"This should make accepting future missions a bit easier."

That was the thought lingering in Rayne's mind.

Having defeated a magical beast even seasoned C-Class mages would struggle against, he could now take on higher-risk, higher-reward C-Class missions—maybe not B-Class yet, but Master Makarov would likely approve.

"Good. At least you're not injured."

Makarov gave Rayne a quick once-over, relieved to find no wounds. He'd fought Rayne before and knew his limits. Taking down a Moonlight Bear should've been a brutal battle, yet according to Wakaba, it had been almost one-sided.

Then there was that strange red magical armor—something Rayne had never used before. Makarov glanced at Conner beside him, suspecting the power came from the dragon. Otherwise, how else could his strength have surged so drastically?

"But the dragon I saw before was white… Could this be a new one?"

The question flickered in Makarov's mind, but he didn't press. Some secrets weren't his to pry into.

"I'll go check the job board."

Noticing Makarov's silence, Rayne took Conner and walked toward the request posters.

"Impressive."

Macao watched the boy's retreating figure, surprise flickering in his eyes before melting into a grin. Having a talented junior in the guild was something to celebrate.

As for Wakaba? He'd never doubted Rayne's victory—their bickering was just their usual dynamic.

"Who do you think would win if they fought?" someone suddenly asked.

"Definitely Laxus. He's been raised in the guild since childhood—way more experienced with magic than Rayne."

"True. Rayne's got talent, but he's still new to this."

"Laxus is no slouch either."

"I'd bet on Rayne," Wakaba cut in, stroking his beard. "You didn't see what happened out there."

The sheer brutality of that fight had left an impression.

Opinions split, but most leaned toward Laxus. They knew him better—his pride, his undisputed strength. Even the older members wouldn't claim they could beat him.

Rayne, on the other hand? Just a kid Makarov brought back, rumored to be gifted. Wakaba's wild description didn't quite match their image of him.

"How about a wager?" Wakaba smirked, puffing his cigar.

"On what?" Bickslow paused mid-spin, intrigued.

"Who'd win in a fight. Losers cover the drinks."

A classic Fairy Tail gamble.

"Deal!"

The others quickly agreed.

"I'll back Rayne too," Macao chimed in, siding with Wakaba.

No one batted an eye—those two always bickered but were inseparable.

"Final call?" Wakaba glanced at the group.

With no objections, the bet was set. The crowd dispersed, returning to their usual spots.

"You really think he can win?" Macao propped his chin on his hand, watching Rayne study the job board.

"Nope." Wakaba shrugged without hesitation.

He was rooting for Rayne, but victory wasn't guaranteed. Still, high risk meant high reward—and if they won, the others would be footing their bar tab.

"Then why—?"

"Because you're splitting the bill with me. If we win, free drinks!" Wakaba grinned, downing his ale.

"…Can I back out now?"

Macao finally realized this was payback for earlier.

SLAM.

"You can't be serious right now." Wakaba set his mug down, smirking as he locked eyes with his friend.

By the next day, the guild was buzzing—but neither Laxus nor Rayne had shown up.

"Wait, Rayne took another job already?!" Macao and the others crowded the bar, gaping at Makarov.

He'd just completed a mission! Who skipped rest like that? It made them look lazy by comparison.

"This one might take a while," Makarov said, eyeing them. He knew what they were thinking but ignored it, focusing instead on Rayne's task.

[Mission Details]

Title: Missing Children

Rank: C-Class

Location: Oak Village, near Hargeon Port

Details: Over the past week, three children have vanished without a trace—no signs of struggle. The village seeks a mage skilled in tracking or investigation.

Reward: 50,000J

Makarov had hesitated.

This mission might involve a dark guild—maybe even killing. Too heavy for a rookie, especially one so young.

But Rayne had been firm.

"I'm ready, Master."

His voice was calm, eyes unshaken. Maybe he didn't want others to suffer as his village had. Or maybe he suspected the same attackers were behind this.

Whatever the reason, his resolve was clear.

"Ready" meant ready to stain his hands with blood.

Makarov hated the idea. No child should carry that weight. But the life of a mage was rarely clean.

"Fine. But you're taking a partner."

He couldn't refuse, not after Rayne took down the Moonlight Bear. If anything, the boy was stronger than expected.

"Understood."

With a nod, Rayne left with Conner, unaware of the guild's chatter behind him.

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