Before reporting the completion of the mission to the guild, I decided to head at my prospective housing first.
After following the directions Alma gave me, I arrived at a small cottage by the river. The place was simple but charming, with a thatched roof and a garden full of flowers and herbs. A large willow tree swayed gently in the breeze, its branches brushing against the ground.
I knocked on the door, and after a moment, it creaked open to reveal a broad-shouldered man with graying hair tied back loosely. He wore a worn apron and had the calm air of someone who'd spent years working with his hands.
"You must be Aiden," he said, his voice steady and warm. "Alma mentioned you'd be coming by."
"That's right," I replied. "You must be Edric."
"Just Edric's fine," he said with a nod. "Come on in."
I stepped inside. The interior was cozy, with polished wooden floors and shelves lined with books and trinkets. A faint herbal scent lingered in the air, and a small fireplace crackled softly in the corner.
"Have a seat," Edric gestured toward an armchair near the fire. "I imagine it's been a long day."
I sat down, letting the warmth of the room settle over me. "Yeah... but it's good to be back in Magnolia."
Edric took a seat across from me, resting his elbows on his knees. "So, you're with Fairy Tail, huh? I've rented this place to a few of your guildmates over the years. Lively bunch, but good folks."
I chuckled. "They've been... welcoming. In their own chaotic way."
"That sounds about right," Edric grinned. "The cottage is simple, but it's quiet. Close to town, but far enough to give you some space. The river's good company, and the garden's been well cared for." He paused for a moment. "Only rule—don't cut down that willow tree out front. It's older than both of us, and I'd hate to see it go."
I smiled. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Edric leaned back, satisfied. "Glad to hear it. Rent's fair, and I won't bother you unless something needs fixing. Any questions?"
I glanced around the room, feeling oddly at ease in the space. "Actually... yeah. Would you ever consider selling this place?"
Edric raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Buying it, huh? Didn't expect that on your first visit."
"I plan to stay in Magnolia for the long run," I said. "Fairy Tail's home now... and I'd like to make this place mine, eventually."
Edric studied me for a moment, then let out a low chuckle. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"
"I wouldn't be asking otherwise," I replied with a grin.
He nodded slowly. "I respect that. But houses ain't cheap, kid. You think you can handle that?"
"I've got some savings," I said. "And with steady work from the guild, I'm willing to put in the effort."
Edric rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Alright. I won't say no... but let's see how things go. Live here, get settled in. If you're still sure about buying it in a few months, we'll talk."
I stood up and extended my hand. "Fair enough. Thanks for giving me a chance."
Edric grinned and shook my hand firmly. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. Just don't go biting off more than you can chew."
"I'll keep that in mind," I replied.
As he walked me to the door, Edric added, "And hey, if you ever need advice, help with the house, or just someone to talk to... you know where to find me."
"Thanks, Edric. I appreciate that."
He nodded and stepped back inside, leaving me on the quiet porch. The soft rustling of the willow tree and the gentle flow of the river filled the air.
This place... it already felt like home.
-----
The doors to the Fairy Tail guildhall swung open, and I stepped inside to the usual roar of laughter, tankards clinking, and the occasional crash. It was the kind of chaos that felt oddly comforting.
At the bar, Gildarts was already mid-story, surrounded by guild members who were hanging on his every word. He spotted me immediately, pointing in my direction. "And here he is! The hero of the day!"
"I'm not a hero," I said, walking over. "And I'm pretty sure you're overselling it."
"Come on, kid," Gildarts said with a wide grin. "Give yourself some credit."
"Speaking of the mission," Makarov's voice interrupted. He was perched on a barrel nearby, mug in hand, watching me with a glint of pride in his eyes. "I heard you did well, Aiden. First mission and already keeping Gildarts in line?"
Gildarts laughed loudly. "To be fair, the ring did most of the keeping in line."
"The ring?" Makarov asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, enchanted to suppress excess magic," I explained, pulling a spare from my bag to show him. "It's practical. Just helps avoid unintentional destruction."
"Now that's thinking ahead," Makarov said, nodding approvingly. "Smart move, lad."
Alma, behind the bar, leaned over slightly as she poured drinks. "No collateral damage, staring down bandits, sounds like quite the first mission. You're full of surprises, Aiden."
"Thanks, Alma," I said, scratching the back of my neck, feeling a little flustered under her gaze.
"So, how are you celebrating?" Gildarts asked, clearly fishing for something.
"Actually," I said, raising my voice slightly, "drinks are on me tonight."
The guild erupted into cheers almost immediately. "Kid's buying?" Gildarts said with mock disbelief. "I knew I liked you!"
Makarov chuckled. "A fine way to celebrate. Just don't let them drain your savings, son."
"Generous," Alma said, handing me a drink with a teasing smile. "Though, you might want to brace yourself. These guys can drink a lot."
"Noted," I said with a small smile.
As the night went on, the guild buzzed with laughter and stories. Gildarts embellished every detail of our mission, Makarov chimed in occasionally with wisecracks, and Alma moved effortlessly between pouring drinks and joining in on the conversation. For the first time in a long while, everything felt right. This was where I was meant to be.
The next day
The next morning, the guildhall was already alive with its usual energy. The clinking of tankards, bursts of laughter, and the occasional crash filled the air as I stepped inside. After the celebration last night, I expected a quieter scene, but Fairy Tail never seemed to slow down.
