"WAAAAAH!!!"

A high-pitched shriek instantly drew every eye in the guildhall.

Macao, who'd been browsing the job board with his hands on his hips, nearly jumped out of his skin. That ear-splitting volume could only belong to one person.

"Caroline, what the hell?!" He whirled around, scowling.

"WHO IS THIS CHILD?! SHE'S TOO CUTE!!"

Ignoring Macao entirely, Caroline had already sprinted over to Rayne, her eyes locked onto Kanna with sparkling intensity.

"Look at those chubby cheeks! Adorable!"

"She has little horns!"

"Sweetie, can big sis give you a hug?!"

Soon, a swarm of female mages surrounded them, trapping Rayne and Kanna in a circle of cooing admirers.

To these seasoned mages, Kanna's horns and tail weren't strange—just extra charming features.

"Grrrr—!"

Kanna's eyes darted between the encroaching humans. Like a cornered kitten, she bared her teeth and raised clawed hands in warning.

But without her magic, the "ferocious" display had zero intimidation factor.

Instead—

"KYAAAA! EVEN HER GRUMPY FACE IS PRECIOUS!"

Hearts practically floated in the women's eyes as they clutched their cheeks in delight.

"We, uh, have things to do! Later!"

Rayne quickly grabbed Kanna's hand and pulled her forward before things escalated. If this continued, either:

A) Kanna would lose patience and send them flying, orB) His magic reserves would be drained dry from her stress-fueled power spikes.

"Aww!"

"Just five more minutes?"

Reluctantly, Caroline and the others stepped aside, though their longing gazes followed Kanna until the guild doors closed behind them.

As they passed Makarov—who'd been unceremoniously shoved aside earlier—Rayne gave a polite nod. The guild master could only sigh in resignation.

"So, Master, where'd the extra kid come from?" Macao plopped into a chair, watching the doors with curiosity.

The question made the others turn to Makarov too.

"Well... you saw her horns and tail." Stroking his chin, Makarov carefully chose his words.

"Huh. Take Over magic?" Wakaba exhaled a smoke ring, leaning back.

The moment he said it, understanding dawned on the group. Some of the softer-hearted members even teared up, clearly imagining some tragic backstory.

"Sometimes, less explanation is more. You've still got much to learn, boy."

Hidden behind his beard, Makarov smirked.

"But how'd you find her?" Reedus hugged his sketchbook, intrigued.

"What's her name?"

"How old is she?"

"Why's she clinging to Rayne?"

The barrage of questions drowned Makarov in a sea of noise.

Meanwhile, Laxus sat apart, brow furrowed. His gaze remained fixed on the doorway long after Rayne and Kanna had left.

"...What was that?"

When Kanna had appeared, something primal had stirred in him—not attraction (he wasn't that kind of dog), but an instinctual reaction.

She felt like both a threat and... kin.

"Old man, what are you and that brat hiding...?"

Outside, Rayne led Kanna through the bustling streets, their destination already in mind.

Though he'd only lived here a month, his daily training runs had taken him to every corner of Magnolia. Combined with guild chatter, he knew all the best food spots—even if he'd never indulged himself.

"Human cities..."

Kanna didn't resist being led, her wide eyes soaking in the sights: merchants hawking wares, children playing tag, the mouthwatering aromas drifting from food stalls...

Her steps grew lighter, tail swaying with barely contained excitement.

"Having fun, Kanna?" Rayne smiled at her distracted expression.

"Better than sleeping alone!"

Though her face stayed blank, her voice carried a liveliness absent earlier.

"You saved my life, so today, I'll treat you to some... good food."

He'd almost said "a feast," but caught himself. She was a dragon. His guild wages wouldn't cover that.

"Oh?"

Kanna didn't notice the correction. To her, any outing beat solitude—food was just a bonus.

Then—

"Sniff sniff."

A sweet, creamy scent hooked her attention. Her head swiveled toward a pastry shop, where a human was slicing a fluffy white dessert topped with red berries.

The aroma intensified, making Kanna's pupils dilate.

"That's cake. Want some?"

Rayne eyed her wagging tail, amused.

"YES."

She yanked him toward the shop before he could react.

Minutes later, Kanna clutched a fork, savoring her first bite.

The moment the flavor hit, her blue eyes slid shut in bliss. Her stubby legs swung beneath the chair, body swaying gently.

A revision to the dragon girl's priorities:

Food was important.

And this human? Very good.

Watching her, Rayne's smile softened. Sure, bonding with her would strengthen his magic—but his gratitude was genuine too.

"Rayne. More."

She stared at him, fork already poised for the next attack.

"Sure—"

CRUNCH.

The fork's tines vanished between her teeth.

Rayne blinked at the now-headless utensil, then at Kanna's innocent munching.

"...Yeah, should've seen that coming."

With a chuckle, he pushed the pre-cut slices toward her, abandoning all hope of table manners.

As Kanna devoured the cakes, something shifted in Rayne's soul.

Deep within, a branching magic circle unfurled.

A strange power—warm and foreign—began weaving into his very being.