The night was cool as water, a full moon hung high in the sky, its bright and clear moonlight enveloping the entire town of Magnolia.
Zooming in inside the Fairy Tail Guild.
Normally, the guild would be bustling with activity at this time.
But today, the atmosphere inside the guild was somewhat heavy.
Fairy Tail's members like Macao and Bisca all sat on chairs, heads bowed, not saying a word.
Everyone was incredibly downcast and sad.
And all of this was due to one piece of news.
A piece of news that brought despair to everyone in Fairy Tail.
When the Council members came to the Fairy Tail Guild this afternoon, Macao and the others initially thought Natsu and Gray might have destroyed another town, and the Council had come to arrest them.
But what no one expected was that the Council brought news that Tenrou Island was destroyed and all Fairy Tail's members there had perished.
While all the guild members were despondent, a young boy, only six years old, stepped forward and protested loudly:
"What's wrong with all of you?"
"Natsu-nii and Gray-nii will be fine!"
"Kenichi and Gildarts, the strongest in the guild, went too! How could they be killed?"
Macao looked up at the little boy dressed somewhat like Natsu, then shook his head and said: "Romeo, that's enough!"
"No, I believe in them! They are definitely still alive!"
Although Romeo firmly believed Kenichi, Erza, and the others were still alive.
Who would take the words of a six-year-old boy seriously?
After all, the Council's report stated the entire Tenrou Island was destroyed.
After who knows how long, Romeo suddenly shouted with joy and surprise: "Kenichi! Erza! You're back!"
"Romeo, didn't I tell you to stop saying that?"
Macao scolded in a rather stern tone.
After all, everyone was immersed in sorrow.
Seeing Romeo making such jokes, as his father, Macao naturally had to scold him a little.
But just as Macao finished speaking, a familiar female voice came from outside: "Macao, why are you shouting so loud? Romeo is just a child!"
Hearing this familiar voice, everyone in the guild was startled and looked towards the entrance.
When they saw Kenichi, Erza, Mirajane, and Wendy walking in, the previously oppressive guild instantly became lively.
"Kenichi! Erza! You're alive?!"
"Mira! Is it really you?"
"Am I dreaming?"
Bisca, Laki, and the others spoke excitedly.
Perhaps due to excessive excitement, they even shed tears of joy.
While everyone was excited, Romeo stood by the door, his gaze fixed outside, as if waiting for someone.
After a long time, Romeo finally asked: "Didn't Natsu-nii and the others come back with you?"
Hearing Romeo's words, everyone realized that Natsu, the Master, and the others hadn't returned yet.
Then they all turned their gazes onto Kenichi, Erza, and the other three, seemingly waiting for their answer.
Seeing everyone's expectant looks, Wendy looked somewhat awkward.
Finally, Kenichi spoke: "About that matter..."
After Kenichi explained that Natsu and the others would need seven years to return, Macao and the others didn't seem to mind at all.
"Seven years? That's acceptable!"
"As long as they're alive!"
"Drink! Drink!"
"Let's drink to celebrate everyone's safe return!"
…
Hearing Macao and the others' words, Wendy smiled wryly: "They're really taking it well!"
After that, the Fairy Tail Guild returned to its usual lively scene.
After a few rounds of drinks, Macao, emboldened by alcohol, suddenly said: "With Master Makarov absent, does that mean it's my turn to be the new Master?"
"How could it be your turn? Kenichi and Erza are still here, aren't they?"
"Exactly!"
Hearing Macao's words, the Fairy Tail's members all reacted with disdain.
But Erza glanced at Kenichi, then spoke up: "During the period until the Master returns, let Macao serve as acting Master."
'Eh?'
Hearing Erza's words, everyone was startled.
Then they looked at Erza with puzzlement.
"On the way back, we decided to take on the 100 Years Quest together."
"Eh?!"
"Mira and Wendy are going too?"
Wendy and Mirajane didn't answer verbally but stood beside Kenichi with smiles on their faces.
Regarding the decision of Kenichi, Erza, and the others, Wakaba and the others couldn't say much.
Finally, everyone followed Erza's suggestion, allowing Macao to temporarily serve as the acting Master of the Fairy Tail guild.