That afternoon, after the feast in the Fairy Fraternity's cafeteria, the boys gathered once more in the training hall. The smell of spice and bread still lingered faintly in the air as Krampus stood before them, his red cloak trailing behind him like a living flame. His chibi clones hovered nearby with scrolls and Fairy Phones ready, their bells jingling softly.
The boys—Jellal, Sawyer, Macbeth, Simon, Erik, and Sho—sat cross-legged, still full from lunch but eager, the post-meal drowsiness fading fast under the anticipation of what came next. Most were quiet, eyes focused but brows furrowed, clearly digesting more than just food.
Krampus tilted his head slightly, amused. They're quiet… too quiet. Maybe I threw too much information at them earlier. They look like they're still chewing on my entire lecture.
Only Simon and Sho seemed full of energy, whispering excitedly to each other while the others stared intently ahead. They weren't bored—just overloaded. The knowledge of magic theory from the morning still buzzed in their heads.
"Alright, boys," Krampus finally said, his deep voice reverberating through the rune-lit hall. "You've learned the basics of magic—its theory, its balance, and the harmony between body, spirit, and soul. Now, let's take the next step. You're going to learn your own magic."
Sho's head snapped up. "Our own magic!?"
Simon grinned wide. "You mean our special kind of magic?"
Krampus chuckled. "Exactly. Magic that matches who you are—your nature, your potential, and your will." The moment he said it, their eyes lit up. Even Erik, usually calm and aloof, leaned forward a little, a spark of interest flashing across his face.
Krampus clapped his hands, and the chibi clones flew into formation, each holding a Fairy Phone. "Alright! Take out your Fairy Phones and follow along. You'll find an app labeled Magic Talent Quantifier. It's connected directly to the guild's core crystal beneath the hall. It'll analyze your magic wavelength and determine your natural affinities."
The clones demonstrated eagerly, tapping holographic screens. "Input your magic energy here!" one clone chirped. "Don't worry if you don't feel it working—it always does!"
One by one, the boys followed the instructions, focusing their energy. Their Fairy Phones glowed softly as the analysis began, runes spinning in the air like golden snowflakes. The clones chattered in delight as data streamed through the magic network.
"Analysis complete!" they squeaked in unison, their voices echoing around the room.
Krampus folded his arms, his tail flicking with anticipation. "Let's see what we've got."
Jellal stood first. The clones buzzed excitedly around him. "All affinity detected!" they chorused. "Strongest resonance with cosmic magic!"
Krampus smiled proudly, his golden eyes gleaming with approval. "As expected of you, Jellal. You've got potential in every field, but your heart belongs to the stars. I'll teach you Microcosmo Magic—a perfected and far more advanced form of Celestial Body Magic. It's one of my proudest creations. With it, you'll build a miniature universe within your own body, one that resonates with the heavens above. Each star you forge will represent a spell, and every orbit you shape will serve as a conduit for unimaginable power."
As he spoke, one of the chibi clones projected a breathtaking illusion across the room—a vast galaxy swirling into being, stars igniting like living gems, constellations forming and connecting in dazzling webs of light. The boys gasped softly, watching as the illusion expanded until it filled the ceiling like a living sky.
Jellal's eyes widened, reflecting the cosmic lights above him. "A universe… inside me?" he whispered, voice trembling between awe and disbelief.
Krampus nodded, his expression softening with pride and a hint of reverence. "Yes. Your soul will become a cosmos in miniature—a world that breathes and moves with you. The more you grow, the larger and brighter that inner universe becomes. Every heartbeat will echo with the rhythm of the stars. And someday, when you reach your peak, even the constellations themselves will respond to your call."
He crossed his arms, tail flicking lazily as a grin tugged at the corner of his muzzle. Saint Seiya would be proud, he thought with a chuckle. And honestly, if Jellal keeps growing like this, his version might actually end up close to the real thing—ridiculously overpowered, cosmos-burning, mountain-shattering nonsense included.
Macbeth stepped up next, shoulders stiff. "High affinity for illusion and vector manipulation," one clone reported. Krampus's grin sharpened. "Oh-ho, now that's interesting. I was going to give you Reflector Magic, but you're far too talented for that. Instead, you'll learn Vector Magic. You can twist, redirect, or amplify force itself—living or not."
Macbeth tilted his head. "So I can punch someone and make the hit bounce back?"
