Fairy Tail: Strongest Creature

The following morning, Makarov couldn't hide his irritation as he addressed Su Yan.

"You've been back at the guild for a month now, boy. Isn't it time to take on some work?"

Like a father with a houseful of grown children, he'd missed Su Yan while he was away, but now he was feeling the effects of Su Yan lounging around, distracting everyone and—according to Makarov—"ruining the guild's atmosphere."

Su Yan laughed, not taking it to heart. "Come on, old man, I just got back. And anyway, isn't it time to think about some life priorities?"

Makarov's expression softened as he leaned in. "So, brat, what'll it be—Erza or Mira?"

Growing up together in the guild, Su Yan, Erza, and Mira shared a special bond. Makarov had always seen them as his own children, and nothing would make him happier than seeing one of them settle down.

Su Yan smirked. "Why not both?"

Makarov's eyes twinkled, and he gave Su Yan a pat. *This boy has the spark I had in my youth,* he thought.

Suddenly, Mira's voice interrupted the banter. "Master! There's a commission missing from the second floor!"

The guild fell silent. The tasks on the second floor were all S-class or higher—life-threatening jobs that required serious skill and clearance.

Laxus, sitting casually on a chair on the second floor, spoke up with a smirk, a cigar hanging from his mouth. "Last night, I saw a sneaky little cat grab it. The one with wings."

"Happy?!" everyone exclaimed, immediately realizing that Natsu and Lucy must be involved as well.

"What were those idiots thinking?" Gray muttered.

"This time, they're in big trouble," said Elfman, shaking his head. "They really tried to take on an S-class mission?"

The guild erupted in murmurs. Taking on an S-class mission without permission was a serious breach of guild rules. Makarov required members to report all tasks, both to protect them and prevent reckless overestimations of their strength. Going against this was grounds for expulsion.

"Looks like they'll be kicked out for this one, right, old man?" Laxus said, his tone challenging. "Taking on an S-class mission with skills like theirs—they probably won't even make it back."

His laughter echoed across the room, causing Mira to glare at him. "Why didn't you stop them if you saw what they were doing?" she demanded.

Laxus shrugged. "How was I supposed to know it was Happy? I just saw a cat with a paper."

Makarov ignored Laxus, turning to Mira. "What was the request they took?"

Mira bit her lip. "The Cursed Island… Galuna Island."

"Devil's Island?" Makarov exclaimed, his face paling. Galuna Island was infamous, rumored to be home to demons. Its dangerous reputation had earned it the nickname Devil's Island.

He turned to Su Yan. "Su Yan, I want you to bring them back."

Su Yan nodded. He hadn't planned to leave the guild again so soon, but this sounded interesting enough, and he'd been around the guild long enough lately.

Laxus sneered. "Hold on, old man. You just said we don't need anyone cleaning up after our mages. Natsu and his friends clearly violated the rules, and they should be expelled."

Makarov was at a loss. He'd spoken firmly about taking responsibility for one's actions, and Laxus wasn't wrong to call him on it. But they were all his children, and he couldn't just throw them out.

Su Yan turned to Laxus, his tone sharp. "You're being awfully smug, Laxus. The guild master decides the rules, not you. This isn't your call to make, so stop pretending you're in charge."

Laxus's expression darkened. "What did you say?"

Su Yan crossed his arms. "You could've stopped them, but you didn't. Now that I'm going, you should just keep quiet."

"Su Yan!" Laxus snarled, lightning crackling around him.

Su Yan waved a hand dismissively. "No need to shout. If you're that upset, we can go somewhere and have a little duel. I don't mind teaching you a lesson."

"You b*****d!"

Golden lightning flickered around Laxus as his anger flared. The entire guild tensed, feeling the electricity in the air. A clash between two S-class wizards could level the entire building, if not the street outside.

"That's enough!" Makarov's shout broke the tension.

Laxus calmed, though his frustration was clear. He knew Makarov wouldn't let them fight it out here. Gritting his teeth, he took a step back, watching as Su Yan turned to leave.

Su Yan nodded to Makarov, "I'll bring them back, Master," before walking out.

"Hmph." Laxus retreated upstairs, thinking darkly, *One of these days, old man or no, I'll show Su Yan that he's not the strongest.*

Makarov sighed, shaking his head at his grandson's competitiveness.