With Kael and Laxus officially promoted to S-Class Magicians, the guild's second floor was now formally open to them. On the day everyone returned to Fairy Tail, the guild master was called away to a meeting with the Council.
Gildarts led Kael and Laxus up the stairs to the second floor to inspect it. The layout was simple: two large mission boards, a few sofas, tables, and basic furnishings.
"These mission boards contain tasks so dangerous that a single misstep could be fatal for a mage," Gildarts explained seriously. "Even though you've now been approved to accept them, you must remain meticulous. Always proceed with caution."
Kael scanned the boards, his eyes searching for the infamous Beast King task — the one that had inadvertently led to Lisanna's near-death. From top to bottom, he found nothing.
"Looks like the mission hasn't been assigned to Fairy Tail yet… I think it was back in X782. I'll handle it myself when the time comes; that should prevent the same tragedy from happening."
Laxus suddenly pointed to a smaller board next to the main one. "What's this?"
Gildarts's expression darkened, his tone even more serious than before. "Ten-year missions… hundred-year missions… Tasks that no S-Class mage has completed in a decade, or sometimes a century. Even more dangerous than typical S-Class missions. For newly minted S-Class mages like you two, it's far too early to attempt them. Take things step by step."
Kael, seemingly lost in thought, stared at the board for a long while. Gildarts assumed Kael was interested in a particular mission and leaned in to see which one had captured his attention.
"Oh? Hunting a Wyvern in the Raizer Mountains? The reward isn't bad. Interested?" Gildarts asked, looking between Kael and the mission.
"What? Uncle, what are you doing?" Kael snapped out of his reverie and stepped back, his eyes meeting the face of the orange-haired, scruffy-bearded man, startled.
"Wyvern?" Laxus's ears perked up at the word, his expression shifting to keen interest and curiosity.
"A Wyvern is a creature with dragon blood, though sometimes faintly diluted. Don't underestimate them — their strength is beyond that of ordinary mages. You two will tackle it together, a good way to get familiar with S-Class missions," Gildarts explained before recommending the task.
"I'm fine with that," Kael agreed immediately. Even splitting the reward with Laxus, combined with his remaining savings, he could afford a small house in the town. It was finally time to move out.
"I'm good too," Laxus said, grabbing the mission sheet and heading downstairs to report to the guild master.
"Then I'll take this one," Gildarts said with a grin, ripping off a mission sheet for one of the ten-year tasks. His mischievous smile prompted Kael to give him a suspicious side-eye.
"Bang! What're you thinking? Patience, kid. You'll understand when you grow up," Gildarts said, lightly tapping Kael on the head before heading downstairs to register the mission.
Kael rubbed his head in resignation and followed him down. At the bottom, he found Natsu facing off against Laxus.
"I'm coming too!" Natsu shouted.
"No. It's too dangerous."
"I'm strong enough, Laxus!"
"You're not ready yet," Laxus countered.
"Fine, then I'll show you how much I've trained!" Natsu's body ignited with flames as he gathered Armored Haki in his hands. "Iron Fist of the Fire Dragon!" he shouted, leaping toward Laxus.
"Smack!" Laxus's electrified palm blocked the attack. The flames vanished, and Natsu hadn't even moved. He froze in disbelief, then frustration, preparing to strike again.
His fist was grabbed mid-attack, thrown aside, and Gildarts caught Natsu by the collar, holding him suspended in the air. He then set him down gently and turned to see Kael descending the stairs. Upon seeing Kael, Natsu's eyes lit up with renewed excitement.
"Dragon?" Kael thought. That had to be why Natsu reacted so strongly — he likely realized the nature of the S-Class mission.
Unlike normal missions, S-Class missions are rarely open to others without the acceptor's consent. Only Natsu, for a very specific reason, insisted on joining. Even Erza, Gray, and others respected this and didn't stop him.
"Not this time, Natsu. You can't come along," Kael said firmly. Natsu's bright eyes dimmed. Happy, tiny Happy flew onto his head to offer silent comfort.
"I'll help you gather clues, though. This mission is too dangerous for now… wait for me," Kael reassured, ruffling Natsu's hair. He knew where the Fire Dragon King resided, always close to Natsu's body, but he couldn't reveal that information yet.
"Fine! You're just underestimating me! I'll become an S-Class mage too, and I won't lose! Time to train harder!" Natsu shouted, flames flickering as he dashed into the East Forest with Happy.
"That kid… I should check on him," Gildarts murmured, concerned. He waved to the two before departing for the forest.
Kael turned his gaze back to Cana, still playing cards with Lisanna, unaffected and cheerful. It was clear Cana had finally let go of her worries — hope really did make a difference. Kael remembered her words during the camping trip and secretly sighed in relief for Gildarts.
"Kael, the mission has been registered. See you at the harbor in three days. I still have training to finish," Laxus said, tossing a coat over his shoulders. He patted Kael on the shoulder and left the guild with unmatched swagger.
Kael returned to reality. Aside from Cana and Lisanna staring at him curiously, the rest of the members had gone off to train or execute tasks. The awe Kael had displayed in his trial had clearly left a lasting impression on everyone.
"Haha… got a bit distracted. Let's head to the library and study," Kael said, pulling Lisanna along and giving Cana an awkward smile.
The guild library awaited — magic books, rare tomes, and inspiration for Kael's ever-growing magical potential.