Rayne and Kanna, who had fully woken up at the mention of food, sat on one side of the table.
Opposite them, Rick poured glasses of water before speaking, his eyes distant with recollection.
"This is what happened—about a week ago, children in our town started disappearing one after another," he began. "We started searching, and what we found shocked us. Turns out, nearby villages had been experiencing the same thing."
He exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples as if trying to soothe a headache.
"Normally, we would've noticed sooner, but after winter hit, the heavy snow made communication difficult. We posted a request in the city, and a few mages took the job… but in the end, they were either badly injured or killed."
"Still, they managed to uncover something: the dark guild [Toymaker's Workshop] has been active in this area. But they're not an enemy the northern regions can handle. The surviving mages suggested we seek stronger wizards from the south."
After finishing his explanation in one breath, the mayor drained his glass to ease his parched throat.
The northern frontier was a desolate place, rarely home to powerful mages. Ur was an exceptional case, but due to her daughter's circumstances, she didn't live in town—so few even knew she resided near Brago.
It wasn't surprising, then, that the mages had advised looking southward. In fact, most people here either traveled south or filed requests through the Magic Council when faced with serious trouble.
As Rayne listened, his fingers tapped rhythmically against the table, like a pianist playing a silent tune. Then, abruptly, he stopped and looked up.
"Did those mages mention where they encountered the dark guild members?"
"I'll fetch the map."
Realizing that neither Rayne nor Kanna were locals, Rick hurried upstairs. Despite his age, he moved swiftly—proof of how deeply this matter weighed on him.
Moments later, he returned with a rolled-up parchment and spread it across the table.
"They clashed here, near the mountains," he said, pointing, "while our town, Bluepeak, is over here."
Though magical maps with greater detail existed, such luxuries were beyond a remote town like his. Still, this was enough.
After studying the markings, Rayne nodded.
"Mind if I borrow this map?"
Just because the guild had been spotted there didn't mean they were still around—they could've relocated after the fight. Having a reference would make tracking them easier.
"Please, take it."
Rick agreed without hesitation.
"Thanks." Rayne rolled up the map and tucked it away before continuing his questions.
Only when Tia arrived with steaming bowls of stew did Rick pause, urging the two to eat while he and his wife excused themselves—likely to give them privacy or to discuss matters of their own.
"Rick… are those two really capable?" Tia whispered, though Rayne's heightened senses caught every word.
"It's fine. I've been researching that guild lately," Rick reassured her. "Fairy Tail is one of the top guilds, and that boy—young as he is—has even been featured in Sorcerer Weekly."
His voice grew firmer, as much for himself as for his wife.
"Hard to believe…"
"Yeah…"
Rayne tuned out the rest, focusing on the meal instead. Talk meant little—only action would prove anything.
That night, Rayne and Kanna stayed at Rick's home.
The next morning, sunlight pierced the thick clouds for the first time in what felt like ages. Fresh snow glittered under its rays as Rayne strode forward, hands in his pockets, boots crunching against the frost.
Meanwhile, Kanna, energized by the clear skies, darted ahead like an excited bird, arms outstretched. Occasionally, she'd pause, waiting for Rayne before tugging at his coat and walking backward, marveling at their footprints in the snow.
Her azure eyes sparkled as she tilted her head toward the golden sun.
"Fuuu—"
A soft exhale sent a wisp of vapor swirling into the air, glowing faintly in the light.
"Rayne, Rayne! Look!" She tugged his sleeve eagerly.
"Hm?"
Her morning cheer was infectious.
"Fuuuu—!" She blew another puff, watching it rise.
"Pfft. Mine's way better."
With a smug grin, Rayne exhaled a long, steady stream of mist, far surpassing hers.
"Whoaa!" Kanna gasped, impressed, then immediately tried to outdo him.
"These two brats…"
Deep in Rayne's mind, Ddraig sighed.
Rayne was one thing, but Kanna was a dragon. A true dragon's breath could level mountains and part seas—yet here she was, treating warm vapor like some kind of accomplishment.
The Heavenly Dragon of Domination couldn't fathom their logic.
Unaware of Ddraig's exasperation, the two continued their game, laughing as their breath danced in the cold air.
Along the streets, townsfolk shoveled snow while children hurled snowballs at each other. As Rayne and Kanna passed, the kids paused, staring at the unfamiliar faces.
Rayne recognized one—the black-haired boy from last night's carriage.
"Whoaaa! That guy's carrying a huge sword!"
"Are they from out of town?"
"He looks scary…"
Once the pair was out of earshot, the children burst into chatter.
"Tch. I saw him last night," Gray boasted, hands on his hips. "He's a mage!"
The others turned to him, eyes wide with curiosity.
Flushed with pride, Gray smirked.
"And my dad said he's…"