NABC Chapter 44: Birthday
Chapter 44: Birthday
Moen's birthday is always a very lively occasion. His good interpersonal relationships and status as the darling of Fairy Tail make everyone happy to celebrate with him.
Early in the morning, after Moen finished washing up and changing his clothes, before he could even leave the house, a beautifully packaged box was thrown at him.
"Happy birthday."
Along with the packaging box came an awkward birthday greeting.
Moen looked up and saw that Laxus's figure had already disappeared quickly at the door, giving the impression of someone who had done something wrong and was fleeing in panic.
'A troubled teenager.'
Laxus's actions made Moen chuckle. He mentally muttered a complaint before opening Laxus's gift.
Inside was a black "sound pot" music player, but it was simpler than the one Laxus usually used, with no sharp corners on the sides, and its shape was like the headphones that Moen remembered.
"It's the latest model."
Moen took out the "sound pot" music player, put it directly on his ears and started playing. Then a strong classical music with powerful drumbeats came out. This type of music was Laxus's favorite, which he called "rock-style classical music".
"Hiss~"
Moen grimaced upon hearing this and took off the "sound pot." Perhaps his artistic appreciation was too low; he simply couldn't understand it.
'If I have time, I could work on the execution theme. During battle, I can just put on my headphones and the background music will start automatically.'
Moen thought to himself, "How can a fight be without background music? It just doesn't feel right!"
Moreover, this "sound pot" music player seems to also have an external speaker function, which would be even better.
When the battle begins, simply turn on the speakerphone function. As a powerful melody plays, the enemy is instantly executed.
That execution theme, it seems to have a bit of a rock-classical feel to it?
Moen put on the "Sound Pot" headphones, left home, and headed to the "Fairy Tail" guild. The guild had already been set up; today was a day when they could openly hold a party.
Sometimes Moen thinks that people don't actually want to celebrate his birthday, they just want to have a party.
His birthday was just a reason that everyone thought was useful, a reason that even Grandpa Makarov thought was appropriate.
On his way to the guild, Moen received many blessings, small gifts, and a heart full of flowers and greeting cards.
Phil, the flower girl dressed in shabby clothes, specially made him a flower crown today and put it on his head herself.
Carrying the blessings of the citizens of Magnolia, Moen arrived at the guild.
As soon as he entered the guild, he saw Grandpa Makarov sitting at the bar, holding a wine glass almost as big as his head, and drinking it very happily.
"Hiss~ Ha!"
After taking a bite, Makarov let out a satisfied cry, quite unrestrained, his nose even turning a little red. The old man was usually like this, always so approachable in the guild.
"Moen is here!"
"Come here! You're the star today!"
Moen's arrival immediately attracted everyone's attention. Gildarts laughed and waved to him, urging him to come over quickly.
Moen stepped into the Fairy Tail guild hall, which was now adorned with magical lights.
A glowing magic crystal ball floats on the ceiling, and a shimmering banner with garlands that reads "Happy Birthday, Moen" hangs above the bar.
Airo, barefoot, danced gracefully on a table, drawing cheers from the crowd. Who doesn't love watching a scantily clad beauty dance?
Rows of long tables were piled high with three-tiered cream cakes, as well as various dishes, fresh fruits, and mead in oak barrels.
Banners, delicacies, dances, cakes and desserts—all sorts of things are available.
Moen sat down at the long table in the center of the hall, with Gildarts sitting next to him.
"Moen! Time flies, you've grown another year older!"
Gildarts laughed heartily as he patted Moen on the shoulder, the birthday boy, with great emotion. Moen felt like he was about to be pounded to pieces by this guy.
Moen grew up under the watchful eyes of everyone, so everyone in the guild was very happy, their faces beaming with smiles, and they kept making noise, creating a lively atmosphere.
Even Laxus, in the corner, had a smile on his face; he had already seen the "Sound Pot" that Moen was temporarily hanging around his neck.
In a cheerful and lively atmosphere, Natsu and Gray, each carrying a gift box, came over, jostling and pushing their way to Moen.
But before the two could speak, Erza pushed them both aside.
"Clang!"
Erza placed a large box on the table. Erza was wearing a cute pink "party limited edition" armor, and her hair was styled in pigtails. She looked very cute and lively.
"Moen, this is a gift for you, a set of armor."
Erza spoke frankly, saying that this was a custom-made armor she had paid for at a shop, perfectly fitting Moen's physique. Erza had secretly inquired about the body data from Guild Master Makarov.
Thank you, Erza, this gift is too precious.
Looking at the armor box in front of him, Moen was indeed a little surprised. Perhaps Erza ordered it after seeing him use the "Saint Cloth"?
"It's nothing. I have many suits of armor, but I can't share them with you, so I had to order a new one for you."
Erza explained that Moen couldn't use her armor because it was the wrong gender, and Erza's armor wouldn't adapt to its owner like a "Saint Cloth." If she wanted to give Moen armor as a gift, she would have to order new ones.
After Erza finished giving her gift, Gray and Natsu started jostling each other again, vying to give Erza their gifts first.
"Quiet--!"
However, before the two could determine who was better, Makarov drunkenly jumped onto the bar, his beer glass swaying and foaming as he raised it high.
Let's all wish Moen a happy birthday!
Makarov shouted something, livening up the atmosphere.
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses in response to Chairman Makarov; the adults drank alcohol, while the children's glasses were filled with juice.
Everyone shouted "Happy Birthday Moen!" and then drank heartily, the festive atmosphere making everyone want to have a few more drinks.
"Moen, this is my gift."
After they finished drinking, everyone came over one after another to give Moen gifts. Natsu and Gray, who were jostling each other, kept getting cut in line because they were the ones who kept holding each other back.
It wasn't until the party ended that Moen finally accepted the gifts from the two. Natsu and Gray, with their faces bruised and swollen, had clearly been beaten up again by Erza, who was wearing "party-limited edition armor".