Welcome to the guild! Feel free to come play cards sometime, just treat us if you lose!"
Sorano was slightly taken aback by Cana's straightforwardness, then also showed a faint smile: "O-okay."
"This is Levy..."
Levy pushed up her glasses and closed her magic book: "Hello, Sorano-san. I'm Levy, a Solid Script Magic user. I'm also very interested in Celestial Spirit Magic, so we can exchange ideas often in the future!"
"That would be my honor, Levy-san." Sorano nodded earnestly.
"This is Erza..."
Erza put down her pastry and nodded at Sorano, her gaze calm and with a hint of approval after scrutiny: "Welcome to Fairy Tail. I hope you can find your own strength here."
"Thank you, Erza-san." Sorano could feel the weight in her words and responded solemnly.
"This is Natsu..."
"Hey! Sorano! I'm Natsu! The Fire Dragon Slayer Mage! Let's go on missions together sometime! It'll be super exciting, I promise!" Natsu shouted, his mouth full of food, his words muffled.
"Aye—! Natsu's right!" Happy flew in the air, echoing him.
"This is Gray..."
When Gray was introduced, Juvia immediately leaned over: "Lord Gray! This is the new member, Sorano-san! Lord Gray is the most handsome!"
Gray: "..." He silently took a step back.
Sorano looked at this strange combination, feeling a bit bewildered.
Yukino explained helplessly: "Juvia... well... she really admires Gray."
Sorano nodded, half-understanding, and looking at Gray's somewhat embarrassed handsome face, and then at the undisguised fanaticism in Juvia's eyes, her lips couldn't help but curve slightly upwards.
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