Chapter 11: You're a mistake in this world
I found myself engulfed in complete darkness, but suddenly torches flickered to life, casting an eerie glow across the temple's walls. Intricate drawings of angelic wings adorned the obsidian surfaces, reminiscent of those etched onto my katana. The ambiance felt akin to a sacred shrine, complete with a magnificent statue of a woman with golden wings, radiating beauty and grace. As I gazed upon her, a strange sense of connection washed over me.
"Is someone there?" I called out into the depths of the temple.
Suddenly, the statue began to glow with blinding intensity, forcing me to shield my eyes. When the brilliance subsided, I blinked and found the statue had vanished.
"I could have sworn it was here just a moment ago."
A noise startled me, and I whirled around to see the most breathtaking woman I'd ever seen. Her long, snow-white hair, streaked with golden strands, framed her face, and her enchanting golden eyes held an otherworldly allure. But it was her magnificent golden wings that truly captivated me.
"I see you are the chosen one."
"What are you talking about? I'm no chosen one."
"It appears no one has informed you, and besides, the katana you wield belongs to me."
"Huh? I found it in a cave. I didn't mean any offense," I stammered, bewildered.
"I see you're unaware of what's happening. There's no time to explain now. You must undergo the test to determine if you're worthy of inheriting my powers."
"What test? I'm not prepared for this," I protested.
"Too late, dear. The test begins now."
With that, she vanished, and the torches extinguished, plunging me into darkness once more. After a brief moment, the light returned, revealing my past self standing before me.
"How can this be? That's... me. But from before I transmigrated," I realized in astonishment.
My past self launched a ball of light towards me, narrowly avoiding its impact. The ball collided with the wall, obliterating it effortlessly.
"She can use magic? And I can't," I realized, attempting to summon my own magic to no avail. My past self seized the opportunity, sending an arrow of light hurtling towards me. I managed to dodge, but not without a graze to my arm.
"This won't be easy, especially without my magic," I muttered, feeling overwhelmed.
"You believe you can simply win and make friends here. But have you forgotten your struggles before you arrived? You were weak, friendless, and easily trampled upon."
"But I'm not that person anymore. I've changed," I protested.
"That's what you think. Your only friends are Gadjeel and Jubia. But are you certain they see you as such? They'll abandon you once they surpass you in strength, leaving you alone once more."
"No, that can't be true. They'd never abandon me," I denied vehemently.
"You're a mistake in this world. Even if you perish or they forsake you, it won't alter Fairy Tail's destiny."
Perhaps she's right. What am I doing here? I'm worthless. And she's not wrong about Gadjeel and Jubia. Will they abandon me?
"You see? Abandon all hope. You're doomed to fail."
Suddenly, a memory flashed before my eyes. I recalled a mission where I, Gadjeel, and Jubia faced a formidable enemy. Despite my exhaustion, I insisted on protecting them.
"You two go on. I'll hold them off," I'd said, mustering my last ounce of strength.
"We'll never leave you, Jade. We're friends and guildmates. Remember that," Gadjeel had asserted, determination in his eyes.
"Absolutely, we won't abandon you," Jubia had echoed.
"Next time you say that, I'll wring your neck," Gadjeel had added, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
"I'm glad to have friends like you," I'd admitted, feeling grateful.
End of flashback.
"I won't surrender without a fight. I can't let them down. I still need to join a guild, and this time, I'll choose," I declared, finding renewed resolve.
"It seems you've made the wrong choice."
My past self moved to strike, but I countered by embracing her. Surprisingly, she began to calm down.
"I know it's my fault you're like this. Before, I never sought friendship, but I've changed. I have friends now, and they protect me. I'll have more friends in the future," I reassured her.
"But you're not from this world. You have no place in Fairy Tail."
"You're right, but I know my friends won't betray me. And even if they do, I'm strong enough to stand on my own. Don't worry about me," I assured her.
Tears welled up in my past self's eyes before she broke the embrace and offered me a smile. Then, she faded away, and the woman reappeared.
"As I suspected, you've passed the test with flying colors. You are the chosen one."
"That was all a test? I thought it was real," I admitted, bewildered.
"No, it was a simulation, which you've successfully completed. Now, you're ready to inherit my powers."
"What are you talking about?"
"Brace yourself. This will be agonizing."
Before I could react, searing pain engulfed me, and I blacked out.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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stone