The morning forest appeared exceptionally tranquil, with only the rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze blew through them.
Makarov sat alone on a huge rock, watching the early sun rise.
Erza walked over and said, "Master, the ship for the return journey is ready. It's about time."
"You and Laxus..."
Makarov closed his eyes, his voice low. "He has already been expelled from the guild, yet he dared to step into the Guild's Sacred Ground without permission. He certainly has some nerve!"
"He came to help because he was worried about us..."
Erza felt a bit unwilling; she really didn't want a comrade who had finally returned to leave once again.
Makarov shook his head. "One thing is one thing, and rules are rules. They won't be changed for a single person."
Although his heart ached, he had to follow the rules set by the past masters.
The fact that this rule has lasted until now and allowed the guild to develop healthily proves that the rule is correct.
Erza's expression was downcast. "Can't there really be any compromise?"
Makarov was silent for a long time before saying, "No. Not even once!"
Laxus was behind them, leaning against a large tree. "Fairy Tail members grow under the protection of such rules. Don't worry, I'm just passing through and will leave soon."
The atmosphere was somewhat heavy. Laxus shouted out, "Old man!"
Makarov looked up slightly. "Hmm?"
Laxus chuckled. "Always with that listless expression. This time, I'm really saying goodbye to you."
After taking one last look at Makarov and Erza, he waved his hand and turned to walk away.
"Goodbye, Erza."
Erza couldn't help but shout, "Laxus!"
Makarov's eyes turned red as he suppressed the grief in his heart and gritted his teeth. He was the only one who couldn't afford to be soft-hearted.
He was the Master; if even he didn't follow the rules, who else would?
Just then, a figure blocked Laxus's path.
Laxus was somewhat surprised. "Acnologia..."
Erza smiled. "Dad!"
Acnologia nodded with a smile and put his arm around Laxus. "What's this? The Celebration Party hasn't even started yet, and you're already leaving?"
Laxus remained silent. He didn't want to leave, but his past mistakes couldn't be erased by helping out just once.
Makarov feigned indifference. "Acnologia, let him go. He is no longer a member of Fairy Tail!"
Acnologia brought Laxus back and pressed him down to sit next to Makarov.
Looking at the two of them sulking, he tried to mediate. "Alright, there's no need to be angry. Rules this, rules that—did Fairy Tail really make it this far by relying on rules?"
Makarov opened his mouth. "But..."
"No buts. The purpose of establishing rules is to protect guild members. If a rule causes everyone sadness and pain, is it really necessary to follow it?"
"We can even give a Dark Guild a chance, so why can't we show a little more tolerance to a comrade!"
Makarov remained silent, his heart in a state of extreme conflict. For a moment, he didn't know what to do.
Natsu stepped forward and said firmly, "I definitely won't let Laxus leave again!"
"Master! Acnologia is right. We've never blamed Laxus either!"
"Let Laxus come back!"
At some point, the guild members had all walked over, each with an incredibly serious expression. No one wanted a comrade to truly leave and never be seen again; that would be too painful.
They didn't want to see a future where the Master was depressed and Laxus was like a stranger.
"Everyone..."
Laxus had already lowered his head, tears streaming uncontrollably. "I'm sorry!"
Makarov's eyes filled with tears, and the words were stuck in his throat; he couldn't say a single thing.
Natsu laughed and said, "Laxus, once we get back to the guild, I'm going to have a showdown with you!"
Gajeel folded his arms and said coldly, "I was also a bit unwilling after being defeated by you last time!"
"Laxus, stop being sentimental. Shedding tears isn't your style. Hurry up and come back!"
Everyone smiled, and the Thunder God Tribe even wailed with excitement, drawing looks of disgust from the people nearby.
"Irene and I found our daughter Erza, Gray found his teacher Ur, and Gildarts found his daughter Cana."
Acnologia turned toward Erza, gently patted her little head, and looked at the hesitant Makarov and Laxus. He said with a smile, "Everyone's lives are moving toward a better future. You two... don't let a single impulsive decision lead to a lifetime of regret."
He gave the two of them a deep look, then turned to leave with Irene and Erza.
The others also knew to give the Master and Laxus time alone, so they followed... Erza hugged Acnologia's arm and laughed. "I didn't expect Dad to say such emotional things. Even the Master, who loves to reason, couldn't find a word to argue back."
"Of course. Usually, I just keep a low profile and leave the opportunities to inspire people to the Master."
Acnologia was all smiles. He felt that being leaned on by his daughter was already pure happiness; he had no more regrets in life.
Irene said irritably, "Little Erza, you're hugging my spot."
Erza glanced at her and huffed, "Isn't there still the other side?"
What kind of weird mom gets jealous of her own daughter?
Irene curled her lip, walked to the other side, hugged Acnologia's arm, and asked, "You swallowed that Grimoire Heart? Infinite magic power?"
Acnologia reflected for a moment and said, "That magic power was very strong, but it can't be considered eternal. Even the genuine fairy heart could never truly have infinite magic power."
This trip to Tenrou Island had increased his strength by a few notches; it was no longer difficult for him to shatter space with a mere reach of his hand.
Erza was puzzled. "Can Dad devour any kind of magic power? Does it just become your own power once you swallow it?"
Acnologia nodded. "I am Non-attribute and possess Devouring Magic; I can devour and use magic power of any attribute. In my form as a Black Dragon, I have a body immune to magic, Impervious to all spells. To defeat me, one would need a physical attack strong enough to reach the limit."
Erza looked shocked. "That's just cheating! So you can get stronger just by eating and eating!"
"A dragon's body is Impervious to all spells. Doesn't that make you invincible in this world? Whose physical attack could possibly destroy a dragon's body?"
In this magical world, almost everyone specializes in magic. Very few people specifically study things like swords, fists, and kicks.
And while physical strength increases along with magic power, no matter how much it increases, it can't possibly rival the strength of a dragon.
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