"Don't worry about that guy, just pretend he doesn't exist," Gray said.
"But..." Lucy started to ask again, but Erza shook her head.
Lucy didn't understand. Then, she remembered Everit's words echoing in her mind: "We are in the light, and the Oración Seis dwell in darkness. It's too disadvantageous, so I have to be darker than them."
It clicked for Lucy.
Everit had planned to use his magic to conceal himself from their enemies from the start.
Thinking back, this was his preferred fighting style and aligned perfectly with his use of magic.
From the Eisenwald to Galuna Island, from the Tower of Heaven to the Phantom Lord incident, and recently in Ahhanita Town, they had never been caught off guard by enemies lurking in the shadows.
Because they had Everit, who could hide in the darkest places.
Indeed.
No matter the mission, as long as Everit was with them, Lucy felt safe.
What kind of conspiracies and tricks could trouble them when they had someone as cunning and resourceful as Everit?
"Not here?" Everit's expression briefly darkened, but he quickly returned to his usual playful demeanor without anyone noticing.
Beside a pillar,
Everit leaned casually, adjusted his glasses, and observed the impostor "Ichiya."
Illusory magic.
He could completely disguise himself as someone else, even mimic their magic.
He wondered, could this magic make a copy of himself? Could it deceive others?
Yes, the "Ichiya" before him was a fake.
As for who it was, he wasn't sure.
He couldn't recall much from his previous life—he had been an ordinary person in his teens when he first watched Fairy Tail, and nearly 30 when he time-traveled. Aside from important memories, most of his past had faded.
In any case, since this wasn't the real "Ichiya" and someone was pretending to be him, it was likely an enemy—the real "Ichiya" had been detected by his magic and was currently unconscious in a restroom stall.
Everit used his magic to deceive the impostor, ensuring his movements were unpredictable even to a wary adversary.
The impostor "Ichiya" was indeed cautious.
He had received prior warnings to be wary of someone named "Everit"—a man with terrifying magic. Alone, he could likely overpower any of the six mages of Oración Seis!
Most frighteningly, he possessed exceptional intelligence and tactical prowess. Though reports didn't cover the recent incidents involving Phantom Lord and Ahhanita Town, the dark side naturally kept tabs on new arrivals from the light side.
Compared to the more renowned Titania, Fire Dragon Slayer, and others, these straightforward wizard didn't require much caution—except when dealing with the cunning Everit!
"Hasn't he arrived yet?"
"Or perhaps he has?"
"I've heard he possesses the ability to deceive the senses and manipulate emotions."
"Could he be right in front of me, unseen?"
"Has he already seen through my facade?"
Ichiya felt a growing sense of unease and panic.
Suddenly, Everit appeared. He strolled in from outside, holding a wine gourd. Taking a sip, he casually remarked, "Apologies, I had a bit too much wine. Just stepped out for a moment. Didn't miss anything important, did I?"
"Huh," Ichiya let out a breath of relief, relaxing visibly and resumed his serious demeanor.
"Erusa~" Ichiya called out, rushing towards Erza. "That scent is truly invigorating."
In a rather improper manner, he leaned towards Erza's crimson hair, emitting an odd sound, "Hmm~"
"Stay away from me!" Erza instinctively threw a punch.
Ichiya was struck and sent flying.
Everit stepped aside.
"Smack!"
A hand caught Ichiya, releasing a chilling magic that spread, freezing Ichiya's head solid.
"Lyon!" Gray exclaimed with excitement.
With his white hair and downcast eyes, Lyon—Gray's childhood friend—and his companions had arrived.
Lyon tossed Ichiya aside.
"Men~" Ichiya muttered with a peculiar habit as he was launched once more.
"What are you doing to our big brother!"
"How rude!"
"You, please back off. We don't need you here!"
The Blue Pegasus trio were very displeased with Lyon's behavior. They greatly admired Lyon, but there were certainly some unspoken sentiments among them.
"Huh?" Lyon glanced at them arrogantly.
A red-haired beauty emerged from behind him. She was Lyon's admirer, Sherry.
"There are other guys around, but my eyes are only on Lyon," Sherry declared.
"Oh, by the way." Sherry glanced at Lucy and suddenly launched an attack. The carpet beneath Lucy rose up, causing her to fall on her buttocks. Sherry then proclaimed proudly, "Long time no see. You're still an ugly freak, Lucy."
"You!" Lucy was at a loss for words. Natsu, standing next to her, reached out and helped her up.
Seeing this, Sherry looked at Natsu and remarked, "My Lyon is still so handsome. You have terrible taste."
"What did you say?!" Lucy pulled out a Celestial Spirit Key.
Meanwhile,
Ichiya was still bothering Erza.
"Stop it. I'll get rough if you come any closer!" Erza warned Ichiya helplessly.
"Gray, you've been quite active lately. I wonder how much you've improved," Lyon commented.
"Hmph, anyway, I'm stronger than you," Gray retorted coldly.
"Is that so?" Two icy magical powers began to clash.
"Enough!"
Suddenly, a loud roar echoed from outside the door.
Everit turned around and saw a tall, muscular, bald man standing behind him.
A Tense Atmosphere -
The young and majestic wielder of magic, Jura of the Ten Wizard Saints, stood imposingly.
"Mr. Everit."
"Mr. Jura."
Jura nodded slightly at Everit, who returned the gesture.
They had crossed paths several times before. Jura held great admiration for Everit's prowess, and Everit, in turn, recognized Jura's formidable abilities.
Making way for Jura, who entered with a wand taller than himself, Everit spoke solemnly, "Now is not the time for internal conflicts."
"Yes." Everyone present seemed to trust the young Wizard Saint implicitly.
Jura surveyed the room and remarked, "Now we await representatives from the Cait Shelter and the Elf Guild. I wonder who they will send, strong as they may be."
"But--"
Jura turned to Everit and assured him, "I'm glad to have you here, Mr. Everit. We can count on your support from now on."
"You flatter me," Everit replied with a modest smile.
****
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