One Piece Live Action has a fairly good cast, though Sanji's actor was a weird choice.
I'm cautiously optimistic given the director is constantly on One Piece talk shows (His favorite character is Law!).
Also, it's my birthday today! (Weirdly enough the same as Sanji's)
March 2!
Huzzah!
Here's a birthday chapter!
I do not own 'Fairy Tail' or 'The Gamer'
The air shifted moderately as I lazily twisted around a claw attack without much issue, letting the assailant crash into the nearby trees.
My eyes casually examined the creature, seeing it roar in irritation at being unable to strike its prey.
Weretiger, Lvl 37
"So you're the last of them…" I locked my eyes onto it, maintaining a relaxed composure, and used the revamped [Observe] skill.
oooo
Weretiger - Lvl 37
Race: Weretiger
Age: 25
HP: 47%
STR: 121 (B)
VIT: 684 (B)
DEX: 992 (B-)
INT: 243 (E-)
WIS: 798 (E-)
CHA: 533 (F+)
The Weretiger has been living with its siblings in the forest near Nōjō Village, feasting on the local farm animals for some time.
It's angry at you killing its brethren and wishes to end your pitiful existence.
Reputation: Despised
Personal Threat Level: Very Low
General Threat Level: B-
oooo
The skill altered significantly with the update, and frankly, it's more fitting this way.
Previously, I had a complicated version and that took some time to peruse through, often in combat. Nowadays, it's much more manageable, and the system worked astoundingly.
For instance, when determining stats, the system goes through a letter-based format.
F- — SSSS+
With Earthland's incessant usage of letter-based things, this was particularly valuable for scaling purposes.
I discovered that it utilized a 1-999 measuring approach, and when they reached 1000 or dropped below 1, the letter changed accordingly.
HP, or health pool, had been converted into percentages rather than the excessive numbers that I had to keep track of. MP was also similar in that regard, though this beast didn't have a container so it wasn't shown.
General Threat Level was scaled exactly like stats. This involved the world's view of them rather than what they were to me, which was why the Personal Threat Level for the Weretiger was very low.
The 'levels' for skills, in particular, were still there, though now they are subcategories under a tier system instead. When a skill eclipses 100, it automatically goes up and caps on T5 — some of them can cap well below that though.
Moving up a tier also improves the power of the skill considerably. How much exactly, I wouldn't know.
Discovering about all this was frankly overwhelming. I'll become thoroughly accustomed to it in time, as I've constantly done with unexplored things.
What I realized about the changes wasn't the modifications nor the recent additions, but the moment and period it transpired.
I gained the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist when the absence of hand-to-hand combat skill was a concern.
Zenitsu's blade was through a desire to bolster my [Lightning Magic].
The [Ring Of Sealing] would greatly improve my odds of prevailing in lengthy battles, something the battle against Abaddon exhibited that I lacked in.
It was getting more apparent as time went on.
"The game was adapting to me…"
I snapped myself out of those thoughts, as the injured beast surged forward, content on renewing its efforts to clamp its teeth on me. I permitted the Weretiger to attack and bite my arm, then promptly hurled it away.
- 118 MP!
- 61 HP!
oooo
Skill Level Up!
Magic Shield T0 12 → 13
oooo
It barely even connected with skin.
Granted, this could be because the beast is exhausted, but I doubted even disregarding the handicap, it would have made much of a difference.
Without missing a beat, I flickered above the tiger as it leaped in slow motion trying to push itself towards me, and bashed my right foot against its head, killing it instantly.
+215 XP!
"Well…that was anticlimactic," I mumbled, though I knew the Weretiger didn't stand much of a chance. "I should get back to the village and inform them of my success."
Whenever I killed or defeated a creature/opponent before the update, its experience was counted towards the overarching quest. Now, I see it immediately.
It's reverted back to what it was during Rosemary.
How…odd.
The quest itself was a mid A-Rank quest as I've generally taken these types to develop, going solo S-Class quests had been my objective for some time.
Gildarts had admitted to me that I was quite ready for them, but he understood my desire for caution.
You can never be too meticulous when Earthland shenanigans are at play.
oooo
You are receiving a call from your lacrima!
