Arthur, now officially recognized as the Guild Master of Celestial Forge, led his group—Rimuru, Milim, Shion, Shuna, and a carefully concealed, happily cooing Botamon—back to Magnolia Town.
Their first priority was a necessary act of diplomacy and publicity: announcing their arrival with fanfare.
They immediately secured and paid for a massive, currently vacant building near the center of Magnolia, not too far from the Fairy Tail Guild Hall.
Arthur, using his Reality Blending, subtly restructured the building's interior and magical defenses in minutes, turning it into a structure that felt ancient, powerful, and utterly secure.
The next evening, the Celestial Forge hosted its Grand Opening party.
Invitations, magically delivered and infused with a calming, pleasant aura, were sent to all local guilds, focusing heavily on their new neighbors.
When the Fairy Tail mages arrived, they were greeted by an atmosphere of disciplined excitement.
The music was lively, the food was exquisite (courtesy of Shuna's perfected culinary skills), and the energy was intoxicating—but unlike Fairy Tail's controlled chaos, the air in Celestial Forge pulsed with quiet, focused power.
Makarov Dreyar arrived at the head of his team, his eyes constantly scanning.
He spotted Arthur and immediately marched over.
"Arthur-san,"
Makarov began, his voice gravelly but yet happily.
"The Council is still shaking..."
"It's simply Arthur's way of saying hello, Master Makarov,"
Rimuru interjected, offering a polite, dazzling smile that belied her true nature.
"We believe in setting clear expectations from the start."
Milim, already having shed her formal wear for a more comfortable, combat-ready look, immediately found her target: Natsu Dragneel.
"Hey, Fire Guy! I'm going to show you my new friend!"
Milim yelled, holding up her Digivice.
Natsu, still feeling the invigorating effects of Arthur's cure, was eager.
He was slightly apprehensive of Milim, but the chance for a fight—or now, a digital monster challenge—was too good to pass up.
Arthur raised a toast, using the moment to publicly outline the new guild's purpose.
"Welcome all! The Celestial Forge is now officially open! We are a guild focused on research, advanced magical procurement, and high-stakes, high-reward missions,"
Arthur announced, his voice carrying easily over the din.
"We aim to be a source of strength and stability in Fiore. We wish to maintain the utmost friendship with our neighbors, Fairy Tail."
He then looked at Makarov.
"Master, we offer a public vow: The Celestial Forge will never seek to harm, dismantle, or compete against Fairy Tail in local, low-level contracts. We will focus our attention on the problems that are too great or too complex for most."
This public vow was a brilliant move, instantly soothing the competitive tension.
Makarov visibly relaxed, nodding in genuine gratitude.
He knew Arthur meant that Celestial Forge would essentially take all the world-ending threats, leaving Fairy Tail to handle its usual high-stakes drama.
The party lasted late into the night, successfully establishing the Celestial Forge as a powerhouse presence in Magnolia.
The next morning, the focus shifted entirely to the mission's practicalities.
Arthur, Rimuru, Shion, and Shuna immediately sectioned off a secure, magically shielded area of the new Guild Hall for mass potion production.
The Alchemical Assembly Line
Using his Authority, Arthur began the alchemical process.
He didn't merely stir ingredients; he conceptually defined the potions' effect and then used his Magicules Breeder Reactor to endlessly generate the necessary raw, ultra-pure magic to instantly condense and stabilize the liquids.
Rimuru assisted, her unique internal magic vastly accelerating the cooling and bottling processes.
Shuna oversaw the quality control and packaging, ensuring every bottle was aesthetically pleasing and perfectly sealed.
Shion, meanwhile, stood guard, her focus absolute—no one would steal their secret to success.
The output was staggering.
By mid-day, they had produced enough high-grade Mana, Health, and Stamina Potions to supply every guild in Fiore for weeks, ready for official sale.
The First Recruit: A Necessary Hire
With the initial production run complete, Arthur turned to the second critical task: staffing the Celestial Forge.
They didn't need muscle; they needed local knowledge, a good reputation, and trustworthy neutrality.
The guild needed a face that was known, liked, and competent enough to manage finances and the inevitable paperwork the Magic Council would demand.
Arthur had one person in mind.
He found Lucy Heartfilia near the front of the now-open Guild Hall, already attempting to sell Arthur's potions for a massive commission.
"Lucy,"
Arthur called out.
"I have an official proposal for you."
Lucy looked up, clutching a large bag of jewels—her commission from the previous day's sales.
"A proposal? Like a new mission?"
"No. I'm offering you the position of Guild Administrator, Chief of Logistics, and Head of Client Relations for the Celestial Forge,"
Arthur stated formally.
"The pay will be stable, significantly higher than your average mission income, and it's a completely safe environment."
Lucy was flabbergasted.
"Me? But I'm not... S-Class."
"You are honest, intelligent, well-known in the local community, and an excellent negotiator,"
Arthur countered with a genuine smile.
"We need someone who understands the culture and can manage the flow of funds and paperwork. We're offering you the highest administrative salary in Magnolia Town."
The promise of stable, high income, safety, and a prestigious title was too much to ignore.
Lucy, though nervous, accepted, instantly becoming the first official non-founding member of the Celestial Forge.
He also said that Lucy didn't have to quit Fairy Tail as this was her side job.
Makarov also gave him permission to do this.
It was like Celestial Forge was their brother and sister guild.
As the first day of business concluded, the profits were staggering, and the guild was fully functional.
Arthur retired to his office, holding Botamon.
The small creature had been feasting on the specialized digital capsules.
"Time to grow, little one,"
Arthur whispered.
As he watched, Botamon began to glow with a digital light.
The conceptual magic Arthur had infused into him earlier combined with the natural evolution process.
The puffball grew in size, its shape changing rapidly, its expression hardening into a determined grin.
In a final flash of data, a small, pink, bubble-headed creature with long ears and sharp claws materialized on Arthur's lap.
"Koromon!"
Arthur realized, thrilled.
Koromon looked up at Arthur and let out a determined, digital roar—the next stage of the journey had officially begun.
The Celestial Forge was funded, staffed, and now had an evolved digital partner ready for action.