At the gates of the Heartfilia estate, Arlen faced Layla, Jude, and little Lucy, who was holding her mother's hand.
"It's getting late, so I'll be heading off to complete my guild requests. I'll pass along your request to my mother. Thank you for your hospitality today."
"It's no trouble at all," Layla said with a gentle smile. "If you have time, feel free to visit again. You're Alice's son—so you're like my child too. There's no need to be so formal with me."
"That's right, that's right! Big Brother Arlen, come play with me next time!" little Lucy tugged at his sleeve, her voice sweet and childish.
"Alright. When I have time, I'll come. You can also ask your mother to take you to the Fairy Tail Guild in Magnolia to find me," Arlen said, gently patting her head.
"Mm! I will!" Lucy nodded firmly.
"Then, Lady Layla, Mr. Jude, I'll take my leave."
After a final noble bow and another affectionate pat on Lucy's head, Arlen turned and left the Heartfilia estate.
"Mom, will I see Big Brother Arlen again?" Lucy asked.
"Of course," Layla replied softly. "His mother is my dear friend. And once things settle down, I'll take you to see him. Didn't he say he's a mage at Fairy Tail?"
Jude watched quietly from the side, a faint smile appearing on his otherwise stern face.
—
After leaving, Arlen contacted his mother using a Communication Lacrima.
"Mother, greetings."
"Oh? Arlen, what prompted this call? Have you already handled what I asked of you?" Alice asked, slightly surprised.
"Yes."
Arlen relayed his entire conversation with Layla word for word.
After a moment of thought, he added, "If we're to search for Grammi, I suggest focusing on the Alvarez Empire across the sea. She may be there."
"Understood. I'll handle it," Alice nodded. "With both our families working together, we should find her within three years."
Then she smiled slightly.
"You're heading out on a job now?"
"Yes. Since I'm already out, I might as well complete a few commissions. I'll contact you again if anything comes up."
"Alright. Stay safe."
The communication ended.
—
"Time to begin. First, meet the client."
Arlen casually took out one of the request forms and followed the listed address.
—
In the government office of Gonobagu Town, Arlen sat across from the town mayor.
"You're the mage sent by Fairy Tail?" the middle-aged man asked, sizing him up.
"Yes. Arlen of Fairy Tail. I'll be handling this request."
He raised his left hand, revealing the Fairy Tail guild mark.
The mayor hesitated.
"The bandits are extremely vicious… and you're alone…"
Arlen cut him off calmly.
"No need for concern. Just tell me their location—and whether you want them captured or eliminated."
"…Either is fine," the mayor said, slightly shaken by his presence.
"Then prepare to receive the results."
Arlen gave a brief bow, then disappeared using teleportation magic.
—
Five kilometers outside the town, within a mountain range—
Arlen floated down, using Anti-Gravity Magic.
"This should be the place."
Before him stood a tall fortified wall—the base of the Kardia Bandit Group.
"Hey, brat! Who the hell are you? You looking to join us?" a punk on the watchtower shouted.
"Oho, pretty boy, huh? Looks rich too. Let's grab him and demand ransom!" another sneered.
Arlen ignored them.
"Kardia Bandit Group… then this is correct."
He drew his blade—Araya Shiki.
"Wind Scar."
A golden magic circle flared beneath his feet. The blade erupted into a swirling golden vortex of cutting energy.
With a single swing—
Three massive arcs of golden blade energy tore forward.
Boom.
The two bandits—and the towering wall behind them—were instantly shredded.
They didn't even have time to scream.
—
The explosion alerted the entire base.
"Who's there?!"
"We're under attack!"
"Which idiot dares provoke us?!"
Dozens of bandits rushed out—only to freeze at the sight before them.
Ruins.
Scorched trenches stretching into the mountain.
And at the center—
A silver-haired noble youth stood calmly, blade in hand, eyes cold.
"…What terrifying power…"
"Who is this guy?"
"Doesn't matter! He's alone! Kill him!" shouted a scar-faced man wielding a giant axe—the leader of the group.
"Yeah! Charge!"
Around thirty bandits rushed forward, weapons raised—clubs, swords, spears, axes.
Their leader remained behind, confident, imagining Arlen being torn apart.
He completely ignored the destruction already before him.
Arlen remained expressionless.
Thirty people. Mostly ordinary fighters. The strongest… roughly B-rank.
Not even worth a second strike.
A cold snort escaped him.
In an instant—
He vanished.
A blur of motion cut through the battlefield.
His blade flashed.
Each swing—one life extinguished.
In mere breaths—
Half the bandits were already dead.
The leader's expression changed drastically.
"Fall back! Everyone, fall back!"
The remaining bandits regrouped, surrounding him, trembling.
They hadn't even touched Arlen once.
Not a drop of blood.
Not a speck of dust.
It was as if—
They weren't even fighting the same kind of being.