Caller: Makarov Dreyar
Do you wish to answer?
Y/N
oooo
A smile slowly pushed its way onto my face as the buzzing sound continued.
I've consistently had to remove the lacrima from my Inventory when responding to a call. Thankfully, it's modified a few things concerning accessibility. Something I was grateful for, even if I did have some lingering grievances with how it previously functioned.
Not wanting to hang up on the guild master, I answered by projecting my thoughts into the lacrima.
"Danny, are you there?"
"Yes master, I'm here."
"When will you be finished with your quest?" He asked, the lacrima radiating at the tone of his voice.
"I just got done, I'm heading back to the village for the report," I replied, though I was curious about what he wanted. "Is something wrong?"
"The S-Class trials are starting in a few months and I want the instructors to be here soon for a meeting." The Wizard Saint explained.
Having the people be there slightly earlier than normal would allow them to get a lay of the land and place traps if necessary. Dark mages possess all the time in the world for their schemes, and those accepting quests oftentimes have a vague idea of what's transpiring.
However, I had some apprehensions.
"You want me to be a part of this?" I said, evidently disagreeing with him. "I'm new to being an 'S-Class mage', I've only taken one before and it was a disaster."
"I'm certain, you're more than qualified for this." He reassured, his gentle voice emanating through the lacrima with each word. "Even if you don't believe so, I think you'll do fine."
Master Makarov's words were absolute, and while he's far more easygoing compared to his peers, that did not exempt him from maintaining authority.
"If you say so…" I relented, even if I disagreed with him.
"As I've said, don't underestimate yourself. I'll see you later." He hung up, causing the lacrima's glowing light to fade in my Inventory.
I opted to leave the corpse of the creature on the ground, inclined on allowing nature to run its course.
With a heavy sigh, I marched back to the village.
Standing adjacent to the bathroom mirror, I adjusted the necklace underneath the maroon-colored hoodless sweatshirt.
The pants I wore were black jeans, maintained by a tanned belt that rested seamlessly around the waist, and black shoes that had some white undertones. My brown hair had grown particularly these past few months, currently reaching to approximately the shoulders in length. This wasn't much of a problem though, as I pulled and wrapped it neatly in a bun.
A relatively unpretentious outfit for what's to come.
"Interesting choice of attire, Danny."
"I didn't want to go over the top, just something simple will suffice." I glanced to my left, making eye contact with the person at the doorway. "Knowing you, you'd probably make me wear something way too much, Erza."
"Fair point." The requip mage crossed her arms and admitted to my statement. "If you were anybody else...well…let's just say I wouldn't be so…kind."
'I'm the big sister and I'll protect her like a mother hen' was what I got out of her. Regardless, Erza was too stoic for anything like that to come out of her mouth.
She was akin to an overprotective mom.
"I'm sure you wouldn't be." I sighed in response. "Still don't get why you and Lisanna are making such a big fuss about this."
Truthfully, I knew the reason.
At first, Kagura adored the idea of me, an individual who didn't back down in the face of danger. From her perspective, it's like valuing the image of someone, not the person. Yet, as time went on and she matured through her experiences, there was a shift in the way she felt…until she confronted me herself.
'You know, I've always admired how you acted. How you're always calm and rarely afraid. Even when you are scared, it's only for a few moments before it's gone. But now I really…I really think that you're rejecting yourself.'
My lips curled downwards.
I wasn't stupid or clueless about the topic. There were so many different things going on in my life, it was honestly getting ridiculous. Concentrating on somebody else when I didn't even know what I wanted would be detrimental. I'm already worried enough as it stands, and if Kagura discovered my situation, I'd be in for quite the conversation. She'd want me to focus on myself — first and foremost.
Her reputation is a ?, if I remember correctly.
What did Kagura see in me now?
Is it still the same as before or something completely different?
"Erza," I muttered, which she perked up.
"Yes, Danny?"
"Just what exactly does Kagura think of me?" I questioned, staring directly at the red-haired girl.
Erza didn't answer immediately, gently alleviating her sharp gaze for a moment. Still, she spoke afterward.
