Gamer of Magic
Well that was a mix of reactions from last chapter. Some enjoyed a darker Natsu some didn't but what can you do. Welp, I just didn't want a Gary-Sue like Natsu which is kind of hard considering gamer abilities. Anyway I hope everyone is still enjoying the story.
OmniKamiUltraInstinct2020: long indeed
Flygar: I'll give you that but there can always be redemption
BlackDragonShinigami: well that is games for you
Harashien: yeah I got tired of cliché
Efthee: I have my reasons, sorry if you don't like it
erasenpai946: Natsu did indeed do that and he does have some of those beliefs.
Nayrcon: I have indeed hinted at this, maybe too subtle. If you look at Natsu's thoughts and speech, it shows that he knows what is happening as he has had experience. A couple of examples: in the first chapter Natsu was annoyed by the game telling him stuff he already knew, then a couple of chapters ago Natsu is teaching people exactly what they need to know for phantom's attack, Elfman – beast soul and so on. Now you mention it, maybe I was a bit too subtle.
Xerzo LotCN: you'll find some answers in this chapter. For the quest not quite, it said subjugate meaning he doesn't have to kill them. Natsu needs to become alpha male and just make sure they don't challenge him on that but he could kill them if he wanted too.
"Woohhhooo!" Nyoko screamed in enjoyment as Natsu flew her full speed towards the guild. Natsu chuckled to himself as her tongue hanged out like a dog in a car. "Faster, faster".
"We're here" Natsu flipped down before landing on the ground, the pressure blowing away all dirt from the ground.
"Again! We have to do that again" Nyoko smirked, resting comfortably in his arms.
"How is it that you love that, flying a hundred miles per hour but can't handle a little train journey?" Natsu shook his head. "And don't you dare say it's because I'm not a vehicle"
Nyoko huffed "well you are not a vehicle, simple as that". She winked "anyways I have plenty of experience riding you".
"Hehe, no… Nyoko you never want to be on top, you always flip me over if I try so it's pretty much me that has experience riding you" Natsu placed Nyoko down on her feet
"Well that's…" Nyoko nudged him. "I mean you are really good at it" she drooled slightly.
"Don't temp me right now Nyoko" he winked. "Come on, Happy is probably crying his eyes out" Natsu motioned her towards the guild doors while he looked back.
Nyoko perked up and sprinted towards the door, taking a jump. She booted the guild doors open "I'm back!" Nyoko yelled for the whole guild to hear.
"NYOKO!" the guild yelled back as Happy tackled Nyoko. The feline sobbed his sorrys into her chest in a mixture of tears and snot. Nyoko didn't seem to mind as she rubbed his head to comfort him. "Are you okay?", "What happened?", "It's good to have you back, Nyoko". The guild surrounded her making sure everything was fine.
Glancing around, Natsu shuffled his way through the crowd of people, grabbing Makarov's arm on his way. "We need to talk, now" needing no explanation, the Master nodded leading the Gamer towards his office. Looking back at Nyoko, she gave him a grin but Natsu could only give her a solemn smile in return.
"Close the door on your way in" Makarov stated. The man stopped in the middle of the room with his arms crossed. "I know you have a lot to say about the current incident however, I don't intend on allowing Phantom get away with this, I was merely waiting to hear from yourself before I acted rashly". Makarov muttered angrily "as long as assaulting Phantom is concerned, we will get payback ten fold for what they have done…"
"Master" Natsu let himself collapse in one of the chairs. "I have crossed the line today, one that I can't brush under the rug so easily".
"Whatever you have done, you can still make up for it, my boy" Makarov turned to face him.
"Not everything can just be fixed, Master" Natsu sighed. "I'll be honest… you may be the one man here that could ever see redemption in a killer like me".
Makarov hummed sadly, looking down. "Yes, that may appear to be true… Fairy Tail has never condoned killing, even if the council allows the deaths of criminals". He spoke in a low tone "however, I guess it is not the killing you are troubled by, is it? It is the memory seal you placed upon Nyoko, is it not?"
"Yeah… that" Natsu tapped the armrests of the chair.
Makarov sighed heavily "is it really so troublesome my boy? To protect those who you love sometimes, you have to make sacrifices". The old man strolled side to side "does a parent tell a child the serious consequences of life at the beginning or do they sugar coat the facts until they are ready for the truth?".
"Nyoko is hardly a child" Natsu argued, as he sat up serious.
"Age is a relative concept, Nyoko still has her innocence as a child… but I have seen her becoming more mature, like yourself" Makarov smirked. "You are her friend, partner, lover and her role model… all you did was preserve her image of you, her hope and joy. You may be judged harshly but it is in human nature to protect what is close to you, losing something close can bring the worst out in people. To someone like Nyoko, discovering the darkest part of your closest person can be similar to losing them. And then they allow darkness in their own heart".
