The four of them galloped non-stop, only pausing to eat and sleep along the way; all other time was spent rushing with all their might.
In just two days, they successfully returned to Magnolia City.
It was precisely 7:24 PM, and Magnolia City was enveloped by the cold of winter.
Dusk had fallen early, the wind was biting, and pedestrians were sparse on the streets.
Every household had their doors and windows tightly shut, and lights were turned off for an early rest.
However, the Fairy Tail Guild was like a bright, warm lighthouse, emitting dazzling light, a stark contrast to the desolate cold outside.
After winter began, due to harsh weather conditions, the frequency of members going out on requests significantly decreased.
Therefore, every winter became the time when everyone gathered the most.
Basically, the Guild was bustling every day, with everyone gathered together; some drank heartily, some feasted, some chatted casually, and some sparred with each other.
Typically, such lively scenes would continue until ten or even eleven at night before everyone gradually dispersed and returned home to rest.
Ezreal skillfully controlled the four Shadow Worgen to stop steadily above the Fairy Tail Guild.
Despite the hundred-meter distance, the joyful sounds from the Guild below were still clearly audible—the bursts of laughter and clamor, mixed with the enticing aroma of food and drink, wafted upwards through the chimney into the air.
Aside from Ikaruga, whose eyes were full of curiosity as it was her first time here, Ezreal, Marcus, and Cana's eyes were filled with excitement and relief.
"We're finally back," Marcus sighed with relief, as if exhaling all the fatigue of the journey with that breath.
"Hmph, still as noisy as ever, these guys," Cana said, though a genuine smile bloomed on her face.
"This is Fairy Tail, after all…" Ezreal responded with a smile.
"Indeed," Cana and Marcus exchanged glances, both laughing in unison, their eyes full of the comfort and ease of returning home.
Ikaruga watched this warm and harmonious scene, her lips curving slightly into a smile, but she said nothing, only her eyes revealing curiosity and anticipation for this unfamiliar yet vibrant place.
Ezreal gazed at the empty street below the Guild, then decisively commanded the four Direwolves to descend rapidly.
With a slight ripple of air, they landed steadily at the Guild's entrance.
Ezreal waved his hand, and the Shadow Direwolves beneath the four of them instantly transformed into wisps of black smoke, dissipating into the air.
Ezreal pushed open the heavy door of the Fairy Tail Guild, and a familiar warmth instantly enveloped him.
Under the dim yellow light, the clamor, laughter, and crisp clinking of glasses inside the Guild intertwined, like a unique and vibrant symphony.
He took a deep breath, fully savoring the warmth and familiarity.
"We're back!" Cana's clear and pleasant voice rang out, her smile like the bright warm sun of spring, instantly drawing everyone's gaze.
Marcus and Ikaruga followed closely behind her, their faces also beaming with relaxed smiles.
It was Ikaruga's first time at the Guild, and she curiously observed every member inside.
The four of them moved through the bustling crowd, heading towards the bar, greeting every familiar member.
Cana was at the very front, not just walking, but practically skipping, and after hugging Mira, she spun her around twice with great force.
Then she ran to the bar, grabbed a barrel of alcohol the size of a mineral water bottle, found an empty table, kicked two unfortunate drunkards off, and then opened the barrel and started chugging.
Marcus spotted Natsu and Gray arm-wrestling from afar and immediately jogged over to greet them and join the fun.
Ezreal and Ikaruga walked at the very back, his gaze slowly sweeping across the Guild's interior; every familiar face was like a warm hearth, making him feel incredibly at ease.
He saw Levy quietly and diligently studying a magic book in the corner, while the two sycophants, Salusuk and Troy, sat beside Levy, drinking and chatting.
He also saw Laki bustling behind the bar, and Warren and Elfman fiercely debating something at another table, both red-faced from arguing.
"Ezreal, you're back!" Levy was the first to notice their return; she quickly put down her magic book and hurried over with light steps.
Seeing this, Salusuk and Troy immediately put down their drinks, quickly stood up, and followed, greeting them.
However, a hint of wariness was in their eyes, as if they were guarding against a thief.
"Yes, we're back. Hello," Ezreal responded with a smile, a subtle hint of fatigue in his eyes.
The wary expressions of the two sycophants made him find it somewhat amusing; normally, he would tease them, but at this moment, he only wanted to rest and relax properly.
The moment he stepped into the Guild, he truly relaxed, as if all pressure and danger were left outside the door.
"How was the mission?" Levy asked with great curiosity, her eyes sparkling with a desire for adventure stories.
This petite, flat-chested girl with glasses usually loved reading books and novels; although she was also a Mage, she had a strong interest in everyone's experiences on their outdoor requests.
Especially since Ezreal and the others had gone to a dangerous and mysterious place like the Asgard Mountains this time.
Ezreal reached out and patted Levy's head, answering first, "This trip wasn't smooth for us; we even encountered members of a Dark Guild on the way back!"
"A Dark Guild!" Levy's eyes widened immediately at the mention of the term; she was clearly shocked by the perilous nature of this mission.
"Wasn't it an exploration of the Asgard Mountains? How did you encounter a Dark Guild?"
Ezreal scratched his head, "Indeed, life is full of uncertainties."
"Who is this older sister behind you?" Levy looked at Ikaruga.
"A new member, Ikaruga," Ezreal introduced simply.
Ikaruga, meanwhile, smiled and nodded to Levy, Salusuk, and Troy in greeting, her gaze slowly sweeping over every member of the Guild.
"Oh, is EZ picking up people now too?" Levy exclaimed in surprise.
Ezreal was a bit speechless at her line of thought.
He gently patted Levy's shoulder and said, "We'll go report the mission first, and then I'll tell you all about it."
Levy nodded understandingly and, along with Salusuk and Troy, stepped aside to make way for Ezreal and Ikaruga.
The two walked through the bustling crowd, ascended the stairs, and arrived at the Guild's meeting room.
They politely knocked on the door, then pushed it open, seeing Master Makarov seated behind the table.
His kind face wore a warm smile, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.
"You're back; I thought you planned to spend the New Year outside," Makarov joked with a smile, his eyes filled with joy at their return.