"By the way, Gramps, have the Royal Army and the Council notified you about any follow-up? Have they found the dark magic cult's stronghold yet?" Noah asked.
"Not yet, but it should be soon. I expect to hear from them, one way or another, within the next two days," Makarov replied.
"I hope it's soon," Noah said, taking a sip of milk.
At that moment, the guild doors were suddenly kicked open. A flash of lightning shot towards Noah, accompanied by a loud shout.
"Noah, accept my challenge!"
The bolt of lightning zipped towards Noah's right rear flank. Erza, reacting instinctively, snapped into a defensive posture. "An enemy attack?"
Makarov praised her silently in his heart. Such a quick reaction!
Just as the lightning reached Noah's right side, it suddenly veered to his left. But Noah, as if he had known all along, swung a fist behind him, catching someone squarely in the face. The attacker, his own fist only halfway raised, was sent flying. He hung in the air for a moment before crashing to the floor.
The surrounding guild members started to jeer.
"How many times has it been for Laxus now?"
"I think it started right after Noah became S-Class. Every time Noah comes back, Laxus has to challenge him."
"And he's never won, has he?"
Only then did Erza and the others realize that the attacker was another guild member named Laxus.
Laxus lay motionless on the ground for a moment before picking himself up. He dusted off his clothes and said to Noah, "Still couldn't beat you. Did you get stronger again?"
"Your strength has definitely improved since last time," Noah replied. "But I've gotten stronger too." He paused, then added with a grin, "Specifically so I can keep beating you easily."
"Damn you!" Laxus fumed.
Just then, the guild's communication lacrima lit up. Makarov answered it. "This is Fairy Tail... I am... yes, he's here... alright, I'll let him know."
After disconnecting, Makarov turned to Noah. "It's the news you were waiting for. They've found the locations and they're preparing to move out. You've been invited to join the operation. The assembly point is at Hargeon Port."
Hearing this, Noah stood up. "Then I'm heading out."
As he walked past Laxus, Noah suddenly stopped. "Want to come with me?"
Laxus looked at him, confused. "Go where?"
"To fight the dark magic cult."
Realization dawned on Laxus. "So that's what all the recent rumors about you have been about! Alright, I'm in!"
Makarov looked worried. "Will it be dangerous to take Laxus along?"
"It'll be fine, Gramps. I'm strong enough to guarantee his safety. Besides, Laxus isn't weak. He just can't beat me (he muttered under his breath)."
"Damn it, I heard that!" Laxus raged.
Makarov thought about it and realized Noah was right. Noah's strength was indeed enough to ensure their safety, and Laxus wasn't weak; he had just been overly concerned. He agreed to let Laxus go. "But you must be careful. Protect yourselves."
"We know, Gramps. We're leaving now."
Noah then turned to Erza and the others. "You three should stay with Gramps and choose what kind of magic you want to learn. I'm going to clean up that dark magic cult that attacked your village."
"Won't it be dangerous?" they asked, worried.
"Look, last time there were so many of them against just me, and I was fine. Besides, I won't be alone this time. I'm leaving now. Right, here's your luggage back," he said, handing Erza the storage cards. "And here's the key to my house. Gramps knows where it is; he'll take you there. When you arrive, just pick a room on the second floor. I have uses for the first and third floors."
With that, Noah gave Erza the cards and a set of keys, then left the guild with Laxus, heading for Hargeon Port.
When they arrived, they saw numerous ships docked by the shore, with personnel from the Royal Army and the Magic Council bustling about. Noah led Laxus to the person in charge, who was delighted to see him.
"You must be Lord Noah! Thank you so much for your help. You saved so many people from disaster. We are incredibly grateful."
"You're too kind. I only did what needed to be done. By the way, how many of their strongholds have you found?"
"Sir, we have located seven strongholds, all on overseas islands. They've been capturing people to build the 'R-System,' which they intend to use to resurrect their god, the Dark Wizard Zeref. Seven islands, seven towers... it's a massive undertaking."
Seven towers? Shouldn't it be eight? Noah thought. He vaguely remembered there being eight towers, and that the last one was a crucial plot point later on. He decided to confirm. "Seven towers, you say? Are you sure you haven't found any others?"
"No, sir. We've had our people search the entire nearby sea region thoroughly, and combined with the confessions from the captured cultists, there are no other bases."
Noah nodded and didn't press the issue. Questioning their work further would be rude. He would just have to try and find the last one himself later.
The official noticed Laxus standing with Noah. "And this is...?"
"This is Laxus, a member of our guild. He's come with me to deal with the dark magic cult."
The official thought for a moment, and then the name clicked. "Laxus... you must be Lord Makarov's grandson..."
Laxus's expression soured. "I'm going to go over there," he said to Noah before turning and walking away.
Noah turned back to the official. "My apologies, he's been in a bit of a bad mood lately. I'm sorry about that."
"No, no, it's quite alright. But may I ask, does Lord Makarov know he is here?"
"Of course, our Master knows. He approved Laxus's participation. I will be responsible for him, so you don't need to worry."
The official finally relaxed. "Then I am relieved. I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll be going now. You can board that ship over there later. Someone will be there to receive you."
"Alright. You can get back to your work."
After the official left, Noah found Laxus sulking in a corner. Seeing his expression was still foul, he asked, "What's wrong? Did that official say something he shouldn't have?"
"Was it because he mentioned you're Gramps' grandson?"
Laxus's expression turned into one of embarrassed anger. Noah decided not to push him further. Instead, he said, "This is our first mission together, isn't it? Let's work hard and get it done."
Laxus's face cleared up considerably, and he nodded.