A few days had passed since my first mission, and life at the guild continued with its usual lively chaos. I had quickly settled into the rhythm of things, taking on smaller jobs and learning more about the quirks and camaraderie that defined Fairy Tail. But today, the energy in the guildhall was different—muted, almost thoughtful.
Gildarts was standing near the bar, laughing and exchanging words with some of the members. It was hard to miss him; his presence always seemed larger than life. But there was something unusual about him today, like he was trying to soak in the atmosphere more than usual. The news had spread earlier in the day—Gildarts was leaving on a long-term quest. Three years, possibly more. No one knew the exact details except him, and he wasn't sharing.
As I walked in, I could feel the undercurrent of emotions running through the guild. Some were trying to act normal, teasing him and making jokes, while others sat quietly, processing the fact that one of Fairy Tail's strongest would be gone for so long.
"Hey, kid!" Gildarts called out, spotting me as I made my way toward the bar. He gave me one of his trademark grins, motioning for me to join him.
"Hey, Gildarts," I said, taking a seat beside him. "So it's true, huh? You're leaving."
"Yup," he said, his grin softening. "Got a big one this time. Something that'll take me out of town for a while."
"For three years?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual but unable to hide my curiosity.
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe more, maybe less. Depends on how things go."
"Any idea what it's about?" I pressed lightly.
He shook his head, the grin turning into a mysterious smirk. "Can't say. Guild rules, you know how it is. Let's just call it... something important."
I nodded, sensing that was all I'd get out of him. Around us, guild members drifted in and out, some coming over to wish him well, others sitting quietly as if trying to hold on to his presence just a little longer.
"You know, Aiden," Gildarts said, leaning back slightly. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. Keep it that way, alright? You've got what it takes to go far in Fairy Tail."
"Thanks," I said, feeling a bit caught off guard by his sincerity.
"Listen to the old man," he added, glancing toward Makarov, who was watching from his barrel with a thoughtful expression. "He may be small, but he knows what he's doing."
I grinned. "I'll take that advice."
As the guild gradually returned to its usual rhythm, I noticed Alma standing behind the bar, her gaze occasionally flicking toward Gildarts. She seemed calmer than most, though there was a quiet understanding in her eyes. I made my way over to her as Gildarts got pulled into another round of goodbyes.
"Hey, Alma," I said, leaning against the bar. "How are you holding up with all this?"
She smiled faintly, pouring a drink for one of the guild members. "Gildarts leaving isn't new. He's always been a wanderer. Still, it's hard seeing him go, knowing we won't see him for so long."
"Yeah," I said, glancing back at him. "The guild won't feel the same without him around."
She nodded, her gaze steady. "But that's Fairy Tail for you. People come and go, but the family stays strong. And don't worry, he always comes back."
I smiled at Alma's reassuring words, her quiet confidence making me feel even more at home in the guild. "So, any interesting missions that popped up lately? I was thinking about trying something a bit more challenging. Seeing Gildarts take off on his quest... it's got me inspired. Maybe an A-class mission?"
Alma tilted her head thoughtfully, setting down the glass she had been wiping. "Hmm... A-class, huh? Ambitious," she said with a teasing smile, though her eyes showed she was seriously considering it. "Let me think. Based on what I've seen and your performance on your previous missions, I'd say you're qualified to try something higher-ranked."
"Thanks, Gildarts," I muttered under my breath with a small grin. His faith in me had done a lot to boost my confidence.
Before Alma could reply, a firm but familiar voice cut in. "Actually, I've got a mission in mind for you, Aiden," said Master Makarov as he approached.
I straightened up as Makarov stood before us, his expression calm but thoughtful. "You do, Master?"
He nodded. "The Annual Guildmasters Meeting is coming up soon. It's a gathering of all the guildmasters from across Fiore, and every year, I'm allowed to bring two people along to represent Fairy Tail."
I tilted my head, intrigued. "Really? That sounds like a big deal."
"It is," Makarov replied. "This year, I want you and Macao to accompany me."
The words caught me off guard. "Me? Are you sure, Master?"
Makarov nodded, his expression calm but firm. "Yes, I'm sure. You've already proven yourself capable, Aiden. This isn't just a ceremonial trip—it's an important task. We'll be representing Fairy Tail, and more than that..." His face grew more serious. "There have been troubling reports lately. Villages have been completely destroyed, and the survivors—if there are any—are disappearing without a trace. The Rune Knights suspect dark guilds are behind it, but they haven't been able to track them down yet. This meeting might draw some attention, and not the good kind."
"Villages destroyed?" I repeated, my voice lowering. The gravity of the situation hit me hard.
Makarov nodded gravely. "Entire communities wiped out. It's why this meeting is more important than ever. Dark guilds are growing more dangerous, and we need to stay united. That's why I need sharp, reliable people with me. I need to know that if something happens, you'll be able to handle it."
Makarov's gaze sharpened, though his tone was kind. "Aiden, you've shown usthat you've got potential. You've got the composure and maturity to handle the responsibility. And this isn't just a ceremonial event—it's also an opportunity to learn. That, and… there might be trouble. Things don't always go smoothly at these meetings."
"Trouble?" I asked, leaning forward slightly.
Makarov stroked his beard, a serious look crossing his face. "Let's just say the dark guilds are growing bolder every year. While it's rare, there have been incidents in the past, and I wouldn't be surprised if someone tried to stir up trouble this time."
I nodded, the weight of the mission settling over me. It wasn't just an opportunity—it was a responsibility. "I won't let you down, Master. I'll do my best."
"Good," Makarov said with a nod before turning to Alma. "Make sure he's properly prepared. We leave in two days."
"Understood, Master," Alma replied with a smile as he walked off, likely to find Macao.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding and glanced at Alma. "So, any advice? This feels like a lot."
She chuckled softly, reaching for a ledger behind the bar. "You'll be fine, Aiden. If the Master trusts you with something like this, it means you're more than capable. But..." She leaned in slightly, her tone dropping playfully. "Don't mess it up, okay? Macao will never let you live it down."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Great, no pressure then."
"Now, go get some rest. You've got two days to prepare, and trust me, you'll want to be at your best." She said, her tone light again.
"Go get some rest, Aiden," she said with a teasing smile. "You've got a big mission ahead of you."
As I turned to leave, I felt lighter... despite the weight of what was to come. Maybe it was Makarov's trust in me. Maybe it was Gildarts' words.
Or maybe... it was Alma's smile.