After the banquet ended, Zorn set out to train once more. He knew full well that stronger enemies would only keep appearing, and his current strength wasn't enough.
So he carefully selected a Ten-Year Quest. If all went well, he would be able to obtain Dragon Slayer power.
Because it was too dangerous, however, he didn't bring Cana along and went on the quest alone.
There was no time limit on the quest, so he could also use the time to improve his strength.
During the X782 S-Class Mage exam, Mystogan used Physical Arts and some illusion magic to wear down most of Erza's stamina and Magic Power. Finally, he put her to sleep with Fivefold Magic Circle: Miko Kagura.
Erza's dream of seeing Mystogan's true face during the exam was dashed, but it only fired up her competitive spirit, and she trained even harder.
Mystogan's strength was recognized, and he became an S-Class Mage in one stroke.
Fairy Tail now had two members among the Ten Wizard Saints and five S-Class Mages, and it remained the kingdom's No. 1 guild throughout the two years.
No other guild could shake its position.
After the incident on their last quest, Mirajane and Elfman doubled their training, greatly extending how long they could take over Demon God Halphas and the Beast King.
Although Lisanna had no Magic Power, she fit into this world well thanks to everyone's care.
After learning that another power called "Haki" existed in this world, she began studying Physical Arts and how to use Haki alongside Cana.
In her spare time, she worked as a waitress with Mirajane, helping out at the guild, and occasionally took part-time modeling jobs.
When the two Lisannas posed together for photo shoots, one was cheerful and outgoing, while the other was reserved and sometimes shy. Every set of photos was a critical hit for any man.
Their popularity was on a whole different level from Erza's and Mirajane's.
Time slipped quietly by as everyone kept busy with their own lives and training. Natsu learned from a guild member that a "Fire Dragon" had appeared in Hargeon's port, so he and Happy hurried there without stopping.
The curtain was about to rise on Natsu and Lucy's fateful encounter.
X784
A train slowly pulled into the station. Natsu covered his mouth and crawled out of the carriage, his face twisted in agony.
"Seriously, we had to take two trains. Ugh, I'm gonna puke."
Happy watched Natsu with concern, slowly moved to his left and poked him in the forehead. "Natsu, I think your motion sickness is getting worse and worse. You okay?"
"I'm so hungry, Happy. Hungry..." Natsu reached out to Happy, crying out, his face pale and weak.
"Ah, Natsu, hang in there! I'll take you to get food right away... Hang in there! As long as you're in my hands, I won't let you starve to death."
Happy immediately took to the air, carrying Natsu as he raced toward town at tremendous speed. He didn't notice that the wind had distorted Natsu's face.
Meanwhile, inside the port's only magic shop.
"I'm looking for a key that can open a powerful gate."
"A gate? Those are rare, but I do have one. Just this one."
"Oh, it's the Canis Minor Key! How much is it, mister?"
"20,000 J."
"Mister, how much is it, really?" Lucy asked again, face-to-face with the shopkeeper, smiling angrily.
"20,000 J. No bargaining."
That awful old man! 20,000 J? I've only got a little money left. If I pay that, what am I supposed to eat? I don't even know how much the journey to Fairy Tail will cost.
No, I have to use my charm to get him to give me a discount. Yes, that's what I'll do! Haha, I really am a clever young lady.
Though that was what Lucy thought, she put on a coquettish act and tried to sweet-talk the shopkeeper.
But the shopkeeper was no pushover. He'd seen it all, and the two of them began haggling in the shop.
A few minutes later... on the street.
"That awful old man! Is my charm as a young lady only worth 1,000 J? And with that attitude, too! He makes me so mad!"
Lucy strode toward the center of town with broad steps, venting her frustration as she went.
Elsewhere, Natsu and Happy were shuffling along an alley like old men. Natsu held his stomach with one hand. "I'm hungry, so hungry... I swallowed a bellyful of wind, and now I'm even hungrier."
"Aye... But we don't have any money, Natsu."
"Hey, Happy, it's Igneel, right?"
"Yeah. I can't think of anyone else it could be but Igneel."
The two who were destined to meet were about to encounter each other amid the cheers for the "Fire Dragon."
"Ah, Lord Fire Dragon!"
"So handsome..."
"Look over here, Lord Fire Dragon!"
Natsu and Happy cheered with delight and rushed toward the voices. At the same time, Lucy heard two girls passing by talking and remembered someone important. She too immediately ran toward the crowd gathered below.
"Excuse me, coming through! Let me see!"
Lucy finally squeezed her way to the front of the crowd and saw a purple-haired man turning from side to side, showily making eyes at the girls around him. They instantly fell for him, crying out about how handsome he was, completely captivated.
Lucy's eyes filled with hearts, her body grew hot, and her heart pounded wildly. She slowly hopped on one foot toward the man who looked so charming to her.
"Igneel!"
Suddenly, Natsu and Happy charged into the crowd, their faces bright with happy anticipation as they called the Fire Dragon's name. They hadn't expected to see this man and were instantly disappointed. "Who are you?"
"Let's go, Happy. It's not Igneel."
"Aye." Natsu dejectedly led Happy straight out of the crowd without the slightest reluctance.
The purple-haired man had just finished confidently introducing himself when he discovered, stunned and petrified, that the two had already gone far away. "That was fast!"
"Bang! Bang!"
"Stop right there! Who do you think you are, disrespecting Lord Fire Dragon? Get on your knees and apologize! Take my scissor kick!"
A group of girls flying-kicked Natsu to the ground and beat him up, furiously teaching the ungrateful fool a lesson.
The purple-haired man, who called himself "Lord Fire Dragon," pretended to ask the girls to spare Natsu.
By then, Lucy had already come to her senses. Standing to one side with her arms folded, she watched the scene coldly.
The Charm Magic had been broken the moment Natsu charged in, bringing her back to her senses. Then, while the purple-haired man was signing autographs, she noticed the long-banned ring he wore on his hand.
"I'm hungry, so hungry. What was with that guy?"
"Aye! I just don't get it."
After introducing himself, the purple-haired man invited the girls to a party on a yacht and departed amid swirling flames.
Lucy also noticed the boy who was holding his stomach, looking miserable and complaining that he was hungry.
"Thank you! I'm Lucy."
"Huh? I'm Natsu, and this is Happy."
Natsu turned to look at the girl smiling as she greeted him and answered blankly.
"Are you hungry? Let me buy you a meal to thank you!"
Lucy bent down and asked the two somewhat dazed figures before her in a teasing tone, smiling as she reached out to help Natsu up.
Natsu reached out and took her hand. One hand was like white jade, the other somewhat rough and dark-skinned, yet they looked harmonious and beautiful clasped together.
"Come on. There's a restaurant right around that corner. The food's really good."
"Oh, all right!"
"Aye!"
To be continued~