"I think it's best if she tells you herself," Erza said with a knowing grin. "Hearing the thing you eagerly want to know from that very person…is worth one hundred times more than anyone else."
I wavered in my reply, rather unnerved.
It wasn't wrong though, I'll have to ask her myself.
"You know, it feels like I'm always getting lectured." First Kagura, then Gildarts, and now Erza. There's clearly a pattern going on here.
"We've known each other for more than half a decade." She chuckled, rather amused at the comment. Her gaze then alleviated greatly, gaining a much more thoughtful appearance. "I don't know everything, and I'm sure Kagura feels the same…but we just wanted to give our perspective of things, that's all."
That had yielded a confused look from me.
Was I that easy to read?
No, I've interacted with the Mikazuchi sisters for so long, they likely have an adequate view of how I function. Gildarts did too though. Then again, he's a veteran S-Class mage.
"Well, I'll take your guidance into consideration, oh great Master Erza." I gave her a sarcastic bow.
Anticipating a glare or something along those lines, I glanced up…only to be slightly baffled at the wide smile.
"You're different, Danny." She noted. A hand rested under her chin, whilst dark brown eyes peered into my yellow. "Very different."
"How so?"
"You're more…expressive." Erza's smile deepened as she continued. "Less robot-like, if that makes any sense."
My shoulders slumped.
Ever since I'd forbidden myself from employing [Gamer's Mind] during normal activities, it wasn't difficult to discern that I became more vibrant with how I've proceeded about things. Whether it was a straightforward conversation or simply going about the everyday business, distinctions from my previous behavior were getting more noticeable as time went on.
In hindsight, I understood her point.
Still, could've been a little less blunt about it, but she wouldn't be Erza if she didn't.
"Kagura's the reason for that." I disclosed, which the requip mage raised an eyebrow to. "I won't reveal how, but she is."
"Is that so?" Erza smirked deviously and inclined her body against the door, suggesting horrific things were going to transpire in the future. "Interesting~"
You know, I could've kept my mouth shut.
Now I feel terrible for the girl. Who knows what sinister things her sister can come up with.
Before I could contemplate any further, a ringing sound from Erza's lacrima grabbed my attention.
"That's Lisanna, which means your cue to leave." She said, turning the magical item off. "I would say something intimidating at this point, if you were somebody else that is, but we've known each other for years. You wouldn't do anything to hurt my sister, even if I didn't tell you."
"I'm frankly shocked that you'd consider me doing something like that!" I clenched my chest, emphasizing how 'psychologically wounded' I was. "How cruel, Erza!"
"Just…just go already." The requip mage sighed, rolling her eyes at my exaggerated retort.
I adjusted my attire, before abiding by the plea.
Kagura was waiting, and I wasn't going to leave her hanging.
The breeze was much more frigid towards the evening, especially when we're this deep into autumn.
My breathing was perceivable in the atmosphere, producing a smoke-like substance that wandered before it's inevitably consumed by the air.
The inhabitants of Magnolia were moving about the day as they'd been accustomed to, and one of the most powerful guilds at their beck — life was manageable.
"It's always more lively around this time during the year," I remarked, glimpsing throughout the town square peculiarly.
"The discounts happen largely nowadays because it's a seasonal thing," Kagura stated, walking alongside me. "I would know, sis drags me everywhere for this stuff."
"That sounds like something she'd do." Truly, Erza was the queen of bargaining.
I diverted some of my attention to the purple-haired girl, regarding the attire.
She donned a grayish long-sleeved shirt fitted with a dark blue skirt that reached up to the knees. Kagura's hair was secured into a ponytail, and her signature white ribbon held it in place.
Overall, an uncomplicated and fine selection of clothing. Not over-the-top like I was anticipating they might make her sport.
"I'm glad to see that you weren't forced into wearing anything," I expressed.
"Heh, Lisanna didn't stop trying to make me throw on clothes." She rubbed the back of her head, somewhat embarrassed. "It was getting a tad bit…how do I say this?"
"Excessive?"
"Yeah, that's the word." The gravity mage said, snickered at the thought.
Honestly, people loved getting unreasonable about trivial things.
