Fairy Tail: Strongest Creature

It had been half a month since the Dragon King Festival concluded, and Fairy Tail's guildhall hummed with renewed life.

New wizards arrived daily to join the guild; those who had once departed—when Fairy Tail's reputation had waned—now returned, eager to serve under its banner once more. For seven long years, the guild had struggled to uphold its name; now, its ranks swelled with talent and purpose.

The quest board overflowed with requests: Simple A-rank contracts, dangerous S-rank emergencies, even coveted SS-rank commissions. Natsu, Gray, and their fellow mages raced from one job to the next, determined to prove Fairy Tail's restoration.

Yet Makarov sat in his armchair, hands on his cane, eyeing Su Yan with mock sternness.

"Stinky brat," he boomed, "you've lounged for nearly eight years—seven under seal, one at home—and still haven't lifted a finger for the guild! When will you start working?"

Su Yan yawned dramatically. "Work…? Impossible." He nearly echoed an old internet meme—until Makarov's eyes flared.

"Watch your tongue!" the master barked.

Su Yan held up a parchment. "Relax, old man! I've been offered a position teaching the royal princesses—high salary, of course. I'm a young man of vigor! A single misstep, and…"

Before Su Yan could finish, Mira appeared at his side, arms folded and lips curved in a sweet smile. "Su Yan," she teased gently, "you promised to help rebuild Magnolia. Surely you haven't forgotten your duty to the people who welcomed you?"

Su Yan's cheeks tinged pink. "…You're right."

Makarov rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Then"—he pointed at the quest board—"you shall undertake the Centennial Commission."

Su Yan's jaw dropped. "No way! Gildarts himself said a hundred-year quest would drive anyone mad. He didn't finish his for three years!"

Mira softly laid a hand on Su Yan's arm. "You're our ace, Su Yan. No one better suited for the toughest challenge."

Su Yan gulped. He had vowed never again to tackle that legendary trial—yet the guild needed him.

Before he could protest, Mira produced another scroll. "And this arrived today—an urgent delegation."

Makarov took it and read aloud: "Commissioner Warrod Sequen… Fourth of the Ten Wizard Saints and one of Ishgar's Four Heavenly Kings."

A hush fell over the guildhall. The Ten Wizard Saints were legendary—even Makarov, the Ghost Wizard President, bowed his head at the mention of their ranks.

Su Yan steeled himself. "If a mighty figure like Warrod Sequen trusts Fairy Tail, I cannot refuse."

He glanced at Mira. "Well, shall we see what the Fourth Heavenly King requires?"

Gray and Natsu groaned in unison. "Not again!" they muttered, already regretting the next adventure.

Su Yan smiled wryly. "Come on, it's the Four Heavenly King—how often does that happen?"

And so, the guild readied itself once more. New quests awaited, but none more daunting than a summons from one of Ishgar's greatest mages: Su Yan's fate, and the guild's, would soon be tested again.