A few days after the Galuna incident at the Dragneel Mansion .
,,Is …this really necessary for me ?'' asked Lucy exhausted .
,,Yes .. you can't always rely on your spirits, you will also need a strong body for the Star Dresses .Also to see what you can currently do. '' said Seilah
,,Star Dress?'' asked Lucy
,,So your spirits didn't tell you ? It's an ability to link yourself with the spirits, it only works with gold keys , it gives you a dress that allows you to use their powers , it does not give you the bulk of their power just the capabilities to use them.'' said Seilah
,,Thats awesome !'' said Lucy
,,And you also need to be stronger for the magic we will teach you. Celestial Spirit magic does not work outside of Earth Land .''
,,Well what type of magic will you teach me ?''
,,We haven't decided yet if you decide to completely dedicate yourself to surpassing what Humans can do, we can offer something from Demons or Dragons for now, we haven't been completely open to Avalon so fairy stuff is still off , until you make the decision we will stick to magic that can be used by all.'' she said.
,,Ok'' responded Lucy
,,In the first week we will focus on raw power and combat skill with me and Erza , next week you and Gray will chose a weapon and start training on that with Erza and Natsu , magic theory will be with me and Natsu .'' she finished.
,, Ok… but why is Gray not here?'' she asked.
,,Gray has been fighting for years already, not at our level but fighting, we need to get you to a adequate level till next week .'' said Seilah
,,A week is … not really a long time .''
,,Oh don't worry .. we have our ways , we've been working on a way to astronomically speed up trainings , we're using the first version on you .'' Seilah smirked .
,,Oh how nice … i'm test subject.'' she says Lucy
,,Oh it's not going to be that bad. It combines powerful rune magic, with Erza's Sage Dragon Enchantments and lots and lots of magic theory to create a space in which the growth rate is increased 500% efficiency , it won't make you as strong as us in a week but you will help you make progres that would have taken you years '' Seilah said .
,,We'll not gonna back out now.'' she sweat drops.
A week later
,,All right … I see Arcane Nexus V1 was a great success !'' said Natsu excitedly .
Lucy, still looks the same, but her magic power having skyrocketed smiled slightly at his comment , having seen first hand the result of a single week having increase her magic power to the point of being able to summon 2 gold keys spirits and maintain them for much longer that she could just one spirit before the Arcane Nexus.
Gray having sensed the change in Lucy's magic power asked ''So what is this Arcane Nexus ?''
,,Is a project that we've been working to astronomically speed up training, Lucy was the first user, don't worry you will use is as well , for know the only problem is that one person can only use it a week every month , it uses a combination of rune magic, Draconic enchantments and lots of other things, and it only V1.'' said Natsu
,,So let explain how your training will go .'' said Erza
Erza outlined the training regimen succinctly. "Today, you'll each select a weapon to focus on, along with new attire. Gray, you'll use the Arcane Nexus, while Natsu assists to refine it further. Lucy, you'll train your combat skills with me. Next week, you'll delve into magic theory with Seilah and Natsu. By week's end, you should have a solid grasp of your new magic. Understood?"
"Yes," they chorused in unison, each eager to embark on their designated tasks. With a nod from Erza, they dispersed, their resolve unwavering as they prepared to push themselves beyond their limits in pursuit of strength and mastery.
As Lucy and Gray pondered over their options, each weapon beckoned to them in its own unique way. Lucy's eyes lit up as she laid them upon a finely crafted Black bow, its elegant curvature promising accuracy and finesse. Beside it stood a formidable knight sword, its imposing presence speaking of power and strength.
Lucy reached out and took hold of the bow, feeling the smooth texture of the bow beneath her fingertips. "A bow offers versatility and range," she mused, imagining herself taking down enemies from a distance with precise, well-aimed shots. "But I also need something that can deliver devastating blows up close."
Beside her, the knight sword gleamed, its blade reflecting the light with a daunting gleam. With a determined nod, she grasped the hilt firmly. "This sword will do" she declared, feeling a surge of confidence coursing through her. "With it, I can unleash devastating attacks and hold my ground against any foe."
Meanwhile, Gray found himself drawn to a revolver, having a lacrima to both produce magic ammunition and to keep classic bullets. Next to the pistol lay a pair of identical short swords, one sharp edge and slightly curved saber style.
Gray examined the pistol with a critical eye, appreciating its design and advanced technology. "This pistol offers speed and precision," he noted, imagining himself darting around the battlefield, striking swiftly and decisively. "And with my agility and magic, I can make the most of its capabilities."