On that matter, I reached out with my [Sensory Magic] and [Listening] skill, attempting to catch anyone following us. Yet, I felt no one was recognizable. It's either they've cloaked themselves somehow — which I highly doubt — or they're leaving us alone.
Well, good riddance.
I've been planning on this for some time, but due to our schedules, it's only happened now.
Anyhow, it didn't take us long to arrive at the scheduled destination.
The building was fairly large, containing a single-story that can accommodate numerous people. Within, the clear marble floor met our feet as we entered inside. Many individuals were wandering throughout the facility, evidently enjoying their stay. Down below, a frozen body of water created by magic — I assume that's what created it — where somebody can ice skate as they please.
"Oh?" Kagura was the first to speak up, her eyes scanning around. "Is this why you bought me the—"
"—Ice skates? Yup." I proclaimed with a diminutive smile. "Come on, I've already reserved our place beforehand."
She nodded, letting me lead the way.
After checking in for my reservation and changing our shoes — which is basically for her [Requip] and me to peruse the Inventory — we headed down to the rink.
Ice skating wasn't all that hard to learn, considering the DEX stats contribution. It didn't take exceedingly long for me to get it down, ignoring the fact that I'd been here plenty of times before our little meet-up. While acquiring skills for these sorts of things wasn't feasible, my ability to not crash onto the ice floor had been simple enough.
I proceeded to slide about gracefully in tempo with the music resonating from the lacrimas scattered around the enormous room, discerning how dense the ice was via the blades underneath.
"Danny!" A shout captured my attention, noticing Kagura clinging to the edges of the rink. "Help me, dammit!"
My lips twitched upwards, watching the gravity mage trying not to lose her footing. Still, I hastily moved to assist.
"Sorry about that, I kinda got caught up in my own stuff."
"It's fine. Can you just…umm." Kagura's face had reddened, but I understood what she was attempting to communicate.
Without being too harsh, I gently removed her hands away from the rim, keeping us stable as she tried to not fall.
"You're doing great," I voiced in encouragement, though Kagura's head lingered downwards, presumably still embarrassed about the situation. "Just concentrate on balancing yourself for now."
We slowly coasted around the perimeter, allowing her to mimic my footwork.
She was doing remarkably well, all things considered.
"How do you know about this place anyway?" Kagura asked, noting how skillfully I was moving about.
"Gray comes here to fix up the rink every once in a while. His magic is really handy for it." Oftentimes, mages with a particular set of skills are requested mainly because the situation deems them necessary.
"Oh, so he told you about it?"
"Yup!" I nodded. "I came here afterward for some practice."
Whilst skills for mundane things were unobtainable, my capacity to learn at a ludicrous pace was still heightened regardless.
"And you didn't tell me?" Her eyes narrowed.
"Wouldn't be a secret if I did." Nothing's mysterious if the person you're concealing it from already knows. "You get to decide what we'll do next anyways, as promised."
She merely sighs, and I accepted that as agreeing with my opinion.
With the music altering its tone, we skated across the rink in unison. Each stride I took compelled her to imitate the action, like a mirror following my every step. Gradually, the melody slowed down to a lethargic pace and we mimicked it with our movements.
Not a word escaped either of mine or Kagura's mouth, letting the motions of our feet do the talking.
It was genuinely startling how in sync we were, there wasn't any other phrase to describe it.
Even so, she took the opportunity to break the silence.
"How long have you known to dance for?" Her eyes hovered down below for a few moments, ensuring that she wouldn't lose balance.
"Been doing some sessions here and there. No biggie." I've been coming here to practice when I have the time, because flailing about would just be embarrassing, regardless of my learning capabilities.
Also, preparing has sort of become a habit now.
Kagura hummed at the answer, not seeing the need to react any further.
For some time, we were drifting with the music. It seemed like an eternity since we'd first arrived.
Eventually, I deemed our term here long enough and let her take the initiative on where we'd go next.
The answer I received…was not what I'd envisioned.
"We're going to your place."
"What?" I side-eyed her, bewildered at the suggestion.
"You heard me, we're going to your place," Kagura smirked knowingly. "You said I can get to pick anywhere, right?"
