"This isn't a good time," Jehfrit said, adjusting his glasses.
"Of course not, but it won't be long now," Laxus replied coolly.
"The Harvest Festival?" Jehfrit sighed in exasperation. "Don't cause trouble on that day—it's supposed to be a joyful and carefree celebration."
"I think it's perfect timing," Laxus countered.
Jehfrit understood why Laxus had chosen that day. The festival would bring everyone together at the guildhall—a convenient opportunity for whatever reckless plan he had brewing.
"Alright then, what's the purpose of you coming to me?" Jehfrit asked, then quickly added, "Wait, don't tell me yet. Let me guess."
"You're planning to force your way through, but you're unsure if you can handle both me *and* Erza working together, so..." Jehfrit tilted his head slightly. "You're here to recruit me early?"
"You've got the strength," Laxus said with a grim expression. "But we'll need to test that."
"Hahaha!" Jehfrit laughed heartily. "Laxus, I have to admit, you've impressed me a little. I thought you'd be completely arrogant about this."
Laxus didn't respond, his silence speaking volumes.
"Well…" Jehfrit leaned forward, his tone shifting to something more serious. "I have a proposition. If you agree, I might consider joining your side."
"Go ahead."
Jehfrit pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he began, "First, Laxus, you need to understand something. No matter how justified your reasons are, if you attack anyone from the guild, there's a real chance you could get expelled."
"What you want—to become—isn't just any guild master. You want to lead Fairy Tail, not some dark guild."
Laxus lifted his chin slightly, his pride evident despite his stoic demeanor.
"I'm not willing to take such risks," Jehfrit continued. "If you expect me to turn against my comrades, count me out. I won't join forces under those terms."
Laxus's eyes flickered, betraying a hint of uncertainty.
"But," Jehfrit smirked, leaning back, "we can play this another way."
"Oh?" Laxus raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"The S-Class Trials," Jehfrit proposed with a grin. "We use this year's S-Class Mage Selection as an excuse to hold a battle tournament."
Before Laxus could respond, Jehfrit cut him off. "As for convincing Master Makarov—I'll handle that part myself."
Laxus fell silent, weighing the suggestion.
"Take my advice, Laxus," Jehfrit said, his voice carrying a subtle edge of warning. "You don't want to face both me and Erza head-on. Trust me."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before adding, "Even if Natsu teams up with you, your chances of winning wouldn't exceed fifty percent."
Laxus lowered his head, deep in thought.
"Why do you want to become the master of Fairy Tail, Laxus?" Jehfrit asked suddenly.
"What kind of stupid question is that?" Laxus scoffed dismissively.
"Don't play dumb, Laxus," Jehfrit chuckled. "You know my magic is Deception Magic. It lets me see right through lies."
"Because you love it, don't you?" Jehfrit pressed gently. "Because you feel proud of it. Because you hate seeing anyone disrespect Fairy Tail."
"Tch." Laxus turned away, avoiding eye contact.
"That sentiment sounds too sappy for you, huh? Haha!" Jehfrit burst into laughter again, though his expression quickly sobered.
"So…" He locked eyes with Laxus, his voice firm. "There are ways to prove yourself without resorting to destruction. My method will still allow you to demonstrate your strength and make your case."
"Don't be so extreme."
"The reason Fairy Tail feels like home to you—the reason you cherish it and take pride in it—has nothing to do with having eccentric mages or earning praise from outsiders. It's because of the trust and camaraderie among us. That's what makes this place special."
"Like our conversation right now," Jehfrit added earnestly. "I can help facilitate this—on one condition: Laxus, you can't treat me, or anyone else in the guild, as enemies."
Jehfrit adjusted his glasses once more, his tone sharpening slightly. "Believe me, Laxus. What you're hoping to achieve won't happen by getting crushed by me in seconds."
After a long pause, Laxus finally spoke. "I'm starting to understand why Gramps favors you over me."
"He cares deeply about you too," Jehfrit replied softly. "You're his grandson. If given the chance, he'd want nothing more than for you to inherit Fairy Tail and make him proud."
"He doesn't think that way…"
"That's because you two never talk properly," Jehfrit pointed out.
Laxus turned his head away, unwilling to argue further with someone whose magic thrived on deception. Engaging in debate with Jehfrit was a losing battle—he always ended up tangled in logic loops.
"Make your decision, Laxus," Jehfrit urged, fixing him with a steady gaze.
"One vote in favor." A new voice interrupted their discussion.
Both men turned toward the source—a figure cloaked entirely in black, their face obscured except for a pair of piercing eyes.
"Mystogan…" Jehfrit greeted casually. "Rare to see you around."
"I'm interested in participating," Mystogan stated in his usual low, gravelly tone.
"Oh?" Jehfrit tilted his head curiously. "Do you have something to prove as well?"
"Yes." Mystogan nodded solemnly. "Time is short for me… There are things I must settle."
Both pairs of eyes shifted back to Laxus.
"Jehfrit," Laxus said firmly, meeting his gaze. "I won't hold back."
"Of course not," Jehfrit smirked. "The final showdown will involve all four of us."
"I won't either," Mystogan declared before vanishing into thin air.
"Hmph. Just make sure Erza doesn't beat you first," Laxus muttered as he transformed into lightning and disappeared.
Jehfrit smiled faintly.
Laxus, you're becoming far more interesting.
"Fishing, fishing… Why does everyone keep interrupting my fishing?" Jehfrit grumbled, shaking his head.
He turned back to resume his peaceful afternoon by the river—but froze mid-motion.
"Wait a minute! Where's my fishing rod?!"
---
Evening – Fairy Tail Guild Hall, Master's Office
"Master, here's the situation," Jehfrit explained, lounging comfortably on the couch while sipping a glass of orange juice. He recounted his encounter with Laxus and Mystogan, along with his proposal to frame their conflict as part of the S-Class Trials.
"Has Laxus really reached this point?" Makarov sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. His grandson had been such a sweet child once, but somewhere along the way, he'd grown rebellious and distant.
This latest scheme—if Jehfrit hadn't intervened—would have led to Laxus attacking the guild members outright. Such actions would inevitably result in expulsion, no matter how powerful Laxus was.
Even if he were the strongest S-Class Mage, even rivaling a Wizard Saint—or perhaps even Makarov himself—he couldn't stand against the combined might of Jehfrit and other top-tier mages like Erza, Natsu, or Gray.
Makarov already knew that Jehfrit's magic had advanced to its second stage. Yesterday, when Happy accidentally used Jehfrit's magic, it became clear: if Jehfrit truly unleashed his full power, he might incapacitate Laxus in an instant. Not even Makarov himself could resist the effects of Jehfrit's Deception Magic.
If Jehfrit went all out, the consequences would devastate Laxus—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
"Jehfrit," Makarov asked gravely, "are you certain Laxus won't harm the others?"
"I believe in Laxus," Jehfrit replied sincerely. "Master, suppressing him isn't the solution. Sometimes, guiding him is better than blocking him."
He paused, allowing his words to resonate.
"Let Laxus show what he's capable of. And besides…" Jehfrit's expression softened. "Mystogan has his own reasons for wanting to participate."