"Alright, you all can go back. Until this matter is completely resolved, don't go out and be ready to respond if summoned."
Seeing Totomaru so obedient and respectful, Dekarisu nodded with satisfaction, then spoke to the four of them.
As the direct parties in this matter, they would definitely be summoned later. Dekarisu could have taken them all back together, but seeing that Makarov was willing to actively take "responsibility," he allowed them to return and wait for the summons.
This just goes to show, no matter the time or situation, being willing to pay extra money does have its uses. Money makes the world go round.
"Alright, we'll fully cooperate with the investigation."
Makarov nodded, and Moen also expressed that he would cooperate with the Magic Council, while nudging a disgruntled Laxus to keep him from retorting.
Private complaints were fine, but in front of them, at least some face had to be maintained. If someone was made to lose face, they might retaliate, and then Grandpa Makarov would have to get scolded again.
Fairy Tail couldn't operate outside the Magic Council's supervision, so handling relations well with these council members brought convenience, less trouble is always better.
With Dekarisu's permission, Moen and the other three were allowed to leave. However, it wasn't just four leaving, they became five, with a small new member tagging along.
"Gajeel, don't be afraid. We're allies now, aren't we?"
Looking at Gajeel, cowering far away, Moen smiled as he spoke. But his words clearly had little effect.
Gajeel looked at Moen and forced a grim smile, not moving a step closer.
Gajeel had been invited by Makarov.
Makarov paid close attention to this child using Dragon Slayer Magic. He felt that Gajeel would be corrupted if left in Phantom Lord, so he earnestly persuaded him to come along.
The old man's love for talent, his habit of rescuing children, had triggered again, only this time he picked one from another guild.
Gajeel was initially unwilling, as he had psychological baggage regarding Moen, but Makarov's words ultimately moved him.
"In Phantom Lord, you will never defeat Moen. But in Fairy Tail, you could grow strong enough to defeat Moen. I am far stronger than Jose Porla. What he cannot do, I might be able to do."
Makarov's words struck directly at Gajeel's heart. Whether it was boasting or not, it was undeniably appealing.
Gajeel's only goal now was to defeat Moen, dispel the fear lingering in his heart, and redeem his past humiliation.
But Phantom Lord's strongest, Guild Master Jose Porla, had already been defeated by the Moen + Laxus combination.
How could following Jose Porla possibly allow him to defeat Moen?
There was no hope.
Thus, Gajeel ultimately decided to join Fairy Tail. He hoped that under Makarov's guidance, he could grow stronger and even surpass Moen.
Of course, Totomaru's persuasion helped a bit, having a familiar person made it easier for Gajeel to accept.
Regarding this matter, Dekarisu turned a blind eye. After all, "poaching" members isn't illegal.
Given the relationship between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail, taking members from each other was no big deal. Successfully recruiting someone was a skill!
Gajeel was clearly still unaccustomed to Fairy Tail's atmosphere. His fear of Moen was obvious; he worried Moen might strike him again.
Such thoughts were unreasonable, but in Phantom Lord, they were normal. In Phantom Lord, the strong could bully the weak.
Gajeel could freely boss around those weaker than him. Initially, he might resist, but once he tasted it, he would enjoy it.
Now, Makarov had taken Gajeel out of Phantom Lord, effectively saving him from going astray.
"What kind of guild puts strength above all?"
Moen muttered, glancing at Laxus.
Would Phantom Lord's outcome impact Laxus at all?
Phantom Lord was a guild where only strength mattered. The stronger one was, the more authority one had.
"A guild like that has no cohesion. When facing setbacks, it collapses immediately. It could never rise again. Simply put, it was Jose Porla's guild alone."
Makarov gave a piercing evaluation. The old man's insight was vast; his words revealed Phantom Lord's essence.
"A guild without spiritual inheritance."
Moen nodded in agreement. If Phantom Lord dissolved, no one would think of rebuilding it. Those who had actually worked there would feel no attachment.
"Though I want to argue, I don't even know how to argue."
Totomaru listened nearby, forced to smile wryly.
He had to admit, Makarov and Moen were correct.
"…."
Gajeel didn't understand much. He only knew that when leaving, he wasn't particularly reluctant or nostalgic.
But isn't that how guilds are? What's different?
Environment greatly impacts a person, especially children. Gajeel's personality was already somewhat violent, but with proper guidance, he wouldn't have become like this. He could gradually learn self-control.
He should be grateful for intersecting with Fairy Tail early, allowing Makarov to invite him into the guild.
"…."
Laxus listened silently.
Totomaru and Gajeel's accounts made him frown, though he didn't entirely agree with Phantom Lord's style.
Laxus wanted a guild of elite strong members. He didn't plan to keep weaklings, so strong members bullying weak ones wouldn't happen.
The five of them rode back to Magnolia, returning to the Fairy Tail guild hall. Makarov immediately withdrew funds as promised for compensation. Early funding allowed the Magic Council to start work sooner.