He then turned his attention to the pair of short swords, their blades glinting menacingly in the light. "These swords offer speed and versatility," he remarked, envisioning himself wielding them with lightning-fast strikes, overwhelming opponents with a flurry of blows. "With two blades at my disposal, I'll have twice the offensive power."
Lucy and Gray examined their chosen weapons closely, taking in every detail with keen interest.
The bow Lucy selected is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its sleek black wood is both lightweight and durable, promising agility and strength in equal measure. Intricate engravings of celestial motifs adorn the limbs, adding an air of mystique to the weapon. Golden accents highlight the edges, catching the light with a subtle gleam. At the center of the bow sits a shimmering crystal gemstone, pulsating with magical energy and promising enhanced performance. The string, crafted from enchanted gold thread, gleams softly in the light, ready to unleash deadly arrows upon Lucy's foes.
Meanwhile, the knight sword Lucy opted for is a formidable weapon indeed. Its polished silver blade gleams with deadly intent, ready to cleave through enemy ranks with ease. The hilt, wrapped in supple black leather, provides a comfortable and secure grip for Lucy's hands. Intricate runes adorn the length of the blade, glowing faintly with magical energy, enhancing its cutting power. Despite its size, the sword feels perfectly balanced in Lucy's grasp, a testament to its superior craftsmanship.
As for Gray's weapons, they embody a blend of modern technology and ancient magic. The revolver he selected is a sleek and deadly instrument, its darkened steel frame etched with intricate patterns reminiscent of icy frost. A lacrima chamber nestled within the revolver's body emits a faint blue glow, pulsating with magical energy, ready to unleash devastating blasts at Gray's command. The grip, wrapped in midnight blue leather with silver filigree accents, provides a firm hold for Gray's skilled hands. Along the barrel, ancient runes are engraved, glowing softly with arcane power, enhancing the revolver's deadly accuracy.
The pair of short swords Gray chose are no less impressive. Crafted from gleaming steel, their razor-sharp edges promise swift and deadly strikes. Wrapped in black leather, the hilts provide a comfortable and secure grip for dual-wielding style. Intricate runes etched along the length of the blades glow softly with magical energy, imbuing the swords with enhanced cutting power. Despite their compact size, the swords radiate an aura of menace, ready to strike fear into the hearts of Gray's enemies.
As For their attire .
Lucy's new attire embodies her transition into a more combat-oriented role, reflecting both her newfound strength and agility. Her ensemble starts with a form-fitting black bodysuit, offering protection and flexibility in equal measure. Over this, she wears a flowing cloak made from lightweight yet sturdy fabric, adorned with celestial patterns that echo the engravings on her bow. The cloak provides additional protection and adds a touch of elegance to her combat gear.
To complement her combat prowess, Lucy dons knee-length leather boots for stability and mobility, while light shoulder and arm armor offer added protection without hindering her movements. Her hands are covered with fingerless gloves crafted from supple leather, allowing her to maintain a firm grip on her weapons while retaining dexterity.
Lucy accessorizes this with a belt adorned with pouches and compartments, housing essential items such as her celestial keys. A pendant featuring a celestial symbol hangs around her neck, imbued with protective enchantments to safeguard her in battle.
To keep her weapons close at hand, Lucy utilizes a custom-made harness to secure her bow across her back. The bow rests comfortably against her cloak, with the quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder for easy access. Her knight sword is sheathed at her side, tucked into a specially designed scabbard attached to her belt, angled for quick drawing when needed.
Gray's attire exudes an air of mystery and sophistication, perfectly complementing his combat prowess and stealthy nature. He wears a long, dark coat crafted from sturdy yet supple leather, billowing behind him as he moves. The coat's deep dark blue hue blends seamlessly with the shadows, allowing Gray to fade into the background when necessary.
Intricate stitching along the seams adds a touch of refinement to the coat's rugged exterior, while silver clasps secure it in place, catching the light with a subtle gleam. Pockets adorn the coat's interior, providing ample space for Gray to store his belongings and keep his weapons within easy reach.
Underneath, Gray opts for a simple black shirt, allowing for ease of movement during combat. Dark trousers reinforced with leather panels offer both flexibility and durability, paired with knee-high boots for stability and support.
His hands are clad in fingerless gloves made from supple leather, allowing for precision wielding of his weapons. Gray holsters his revolver in a custom-fitted thigh holster, adjusting the straps for a secure fit. The pair of short swords finds their place in specially designed sheaths crisscrossing his back, ensuring easy access during battle.
As Gray adjusts his coat, a sense of confidence washes over him, knowing that he is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. With his weapons at his side and the coat billowing behind him, the perfect balance of style and functionality, prepared for any situation that may arise.