As I made my way toward the bar, I noticed a man standing near Makarov's usual barrel. He was tall, with sharp features and dark hair tied back loosely. His posture was relaxed, but there was something about the way he carried himself that felt... off. His eyes scanned the room with a cold, calculating gaze, and the faint smirk on his face didn't help.
"You must be Ivan," I said cautiously as I approached. His eyes flicked to me, and for a moment, he said nothing, just studying me like I was some kind of puzzle.
"And you must be the new recruit," he said finally, his tone dripping with disinterest. "Aiden, was it?"
"That's right," I replied, keeping my tone neutral. "Nice to meet you."
Ivan's smirk widened slightly, but it wasn't a friendly one. "We'll see about that," he said, his voice low and dismissive. "Fairy Tail has a habit of picking up strays. Let's hope you're not another waste of space."
I blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness of his words. Before I could respond, Makarov's voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough, Ivan," the guild master said, his tone firm as he approached.
Ivan turned to his father, his smirk fading into a scowl. "Hmph? Another one of your charity cases? You're too soft, old man. That's why this guild is full of weaklings."
Makarov's expression hardened, but he didn't rise to the bait. "Fairy Tail's strength comes from its heart, something you've never understood."
Ivan scoffed, crossing his arms. "Heart doesn't win battles, Father. Power does. And this guild is wasting its potential."
Similar to the story, he was an asshole. A man who'd walked away from Fairy Tail, chasing power at any cost. There was something... cold about him. The way his eyes scanned the room, like he was looking down on everyone here. Like he thought we were all beneath him.
I'd met people like him before. Back in my world. The kind of people who thought strength was everything. That emotions made you weak.
I hated guys like that.
But I kept my mouth shut. For now.
Before the argument could escalate further, a small voice interrupted. "Grandpa?"
I turned to see a blond-haired boy standing nearby, his bright eyes filled with curiosity. He couldn't have been more than nine years old, but there was a spark of determination in his gaze that was hard to miss.
"You're Aiden, right?" the boy asked, his tone confident despite his young age.
"That's me," I said with a smile. "And you are?"
"Laxus," he said proudly, puffing out his chest a little. "I'm gonna be the strongest mage in Fairy Tail someday."
I recognized him immediately. The lightning dragon slayer. Makarov's grandson. Future S-Class mage. Future problem, too, if I remembered the timeline right.
But right now?
He was just a kid. Nine years old. Bright-eyed, full of determination, and already carrying a chip on his shoulder.
I could see it in him. That hunger to prove himself. That need to be strong. Not for the sake of power, but for the sake of protecting those he cared about.
In a weird way... I saw a bit of myself in him.
I'd keep an eye on him. Maybe... just maybe, I could help him avoid some of the mistakes he was destined to make.
I chuckled, amused by his enthusiasm. "Big dreams, huh? That's a good thing."
"It's not just a dream," Laxus said firmly. "I'll prove it. Just watch."
"Well, I'll hold you to that," I replied, ruffling his hair playfully. He frowned and swatted my hand away, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
Ivan sneered slightly. "Still clinging to your grandfather, are you? You'll never get stronger that way."
Laxus's fists clenched. "Grandpa teaches me what matters. He's not like you. I'll be strong enough to protect Fairy Tail, not tear it down."
Ivan chuckled coldly. "Big words from a little kid. You don't understand the real world yet."
"That's enough," Makarov said firmly, stepping between them. "If you're only here to cause trouble, leave."
Ivan smirked one last time, turning toward the door. "I've seen enough. Good luck with your little guild, old man." He strode out, the door slamming behind him.
Laxus scowled, muttering under his breath, "Why does he even come here?"
"He is still part of the guild, my boy." Makarov placed a hand on Laxus's shoulder. "Don't let his words bother you, Laxus. You're already stronger than you realize."
Laxus nodded but didn't say anything more, his jaw tight.
As the room slowly returned to its usual chaotic energy, I walked over to the bar, where Alma was organizing a few glasses.
"Morning, Aiden," she greeted with a smile. "Things are already lively, huh?"
"Yeah, seems like it," I said, taking a seat. "Ivan doesn't exactly bring good vibes, does he?"
She chuckled softly. "That's putting it lightly. Don't let him get to you."
"I won't," I replied. "Actually, I came to talk about picking up a new mission. Got anything interesting?"
Alma pulled out a few sheets of parchment, spreading them across the counter. "There's a merchant escort to the east, a delivery run to a village near the mountains, or a pest control job in the farmlands. Any of these catch your eye?"
I scanned the options before pointing at the delivery mission. "This one looks good. A nice change of pace."
"Solid choice," she said, jotting something down. "I'll mark it as taken for you."
Before she could move on, I hesitated and asked, "Hey, Alma, I've been meaning to ask, what do you think about the cottage Edric rents out?"
She tilted her head, curious. "The one by the river? It's a nice place. Quiet, peaceful. Why?"
"I'm renting it now," I said, rubbing the back of my neck. "Thinking about buying it eventually. Just wanted your opinion."
Her smile widened. "That's a great idea. If anyone can make it into a real home, it's you."
I found myself staring longer than I meant to.
"Thanks," I said, feeling a bit flustered under her gaze.
"Don't mention it," she replied, sliding the mission details my way. "You've got this, Aiden. And hey, don't forget to check in when you're back."
"Will do," I said, standing up and grabbing the parchment.
As I left the bar, mission in hand, I couldn't help but feel a little lighter. Even after a tense start to the morning, Alma's encouragement had a way of making everything seem... better.