I didn't know what she was planning, primarily because she'd demanded that I retain that secret. It's probably because I kept silent about the ice rink.
Knowing that she had selected my home of all locations was certainly odd, but there wasn't any problem with it, strange as it may be.
Bizarre is what Fairy Tail is all about.
"I did say anywhere." Which was a regret now.
"Then let's go!" Kagura shouted, walking ahead eagerly.
Whatever she intended had me interested, but I'll preserve that thought until it's revealed what we'll be doing.
I jogged up to where Kagura was, trekking alongside her as we both headed to the appointed destination.
"You know, I wasn't expecting…this." Even after the trip to the grocery store, this was still odd.
In retrospect, I probably should've, but overanalyzing the decision didn't support me in the matter.
"Well, you should start expecting the…well...expected!" She hastily replied, turning her head back to examine the interiors of the fridge. "Anyway, you should start getting to work on your side."
Kagura thought it'd be a 'fabulous' idea to have a cook-off — a contest of sorts. The judge would naturally be the other person, and they can't lie about the taste. We'd give our scores — which would be out of 10— at the same time without the other individual knowing.
So when she began scouring for whatever she'll be making, I opted to start assembling my ingredients and the dish — with a little help from a recipe sheet.
I started by preheating the oven to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Toss the sweet potatoes, 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the ginger and teaspoon of the turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper on the prepared baking sheet until evenly coated," I mumbled, looking closely at the manual floating in front of me. Thank you [Telekinesis]!
I obeyed the remainder of the instructions without any mistakes – at least, to my knowledge.
"And now…add the brown rice with diced-up chicken." Thankfully, I had some leftovers which wouldn't be an issue.
The rest of what I'd been planning went well, though I'm curious about Kagura's progress.
"How's your end lookin'?" I questioned, still preparing my plate.
"Almost…done?" She pursed her lips. "One more thing, and it should be finished."
"Got it." Kagura can take her time. I'd rather have a well-made meal late than a rushed one that's not edible. "Just go at your own pace."
With her reacting with a nod, I returned to working perfecting the dish.
The remainder effectively dealt with merging the ingredients and methodically arranging them in a container, conserving the warmth — courtesy of a cloche — until Kagura was finished.
Shortly afterward, a ping — not from the Gamer ability though — echoed throughout the kitchen.
"Finally!" The purple-haired girl expressed in relief, reaching into the oven with a pair of oven gloves on. "Gotta put this down then it's done."
I chose to look away, as she hadn't been peeking at mine either. Curious as I may be, she'll reveal it once it's completed.
Eventually, we both traded containers, keen on seeing what the other had made.
"You go first." Kagura requested, watching me carefully. Though there was some sense of foreboding in her voice. "I'm generous like that."
I snorted at her comment, but I didn't have a problem with it.
So I removed the container and stared at the plate.
An assortment of vegetables sat to the side: mashed potatoes, sliced cucumbers, shredded lettuce, just to name a few.
Yet, the main course was what held my regard.
It's straightforward frankly.
Minced meat molded into the shape of…
"Is this...Meatloaf?"
"Yup!" She stated exuberantly. "I'm alright at cooking, but that's one of the things I'm really good at!"
I smiled faintly, seeing how eager to show off the gravity mage was.
It's honestly quite amusing how the first thing I ate was meatloaf in this world — from Kagura's mother of all people.
Did she learn how to make it because of her mom?
"It looks great, Kagura." My eyes had softened, eyeing the food in front of me with some sentimentality. "You outdid yourself with this one."
"But, I've got to taste it first."
She quickly deflated, but that passionate look was unmoving. [Sensory Magic] informed me that she enjoyed the praise.
"Alright, let's see what you did then." The purple-haired girl gently opened the cover, revealing what I had constructed.
A combination of different vegetables blended with diced chicken was a plain way to recap it.
"What is this?"
"Chicken Casserole." I've made this a few times before, which is why the process of forming it hadn't been that arduous.
"It looks great!" Kagura remarked, observing it. "But, I've got to taste it first."
My eyes narrowed as I only received a cheeky smirk. She was undoubtedly mocking me with that last one.
Nevertheless, we started feasting on our respective plates.
