Rhodes, the newcomer you want is here

Cana and Loke weren't the type to rush into battle without thinking. Naturally, the two of them could easily take care of a small dark guild together.

"Lucy really found herself a gem. His magic power is seriously strong," Rhodes commented. Even after a brief exchange, he already had a good sense of Loke's strength.

"Loke came to the human world on his own power, so his strength is still a bit limited. If Lucy had summoned him directly..." Mira paused, then smiled. "The restrictions might have been even worse."

"That's a bit harsh on Lucy... although it's not exactly wrong," Rhodes said, trying to soften the words without disagreeing. Lucy's current magic reserves really couldn't keep up with a Zodiac Spirit's full potential.

They chatted while finishing up some minor guild tasks. Before long, half the day had flown by.

"Didn't the master come back with you?" Mira asked. "Why hasn't he come in yet?"

Rhodes frowned. "He was hanging around outside when we returned, but it shouldn't take this long." Just then, Laki entered from the courtyard. "Hey, Laki, have you seen the master?"

Laki nodded. "He had a few drinks out front and then took off in a hurry. Looked like he suddenly remembered something important."

"Important?" Rhodes raised an eyebrow. "Everything important should be in my notebook."

If it wasn't in there, then it probably wasn't urgent. He figured Makarov would tell him later if it really mattered.

As the sun began to set, Levy and Lucy strolled in from the backyard. It looked like they had spent the whole afternoon swimming. The two were laughing like a pair of carefree high schoolers. Their damp hair hung loosely over their shoulders. Even though they had changed out of their swimsuits, they somehow looked even more captivating.

Lucy, in particular, deserved to be scolded a bit. It was one thing for Levy's collar to be out of place, since she wasn't showing anything. But Lucy's shirt was hanging half open. That was just asking too much from the guys in the guild.

Jet and Droy followed them in, walking from the backyard into the tavern.

"Rhodes, you're back?"

"Yeah," he replied. Although two gorgeous girls were standing in front of him, he didn't let his gaze wander. "I've been stuck in strategy meetings with the master for days. Total headache. Meanwhile, it looks like you all have been enjoying yourselves."

"Well, it's been scorching lately, and the pool's finally open. It was too tempting," Lucy said with a sheepish smile. She felt a little guilty. They'd all returned to Magnolia together, yet she and Levy had gone off to relax while Rhodes got stuck helping the master.

"I just finished up a mission before coming back," Levy added quickly, trying to sound more responsible.

"Oh, I bought this amazing novel while I was out. I'll lend it to you once Lu-chan finishes reading it."

"Really? What's it about?" Rhodes asked, intrigued.

"It's an adventure story with a hint of mystery. The author's writing is really vivid, like you're living the adventure yourself."

"That's totally my type of story. I'll treat you to something to eat as thanks." Rhodes then turned to Mira. "Is that alright with you?"

Mira rolled her eyes in a playful way. There was no reason to be jealous over something like that.

"Then I won't hold back!" Levy grinned and started picking her favorite dish from the menu.

Jet and Droy nearly choked on air. How could Rhodes say that so casually?

And Levy actually agreed that quickly?

It felt like Rhodes could ask her out right now and she'd say yes, unless Mira intervened first with something a little more... painful.

Unfair.

Jet and Droy glumly ordered a round of beer and sat down, casting Rhodes bitter, betrayed looks.

Lucy looked at him expectantly.

Rhodes didn't hesitate. "Don't look at me like that. You're not getting a free pass. Pay me back."

Lucy looked stunned. "Why are you treating me differently?"

"Because I'm broke," Rhodes replied bluntly. "Mira and I had to cover the damages to the hotel the other day. You need to pay your share."

Even though it was mostly the fault of the Trinity Raven for wrecking the hotel, the amusement park, and causing a riot, the compensation had still fallen on their shoulders.

Rhode's already tight finances took another serious hit.

"I totally forgot!" Lucy clutched her head with both hands, as if lightning had struck her. "No wonder I felt like I had so much extra money all of a sudden… I thought I didn't need to worry about rent this month!"

Mira smiled gently. "Don't worry. Isn't Loke working to help you out right now?"

Lucy blinked. "Loke? When did that happen?"

"You didn't know?" Mira tilted her head, genuinely surprised.

Lucy quickly checked the keyring at her waist. Her golden Leo key was still there. She held back the urge to summon him on the spot.

"I told him to rest a few more days, and now he's just running around on his own? Why'd he suddenly start working?"

Mira chuckled. "He still has a few personal matters to handle in the human world. He happened to run into Cana while she was looking for a partner."

"Seriously? What kind of Celestial Spirit just does things like that on their own…" Lucy muttered, though she didn't sound upset at all.

After all, Loke had a full life in the human world, friends of his own, and a history even before becoming her Spirit. Lucy didn't want to control that.

"Well, looks like I need to go find work too…" she sighed. She wasn't counting on Loke's earnings. Knowing him, he might blow it all on roses and charm.

Rhodes said, "Actually, there are a bunch of subjugation missions posted today. You should take a look."

Lucy drooped. "I can't take on those missions alone."

Levy tilted her head. "Why not? Didn't you join Fairy Tail's strongest team?"

"That's the problem." Lucy looked defeated. "Erza's working part-time as a waitress this week. Gray left on a job with Juvia. And Natsu... he said he didn't burn enough last time, so now he's doing special training with Happy. I'm all alone."

Rhodes gave a half-smile. He probably had to take some of the blame for Natsu's current mood. After all, it was his Mountain Dragon form that had sent Natsu flying like a ragdoll in their last sparring match. That must've hit Natsu's pride harder than any punch.

But none of that changed the fact that Rhodes still intended to collect his debts.

Lucy, being the responsible type, winced and asked miserably, "Miss Mira, is there a mission I can take on alone?"

"Hm…" Mira tapped her chin thoughtfully, then suddenly took out the uniform Rhodes had stashed away earlier.

"This is the perfect job. The waitstaff at the guild are treated very well. And I think this uniform would suit you, Lucy."

"I'll think about it." This time, Lucy didn't refuse outright.

After all, she had been with Fairy Tail for over two months now. She had experienced danger, chaos, excitement—all of it. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to try something simple and normal for once.

Soon after, Lucy and Levy began digging into their dinner, chatting and relaxing.

But halfway through the meal, the entire guild hall suddenly fell silent.

Several people behind the counter glanced up. Lucy's face froze in surprise. Levy instinctively covered her mouth. Even Mira and Rhodes looked confused.

The reason was obvious.

Standing at the entrance was Master Makarov, and behind him stood an uninvited guest.

It was none other than Gajeel Redfox, the former ace of Phantom Lord and the Iron Dragon Slayer.

Tension swept through the guild like a cold wind.

Many members immediately recognized him as the one who had helped destroy Fairy Tail's original building. Those who didn't recall him right away were quickly reminded by whispers from their companions.

The tavern was dead silent. Several people were already rising from their seats, fists clenched. If it hadn't been for Makarov's presence, someone might have launched the first punch already.

Seeing the heavy mood and hostile stares, Makarov smiled calmly and raised his voice.

"This is Gajeel. As of today, he's a member of Fairy Tail."

His announcement struck like thunder.

"What?!"

"Master, are you serious?!"

"How can we accept someone like him?!"

The guild erupted in protests. Shocked outbursts, angry questions, and even the sound of someone slamming the table filled the room. It wasn't just a matter of past grudges. Gajeel had attacked and injured the Shadow Gear team, helped tear down their home. How could they just welcome him like nothing had happened?