Of course, the Magic Council had already begun work.
They respected Fairy Tail's reputation. Since Makarov said he would fund it, he would not back out. The old man never hesitated in matters affecting many homeless people.
"Guild Master! How can one trip cost so much money?!"
Upon learning that Makarov had mobilized a huge sum, the butler Aero was dumbfounded. It nearly emptied the account, which had taken time to accumulate!
"All Jose Porla's fault!"
Makarov scolded Jose Porla angrily. If that old man hadn't suddenly gone crazy, they wouldn't have had to pay so much.
"…."
After understanding the sequence of events, Aero sighed and didn't say anything more. This time, they really were somewhat wronged. The compensation was paid out of goodwill and responsibility.
"If someone else causes trouble recently, our funds won't be enough to cover it."
Aero said worriedly. Although the guild funds would be replenished quickly, such a shortage was rare. Lately, everyone in the guild needed to be more careful.
"Don't worry, Aero-san. Money isn't a problem."
Moen spoke up immediately. His tone was firm, having money in your pocket gave one confidence.
In truth, the guild's regular expenses were fully covered. Aero's concern was about a repeat of such a large-scale incident. Sometimes, the "culprit" might not have enough money immediately to compensate, leaving the guild responsible first, and the culprit would repay the guild later.
In a sense, Fairy Tail truly acted as a solid backup for guild members who caused destruction.
No matter what happened, the guild covered the losses. And because of Fairy Tail's status and Makarov's presence, most of the time the "culprits" only had to pay compensation and faced no other consequences.
"It really needs to be emphasized. Everyone should be careful and stay low-profile lately. Don't cause any big trouble again."
Makarov nodded. Although Moen had money to lend to guild members who couldn't pay, the evidence Dekarisu listed still affected him somewhat.
In just two months, they had caused so much destruction, more than even the Dark Guilds.
Makarov rubbed his temples. While he did indulge the children and supported them giving their all in battles,
"Giving your all is still giving your all."
After some thought, Makarov firmly held to this idea.
By comparison, for Makarov, the children's safety was more important. Reducing damage was only a matter of trying, like moving battles to open areas to lower the risk of harming others.
Makarov had emphasized these issues before, but results were limited. The guild members never intended to cause destruction; once a fight broke out, they simply couldn't hold back.
"Should we call everyone together? Hold a meeting?"
Moen looked at Grandpa Makarov and asked.
"Yes! Tonight."
Makarov nodded. This definitely needed to be discussed openly.
"Alright, I'll go notify everyone."
Moen nodded and went to notify everyone. It was easy, he didn't have to run around. Just a shout in the guild was enough for word to spread, plus a notice posted on the bulletin board.
By evening, the Fairy Tail guild hall was packed. Every member in Magnolia had arrived.
"First, let me introduce two new members."
Makarov stood on the bar table, calling Totomaru and Gajeel forward and introducing them to everyone.
Everyone in the guild naturally already knew these two.
Gajeel needed no introduction. He had fought Natsu intensely before, as the "Iron Dragon Slayer," and was fairly strong.
Although Moen defeated Gajeel in one move, no one considered it an issue. After all, how many could resist being instantly defeated by Moen?
"I'm Gajeel, using Iron Dragon Slayer Magic. I hope to get along with everyone. My goal is to defeat Moen! To become the strongest mage in Fairy Tail."
Gajeel's self-introduction was full of passion.
"Defeat me first, then we'll talk!"
Natsu shouted from below, immediately undermining Gajeel, who looked up at the bouncing Natsu.
The two glared at each other, neither submitting. Gajeel's joining gave Natsu a new rival.
"I'm Totomaru. I plan to open a Flame Magic School in the guild. Anyone interested can register with me."
After Gajeel's introduction, Totomaru spoke.
Totomaru's words immediately drew attention. Guild members who used flame magic felt intrigued.
If Gajeel's seemingly serious boasts could be taken lightly as childish talk,
"Really? Totomaru, are you really going to start teaching?"
Macao was the first to stand. Though older than Totomaru, he would definitely learn if Totomaru taught. Magic respected skill first; Macao's flame magic mastery was far below Totomaru's.
"Of course, Macao-san. Will you register?"
Totomaru's answer was resolute. He no longer planned to go on missions and intended to make a living teaching, relying on Fairy Tail to attract more students.
Initially, he intended to give part of the tuition to the guild. This would allow him to use the guild's name openly and the guild's space for classes.
But Makarov didn't take a share. His only requirement was that apprentices learning from Totomaru join Fairy Tail. Ideally, all should join, but no one could be forced; those who wished to leave need not be stopped.
Totomaru had no reason to refuse.
He was already a Fairy Tail member. While teaching, he would naturally instill the benefits of joining Fairy Tail and the guild spirit, ensuring that no one could resist the allure of joining.
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