Fairy Tail: Strongest Creature

Makarov recalled a time when Laxus was just a child, during the Harvest Festival as well. Back then, what Laxus wanted most was to join the magical parade of the festival. He always talked about growing up quickly so he could join Fairy Tail and take part in it.

But now that Laxus has grown, he hasn't participated in the Harvest Festival once. His personality has changed drastically: arrogant, conceited, and looking down on others. 

When did you become like this, Laxus?

"Let's not talk about those unhappy things," Makarov said to Mira with a smile. "How are things between you and Su Tan now?" As an elder, he was still very concerned about the younger generation's relationships.

He'd watched Mira, Su Tan, and Erza grow up. Even though Su Tan usually seemed quite serious, he was bold at heart. He'd been giving the two most prominent beauties in his guild—Mira and Erza—some attention for years now. Being a lecherous old man himself, Makarov understood a boy like Su Tan's frame of mind. 

Recently, it seemed Su Tan had finally become enlightened, actively pursuing Mira. Makarov was more optimistic about Mira and Su Tan because they'd been together the longest.

Mira blushed at Makarov's question. "Master, what are you saying?" she asked shyly.

"Hahaha! The poster girl of our guild can still act shy, huh? If possible, try to get married soon and have kids. Nothing would make me happier than seeing all you brats settle down before I die."

"Master, don't say that; I'm sure you'll live to see it."

"Heh, I hope so too—hahaha!"

Soon, the Harvest Festival arrived.

The entire Magnolia Town bustled with laughter and excitement. There were various street performances and numerous snack stalls. Because the Fairy Tail guild was preparing its magic parade—a main attraction—visitors had come from other cities, swelling the local population several times over. Streets were crowded with pedestrians, and the atmosphere was lively.

Meanwhile, Fairy Tail was hosting a "Most Beautiful Fairy" contest—essentially a beauty pageant—drawing in quite a crowd. Most of the audience was male, though some women were there too, albeit in smaller numbers.

Both the first and second floors of the guild were packed.

"Citizens of Magnolia and visiting friends from neighboring towns—and that one friend from the Land of the Dead who came just to watch the show, please head back to your cemetery when this ends." 

"Hahaha!" 

A ripple of laughter spread among the spectators at Max's silly announcement. 

"Thank you all for waiting! The lovely fairies are ready to put on a dazzling display! 

"The Fairy Tail Miss Contest is now—beginning! 

"And I, the Sand Wizard Max Alors, will be your host!"

Gray muttered, "Isn't that guy running a little store or something? So busy." 

Su Tan chuckled. "Max is full of energy—perfect for hosting events like this."

"Next up: Contestant No. 1, an exotic beauty whose appetite for booze knows no bounds! Cana Alberona!!"

Cana walked onto the stage.

"Whooo!" 

Many people cheered. Cana's outfit was fairly simple, but she gave off that laid-back, big-sister vibe that younger guys often found very appealing.

"Now for her magic talent performance!"

Cana lifted her hand, and the playing cards she held encircled her body, briefly hiding her from view.

Boom! The cards dropped to the floor, revealing Cana in a sexy swimsuit.

"Tender tender tender tender…!" 

The audience roared their approval.

"Five hundred thousand? I'll use it for more booze," Cana teased.

Backstage, Lucy gaped. "A swimsuit?! That's cheating."

Lucy had decided to enter the Miss Fairy contest herself to make some extra money. She desperately needed the prize; otherwise, she might be out on the street for missing rent. With time before her turn, she was scoping out the competition.

"So that's how it is… She's pulling moves like that," came Erza's voice from behind Lucy.

Lucy jumped. "Huh?! Erza, are you entering too?" Erza was a formidable beauty. Lucy worried about her chances if Erza was in the running.

"Heh, the thought of competition stirs my blood," Erza replied.

Out in front, Makarov sat in the front row, arms folded. "Not bad," he said calmly.

"Not bad? You're bleeding from your nose!" Warren, beside him, was startled.

"Contestant No. 2 is a newcomer, but already an S-class wizard! The water maiden Juvia Lockser!"

Juvia's body dissolved into water, and when the liquid receded, she was in a refreshing swimsuit.

"Wow! She turned into water—that's incredible!" 

"Perfect for a swimsuit act!"

Lucy groaned. "Another one using her body to score points!"

From the stage, Juvia called, "Gray-sama, are you watching?!"

Mortified, Gray lowered his head. He had to admit Juvia was stunning, and he kind of liked her performance.

Su Tan nudged Gray. "Hey, Gray, I hear Juvia's pursuing you pretty actively. You not gonna respond?"

Shaken, Gray said, "Quit spouting nonsense! It's nothing like that."

"It's not nonsense. You're cool and perceptive, so you must sense it. But I also get it: you're still young, there's a wide world out there, and you're not ready to be tied down. You love your freedom—that's all."

Gray blinked. It was his first time feeling like someone truly understood him. That was exactly how he felt.

Su Tan continued. "If you're honest, you like having a beautiful girl chase you. Look at your friendship with Loki. You guys are both old hands at flirting around—otherwise, why would you be here, watching the show?"

"No!" Gray denied vehemently, though a faint pink tinged his cheeks.

"Your denial won't convince me. But you're not wrong to think that way—man's gotta enjoy himself," Su Tan went on. "Still, I think you and Juvia make a good match."