"So you're saying I should expose Nyoko gently until she is ready to see my true self, to avoid hurting her?" Natsu asked.
"Reality is often disappointing… just don't hide the truth forever, or you will hurt her" Makarov moved over to the Gamer, giving him a pat of reassurance. "Is there anything else troubling you, my boy, you don't look satisfied?"
"Actually, Gramps… there is something I need advice on… something that needs full discretion" Natsu fiddled with his thumbs.
Makarov nodded "you have my word, that nothing will exit this room".
"I've been living a lie… all this time Master" Natsu took a sharp breath. "I am Natsu Dragneel, son of Igneel the Fire Dragon King, brother of Zeref Dragneel, and the Etherious Demon E.N.D" Makarov sat silently, accessing his words. "I suppose I should start at the beginning… I lived several lives before this one. My first life was kind of similar to Nyoko's life, I searched for Igneel, I fought Gray and Erza daily, I adopted the exceed named Happy. My life was normal… well at least for a Fairy Tail mage". Natsu strained out a chuckle "It was a good but painful life, all that mattered was that everyone had fun on our adventures but it happened one day, at the end of my twenties. I searched around my brother's old lab, not really knowing what was there, I never really wanted to go there I just… it felt necessary as his brother, to remove his dark belongings away. Then I saw it, a plain cube with a screen asking to start the game and I did".
"If I may ask how does playing a game involve what is troubling you?" Makarov spoke calmly, calmer than he probably should have been.
"Well that's the interesting part, my life became… a game as it were" Natsu paused as Makarov gave him a look. "Alright, I get it, doesn't sound too bad if your life becomes a game but tell me… when you are playing a game and your character dies, what happens?"
"You… return to your last save point, correct?" Makarov hummed.
"Exactly, it sounds cool going back to your old checkpoint to try again… however, I don't have save points" Natsu seethed. "I go right back to the beginning of the game" he shrugged. "Not bad right, I fail at life and want to try something different, just restart… but, I don't get to live the way I want… stray too far from the main story, the game warns you to go back, failure to do so… death". Natsu put a hand to his face "so I play, and play, and play… but then I want the game to end, how do I do that? I have to beat the game, so I try, and try, and try… but I always fail". He gritted his teeth in frustration "Gramps… I have been playing this game for years, this is my 6583th try to beat this game". Tears formed in his eyes "I, for years, have just wanted this game to end… my original life, my original friends, my original lover… my only child is gone, forever". Makarov silently used his magic to stretch his arm around Natsu's shoulders. "I told you before I was E.N.D, the brother of Zeref and son of Igneel… but I'm not sure how much of that is true anymore. I will say I do feel a connection to Nyoko, when she's angry, I'm angry… she's stressed, I'm stressed". Natsu shook his head "Gramps, in all my many failed lives, I have never met Nyoko Dragneel… by all means and purposes, she is… my past self, she is…"
A knock on the door halted Natsu. As he composed himself, Makarov opened the door slowly "yes?"
Mira stood at the doorway, struggling to keep her smile. "We are ready to begin our attack on Phantom, we only need for you to tell us when we strike". She waved slightly "hi Natsu".
"Sup Mira" Natsu clicked his tongue, looking completely casual.
"That's good… just give me a moment, there is still something I have to discuss with Natsu here" Makarov motioned towards the Gamer.
"Not necessary, Gramps" Natsu slapped his hands down as he stood up. "I think we are done for now… in my experience, sometimes it is better to act with a bit of haste" he walked towards the door. "We can continue this discussion after this Phantom mess…"
"Of course, Natsu… when this is all done" Makarov nodded. "Mira, please tell everyone… we are leaving now". Mira left in response, hurrying down the stairs. Makarov left to follow her but Natsu gripped his shoulder "is there something wrong?"
"I told you I have experienced this before… all I will say is don't go up to Jose's room by yourself" Natsu reached into his inventory. He pulled a slab of steel, holding it out in his palm "I was planning on using this for a sword but this will have to do". Natsu tossed it in to the air "Arc of Power: Golem Creation". He turned to Makarov "I know what Jose plans to do, but I have created this hardened steel golem in case".
"And I will be here to protect the guild and warn the original if anything changes" the golem continued, transforming into the mirror image of Natsu.
"Natsu… don't be too reckless" Makarov stated.
"Please Gramps…" Natsu moved towards the window. "What kind of Fairy Tail Mage would I be, if I wasn't reckless?" he clicked the window open and stepped out.
…
"Drip, drip, drop" Juvia repeated over and over again, like a broken record.
