Before they left, Kabe kept his word.
Right in front of everyone, he rubbed a ball of ki between his hands and launched it.
The blast wiped the Tower of Heaven, along with the entire island, completely off the surface of the sea.
Erza, Sho, Wally, Simon, and Millianna leaned over the rail, staring into the distance at the giant pit where seawater was pouring in.
It felt as if a ring of invisible shackles in their hearts had finally been unlocked.
There was nothing binding them anymore.
"So, so amazing, Erza, your boyfriend is incredible."
Millianna was so stunned she even forgot her usual verbal tic, clutching Erza's arm as her eyes went wide.
Simon also accepted defeat wholeheartedly.
With such a strong partner who cherished her at her side, Erza would surely be happy.
For him, that was already enough.
...
While they were talking, Kabe landed lightly back on the deck.
Sho was the first to sprint over, eyes sparkling as he piled on the praise.
"Brother in law, you are incredible."
"Before, when I heard Jellal say you had power on par with the Ten Wizard Saints, I did not believe it."
"Now it looks like even among the Saints, not many could be your match."
"Low key, low key."
"Even if that is true, the Ten Wizard Saints are all venerable seniors."
"I do not think it is appropriate to compare myself with them."
Kabe waved his hand with exaggerated modesty, acting humble with all the sincerity of a stage performance.
Seeing that, Sho doubled down, flinging compliments one after another until Kabe was practically floating, smug enough to lose his sense of direction.
Watching Sho, Wally rubbed his square jaw.
"That kid Sho, he might actually be smoother than me now."
Ultear felt a chill breeze go past and had to fight the urge to roll her eyes.
"Pick any random person here and they would be smoother than you, you walking block."
They stayed outside a little longer, watching until the pit was completely submerged by the sea, then agreed to head into the cabin together.
...
This was Kabe's first time riding a ship.
Looking at the wooden structure around him, he could not help having the illusion that he was about to start a grand adventure straight out of One Piece.
In his imagination, he was already punching the Four Emperors, kicking the three Admirals, marrying the Pirate Empress, and becoming King of the World.
While he was off in his own little daydream, the others had already begun to talk.
"Simon, Wally, what are your plans from now on?"
"Do you want to just join our guild?"
At Erza's question, all four of them looked a bit lost.
After being left in the Tower of Heaven, the idea had never seriously crossed their minds.
Simon thought for a moment and was the first to speak.
"We have been living on that island all these years."
"Even if we sometimes left, we still do not know much about the outside world."
"As for me, I think I should go get used to life outside first."
"As for what comes after, I want to wait until Jellal wakes up before deciding."
Wally and the others thought it over and nodded in agreement.
Even though they had spent these years being deceived by "Jellal," they still depended on him and were used to living according to his arrangements.
The fact that they did not agree to join Fairy Tail right away made Erza a little disappointed, but she understood.
"Then stay in Magnolia for a while while Jellal is being treated."
"When you have time, you can come to Fairy Tail often."
"Everyone in the guild is very nice."
"If you have any questions or anything you do not understand, you can always ask them."
"Of course."
"With sis' recommendation, I definitely have to go take a look."
Sho grinned as he agreed.
In his mind, since his sister and brother in law were both so amazing, their companions certainly would not be any worse.
The others felt the same.
Besides, Jellal still needed the help of Fairy Tail's doctor.
No matter what, they had to visit and thank this guild properly.
Once that was settled, everyone's eyes turned toward the one sitting a little off to the side, Ultear.
"What about you, Ultear?"
"Your junior Gray is in our guild."
"You should join us too."
At Erza's words, everyone shifted their gaze to Ultear.
Although Ultear had said she was the real culprit behind controlling Jellal from the shadows, Kabe had also said she was just another pawn used by others, just like him.
Because of that, Simon and the others did not feel much rejection toward her.
Ultear clearly had not expected Erza to invite her.
She froze for a moment, then lowered her head, smoothing a lock of hair behind her ear as she answered quietly.
"I promised Kabe before that once I finished atoning for my sins, I would join Fairy Tail."
"Most of the things I needed to handle are already arranged now, and Jellal can also slowly recover his sanity."
"So… if Fairy Tail is really willing to accept a sinner like me, then I am willing to join."
"That is great."
Erza stood up happily, walked to her, and held out her hand.
"Welcome to the guild."
"When we get back, I will take you to meet the master."
Ultear stared blankly at the hand in front of her.
"You are not going to think it over more?"
"I am a former member of a dark guild."
"All the better."
"People keep saying our guild is basically a dark guild anyway."
"If you join, you can even give us some professional guidance."
Erza, for once, cracked a rare joke, leaving Ultear half amused and half exasperated.
"Do not joke like that."
"If I really led Fairy Tail down the wrong path and turned it into a dark guild, the whole of Ishgar would explode."
Even as she teased back, Ultear stood up and grasped the hand Erza offered, squeezing it firmly as she made her promise.
"I swear, I will not bring shame to the guild, and I will not let anyone else smear its name either."