Laxus and Mystogan were instantly stunned.
Laxus, who somewhat understood Ankh's meaning, immediately frowned.
"You want to attack that world?"
"Of course." Ankh nodded, a confident smile curling his lips. "Self-defense counterattacks are my least favorite response. When there's already an enemy right there, why can't I take the initiative to subdue them?"
"But... only the hyperspace Super Magic Anima can open the rift between the two worlds. The initiative still lies with my father, and with the situation unclear, I'm afraid..."
Mystogan hesitated.
He didn't want to involve his guild companions because of his father and homeland.
Moreover, after years of rushing to repair Anima's damage, he still hadn't found a way to actively enter Edolas from Earthland and return safely.
"More people mean greater strength. Three people worrying here will never solve anything. The guild should have records of spatial Forbidden Magic." Ankh patted Mystogan's shoulder, his gaze sharp.
"Before the next Anima arrives, we'll organize a strike team to travel through the rift to your homeland and put an end to everything!"
Laxus couldn't help but laugh, saying with great interest, "That's really your style. During the Phantom Lord war, you did exactly this."
Ankh curled his lip. "Last time against Phantom Lord, I at least needed to wait for a reason and the right moment to attack. This time, that won't be necessary."
Mystogan remained silent for a long time, looking at the two confident figures before him, and finally made up his mind.
"Alright then, I'll closely monitor Anima's movements. Just... shouldn't we inform the Guild Master about this operation?"
Ankh nodded. "Of course, and that person should be returning soon too..."
Mystogan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
"Who?"
Laxus quickly understood, immediately wearing a wicked grin.
"A very troublesome old man."
Mystogan paused for a moment, then also understood. "Gildarts?"
If Gildarts could return to the guild before the next Anima attack, venturing into Edolas would indeed become a much safer endeavor.
Laxus confidently slung his arms around their shoulders, his ambition blazing as he declared, "Only then will the true 'Strongest Team' be fully assembled."
With all of Fairy Tail's S-Class Mages gathered, taking this lineup to Edolas...
No joke—that magic-backward world would probably be torn apart like scrap by these few individuals.
After their private discussion, Mystogan vanished from sight once more.
By the time Laxus and Ankh returned to the main hall, Natsu and Happy had already endured several rounds of scolding from Makarov.
Now refreshed after disciplining the youngsters, Makarov hopped onto the counter, gulping down ale with gusto as he cheerfully announced to everyone.
"The lively cherry blossom viewing party has ended! I know you all haven't had enough fun, but joyful times are always fleeting—we can't linger forever in beautiful scenes... So, no time to reminisce about the cherry blossom party!"
Makarov slammed his mug onto the counter with a loud thud, roaring with laughter.
"The next event is—Fairy Tail's 24-Hour Endurance Marathon!!"
"Woo-hoo!!"
The entire guild erupted in excitement again, howling like a pack of energized gorillas.
"24-Hour Endurance Marathon?" Lucy muttered to herself in confusion. "What kind of event is this now?"
Gray stretched his limbs, grinning with competitive spirit
"It's another guild tradition! An annual test of stamina and speed!"
Natsu, freshly scolded but already raring to go, pumped his fists. "I'm definitely taking first place this time!"
Erza smiled confidently, adding, "I specially prepared combat attire for this competition."
Wendy wore a sweet smile, though her expression hinted at helplessness.
"Everyone in the guild seems so motivated..."
Carla looked thoroughly displeased, complaining, "Compared to the cherry blossom party, this event is pure torture for a lady."
Happy immediately seized the opportunity to flatter her. "But Carla can fly! That's what i've always done in previous years."
"If that's possible, then it's fine..."
Lucy watched the burning fighting spirit surrounding everyone and facepalmed with a sigh.
"It feels like the guild has events nonstop throughout the year. And this one looks especially exhausting..."
"You don't need to get so worked up—because the champion will still be me in the end."
Just as the Strongest Team members were psyching themselves up, a particularly grating voice cut through the air.
Team Shadow Gear approached them.
The braggart was none other than Jet, the champion of past years.
Jet puffed out his chest, smirking. "Since you can't win anyway, you might as well just watch my back during the race."
Wendy exclaimed in surprise, "Jet-san is making a victory declaration!"
Lucy nodded in equal astonishment. "That weak Jet?"
Carla: "...Who?"
Jet immediately collapsed to his knees in despair, mumbling dejectedly, "So... that's how weak you think I am?"
Wendy shyly poked her fingers together while Carla turned her head away.
Lucy, however, answered quite frankly, "That's right."
Jet's good buddy Droy immediately launched into an explanation of his achievements.
"Jet's 'God Speed' magic is super-fast and perfect for racing! He's won the championship every year! Though he can't beat Lucy in a fight and needs Levy's protection on missions, he's first-rate when it comes to running away..."
Carla calmly sipped her black tea while offering this summary.
Indeed, this was the team's newly appointed critic and sharp-tongued member—Carla.
Using the most elegant tone to deliver the most hurtful truths.
Jet's expression collapsed again. "That part was completely unnecessary!"
While Jet and Droy were busy arguing with the kitten Carla, and Wendy and Happy were trying to mediate with wry smiles, Levy sat down beside Lucy.
Lucy smiled at her best friend. "Looks like Jet is really looking forward to this competition."
"Well, he hopes to use this competition every year to improve his reputation," Levy explained with a chuckle, then turned her gaze to Ankh.
"But it'll probably be difficult this year. Both Ankh and Laxus, who are usually the busiest, are staying at the guild without missions. Jet will have a hard time winning the championship."
Lucy nodded in agreement.
If Ankh used his Gravity magic to suppress everyone, and Laxus transformed into lightning to dash forward, who in the guild could possibly compete?
Ankh, however, seemed somewhat dismissive. "It's just a running competition, no need to take it so seriously. Right, Laxus?"
Ankh looked back at Laxus, only to find the guy sitting imposingly on his chair, surrounded by the solemn Thunder God Tribe forming a circle around him.
Laxus had his fists pressed against his cheeks, wearing a smug, restrained smile.
He looked like someone absolutely determined to win!
Ankh: ...
'Seriously, dude? You're for real?'
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