Krampus laughed. "Exactly! Though remember—you need physical contact for living things. Still, Fairy Tail wizards never shy away from a close-up brawl."
When Macbeth later mentioned wanting to learn the female version of Bodybuilding Magic, Krampus froze mid-breath, his expression unreadable for a few seconds. Wait… what? Female version? Does he think that the muscle twink body is better than the big and bulky Herculean physique? Blaspheme!!! His mane puffed slightly, and his tail flicked once in disbelief before he forced a neutral smile. Calm down, Krampus. Respect individuality. Everyone has their own aesthetic… even if it's wrong.
Laxus, who was quietly watching from the side, stifled a snicker while Gray muttered, "Oh no, he's broken."
Krampus inhaled through his nose, forcing the fur along his neck to settle, and then let out the calmest voice he could muster. "Of course. Everyone trains in their own way. The female regimen focuses on agility and tone. It's… fine." He turned away, smiling a bit too serenely. I'll respect his choices… even if it kills me inside. The world clearly isn't ready for universal swole enlightenment.
To balance his skills, Krampus also handed him illusion scrolls. "Pair this with Vector Magic. Illusions can be weak alone, but fused with real power? They become unstoppable."
Simon followed next, and Krampus's brows rose. "Fascinating…" he muttered, eyes narrowing slightly as runic symbols spun across the chibi clone's floating data scroll. "Mental resonance with dark ether... a rare pairing indeed."
Simon shifted nervously, glancing between his friends. "Is something wrong?"
Krampus shook his head slowly. "No, not wrong—just uncommon. You've got a powerful mental and dark magic affinity, and you've already awakened telepathy on your own." His tone carried both surprise and admiration.
The boys gasped. Erik gave a low whistle. "That's insane. He can actually hear thoughts?"
Simon flinched a little. "Only when they're loud," he admitted.
Krampus smiled faintly. "Don't worry, it's a gift, not a curse. A natural awakening like that means your magic is deeply attuned to consciousness itself. It's not something that can be taught—it's born."
He paused, rubbing his chin as if weighing the possibilities. "Mental affinity that strong deserves a matching art. I'll give you something unique—Call of Cthulhu." His voice dropped to a dark purr, the name alone causing the nearby clones to shiver. "A mental summoning magic I created during… a rather violent disagreement with a group of dark cultists."
Simon blinked. "Cthulhu?"
Krampus chuckled, his grin edged with mischief. "A creature of madness and dreams. Don't worry, you won't actually summon any cosmic horrors—probably." He raised a clawed hand, conjuring an illusion of dark ocean waves boiling under a violet sky. From the depths, colossal tentacles unfurled and reached toward the surface, surrounded by shimmering runes that pulsed like heartbeats. "This magic lets you project horrors born from your own imagination. The stronger your will, the more terrifying and real they become. But beware—this art cuts both ways. Your mind must remain your fortress, or you'll drown in your own visions."
The boys watched in stunned silence. Jellal's brow furrowed in concentration, Macbeth leaned back with a quiet "creepy," and Erik muttered, "Damn, that's metal."
Simon, however, stared with wide-eyed fascination, his gaze locked on the spectral tendrils twisting in the air. His fingers twitched unconsciously, drawn to the darkness. Krampus sighed inwardly, one ear flicking. Oh great. He's into it. Tentacle magic? Really? Of course the quiet one would be into cosmic horror. His lips curved into a resigned grin. Ah well, as long as he uses it for good—and doesn't start chanting in eldritch tongues at dinner.
Sawyer's turn came next. "Affinity for physical enhancement and speed magic," reported the clones. Krampus grinned, his fangs flashing in amusement. "You'll learn Flash Magic. It's a technique that turns your body into a conduit for raw kinetic energy—your muscles, nerves, and blood flow will synchronize with etherano itself. You'll move faster than the eye can follow—eventually even faster than sound if you master it."
He raised a clawed hand, and the chibi clones immediately projected an illusion of a glowing silhouette bursting forward, leaving trails of light and shockwaves that shook the hall. The image blurred and then vanished, reappearing in multiple spots at once before settling again. The boys gasped in awe.
Krampus smirked. "For now, keep it manageable, or you'll smash through a wall and take out half the cafeteria. The first rule of Flash Magic: never outrun your own sense of balance."
Sawyer's eyes gleamed with pure excitement. "I'll break the sound barrier by the end of the year!"
