In the mountains where the dark guild Dark Poison had been hiding, members of the Magic Council were gathered.
"Captain Lahar, all the preliminary information matches the testimonies. The massive magic explosion indicates it was caused by a dark guild wizard."
Looking over the results written down in a notebook, Lahar agreed with his subordinate. "I understand a dark wizard committing suicide to avoid capture; that is simply how some of them operate."
Lahar watched Erza and Alex, who were returning to town with the mayor and his people after answering a few questions.
Observating that this wasn't how an S-Class mission fighting a dark guild usually ended, Lahar spoke up. "What I don't understand is how the captives are completely healthy. There is no healing magic capable of restoring people on their last breath so quickly."
The survivors were celebrating as they walked down the mountain, filled with so much energy that they hardly seemed like former captives.
"Perhaps it is some form of powerful Lost Magic capable of healing, Captain?"
Lahar replied, "If it were strictly a Lost Magic capable of healing, I could accept that. But according to our reports, there were poisonous flames and smoke that vanished in less than a few minutes after the explosion."
Captain Lahar looked at his surroundings. "I can see the traces of a battle here, but tell me, do you see any trace of burned trees?"
The subordinate shook his head. "Now I understand your doubts, Captain."
Lahar was already familiar with Erza's magic Requip which meant the new member of Fairy Tail, Alex Weiss, was the one who healed the injured and extinguished the fire.
"What kind of magic can heal and put out a fire while erasing any trace that a blaze ever existed?"
The subordinate spoke again. "Should we detain the Fairy Tail wizards for questioning, Captain?"
Lahar shook his head. "There is no need. At this moment, they are heroes to the people of Oakhaven; the mayor and his men would protect them. Besides, inquiring about someone's magic is a delicate matter."
"Just make a special note regarding Alex Weiss: what type of magic he uses, what kind of person he is, and whether he could become a potential threat to the kingdom."
With that said, they continued their work as members of the Magic Council.
Alex and Erza said goodbye to the mayor and the townsfolk, who were deeply grateful to them. They were invited to visit the town whenever they wished, with the mayor assuring them they would always be welcomed with open arms.
Erza and Alex gathered their belongings from the hotel and boarded the train. Since the journey back would take some time, both were quietly reflecting on their S-Class mission.
In a private cabin, Erza was snuggled up against Alex, her arms wrapped tightly around his arm. Her head rested against his shoulder. Though words were unnecessary, her body language betrayed her deep concern for him she had no intention of letting him go even for a minute.
"Why so quiet, Erza?" Alex broke the cabin's silence.
"I was just thinking... if you didn't have that magic of yours, I don't know what would have happened. I promised to protect you, but today I could only look out for myself..."
Erza felt the warmth of Alex's body, reassuring herself that he was truly there.
"When I saw a shadow crush you, I was terrified, only to feel relieved when I saw you safe. But seconds later, a katana ran you through from behind, and you fell to the ground. Not knowing whether you were alive or dead... my heart was beating so fast in that moment."
Erza was completely honest with her feelings.
Alex replied, "I didn't mean to worry you. Things happened too fast before I could react. I'll try not to get hurt from now on, though I can't make a absolute promise. Today made me realize anything can happen on a mission."
Alex leaned his head close to Erza's and, using his free hand, held her gently for a moment before kissing her forehead.
"I'll be more careful. As long as I have this magic, I won't die easily. So cheer up, Erza; you're usually not this gloomy."
Erza nodded and continued embracing him. "You're right. Let's rest for a while on the way back to the guild."
Comforted by his words, Erza recovered her spirits. Feeling each other's warmth, the two rested after the day's ordeal. Leaning on one another, they slept until they arrived in Magnolia.
.....
Night was approaching in Magnolia, and the atmosphere inside the Fairy Tail guild was as lively as ever.
The guild doors swung open, revealing Erza and Alex making their return.
"We're back!" Erza announced, drawing the eyes of the noisy guild toward them.
Mirajane, behind the bar counter, was the first to greet them. "Welcome back, Erza, Alex! It looks like the mission was a total success."
"That's right, Mira," Erza declared, patting the chest plate of her armor with a light metallic thud. "The dark guild Dark Poison has been neutralized. Everyone who was kidnapped has returned home safe and sound to their families."
Erza and Alex approached the bar.
"Here is the guild's commission fee for the mission. Please process it," Alex said, handing over a bag filled with jewels 700,000 Jewels in total, coming from the 7,000,000 Jewel total reward. With this payout, Alex and Erza wouldn't need to work for a while.
Mirajane took the bag, the heavy clinking of coins indicating it was no small sum, making several guild members instantly envious.
"Look at that bag of money... and that's just the 10% commission! Ahhh, I wish I could do an S-Class mission and get rich too!" someone shouted.
"You??? Please, as if any random stray could complete an S-Class mission. Don't make me laugh!"
It took only one comment and a snappy reply for a full-blown brawl to erupt across the guild.
Alex immediately felt right at home.
Erza made herself comfortable next to him, ordering a strawberry cake from Mirajane as the usual chaos unfolded around them.