Laxus slowly withdrew the thunder and lightning aura from his body, his eyes now fixed on Ken with an expression more serious than before.
"Let me introduce myself," Laxus began, his voice firm. "I'm Laxus, currently the strongest S-Class mage in Fairy Tail."
Ken nodded slightly, acknowledging the introduction.
"These three are my team, the Thunder Gods: Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen."
Ken didn't say much in response. "Ken," he offered simply.
The tension was palpable as Laxus eyed Ken with a mix of curiosity and ambition. Laxus had long been dissatisfied with the current state of the guild. He was driven by an unyielding thirst for power and believed that Fairy Tail needed to evolve—into a guild that could be feared and respected across the continent.
Laxus had grand plans. He was already a formidable force and, as the grandson of the guild's master, Makarov, he was a strong contender to succeed him. But Laxus wasn't the patient type. He couldn't wait for Makarov to step down. He sought to take matters into his own hands—and that was where Ken's strength could play a crucial role.
A smile crossed Laxus's lips, though it was strained, as if he were choosing his words carefully. "I've heard a lot about you, Ken. Your actions in the Tower of Paradise were... impressive."
Ken didn't react much, his words as neutral as ever. "Is that so?"
Laxus, undeterred, continued. "I'm curious—what do you think of Fairy Tail?"
Ken's response was casual, almost indifferent. "It's... pretty good. Everyone's harmonious."
Laxus's eyes narrowed, clearly displeased with Ken's lukewarm answer. His tone grew sharper as he leaned in slightly. "Do you really think so? Because, from my perspective, the guild's been... decaying. We need a stronger Fairy Tail. A guild that commands respect, a guild whose name strikes fear in the hearts of others."
Ken could already sense where this was heading. Laxus was attempting to recruit him, trying to use his strength to push his own vision for the guild. But Ken wasn't interested in getting involved in guild politics.
"I'm not interested," Ken said simply, turning to walk away.
But as he took a few steps, he felt the unmistakable surge of thunderous magic behind him. Laxus was angry—Ken could feel the crackling energy in the air. Still, Ken didn't speed up or look back; he continued walking calmly.
It wasn't until he was out of sight that Laxus finally relaxed, the storm of magic dissipating. The Thunder Gods stood in stunned silence for a moment, unable to comprehend Ken's indifferent response.
"Did he really just turn us down?" Bickslow muttered.
Laxus didn't seem bothered by the refusal. Instead, he was calculating, his mind already moving to the next step. "No, he understood perfectly. And he'll regret it."
He turned back to the Thunder Gods, his gaze cold and full of ambition. "We proceed as planned. Tomorrow, during the Harvest Festival, we'll take action."
Freed hesitated for a moment. "But Ken could be a threat. Should we find a way to neutralize him?"
Laxus shook his head, a glint of both confidence and wariness in his eyes. "No need. I'll handle him personally in two days."
The Thunder Gods exchanged glances but said nothing further. They understood Laxus's resolve.
The following morning, Ken arrived at the guild to find it quieter than usual. He was ready to take on some independent commissions, but before he could head to the board, he noticed an old man crouching by it. It was Makarov.
"Master?" Ken approached him, sensing something serious.
Makarov, no longer his usual jovial self, stood up and met Ken's gaze with a grim expression. "Come with me. We need to talk."
Ken followed him to a private room, the door locking behind them. Makarov's face was taut, the weight of his words heavy.
"How have you been adjusting to the guild? Are the commissions going well?"
Ken gave him an unamused look. "President, I've worked one commission…"
Makarov cleared his throat, momentarily flustered. "Ah, of course, I forgot… Well, I need to speak with you about something serious."
Ken listened closely as Makarov's tone shifted to one of quiet concern. "There's a team in the guild that's become a real problem—Laxus and his Thunder Gods."
Ken's instincts flared. He had already guessed as much.
Makarov's voice lowered. "Tomorrow's the Harvest Festival, and they've returned early. Laxus's behavior has been erratic—he's been picking fights, causing tension… I fear he might take drastic action against the guild."
Ken's suspicion was confirmed. The guild's fragile peace was on the verge of collapsing, and Laxus was at the center of it.
Makarov locked eyes with him, the pain of a grandfather's love and a guild leader's duty clear in his expression. "I can't let that happen. I need your help. You're the only one who can stop Laxus if things escalate."
Ken nodded solemnly. "I'll do what I can. I'll protect the guild and Magnolia."
Makarov sighed in relief, his shoulders relaxing for the first time in days. "Thank you, Ken. I know you're not here for this kind of trouble, but I need your strength."
Ken's resolve hardened. If the guild was at risk, he would stand by his word. Even if it meant facing Laxus himself.
(Next Chapter: The Thunder Gods' Rebellion)