Krampus barked out a laugh, his tail swishing. "Good luck with that, kid. But if you actually do, I'll sponsor you for a new pair of boots—you'll need them after the last pair melts."
Sho snickered from the sidelines. "Bet you crash into a wall before that."
Sawyer grinned back. "Then I'll break through two!"
Krampus chuckled again, watching them banter with fond amusement. That's the spirit, he thought proudly. Fairy Tail wizards learn best when they laugh between punches.
Erik, already sitting cross-legged, smirked as his results glowed a vivid toxic purple. "Poison Dragon Slayer Magic confirmed," the chibi clone announced proudly.
Krampus nodded approvingly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint smile. "Good. You're already walking your path, Erik. Your foundation's solid—but even dragons can improve." With a casual flick of his claw, he conjured a glowing tome filled with pages that shimmered between emerald and violet. "Here. A Dragon Slayer spellbook and a compendium of poisons and medicines. You'll study both. Remember—poison and cure are two sides of the same coin. The deadliest toxin can also be the purest medicine if wielded with skill."
Erik's grin widened. "So I get to play doctor and killer at the same time?"
Krampus chuckled deeply. "Exactly. Learn to understand both sides. A true master of venom knows how to take life and preserve it." He leaned down slightly, his glowing eyes narrowing with emphasis. "Control is what separates a weapon from a warrior."
Laxus stepped forward, arms crossed but smiling faintly. "I'll help him out. Dragon Slayers need control, especially when it comes to their element." He gave Erik a firm nod. "I'll show you how to channel your magic properly without wrecking your lungs—or the training hall."
Erik blinked in surprise, then laughed. "You got it, Boss. Guess I'll try not to gas the room on my first attempt."
Krampus smirked. "See that you don't. I'd rather not rebuild the place again. The last time poison gas met enchanted ventilation, the cafeteria smelled weird for a week."
Laxus snorted, shaking his head. "You're still blaming me for that?"
Krampus chuckled darkly. "You sneezed ozone into the extractor fan."
The boys nearby burst into laughter as Erik looked between them, grinning. The air around him shimmered faintly, his magic pulsing in sync with his heartbeat. For a moment, Krampus's expression softened, a flicker of pride in his eyes. Good. He's learning to steady it already. Maybe this one won't blow up a hallway before dinner.
Finally, Sho stepped forward, clutching his Fairy Phone nervously. The clones chirped, "Affinity for sealing and summoning card magic!"
Krampus smiled, his tail flicking with interest. "Like Cana, but with a twist. Your cards will call forth living creatures—spirits, beasts, and familiars bound by your will. You'll learn how to craft summoning cards from scratch, shaping each one into a pact between mage and entity. The stronger your bond, the stronger your summon."
One of the chibi clones floated up with a sparkle, projecting an illusion of magical cards bursting open—each revealing ethereal beasts, armored warriors, and tiny elemental spirits that danced through the air. The boys leaned closer in fascination.
Sho gasped, his eyes shining. "So I can make my own monster deck!?"
Krampus's grin widened, showing his sharp teeth. "Exactly. Each card you create is a bond, a memory, and a story waiting to be written. Some cards will grow stronger with you, evolving as your magic deepens. Others may awaken personalities of their own. Treat them well, and they'll fight for you with everything they have."
Sho blinked rapidly, already daydreaming. "I'm gonna have a dragon card, and a wolf card, and maybe one that shoots lightning—oh, and one that throws pies!"
Krampus chuckled, rumbling low in his chest. "If you can imagine it, you can summon it. Just don't summon something you can't handle. I once saw a wizard try to call a mountain spirit before they could even lift a pebble." He grinned. "Didn't end well."
The other boys laughed, while Sho's grin stretched wide, his excitement contagious. "I'll make sure mine like me!" he declared, clenching his fist with fiery determination.
Krampus nodded approvingly. "That's the attitude. A good summoner respects the bond before the power. You'll go far, Sho."
Meanwhile, at Fairy Hill, the girls were having their own lesson. The courtyard glowed softly under the afternoon sun, a warm breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers from the nearby garden. Cana and Ultear gathered Sorano, Yukino, Kinana, Erza, Kagura and Millianna together, forming a semicircle on the grass as the chibi clones fluttered about like miniature professors with chalkboards and pointer sticks.