With her being distracted, I curiously used the [Observe] skill, knowing I hadn't employed it on Kagura in quite a while.
oooo
Kagura Mikazuchi - Lvl 57
Race: Human
Age: 13
HP: 100%
MP: 100%
STR: [789] ; 854.1 (A-)
VIT: [119] ; 279.6 (A-)
DEX: [370] ; 869.5 (A)
INT: 651 (C+)
WIS: 84 (C+)
CHA: 286 (C)
MAGIC: 135 (B+)
Daughter of Emilia, sister of Simon, and Erza Mikazuchi. Kagura uses the loss of her family as fuel to grow stronger and to make sure her new one doesn't fall to the same fate. She values Fairy Tail more than anything in the world as they give her the drive to keep moving forward. Kagura yearns to one day be reunited with her elder sibling if he's out there somewhere.
She is currently interested in your shift in demeanor these past few months, specifically worried about why your magic seemingly vanished for a while. However, she trusts you and will respect your privacy.
Known Magic: [Gravity Magic], [Requip], [Sensory Magic]
Reputation: ?
Personal Threat Level: Very Low
General Threat Level: A
oooo
She was certainly powerful for her age, significantly so.
Truthfully, I was expecting to see [Letter Magic] in Known Magic as Kagura has been capable of reading my runes. It seems simply being competent enough to read isn't qualified for it to display though.
I'm grateful to genuinely know what 'S-Class' is, it's been extremely helpful. I'm still apprehensive regarding some aspects, but they were insignificant to the wider ramifications — my Status Screen was essentially the same as the [Observe] skill, making things a bit intricate, though not to an unnecessary amount like before.
It's useful to know where I stand when concerning other individuals' capabilities.
The MAGIC stat is shown to be adding its percentage onto the three physical-related stats, just like how they're for mine — it doesn't progress at the same speed as the others, despite it being the most important one. I have a feeling that the stat itself has undergone changes — to what degree, I don't quite know yet.
Do my stats have a limitation or will I continue to get more powerful beyond the aforementioned letter ruling?
I guess the only way I'll find out is via training, even if that'll take a long time.
Kagura had her magic suppressed like she usually did, but I found it annoying how the system revealed it only after I'd achieved the same.
It's honestly absurd how distinct the skill is now from what it was previously. My skills and stats from after the update have altered in nominal ways or dramatically.
The game is really changing with me…
Most of the descriptions had stayed relatively the same, only the bottom portion had altered — this is where they showed their current thoughts anyway. As I deviate in thinking, it is accommodating, no matter what the aspect may be.
The General Threat Level was what I expected, Kagura being firmly in the Mid A-Rank category made sense. Despite that, what interested me is the Personal Threat Level.
Dangers to me were classified as the following: Minimum - Very Low - Low - Medium - High - Extreme - Near Impossible.
For her to be put as 'Very Low' wouldn't make sense given Kagura's capabilities — surely Low or Medium would be more sensible. Although, when looking beyond our current standings and us as people….it becomes clear.
Why the hell would she be a threat to her friend?
The 'game' was taking our connection with each other into account.
My thoughts drifted to the Reputation, staring heedfully at the question mark.
I wasn't naive or ignorant about Kagura's feelings. Anybody with half a brain could recognize the signs. However, that didn't necessarily mean I was in any position to reciprocate them.
Perhaps I'm being selfish or even irrational, though when I'm continuously dealing with so much baggage knowing future events — worrying about others has been a concern since I've emerged in Earthland, to the point where those very people are expressing their unease.
It's not healthy and I know that.
My mental breakdown a few months back was a side effect of those detrimental behaviors. If [Gamer's Mind] had persisted…I'd become nothing more than a machine. Someone who wouldn't cease their actions until his objective is achieved.
How do I accomplish the things I want if I'm worried about others more than I already am?
This is disregarding what'll occur in the future — even with my changes. Some things are simply bound to happen.
Adding all that onto another individual did not — and will not ever — sit well with me.
I need to better myself…first and foremost.
"Sheesh, I didn't know it was that good." I noticed Kagura peeking up from digging into her bowl. "Maybe I should make meatloaf more often."
