Fairy Tail: I Can Analyze Everything

At the Fairy Tail Guild, there was never any shortage of smiles and lively commotion.

Those members not currently out on missions gathered together—as they always did—to drink, chat, boast, and roughhouse.

Natsu and Gray remained at each other's throats; the slightest provocation would send them brawling, inevitably dragging the entire guild into the fray.

"Ah... now this is the life..."

Ron leaned back against the bar counter in blissful contentment, idly swirling the contents of the glass in his hand.

In his previous life, consumed by the struggle to make ends meet, he had lived and died a mere corporate drone—a beast of burden. Now, he felt only that his current existence was one of unparalleled leisure and comfort.

"Th—this is bad! Really bad!"

Loki pushed open the guild's front doors in a panic.

"Erza... is back!!!"

...

Those words hit everyone like a bolt of lightning, and panic spread across their faces.

The previously boisterous atmosphere froze instantly, as if someone had pressed the pause button.

Whether it was Natsu and Gray, who were currently at each other's throats, or the onlookers enjoying the spectacle, everyone turned their heads in unison.

"Erza?!"

"The one Natsu mentioned before..."

Lucy had heard this name many times from others, but she had never actually met her.

'Judging by their reactions, she seems like a very scary person...'

The reactions of the others made Lucy feel apprehensive.

"I think she can be considered Fairy Tail's strongest female Wizard."

Mirajane, standing nearby, had a smile on her face.

Outside the door, steady footsteps echoed, each one seemingly treading on everyone's hearts.

As the footsteps grew closer, the tension rose bit by bit, and one could even hear the sound of people gulping nervously.

Finally, a red-haired young woman clad in armor appeared at the guild's entrance.

She stood tall with a beautiful face, holding a massive beast horn aloft. Her expression was stern, and her brow carried a sharp, imposing aura that commanded respect without even trying.

It was none other than Titania, Erza Scarlet!

"I'm back. Is the Master here?"

"Welcome back. The Master went to attend a regular meeting."

Erza nodded and set down the beast horn she was carrying.

Although it was clear she tried to set it down gently, the action still made the ground tremble.

"You guys... I already heard rumors on my way back that Fairy Tail has been causing trouble everywhere."

Erza's sharp gaze swept across the hall.

"Cana, look at the way you're drinking. Mind your image..."

"Vijeeter, if you want to dance, go do it outside..."

"Nab, still loitering in front of the request board as usual? Go take a mission and get to work..."

...

Erza continued to point out various issues, like the King of Hell calling the roll. Everyone whose name was mentioned stiffened.

"And you, Ron..."

Erza walked over to the bar and, seeing Ron still leisurely swirling his cup, sighed helplessly.

"Forget it, I won't say anything today."

Lucy: It seems like she's already said a lot... "You, stand up!"

Erza sat in Ron's seat and looked at him with a serious expression.

"There's something... I want to ask of you."

Ron stumbled: That's it?! You made me stand up for this?!

After a brief moment of recollection, he knew what Erza was going to say next.

As expected... "On my way back, I heard about a troublesome matter. I was planning to discuss it with the Master before deciding what to do, but I didn't expect him to be out."

"But in my judgment, it's better to resolve this matter as soon as possible. It just so happens that you're here too."

"So Ron... I hope you can assist me."

"Can you come with me?"

Erza's words left everyone present astonished.

She had always acted alone; there was no precedent for her proactively inviting others to form a team.

"Did something happen?"

"Erza is actually looking for someone to team up with. This is the first time I've seen this..."

"Alright, alright."

Ron shrugged with a smile. "After all, it's an invitation from you, Erza."

"However, if it's just me going, I feel like something's missing."

His gaze swept past Erza to the two troublemakers who were too scared to even breathe, and the curl of his lips became more amused.

Seeing this, Erza turned her head to look.

"Natsu, Gray..."

Having been beaten many times, the two had developed a stress response. The moment they heard their names, they immediately hugged each other.

"Hey, Erza, we're best buddies today too."

"Aye!!!"

"Wow, he's turned just like Happy! It's the first time I've seen Natsu like this!!!"

Lucy was stunned to see the two hugging like best friends while their legs were trembling.

Her gaze darted back and forth between Natsu, Gray, and Erza.

Lucy: Is Erza's intimidation factor really that strong?!

Ron curled his lip: What intimidation? It's just the suppression of the iron fist of love from an older sister!!!

Erza was quite satisfied with their performance and nodded with gratification.

"You two come along as well! We leave tomorrow, so get ready."

Erza didn't give them a choice, firmly making the decision for them.

'Team up... with this guy?!'

Natsu and Gray looked at each other, their mutual disgust sparking between them, but they both remained silent.

"Erza, Ron, Natsu, and Gray... a lineup like this has never existed before..."

"This is probably Fairy Tail's... strongest team, right?!"

...

"Um..."

"Is it really okay for me to come along?"

On a bench at Magnolia Station, Lucy looked at Ron uncertainly.

Yesterday, under Ron's invitation and Mirajane's persuasion, Lucy ultimately couldn't suppress her curiosity about the strongest team and agreed to join Ron on this mission.

But now that she was at the station, she began to worry again.

"Don't worry," Ron comforted her with a smile. "Our team really needs you, Lucy."

"Eh?! Really?"

Lucy looked up in surprise, then sighed deeply. "But, I'm not that strong..."

"That's not important. My intuition tells me that Lucy will be a very reliable person..."

"And as for combat, with Erza and the others around, there's nothing to worry about."

Lucy glanced at Natsu and Gray, who were arguing incessantly, and nodded, suppressing her worries.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Erza arrived, pulling a large cart of luggage.

Natsu and Gray instantly ceased fire, immediately acting like best buddies with their arms around each other's shoulders.

"Ms. Erza."

Lucy hurried to her feet and greeted her.

But seeing the mountain of luggage, she couldn't help but stare, frozen for a moment.

"Who are you?" Erza asked curiously. "You seemed to be in the guild yesterday too..."

"I'm a newcomer, Lucy. Nice to meet you!"

"I'm Erza. Nice to meet you."

Erza responded with a gentle smile, then suddenly realized.

"You're Lucy?"

"You're the one who defeated the Gorilla Mercenaries using nothing but a single finger, aren't you? It's truly wonderful to have your help!"

"Huh?!" Lucy was startled; she waved her hands frantically. "Wh—what on earth are you talking about...?"

'Where did rumors like that even come from?!' she thought to herself.

Still...

Being gazed upon by Erza with such expectant and grateful eyes—somehow, it actually felt quite flattering!