"Alright, girls!" one clone squeaked with authority, adjusting tiny glasses that appeared from thin air. "Let's see your affinities! Focus your magic into your Fairy Phones, and don't forget to smile—Master Krampus is watching remotely!"
Sorano had affinities for holy and faith-based magic and according to her wish to be like an angel, the Krampus clone gave her the magic Take Over: Seraph Soul that let her take the divine light shed from Krampus' halo as a seed and using her faith in angels as nutrient to nurture her own seraph soul that she could take over, and since she raises it herself, there is no rejection.
"Take Over: Seraph Soul?" Sorano repeated in wonder, her eyes widening as the halo light gently floated toward her. "It's… so warm."
The Krampus clone smiled kindly. "It's your own faith that will give it strength. The purer your belief, the brighter your seraph soul will grow. You'll be nurturing a part of yourself—guided by divine light."
Sorano clasped her hands reverently, her voice trembling with excitement. "I'll become an angel… I promise I'll make you proud, Master Krampus!"
Watching through the scrying link, Krampus scratched his mane awkwardly. Oh no. That tone. That sparkle in her eyes. This is getting way too churchy for comfort.
This magic was technically a lost art since getting a divine factor to act as a seed was almost impossible at this day and age—but Krampus himself seemed to count for this, so it was fine. "You'll have to protect that faith of yours," the clone added gently. "Doubt will dim your wings, but belief will let them soar."
Sorano nodded fervently, holding her hands to her heart. "I believe!" she declared with radiant sincerity.
Krampus sighed audibly through the link. There it is. That's the look—a sister from the church gazing up at her god. Great… I'm one hymn away from getting worshipped.
Yukino, barely three years old, was next. The clone ruffled her hair fondly and crouched to her eye level. "You're too young for all that, little one. Go play and enjoy your childhood before worrying about magic." It tapped her nose playfully. Yukino giggled, spun in place, and chased a shimmering butterfly the clone conjured for her. Cana laughed softly from the side. "She's too pure for this world." Ultear smiled faintly, replying, "And that's exactly why she should keep that innocence as long as possible."
Kinana's affinity glowed serpent green, a shimmering aura wrapping around her like gentle scales. "Snake magic, huh?" the clone said approvingly. "Take Over: Serpent Soul. You'll inherit the essence of a serpent—flexibility, resilience, and intuition." Kinana nodded brightly, her eyes gleaming with quiet resolve. "I just want to help at the counter anyway," she said cheerfully. The clone chuckled, shaking its head. Bless that simple heart, it thought warmly. "Even the guild's strongest warriors need someone dependable to come home to," Cana said with a grin, clinking her drink against Ultear's glass.
Kagura's scan was the first to surprise the clones. "Affinity for gravity magic and swordsmanship detected!" one squeaked, almost dropping its clipboard. The Krampus clone nodded approvingly. "Impressive. You have the makings of both a swordswoman and a manipulator of one of the universe's fundamental forces." It conjured a sword manual bound in silver and a black grimoire inscribed with runes of weight and motion. "Gravity Magic controls mass, attraction, and pressure—the same force that binds stars together and keeps worlds in balance. Study both arts in tandem, and you'll wield grace and crushing might as one."
Kagura bowed deeply, her young eyes gleaming with determination. "Thank you, Master Krampus. I'll make sure to master both sword and gravity."
Watching through the scrying orb, Krampus grinned faintly. A dual affinity for blades and gravity? Excellent. She'll be unstoppable once she grows up—elegance backed by the pull of a black hole.
Erza had the chibi clone's attention the most since this concerns a future S-Class and Krampus had already prepared a good magic for her. Now it's revealed that her affinities are towards weapons and enchantment, and she awakened the Weapon Control Magic in one go. Krampus, watching through the scrying orb, grinned to himself. As expected of the prodigy girl. She'll surpass even her future self at this rate.
The clone raised its tiny clipboard, voice excited. "Weapon and enchantment affinities confirmed! She's already awakened Weapon Control Magic!"
Krampus nodded through the link, thinking, Perfect. Just as I thought, she's the ideal candidate for what I've prepared. His tone in the clone's voice turned warm and proud. "Then, Erza, I'll grant you two magics I made with you in mind: Treasury Magic and Enchant Magic."
Erza blinked curiously. "Treasury Magic?"
