Volk City, a city renowned for its cuisine.
Countless food stalls lined the streets, stretching as far as the eye could see.
A basket of freshly steamed buns released a mouthwatering aroma, making Gray drool uncontrollably.
"Sir, maybe we should grab something to eat before we go," Finn said, his eyes sparkling at the various foods.
Gildarts thought of his wallet and became serious. "Remember, the first thing a mage does on a mission is contact the client and get the details of the mission."
"Then, you create a plan. Don't be distracted during the mission. A mage's priority is the mission, understand?"
"Oh, I see!" The two novice mages nodded repeatedly.
Finn thought, "He really is Fairy Tail's strongest mage. Look at his sense of responsibility."
"Wow, aren't those women cold wearing so little?" Finn looked at a restaurant in the distance, where several hostesses stood at the entrance in revealing clothing.
Then he remembered Gildarts' advice and slapped his forehead. "Oh, man! Gildarts just said not to be distracted! We have to contact the client first!"
He called to Gray, "Gray, let's go to the client's house."
"Oh," Gray reluctantly tore his gaze away from the buns and followed Finn.
They noticed Gildarts hadn't moved. Finn walked over to him, puzzled.
Gildarts' gaze was fixed on the hostesses, his eyes shaped like hearts.
"Sir, we need to go," Finn tugged at Gildarts' sleeve.
"Huh? Oh, ahem. Now I'll teach you the second lesson: Before a mission, you must fill your stomach. You can't fight on an empty stomach."
Gildarts' gaze was broken, and he quickly came up with a new lesson for the novices.
…
Finn facepalmed. He knew what Gildarts was thinking. He sighed, "Pervert!"
"So, we can buy some buns first," Gray said, his eyes fixed on the buns that had made him drool earlier.
Gildarts shook his head seriously. "Buns aren't filling enough. Mages have large appetites, so we need to replenish our energy."
Gildarts pointed to the restaurant with the hostesses. "That restaurant looks good. Let's go there."
"But I really want those buns," Gray insisted.
Finn felt a chill run down his spine.
"Brat, I said we're eating at the restaurant. Do you have a problem?" Seeing Gildarts' chilling aura, Gray stiffened. "No problem! You're right! You're right!"
Gildarts' chilling aura instantly vanished, replaced by a smile. He adjusted his clothes, combed his hair, and confidently walked ahead.
Finn clapped his hands inwardly. What an amazing transformation! He'd be a great actor in his previous life.
…
Finn and Gray, clutching their stomachs and smiling, emerged from the restaurant. Gildarts walked behind them, dejected.
He checked his wallet – only 5,000Jewels left.
He'd tried to chat up the hostesses, but they'd ignored him. And those two brats had eaten 70,000Jewels worth of food! 70,000Jewels!!
Although he was an S-class mage and earned a lot, his destructive power was high, and he lost most of his bounty on repairs.
That's why he still lived in a shack…
Finn stifled his laughter. Gray was confused.
"Finn, what's wrong? Your expression is strange."
"Ahem, you're too young. You'll understand someday," Finn dismissed the clueless kid.
They soon arrived at the mayor's office in the city center. The client was Mayor Volk.
"Hello, Mayor Volk. We're Fairy Tail mages here for your mission," Finn greeted the mayor.
Mayor Volk looked puzzled. "You have children? Kidoken is a powerful monster. Can you really handle it? Several mages have disappeared after taking this mission."
Gray immediately said, "Don't underestimate me just because I'm a kid. I'm strong!" He flexed his small fists.
"Mayor Volk, don't worry. We may be children, but the Master approved our mission," Finn said calmly, pulling Gray back.
"Since you say so, I won't question Master Makarov's judgment," Mayor Volk stared into Finn's eyes, seeing no hesitation.
Gildarts nodded inwardly, giving Finn a silent thumbs-up.
"Let me explain. A week ago, Kidoken first appeared in the city, in the early morning, so no one noticed. Neighbors reported it the next day, and we discovered over ten people had disappeared overnight."
"We immediately launched an investigation, initially thinking it was a simple disappearance."
"It wasn't until the third day that someone saw the monster. Based on the description and records, we believe it's Kidoken."
Mayor Volk sighed. "Our city doesn't have a mage guild. Most are poor people, no match for the monster."
"So I put out a request, but even the mages who came also disappeared."
"I don't know how strong this monster is, but judging by the missing mages, it must be powerful."
"That's the situation. You can decide whether to accept the mission," Mayor Volk looked at them expectantly.
Finn smiled. "Mayor Volk, we accept."
Gray added, "Fairy Tail doesn't back down from strong enemies."
"Haha, indeed, Master Makarov's guild has no ordinary members."
…
Night fell, and the bustling Volk City grew quiet.
Finn looked down at the empty streets. They were on the highest building in Volk City, which offered a good view.
"Will the monster really come if we wait here?" Gray, shirtless, said beside Finn.
Finn facepalmed. "Gray, your clothes are gone again?"
"Ah, when?"
Finn shook his head. "It should come. Unfortunately, no one knows the monster's lair, so we can only wait," Finn said regretfully.
Gildarts leaned against a pillar, eyes closed, motionless. He was either asleep or meditating.
Finn was sure he was asleep; he'd waved his hand in front of Gildarts' face, and he hadn't reacted.
"We've been here for hours. I'm sleepy," Gray yawned.
"Just a little longer…"
Suddenly, Gildarts opened his eyes. "It's coming."
Finn sensed a magical disturbance in the distance and stood up, looking at a giant moth flying towards them.
"Is that a moth??"
As the moth approached, Finn's eyes widened at its size.
Its wings spanned five meters. It was flying towards a house.
Finn didn't hesitate. He drew Ryūjin Jakka and swung it down.
"Hitotsume: Nadegiri"
This technique Hitotsume: Nadegiri, was perfect for this situation.
An invisible blade pressure cut through the air towards Kidoken.
An intense sense of danger enveloped Kidoken. Its eyes locked onto Finn and the others. It flapped its wings, changing direction.
It not only dodged Finn's attack but also charged towards them.
Gildarts only gave a warning and didn't intervene. This was Finn's mission, a good training opportunity. Gildarts only needed to ensure their safety.
Finn didn't rely on Gildarts. He stepped on the railing, and it broke. He leaped into the air.
Kidoken reached the rooftop.
But before it could attack, it felt an immense force on its back, preventing it from flying.
Gray saw Kidoken rushing towards him. Before he could react, Finn appeared in the air and kicked Kidoken hard.
It crashed to the ground, creating a huge crater with cracks spreading outwards.
The loud crash startled Gray. He looked at Gildarts in shock, pointing at Finn. "This...this guy's strength is incredible?"
Gray hadn't sensed any magical fluctuations from Finn, meaning he'd achieved this level of destructive power with only his physical strength.
Remembering his foolish challenge, Gray shivered. Finn had held back.
Gildarts shrugged. "I don't know. You're the only one who's fought him."
Below, Finn didn't hesitate. He grabbed Kidoken's wing and swung it around.
The injured Kidoken was spun around, the scenery blurring.
Bang-bang-bang, Kidoken's massive body was swung around, its head repeatedly hitting the walls.
Kidoken was dizzy.
"Holy crap!! What is he doing?! What is he doing?!" Gray's jaw dropped as he watched Finn, who looked like a human-shaped beast, unleashing his fury.
The scene was shocking – a small child swinging a monster several times his size.
Gildarts looked at Gray's shocked expression. "You don't look like a mage. Let me see." Gildarts stood up and went to the edge of the rooftop.
His eyes widened. "Whoa, this kid's fierce! Who's the monster here?"
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