As Lucy and Gray returned, they were met with the approving gazes of the Dragneel family. Erza nodded in approval, acknowledging that their chosen attire suited them well.
Seilah, with a knowing smile, expressed her satisfaction, already formulating plans for the magic she would teach them based on their new weapons and combat styles.
Natsu, smirked at them "Now, you look dangerous " he said amused .
Gray inspected his coat with interest, intrigued by its craftsmanship. "Did you make this?" he inquired, turning to Natsu.
Natsu grinned. "I did indeed." he said.
Gray's smirk reassured him. "Oh, I do. We look awesome." he replied, genuinely pleased with the outcome.
Meanwhile, Lucy couldn't resist teasing Natsu about her form-fitting bodysuit. "So, it was your idea to have me in a skin-tight suit?" she quipped, trying to appear annoyed.
Natsu defended his choice with a playful grin. "It's practical for any type of combat, and you can further customize it," he explained. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "But if you want a different answer... nothing beats girls who are deadly AND hot." He chuckled, giving credit to Seilah and Erza for their part in designing Lucy's outfit.
Lucy couldn't help but roll her eyes at Natsu's playful response. Despite her initial teasing, she couldn't deny the practicality and functionality of her new attire.
"Well, I suppose practicality does have its merits," she admitted, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "And I have to admit, it does feel pretty comfortable."
She glanced down at her outfit, running her hands over the smooth fabric of her bodysuit and cloak. The celestial patterns seemed to shimmer faintly in the light, imbued with a subtle magic that resonated with her own celestial powers.
"Besides," she added, shooting a playful smirk in Natsu's direction, "if it helps me become even stronger, then I'm all for it."
,,The clothes also have special abilities as do your new weapons.'' said Seilah
,,What abilities? '' they asked
,,They are capable of repairing themself if you feed them magic, the quiver you have can create arrows and also store up to 10.000 arrows, it can also store arrows with special effects but can't create them. The pendant you have actually is perfect for your new style, it cloaks your magic presence and makes you completely invisible when standing still. The bow and sword can, of course be enhanced with magic, and both of them can create blasts of raw magic or elemental magic , the bow also has minor space magic .''
,,Now for Gray, the pockets inside your coat are like Lucy's quiver, the Revolver can use both normal bullets and shoot magic bullets. The Swords are the same , they can create blasts of magic be it raw magic of your element .' 'said Seilah
,,The weapons can be further enhanced by us with Seilah's rune magic Erza Dragon Enchantments or my Curses but that will have to wait.'' finished Natsu
Lucy listened intently as Seilah explained the additional abilities of her new attire and weapons. She couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of getting stronger.
"Repairing themselves with magic? That's incredible!" Lucy exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. The idea of her clothes and weapons being able to mend themselves using her own magic was both fascinating and practical.
She turned her attention to the pendant around her neck, feeling a newfound appreciation for its subtle enchantments. "So this pendant can cloak my magic presence and make me invisible when standing still?" she repeated, testing the weight of the pendant between her fingers. The thought of being able to blend into the shadows undetected was a powerful asset in any battle.
As Seilah continued to explain the capabilities of her bow and sword, Lucy felt a sense of determination welling up inside her. The notion that her weapons could harness raw magic and unleash elemental blasts opened up a world of possibilities for her combat style.
Turning to Gray, she said. "Looks like we've got some powerful tools at our disposal," she remarked with a grin, feeling a newfound sense of confidence in their abilities.
Seilah started ,,Yes .. i have an idea for what magic to teach Lucy , i was thinking about some Eye magic for precision and accuracy and overall to have the best eyesight we can give her now, we could also teach you to create special arrows, so bit of enchantments, barriers would be good you could cast a barrier spell into an arrow and when the arrow hits it employs a barrier. Some short distance teleportation would also help you get to a distance to use your bow'' said Seilah
,,As for Gray, wind and water magic would be good, it will give you more variety and complement your main element, of course a more powerful ice magic that you could still use with your maker style .''
,,Both of you will learn together requip, sword magic considering you both chose swords, and a trick to be able to walk on walls, ceiling and even water, basically to be able to fight on any surface.'' she finished
Lucy listened intently as Seilah outlined her plans for their magical training. The idea of enhancing her eyesight with precision and accuracy magic intrigued her, envisioning herself becoming a master archer with unparalleled aim and perception on the battlefield.
"Eye magic sounds amazing," Lucy remarked, her mind already racing with the possibilities. The thought of being able to see with such clarity filled her with excitement, eager to hone her newfound abilities to their fullest potential.