Krampus smirked. "Treasury Magic is the advanced form of Requip. It allows you to store countless weapons and summon them at will. Each weapon you own can be 'saved' in its perfect condition, and even if it breaks, you can spend magic to instantly restore it to that saved state. It's a magic of infinite preparation and unbreakable arms."
He watched Erza's expression carefully, his tail flicking in satisfaction. In other words, it's my own version of that golden king's armory—Gate of Babylon—but empty. She'll have to fill it herself.
Still, he mused proudly, once she learns to use it, her armory will outshine even Gilgamesh's. Every blade a testament to her will, every weapon a reflection of her soul.
The illusion projected by the chibi clone showed dozens of golden portals forming behind Erza, empty at first but waiting to be filled, each ready to unleash her crafted weapons.
Erza's eyes widened with awe and excitement. "So… it's like carrying an armory in my soul."
"Exactly," Krampus said with pride. "And as for Enchant Magic, with it you'll be able to infuse weapons with runes, elements, or even spirits. You can merge your own life force into your creations, making each weapon unique to you. I've also included a weapon crafting manual to help you build and customize your own enchanted gear. Forge, enchant, and fight with your own hands. That's true mastery."
He smirked faintly to himself, tail flicking behind him. In a sense, this is my nod to Irene Belserion—her legacy deserves to live on through her daughter. But Erza's version will be purer, born not from despair but from love and creation.
Erza clenched her fists, her voice burning with conviction. "I'll master them all, Master Krampus!" she declared, her hair catching the sunlight as if aflame.
Watching from afar, Krampus grinned. Good girl. I knew you'd be the one to bear the weight of legends.
Finally, Millianna's results appeared. "Affinity for… cats?" The clone squinted at the floating glyphs, reran the test twice, and got the same answer again. "Affinity confirmed. Take Over: Feline Soul."
Millianna's tail swished happily as she clasped her hands together. "Yay, I love cats!" she cheered, practically bouncing in place.
The chibi clone blinked twice, then sighed, rubbing its tiny temples. "Well, at least you're consistent with your brand," it muttered, before smiling fondly. "Alright, little one—Take Over: Feline Soul will let you channel the instincts, speed, and agility of cats. The stronger your bond with felines, the more traits you can manifest. You'll be fast, flexible, and—unfortunately for your opponents—very unpredictable."
Millianna giggled, already curling her fingers into playful claws. "Mrrrow! I'm gonna be the best cat wizard ever!"
The clone deadpanned. "Just… don't start napping on the guild tables."
Cana burst out laughing from the side, while Ultear facepalmed with a faint smile. "Too late," she muttered under her breath.
Watching through the scrying link, Krampus couldn't help but chuckle softly. Well, it fits her perfectly. A cat girl through and through. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised the magic itself agreed.
And so, on that sunny afternoon, laughter and curiosity filled both the dorm and Fairy Hill. The seeds of Fairy Tail's next generation of wizards were sown—not with grand ceremony, but with joy, chaos, and Krampus's quiet mix of pride and exasperation over tentacles, vectors, and questionable aesthetic choices.
The lessons for the day were just about wrapping up when Krampus heard the faint rumble of wheels outside. He was standing before the boys, who were still buzzing with excitement from their newly assigned magics, when one of his tufted ears twitched. That's… a lot of noise. And it's getting closer.
He looked toward the window and saw a long convoy of carts snaking its way toward the Fairy Fraternity. His eyes widened slightly as he recognized the massive figures leading the front. "Ah… that must be Carlo and Adam," he muttered with a mix of amusement and resignation.
The boys noticed his expression and followed his gaze. "Whoa!" Sho exclaimed, pressing his face to the glass. "Those guys are huge!"
Jellal squinted. "They're pulling all those carts by themselves?"
"Yep," Krampus said, crossing his arms. "Those are some guildmates of ours moving into the Frat today. You'll be seeing more soon enough. The Fairy Fraternity's open to any male guild member who wants to live here, rent's only fifty thousand jewel a month—basically free considering all the magical facilities and training rooms you've got."
The boys oohed in unison as the carts came to a stop out front. Each one was stacked with luggage, pots full of giant tropical plants, and crates filled with gleaming earthen crafts. Leading them were two absolute mountains of muscle—Carlo and Adam—each one only slightly smaller than Laxus himself. They pulled the convoy like it weighed nothing.
