章節 6: Chapter 6: Kira's Invitation to Form a Team

Karna Island, also known as Devil's Island, is a remote place inhabited by demons who have survived since ancient times. Though numerous, these demons are weak. They possess no magical abilities, no exceptional strength, and lack wisdom. Their technological advancement is equally primitive. Their sole ability is their transformation into human form.

Because of their insignificance, the Council of Magic Law has largely ignored them, leaving them to reproduce quietly on these small offshore islands.

Devil's Island serves as a minor chapter in the original storyline. Gray's senior, Lyon, transports the demon Deliora, whom their master Ur sealed, to Karna Island in an attempt to prove himself superior to her. Using the "Moon Drip," Lyon aims to lift Deliora's seal and defeat him.

However, the Moon Drip's magic circle creates a purple magic barrier over Karna Island. This barrier affects the memories of the islanders, leading them to believe they've been cursed and transformed into demons under the influence of the Purple Moon. Consequently, they request the Magic Guild's help in breaking this supposed curse.

What intrigued Kira most about this task was the "Moon Drip." This legendary magic, said to harness the power of moonlight to dissolve other forms of magic, captured his curiosity.

As for everything else? Well, this was Devil's Island—a place teeming with demonic remnants. Kira figured he could collect some valuable materials, perhaps enough to craft exceptional magic equipment.

Kira usually picked straightforward tasks involving monster extermination. Such missions didn't require much thought and allowed him to gather resources for his crafting. But this time, he wanted to try something new.

In the original story, the golden Celestial Spirit key from this mission ends up in Lucy's possession. A key that powerful, with its connection to the stars, was destined for someone like her.

Still, Kira couldn't help but imagine the scenario: Lucy coming to him, begging to buy the key. The thought made him chuckle mischievously.

"Ahem, focus," Kira muttered to himself. "If I get the golden key, I can set any price I want. What's better than foresight? Oh, the joys of knowing the future."

Truly, the thrill of foresight wasn't just in cheating the system—it was in doing so repeatedly.

As the saying goes: Cheating feels great for a moment, but consistent cheating? That's just perfection.

Shaking off his musings, Kira grabbed the mission sheet and headed downstairs to the guild's registration desk. Slapping the paper onto the counter, he called out with barely contained excitement, "Mira! Mira! I, Kira, have decided to take on this mission. Please register it for me!"

Sometimes, Kira found it peculiar that in such a large guild, Mira handled everything. Task registrations, orientation for new members, and even waitressing—all these roles fell under her responsibilities.

Perhaps that's why Mira didn't take on many missions. She seemed to manage just fine without the extra income, too. Being an S-class wizard in the past probably meant she'd saved up a small fortune. Between her wealth, beauty, and nurturing personality, Mira seemed like the perfect character. It was no wonder fans adored her as the heroine.

Still, Kira wasn't tempted.

"You're not as strong as me, not as smart as me, and definitely not as popular as me. You probably don't even have more savings than I do," Kira thought smugly. "Did you think you could win me over with your looks? Please. Who am I? I'm Kira!"

Unbeknownst to him, other guild members quietly handled various tasks, but to Kira, they were mere background characters.

"It's rare for you to take on a mission," Mira remarked, glancing at the sheet he handed over. "Is it the reward that caught your eye?"

Everyone in the guild knew Kira ran a magic shop. A treasure like the golden Celestial Spirit key was enticing enough to motivate even him.

Kira nodded. "That's part of it. Plus, islands inhabited by demons are hard to come by. I might find some rare materials."

Mira frowned slightly. "Are you planning to go alone? This mission doesn't seem easy."

Kira puffed out his chest. "Don't worry, I'm very strong!"

Still, Mira's concern lingered in his mind. Perhaps he could recruit a few "helpers." After all, the mission might involve running into Lyon, Ultear, or even other formidable opponents.

Bringing Gray along seemed like a good idea. Not only would it help Gray confront his past, but it might also provide a chance for him to reconcile old grievances.

"I'm such an angel," Kira thought with a satisfied sigh. "I help people without expecting anything in return. Truly, where would they find a companion as reliable as me?"

Determined, Kira strode to the loudest table in the guild.

Bang!

He slammed the mission sheet onto the table and raised three fingers. "Listen up! I'm taking on an S-level mission. Anyone interested in joining me? I've got room for three, but fair warning—you'll each get only 1% of the reward."

"Huh? One percent? Who'd agree to that?"

"Wait. Did he say S-level?"

"An S-level mission? Really?"

"If it's S-level, even 1% is worth it, right?"

"Well, it's rare for Kira to accept a mission."

"Isn't that against guild rules?"

"Relax," Kira waved off their concerns. "The Master always says rules are meant to be bent! If anyone asks, just say I'm officially taking the mission and you're tagging along for the ride."

"…Genius," someone muttered.

Curiosity piqued, several guild members leaned in to examine the mission details. The first thing that caught their eye was the reward.

"Wait—7 million J?!"

"That's the reward for an S-level mission?"

"So 1% is 70,000 J. That's not bad for one mission."

Several half-drunk wizards immediately sobered up, their interest ignited. Across the room, Gray glanced at the second floor, his determination solidifying.

Gray had never realized how vast the disparity was between S-class missions and his own. He clenched his fists, a fierce resolve building within him.

"I absolutely must become an S-class wizard before Natsu. And then, I'll make sure to rub it in his face!"

The thought of an S-class mission reward being nearly a hundred times what he usually earned was tantalizing. Even if it was just 1%, 70,000 J was a solid payout. Normally, Gray's missions paid about the same amount, but he often had to use a portion of it to cover damages.

"This is doable," Gray thought, the glint of ambition lighting up his eyes.