As Seilah turned her attention to Gray, Lucy couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her companion's dedication to his craft. The prospect of learning wind and water magic to complement his ice abilities promised to unlock new depths of power and versatility for Gray.
"Wind and water magic will definitely add some extra punch to your arsenal," Lucy commented, offering Gray an encouraging smile.
,,Yeah, i can't wait.'' he said
The mention of requip and sword magic only added to Lucy's excitement, imagining herself seamlessly switching between her bow and sword in the heat of battle. The ability to adapt to any situation with a flick of her wrist filled her with a newfound sense of confidence in her abilities as a celestial mage.
"And walking on walls, ceilings, and water? That sounds like something out of a fairy tale," Lucy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The idea of defying gravity and fighting on any surface filled her with a sense of wonder and adventure, eager to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.
With their training plans solidified, Natsu stepped forward and addressed Gray. ''You'll be training with me, Gray "he declared, clapping a hand on Gray's shoulder. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that you'll appreciate."
Gray nodded in agreement. "I'm ready to learn," he said, his voice steady with determination.
Meanwhile, Lucy turned to Erza, a determined glint in her eyes as she prepared for her training session. "I'm ready to get started," she declared, her voice filled with determination.
Erza nodded in approval, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Let's begin," she said, her tone firm but encouraging.
With that, Lucy and Erza launched into their training regimen, each session pushing Lucy to her limits as she honed her combat skills and magical abilities under Erza's watchful eye. With each passing day, Lucy felt herself growing stronger and more confident, her determination unwavering in the face of every challenge that came her way. And as she sparred with Erza, she knew that she was one step closer to becoming the mage she had always dreamed of being.
As Natsu and Gray prepared to embark on their training, Gray couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation at the prospect of learning from someone as experienced as Natsu. With a nod of agreement, he affirmed his readiness to dive into the lessons ahead.
Lucy, on the other hand, faced Erza with unwavering determination, eager to push herself to new heights under the guidance of the renowned warrior. With a firm resolve in her voice, she signaled her readiness to begin their training regimen.
With each passing day, Gray found himself delving deeper into the intricacies of both firearms and swordsmanship under Natsu's tutelage. But it wasn't just about physical prowess; Natsu also imparted valuable knowledge about the interplay between reality and magic, broadening Gray's understanding of the world around him. As Gray's confidence grew, his movements became more fluid and precise, a testament to the progress he was making under Natsu's guidance.
Meanwhile, Lucy sparred relentlessly with Erza, each clash of their blades pushing Lucy to her limits and beyond. Erza's keen eye and unwavering guidance propelled Lucy to refine her combat skills and harness her magical abilities to their fullest potential. With every session, Lucy felt herself inching closer to her goal of mastering her newfound powers, her determination unwavering in the face of every challenge that came her way.
As the week drew to a close, both Gray and Lucy felt as though they had been training for months rather than just a week. Their progress was evident, their newfound skills honed to a razor's edge. Now, as they stood on the brink of a new chapter in their magical journey, they were more prepared than ever to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.
A week later
,,Are we really ready to learn new magic ?'' asked Gray
,,What makes you think you are not ?'' asked Seilah
,,Well… none of us were able to actually land a hit on you guys.'' said Lucy
,,hmm'' said Natsu as he had an idea
,,Let me show you the difference you have made ever since Galuna.'' he said as he manifested a hologram.
Lucy Heartfilia - PL 1230
Gray FullBuster - PL 7234
,,This was you on Galuna'' he said ,,As for now''
Lucy Heartfilia- PL 10.000
Gray Fullbuster- PL 23.000
,,In less than 3 weeks … and we have yet to even add new magic, use even harder methods, and to enhance the Arcane Nexus '' he said Shocking both of them.
As Natsu presented the holographic display, Lucy and Gray were stunned by the stark contrast between their power levels on Galuna and their current levels. The exponential growth they had experienced in less than three weeks was nothing short of astonishing, far surpassing their previous capabilities.
Lucy's power level had skyrocketed from 1230 to an impressive 10,000, while Gray's had surged from 7234 to an astounding 23,000. The magnitude of their progress left them speechless, realizing just how far they had come in such a short amount of time.
Natsu's words resonated with them, driving home the point that they were indeed ready to learn new magic. The evidence of their growth was undeniable, a testament to their determination and hard work.
With renewed confidence, Lucy and Gray nodded in agreement, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead. They were eager to continue their training and unlock even greater heights of power, knowing that with each passing day, they were one step closer to realizing their full potential.
Seilah and Erza came from the house carrying various books and scrolls.