"You really need to learn to stop all this rain, Juvia" Totomaru swiped his hair to the side. "It really messes up my hair, it gets all fuzzy" he complained.
"Drip, drip, drop" Juvia ignored him.
"Hey, I'm serious" Totomaru yelled as Juvia stopped, her whole body frozen on the spot. "Come on, I didn't yell that loud". A loud fake cough gained his attention, and Totomaru's face faulted.
"Hello, my sweeties… did you want to play again?" Natsu mocked, the cold water from the rain, evaporating against Natsu's skin. "Don't worry, I'll play" Natsu rolled his shoulder, cracking it back in place. Totomaru trembled, taking a step back in fear of last time. Juvia also trembled but not in fear, as her cheeks turned red.
("Hello, my sweetest Juvia" Natsu whispered into her ear, his arms around her waist to hold her close. "Do you want to play again?" he nibbled on Juvia's ear. "Because I can't hold back anymore" Natsu slid his hands up her clothes, fiddling around her body.)
Juvia's jaw dropped, steam rising from her head in lewd thoughts. "Juvia… is not ready for such… things".
Ping
Juvia +500 Rep
'Huh?' Natsu blinked at the notification. 'What did I even do? I wonder what would've happened, if I actually tried?' he rolled his eyes. 'Gamer Vision' Natsu glanced at the two in front of his and looked around. 'Oh, they have gotten stronger too, Juvia is level 91 and Totomaru is level 82… nearly 20 levels than last time' Natsu squinted his eyes. 'Shit…' he grumbled noticing the figure in the distance.
Ping
Mandatory Questline: Phantom vs Fairies
Objective: Defeat Jose and the remainder of the Element 4
Optional Objective: Kill Jose
Rewards:
+13,750,000 Exp
+6,000,000 Jewels
+5% to all elemental damage
Optional Rewards:
+7,500,000 Exp
+20,000,000 Jewels
?
'It's not like Jose contributes anything after Phantom anyway' Natsu leaped to the side as a large earth spike appeared where he was standing.
"Non, non, non" Sol emerged from the ground behind Natsu. The earth man dived forward as Natsu entered his Volcanic Dragon Mode. "Argh, such heat on Monsieur Natsu" Sol stepped backwards holding out his seething hands and wrists, as they were red from being burned.
Natsu raised an eyebrow 'but I haven't attacked yet… unless… no it couldn't be, my body is burning hot in this form? But I held Nyoko in this form and she was fine'. He took in a deep breath, he turned round to face Sol. "Volcanic Dragon – Roar" the Phantom mage quickly sunk into the ground to avoid the attack. 'Wait a second… I'm an idiot, of course a girl that eats fire couldn't be burned' Natsu ducked as a sword sailed past his head. "Arc of Power: Absolute Force" Natsu didn't look as he kicked Totomaru in the ribs, the force sending him sliding back against the ground. 'These three aren't really a problem for me, even if they are stronger than last time… I am still 20-30 levels higher than them and I'm used to fighting people up to 40 levels higher than me'.
"Water Slicer" Juvia swung her arm, as the blades of water headed toward him.
"Volcanic Dragon – Hard Fist" Natsu smacked the water with his hand. However, as soon as they hit, the water evaporated into steam as sprayed in his face. "What?" Natsu swiped his hand to quickly remove the steam but Juvia was already right in front of him.
"Water Nebula" Juvia put her hands together as a large force of water smacked Natsu dead in the chest. Having been swept off his feet, Natsu rolled backwards, landing on his feet.
-130 HP
"Crimson Fire" Totomaru threw a large fireball in Natsu's direction.
"Rumble Shot" rocks floated around Sol before blasting towards Natsu.
'They are coordinated… everything is planned… is that why Jose himself is not fighting? Or does he think I cannot see him hiding on top of that building over there' Natsu raised a hand towards the fireball, the other towards the rocks. "Mimic Magic: Water Nebula, Mimic Magic: Arc of Time – Crumble".
-480MP
The water shot through the fireball, striking Totomaru in the face. While the rocks turned to dust, the ground Sol stood on broke with age, making the man fall on his face. 'Oh this is a better fight than before, and there was five of them before'. Natsu flipped backwards to avoid a spray of boiling water. "Alright, alright… play times over" he tapped his foot on the ground. Natsu raised his hand to towards them "Telekinesis – Attraction". In a quick motion, Totomaru's sword shot out of it's sheath, and went straight into Natsu's hand. "Nice Sword" Natsu raised it up and hurled it towards juvia. Before she could even react the sword struck right through her head. Natsu gave a subtle sigh in relief, as Juvia's water body activated, saving her life but also blinding her for the moment.
"Juvia!" Totomaru yelled in shock.
