**Chapter 21: Erza**
Mirajane said, "Because there is a regular meeting, he is temporarily away."
The things Ren had done this time were too significant; over twenty Dark Guilds had been wiped out.
This was undoubtedly a massive earthquake in the dark world. There was no telling what kind of counterattack the Dark Guilds might launch next.
Therefore, the local guild alliances needed to prepare in advance. If there was any sign of trouble, other guilds would be able to provide support in time.
"Regular meeting?" This was another unfamiliar term to Lucy.
Mirajane explained, "It's a meeting where the Guild Masters of various local guilds gather to make periodic reports. Reedus, lend me your Light Pen."
"Here."
Mirajane took the Light Pen and wrote in mid-air.
"You just joined the guild, so it's no wonder you don't understand the structure of organizations in the magical world."
"The most authoritative body in the magical world is the Magic Council, consisting of ten members connected to the government. They are responsible for maintaining all order in the magical world and adjudicating criminal mages."
"Below them are the Guild Masters, who are responsible for conveying decisions made by the Council, coordinating communication between local guilds, and managing us."
"It can be considered quite hard work."
"Cooperation between guilds is very important. If we neglect even a little bit..."
Natsu quietly snuck up behind Lucy and scared her: " The dark guys will come for you... Oooo~"
"Eeeek!!"
"Uhihihi!! You're scared. Eeeek."
Lucy clutched her little heart, which was thumping wildly from fright. "Whoa!! Don't scare me like that!!"
Happy retorted, "Scaredy-cat Lucy, or Scaredy-Lu for short."
"Don't give me random nicknames!!"
Mirajane warned, "However, those 'dark guys' do actually exist. Guilds that do not belong to this alliance are called Dark Guilds. You need to be careful if you meet them."
Suddenly, the guild doors were pushed open.
Loke ran in, looking panic-stricken, and shouted, "Bad news!! Erza is back!!"
"?!"
Everyone in the guild suddenly turned pale, as if some super terrifying person had returned.
The newcomer, Lucy, asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Who is back?"
Soon, heavy footsteps rang out. *Thud. Thud.*
A figure carrying a giant monster's horn on her shoulder walked into the guild.
Scarlet long hair, a beautiful face, and silver armor.
Her entire person appeared extremely valiant, beautiful, and cool.
It was none other than the S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail, Titania—Erza.
"So... so beautiful!" Lucy couldn't help but say upon seeing Erza.
Anyone who saw Erza, man or woman, would be conquered by her beauty and aura.
"I'm back. Is the Master here?"
"Welcome back! The Master went to the regular meeting."
"Er... Miss Erza, what is that huge thing?"
"Hmm? This? It's the horn of a demon I subjugated. The locals gave it to me as a decoration. I thought it was pretty, so I brought it back as a souvenir. Is it in the way?"
"No, no, no! Not at all!!"
"A subjugated demon's horn?"
"So amazing..."
At this moment, Erza's aura changed: "More importantly, you guys are causing trouble again, aren't you?"
"Even if the Master forgives you, I won't. Cana, why are you drinking in that posture? Vijeeter, if you want to dance, go outside. Wakaba, your ash is dropping. Nab, are you still loitering in front of the request board like always? Go work."
"Macao..." Erza sighed deeply when she looked at Macao.
That sigh made Macao feel more uncomfortable than if he had been scolded: "Say something!"
"Really, every single one of you makes me worry to death. Where are Natsu and Gray?"
Gray and Natsu immediately appeared in front of Erza, arms around each other's shoulders. "Yo! Erza! We're getting along great today too!"
"Aye~!"
Lucy retorted as if she had been spooked: "Natsu turned into Happy!!"
Mirajane smiled and explained, "Because both of them get beaten up badly by Erza."
Erza nodded with satisfaction upon seeing this. "Is that so? Good friends fight sometimes too, but I like seeing you get along peacefully."
"I've said it many times, we aren't good friends."
"Aye~!"
Erza ignored the two of them completely: "Where is Ren?"
"Yo! Erza. Long time no see. You've become even more beautiful," Ren greeted Erza.
Others usually got scolded by Erza for causing trouble, but this rarely happened to Ren.
If the enemy was weak, he solved it with one slash using *Sonído*. If the enemy was strong, he did cause some destruction, but most of it was resolved quickly.
As for this recent outing, the Dark Guilds Ren wiped out were all in hidden locations. Now, those places were just big craters; all traces of their existence had been erased.
"Is it really that long? It's only been a little over three months. How could I become more beautiful? You're dishonest."
"No way! I'm telling the truth," Ren cried injustice. In his heart, he really felt Erza had become prettier.
"Those things aren't important. I was looking for you because I have a favor to ask. I should have asked for the Master's instructions, but since he's not here, it's the same."
"?!"
"What... is going on?!"
"This is the first time I've seen Erza invite someone!!"
"Erza inviting Ren to team up?! Are they going to destroy a city?!"
Hearing Erza invite Ren to go on a mission together, everyone in the guild began to discuss it spiritedly.
"We leave tomorrow. Go get ready. I'll explain the details on the way."
Erza turned and left after speaking, not even asking if Ren agreed.
Ren felt a bit helpless. Erza was always so headstrong, but naturally, he wouldn't refuse Erza's invitation.