,,All right then, here's what i decided is best for you .'' Seilah started
,,For Lucy, Eye Magic for distance, perception, accuracy, seeing weak point , and X-ray, all of these are of the highest caliber we have … so the best of the best, they will also allow you to cancel anyone who has inferior magic, Enchantment magic to create arrows with special effects, Barrier magic that can be used with or without arrows, sword magic, Bow magic, you will be able to control the trajectory of your arrows and make sonic booms, space magic, for your bow and to be able to teleport up to 1 kilometers instantly, and your magic physical enhancement will prioritize speed, of course we will continue to train your celestial spirit magic, if you manage to unlock Star Dress it will combine with your bow and sword giving them the properties of that spirit.'' said Seilah
,,For Gray, Eye magic as well but considering you don't prioritize long distance, we won't focus that much on it. You can continue on it in your spare time, Wind and Water magic along with a stronger variant of Ice magic this will greatly allow you to control the environment and Sword magic.
You prefer to fight directly so we don't need too much variation , of course both of you will also learn re-equip to a small decree .'' Seilah finished the list of their new abilities .
Lucy's eyes sparkled with anticipation as Seilah outlined their new training regimen. "Wow, these sound incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.
Gray nodded in agreement, a determined gleam in his eyes. "I'm ready." he declared, his voice filled with confidence.
Seilah smiled approvingly at their enthusiasm. "I'm glad to hear that. With your dedication and our 'super secret fancy ways to become crazy strong' you should have a good grasp on your abilities by the end of the week and master them by the end of the month. Ah, I almost forgot we implemented a skill into these magics, when you are in a real fight, your magic will come even more naturally to you allowing you to grasp them even faster, but the skill only awakens into real fight under threat of death."
Lucy and Gray exchanged a glance, a mixture of excitement and apprehension flickering in their eyes. The prospect of mastering their new abilities in such a short time was both exhilarating and daunting.
"Understood," Lucy said, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. "We'll give it our all and make the most of this opportunity."
Gray nodded in agreement, his expression determined. "We won't let you down," he vowed, his gaze unwavering.
Seilah smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "I have every confidence in both of you. Now, let's get started. The sooner we begin, the better."
With renewed determination, Lucy and Gray squared their shoulders and prepared to dive headfirst into their training.
As Lucy and Gray delved into their training, the guild members couldn't help but notice their absence from the usual activities around the guild hall. Curiosity piqued, Cana sauntered over to where Seilah, Erza, and Natsu were gathered, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
"So, what's the deal with Lucy and Gray?" Cana asked, her tone casual but filled with intrigue. "They've been MIA for a while now. Cooking up some secret plans to take over the world, perhaps?"
,,No, those plans are mine.'' said Natsu amusingly .
Erza chuckled at Natsu's jest, shaking her head. "Not quite, Cana. Lucy and Gray are simply focusing on their training right now. They're determined to hone their skills and become even stronger mages."
Seilah nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, they're putting in the effort to master some new abilities. It's commendable, really."
Cana raised an eyebrow, her curiosity growing. "New abilities, huh? Sounds intriguing. Any hints on what they're up to? Or is it strictly confidential?"
Natsu grinned mischievously. "Why ask ? You want some?."
,,Depends what your offering , new skills or ... .something else ?'' she rescinded on the same tone as him.
Natsu's grin widened at Cana's response, clearly amused by her playful banter. "Oh, I've got plenty to offer. But you'll have to wait and see what Lucy and Gray have been cooking up. Who knows, maybe they'll surprise you with something truly extraordinary."
Cana chuckled, leaning in with a conspiratorial glint in her eye. "I'll be keeping my eyes peeled, that's for sure. Can't let them have all the fun, now can we?"
,,What kind of fun are you referring to dear?'' asked Natsu, continuing their playful batter.
Cana's smirk widened, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, you know, the kind of fun that involves a little bit of danger, a dash of excitement, and a whole lot of magic. Of course we can have some …different fun ."
Natsu raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Cana's cryptic response. "Care to elaborate?''
Cana chuckled, leaning in closer with a secretive grin. "Let's just say, there are other ways to stir up excitement around here. Some of us prefer a bit of a thrill in more... unconventional ways."
,,HM'' interrupted Erza and Seilah
,,Well playtimes over your wives got tired, later .'' she said
Erza and Seilah exchanged intrigued glances, but before they could respond, Cana had already sauntered away with a playful wink. As she disappeared into the bustling guild hall, her enigmatic words lingered in the air, leaving Erza and Seilah to wonder just what kind of unconventional thrills Cana had in mind. Shrugging off the mystery for now, they turned back to their own conversations, knowing that in Fairy Tail, surprises were always just around the corner.