Peeking down at the plate, I had to blink twice.
At some point, I'd devoured the majority of the food, seemingly when I was pondering to myself.
"You should, it's fantastic." Honestly, I'm glad she made it. "Absolutely 10 in my book."
"Really?"
"Really."
She beamed ecstatically, but immediately shut it down after noticing my highly amused stare.
"Well…yours is alright, I guess." The purple-haired girl muttered, impatiently going back to munching her food.
I had to hold myself back from rolling my eyes at the site.
"Didn't you just say earlier that it looked great?" I rebutted. "That should make it at least a 6."
"Don't question my awesome judging!" Kagura stated, giving me a stink eye. "I'm the best there is!"
"Sure, sure." I waved her off to which she crossed her arms.
It took some time — mostly because between the two of us, we made quite a lot of food — but I'd finished my plate and started cleaning up the kitchen. She quickly moved to assist me, even after I informed her that it was my home and she was the guest. Sadly, this hadn't deterred her in the slightest.
Soon enough, I packed a sufficiently sized container to store the leftovers she hadn't finished.
It was getting dark and I insisted on walking her back home — it's more of a polite thing to do rather than for protection. I'd feel bad for anyone that attempts to attack her of all people at night.
Thieves were scarce around these parts, but they still existed. The guild has done a remarkable job ensuring the security of Magnolia from internal threats, which is why people began to flock here.
The rent is gradually reaching canon heights. It'd presumably go beyond that given the rate we're going.
Poor future Lucy.
Inevitably, we reached her home and used [Illusion Magic] to mask our scent. I could feel the others inside, near the back to be precise. There's no need to alert them of us, I'm certain Erza will tease her sister to death with me being here.
oooo
Skill Level Up!
Illusion Magic T1 28 → 29
oooo
"You have the key right?" I queried as we went up the steps of her home.
"Duh, I'm not going to through that again." The key immediately materialized in Kagura's hand. "I'll have it on me from now on permanently."
I nodded as she went to the door handle, but stopped just before putting it in.
"Hey, Danny." Kagura glanced over, ending the short silence between us. "Thanks, I really appreciate it."
"Appreciate what?" I portrayed a perplexed look, but she wasn't having any of it.
"If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were always sarcastic." Her side-eye peered my way, though [Sensory Magic] notified me that she was amused by the remark. "For doing all this, ya know…it means a lot."
"You're acting as if this is the last time." I smiled at her relatively muddled gaze. "Just ask and I'm down to do something like this again….always."
"I'll keep that in mind." She smiled back, though I could feel her giddiness even without my magic telling me.
With the slight turning of her wrist, Kagura opened the door and entered inside.
While I could've asked her what I'd been hoping to, her description from [Observe] told me that she could've done the same, but Kagura respected my privacy. I'll respect hers as well.
I headed out home in a supremely pleased mood — it seemed like a good time for training.
A grin climbed onto my face as [Dominate Magic]'s aura danced at the edges of my body.
"Yeah…definitely a good time."
POV: ?
A diminutive breath of air escaped my lips, negligibly cooling the coffee in hand.
My eyes slowly pivoted to the window, gazing upon the vast city known as 'Crocus'.
I'd been living in the area for quite some time — being the largest place in the country helped with getting a career as a teacher. Whilst I didn't desire to interact with the black market, they indeed pulled through…creating a persona for myself to guarantee the job.
Most careers only required experience and didn't care for formal schooling — funny how I chose the path that needed it, but it was essential for what I wanted to accomplish.
Jewels were still the currency.
Selling high-quality merchandise from the 'olden days' certainly enabled me to build the foundation for a stable income.
Thank the gods for that.
The extensive and immensely sized library situated near Magic Council Headquarters was remarkably beneficial for an assortment of information, but I suppose that's to be expected being in the capital of Fiore.
Even now…the Fiore family still holds power. Whilst I didn't know about the exact specifics, it's still a fascinating thing to think about.
King Toma has ruled over Fiore for slightly under two decades, marrying and having an heiress that certainly looked promising.
As if the universe was listening, the door swung open and revealed a young girl with wavy light-green hair that reached down to the middle of her back, two strands framed her face, and concealed the majority of her forehead. She also possessed dark-green eyes with long eyelashes and a small intricately made crown resting atop her head.