"It's not her you have to worry about" Natsu stated. Totomaru had enough time to see Natsu, already in front of him. The Gamer grabbed his collar tightly "Volcanic Dragon – Talon". Natsu kneed the fire mage in the gut before punching him repeatedly with a lava coated fist. "Arc of Power: Unrelenting Force" with one more punch, Natsu sent the man flying back, through the ground.
"RRaghhuuh" Totomaru gritted his teeth. "Sol! Get him..! Sol..?"
"I told you, not to worry about it" Natsu looked over in Sol's direction. The man in question was been held in a headlock. "Golems are really useful, I can be in two places at once". Sol squirmed, his face turning red with the pressure of losing oxygen as the golem continued to apply pressure.
"Water Lock" Natsu squinted his eyes in annoyance as water surrounded him.
'It will take more than this… to…' Natsu flinched as his body felt a sting of pain.
-1,217HP
'What the fuck' he stared at his hand as the skin began to flake off. 'Shit, Arc of Power: Unparalleled Force' Natsu clenched his fist, as an orange pulse emanated from his body, exploding the water away from him. 'What was that? Juvia's water lock, has never done any damage, it only suffocates a person'.
"Juvia sees your confusion" Juvia held her hand towards him. "Juvia knows you use Volcanic magic and, as a Dragon Slayer you are immune to all volcanic attacks… water is not volcanic however, when mixed with volcanic activity, Juvia's water will turn to acid". Juvia sighed sadly "Juvia is sorry, Juvia is still a Phantom mage so she must take you down, Water Slicer".
Natsu jumped back avoiding the water. 'Water to acid, and my body is like a human volcano right now' he closed his eyes deactivating his Volcanic Dragon Mode. 'Some things are better old school, I guess' Natsu opened his eyes, his body sparking lightning. "Ether Arrows, Ether Spears, Ether Ballista" hundreds of pointed magic bolts suddenly appeared above Natsu. He grinned as all the bolts became charged with lightning. "Give up, Juvia… we don't have to fight on this lovely day".
Juvia blushed again. "Juvia is… she is sorry because she has to beat you" Natsu sighed, clicking his fingers for the lightning bolts to rain down. Juvia clapped her hands together as she made a large wave of water to go in front of her and protect her. However, the water failed to hold any ballista bolts back, along with a few spears.
"Sorry Juvia, but I'm going to take you down now, just stay down" Natsu sparked wildly. Juvia paused, her face turning beet red due to her mishearing said words. "Arc of Power: Mimic Magic: Raging Bolt".
"Eh?" Juvia snapped out of her trance at the last second to notice the train sized lightning bolt hit her dead on.
-4,163MP
'Holy Fuck…' Natsu blinked at his own destruction. The lightning bolt had carried Juvia well over 100 meters until she hit a wall. The ground was completely uprooted and Juvia herself looked to have minor burns, her clothes were also partially destroyed, covering her important parts mainly. 'I know Lexi's magic is strong, but enhancing it is crazy… too bad it costs way too much MP to be used effectively'.
Natsu paused, as the sound of clapping reached his ears. "Well done, Natsu Dragneel… the Armada, well done indeed" he turned to see the owner of the raspy voice.
"Finally finished watching the show Jose? Couldn't help but notice, you were sitting all comfy up there all by yourself" Natsu smirked.
"Oh come now, it would hardly be fair if I, one of the ten wizard saints, fought against you" Jose smugly grinned. "And I am not the type of man that would attack an injured man" Natsu dead panned. "Well not without reason, I can assure you".
"Let me guess, because I disposed of Gajeel" Natsu shrugged. "Or perhaps… I'm in the way of you getting to someone else… something worth quite a bit?"
Jose's grin increased, almost freakishly so. "I knew you were smarter than the rest when Gajeel first came crawling back to the guild with a sword piercing his body" Jose re-quipped a stained sword, then tossed it at Natsu's feet. "I could use someone smart, strong… powerful! in my guild, that can envision something greater" Jose cackled with glee. "Would you join me with this vision? To create the most powerful, the wealthiest Guild in all Fiore?"
"Nah… I am plenty wealthy and as you can see" Natsu motioned to the fallen three out of four Element 4. "I am pretty powerful, not really much you can offer me… but what really sold me is how you said you would use me" he mocked the guild master.
"Hmhmhm" Jose chuckled under his breath. "Boy, if you think you can just deny my offer and damage my property" he motioned to the Element 4. Jose clenched his eyes shut "then I'll just have to kill you!". The guild master opened his eyes sharply, the usual brown had become full dark and empty.
Ping
Boss Battle:
Phantom Lord's Jose Porla (Level 140)
"Alright then… let's make this painful" Natsu slammed his fist into his palm, creating an echoed boom.
Chapter end