Krampus couldn't help but grin. As expected, those two don't do anything quietly. They could've just taken a transport spell, but no—they had to make an entrance.
He recalled how it all started. After the Fraternity had finished construction overnight, Krampus had sent a text to every male member of the guild, announcing that the Frat was open for residence. The message included the full specs of the building: massive personal rooms, soundproof walls, training areas, a communal bath, and even a kitchen with magical appliances that cleaned themselves.
Most of the senior members replied politely that they already had places and would just visit sometimes, but the ones he personally recruited were a different story. Carlo and Adam responded instantly, and from the tone of their messages, they'd already started packing before dawn.
Krampus chuckled to himself. Of course those two would jump at the chance. Between Carlo's obsession with growing half the rainforest in his room and Adam's habit of turning rocks into art, they've probably run out of space at home.
And that wasn't even mentioning their other… hobbies.
He sighed. Those two are loud, affectionate, and proud of it. The guild's received more than one noise complaint from their neighbors. A Frat room with magical soundproofing is probably their dream come true.
Just as he finished that thought, the main doors of the Fraternity swung open, and the two muscle giants stepped inside. They carried themselves with the easy confidence of veterans, but when they saw Krampus and Laxus waiting by the training hall entrance, their faces broke into warm grins.
"Boss! Young Master! Congrats on the big announcement!" Carlo boomed, his deep voice echoing through the hall. Adam, standing beside him, gave a thumbs up with his usual calm smile. "Sorry we missed the party yesterday—we were packing. Sent our congrats over text, though."
Krampus smiled, waving a hand dismissively. "No worries, you two. You more than make up for it with this dramatic arrival. Half the neighborhood probably knows you're moving in by now."
Laxus chuckled. "Knowing them, that's the point."
The boys crowded near the door, whispering among themselves in awe. "They're like giants…" "Are they bodybuilders too?" "Look at all that stuff!"
Krampus motioned for them to gather closer. "Boys, these are Carlo and Adam—senior guildmates of yours and now your neighbors. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask them. They might look intimidating, but they're good people."
Carlo puffed out his chest proudly. "And if you ever need help with muscle training, I'm your guy!"
Adam nodded, his tone gentler but no less confident. "Or if you want to learn a craft or two. Rocks, clay, crystals—I make things that last."
The boys immediately started firing off questions, fascinated. Erik whispered, "Man, they're even bigger than I thought…" while Sawyer muttered, "They're almost as big as Laxus—but Krampus still makes everyone look small."
Krampus cleared his throat. "Alright, that's enough gawking. Let them get settled." He turned to Carlo and Adam. "Your rooms are on the west wing. The space is magically adaptive, so just think about how big you want it and it'll adjust. The enchantments will take care of the rest."
When the couple reached their room, Krampus followed to check in. As the door opened, both men gasped in awe. The room expanded like a miniature world—sunlight streaming through enchanted skylights, air rich with the scent of earth and greenery.
Carlo immediately began unpacking massive pots of vibrant plants, setting them around the room with practiced hands. Adam uncrated his crafts, decorating the walls and shelves with gleaming stonework and delicate sculptures.
"Look at this space, love," Carlo said, his voice soft but brimming with joy. "It's like living inside a garden."
Adam grinned. "A garden with room for everything we love… including each other." He winked.
Krampus blinked, then quickly turned away as realization dawned. Oh, no. They're already thinking about it.
Sure enough, Carlo clapped his hands together excitedly. "We'll put the bed right in the middle, surrounded by plants and rock art. It'll feel like we're in the wilderness!"
Krampus's face twitched. They actually want to make it look like they're doing it in the wild. Fantastic.
Laxus, who had been standing beside him, let out a low hum. Krampus turned to look and saw the contemplative glint in his lover's eye. His stomach dropped. Oh no. Don't you dare get ideas, Sparky.
Laxus smirked, looking far too pleased. "You know, that's not a bad setup."
Krampus's fur bristled slightly. A-Are we gonna go again? He barely had time to react before Laxus turned toward Carlo and Adam. "We'll let you two settle in. The day's winding down—we should be heading home."
Before Krampus could respond, Laxus grabbed his hand, already steering him toward the exit. "See you later, Boss! Young Master!" Carlo and Adam called after them with cheerful waves.
Krampus allowed himself to be dragged away, his heart pounding and a faint blush coloring his cheeks. No matter what, we're definitely not sleeping tonight.