"Forgive me for being late, teacher!" She quickly rushed in and bowed her head. "My father wished for me to stay in one of his meetings."
"Raise your head, a princess shouldn't be doing anything like that, especially to someone like me," I replied, watching her body hastily straighten itself. "And…it's alright Princess Hisui, I understand your responsibilities make you busy at times."
A shame the girl's been working herself nonstop, she needs a break.
"Why don't you take a seat and begin reviewing what we did yesterday for a few minutes?"
"Of course!" The heiress of Fiore agreed, removing a few books from her bag, and started reading.
I drank a sip of coffee and withdrew out a newspaper from one of the drawers.
The news was consistently my prime avenue to acquire information concerning the world as a whole. Whether it be good or bad, remaining in the loop of things will forever be advantageous.
I turned the page to catch several headlines painted on the front.
Pergrande's New Foreign Policies?
Minstrel's Dancing Competition On Hold Due To Dark Mages Threatening To Attack!
Fiore Under Scrutiny For Not Releasing Information On X772's Massive Magic Eruption Event!
The Youngest S-Class In History Helps Defeat A Demon Of Zeref!
Some of these were quite old, but I haven't had the time to read them yet. Being a teacher left me little opportunity to do so, especially instructing the princess.
Pergrande being infamous for maintaining a disproportionate bias to those who had magic wasn't anything surprising. The former prince Cedric Volkov was bombarded politically for not possessing it — to the point where he had been removed from succession in favor of his younger sister.
Threatening Minstrel's notorious dancing competitions with an attack was quite the move, and placing it on hold is probably so they can bolster the stadium's defenses.
My eyes narrowed as I tensed at the next headline.
Oh, I knew of X772's magic eruption, probably before anyone else did.
However, the Magic Council not publicizing any information on what they've uncovered was unprecedented. You'd think they'd desire to alleviate the uncertainty of the people by accomplishing this, but rather they take the quiet approach.
It's almost been a decade since the event.
What were they planning?
My gaze shifted once more, this time eyeing the next report more carefully.
Daniel Mizuno.
A name known by some, though with the battle against a supposed 'Demon of Zeref' it'll increase to most.
"Daniel…" I mumbled, my lips quivered as I did so — whether that was out of dread or bewilderment, it's difficult to say.
I was completely aware of that name, likely before he told anyone here. Knowing that he had an encounter with Zeref's creation.
Did the boy know what he was doing?
Did he know what those things were made out of?
It caused a shiver to go down my spine with just the thought.
"Teacher, do you want me to review chapter 8 as well?" Hisui snapped me out of my suspicions.
"Of course, it'll be helpful with what we're learning today." I managed to reply as she glued herself back to work.
Time seemed to tick by as I took another sip of coffee and continued to read the page.
Daniel didn't seem to like reporters wishing to talk with him — he avoided them actually.
'He's very skilled in multiple types of magic. It's strange for someone so young. You'd think older mages would be like that.' the journalists had expressed in the article, but I knew better.
I knew what was going on, and yet, I was helpless in my situation because of a promise.
"I'm done!" The 12-year-old princess announced, neatly setting the textbooks to the side of her desk.
It was as I feared.
"Take out your notebook, so we may start the lesson, Hisui," I instructed, standing up and moving to the whiteboard.
He was sent early.
"Okay!" She replied, reaching a hand into her backpack.
Way too early…
A laidback and chill chapter for the most part — I really enjoyed writing this.
I had some talk with Mori (My beta) and we agreed on not having Kagura and Danny start dating because Danny's not really in a position to be doing something like that. He needs to better himself first, then we'll go from there.
I saw a review not too long ago say that, but I don't see it that way. They don't know more than him nor are they 'arrogant'. If you see a friend in need of advice of course you're going to give it, especially if you've known them for a long time.
The "POV: ?" shouldn't be hard to guess who it is.
Danny's "influence" has changed them.
How much? We'll see in the future.
Also, YES! I KNOW! There aren't too many more chapters left until canon arrives, so stay tuned for that!
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