The Legend Of Shadow Dragon God Slayer

by Maxwell C-Dornez

This is for roggerlopez99. Destroying the Eclipse Gate was the solution to stop Future Rogue's plans, but it was not a good solution because it had unexpected side effects. After destroying the Eclipse Gate, Rogue finds himself returned to the past; He decided to set things right, but little did he realize that his actions would cause drastic and unexpected changes in his world.

3. chapter 3

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The place was like a hellish war zone; Or in fact, it is truly a hellish war zone!

Several kilometers of land filled with plateaus and mountains have turned into scorched flatlands with many craters and deep trenches.

In the midst of all this chaos, there were two men standing in front of each other, and it seemed that they were not affected by the disaster that had befallen this place.

The first one, a toned, muscular figure with dark orange hair styled upwards, giving off a fiery aura complemented by the numerous tattoos adorning his upper body. These tattoos, bright red and burning in appearance, included flame-like marks on his face, a sprawling red sun on his left pectoral, and a tribal design snaking down his left arm. His attire was simple yet unconventional; he wore loose pants lined with fur, featuring a contrasting design of dark and light shades, and a wrap around his waist adorned with an apron-like cloth, detailed with diamond shapes and an X-design. Bandages wrapped his right forearm tightly, while his ears boasted three triangular earrings each, swaying ominously with his every movement. A prominent gold chain with a large cross pendant hung around his neck, catching the scarce light and glistening menacingly.

The second one, a tall man, stood encased in black armor that seemed to absorb the light around it, giving him an almost ethereal presence on the battlefield. He wore a purple waist cloak that fluttered softly with each movement, a stark contrast to the solidity of the armor that covered him from head to toe. His helmet, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, obscured his face entirely, leaving his expressions a mystery to all.

Unlike his fiery adversary, this man exuded an aura of calm and coldness, as if the chaos and the destruction that surrounded them were of another world, beneath his notice. His stance was relaxed, yet there was an undeniable strength and confidence in the way he held himself, a silent testament to his mastery over his own powers and the situation at hand.

The contrast between the two mages was stark, not just in their appearance and choice of magic but also in their disposition. Where one was fire and fury, the other was ice and emotionless, a duality that had made their confrontations the stuff of legends. Yet, despite their differences, there was a mutual respect, an acknowledgment of the other's prowess that was as unspoken as it was undeniable.

As they stood facing each other, the ground still smoldering from their previous exchanges, the air thick with anticipation for their next move, it was clear that this was more than just a battle between mages. It was a clash of powers so immense that the very earth seemed to tremble in their presence.

The first man, with a gleam of excitement in his eyes, broke the tense silence. "You're quite the silent type, aren't you? Even after hours of combat, you maintain this... serene composure." There was a mixture of amusement and respect in his voice, a hint of curiosity about the man standing before him.

The second man remained as unresponsive as ever, his figure unmoving, his aura unruffled. It was as if the chaos and the destruction that surrounded them were beneath his notice, a mere backdrop to his unfathomable calm.

The orange-haired mage, undeterred by the silence, continued, his voice taking on a teasing tone. "Come on, don't tell me you're not enjoying this. It's been ages since I had a worthy opponent. What's it been? A hundred years? Two hundred? Three? Honestly, I've lost count." His laughter, deep and resonant, broke the stillness that hung between them, a contrast to the devastation around.

Yet, the man in black armor remained as silent as the grave, his stance unwavering, a statue amid the ruins.

With a cheeky grin, the tattooed mage pressed on, "You really won't talk? But, I want to talk to you! Are you sure you won't speak?"

There was no reply, just silence—a silence so profound it seemed to swallow the very air around them.

Shrugging with an exaggerated motion, the first mage's smile widened, mischief sparkling in his eyes. "Well, I guess I can't force you. Or maybe I can." The devilish grin that spread across his face belied the underlying threat, a promise of an escalation in their battle, a tantalizing challenge to the stoic warrior before him.

The silence that followed was palpable, the air thick with the unspoken tension between them. It was a moment suspended in time, a precursor to the storm that was about to unfold. The man in black armor, undaunted by the provocation, remained an enigma, his silence a weapon as potent as his magic.

And so, the clash resumed, the two forces colliding with a ferocity that set the very air ablaze. It was more than a battle of magic; it was a test of wills, a dance on the knife-edge of destruction, where every move, every silence, and every taunt wove together the story of their epic confrontation.

/

The sun was shining as Rogue and frosch strolled into the bustling heart of Oak Town, his silhouette merging with the lengthening shadows. The Phantom Lord guild, a place he called home, stood firmly amidst the town's center, its presence as mysterious and imposing as the magic its members wielded. Rogue, despite his youthful appearance and the seemingly weak magic he commanded, was a figure of burgeoning legend within the guild's walls.

What many didn't quite grasp was how a twelve-year-old like Rogue could climb to such heights in the world of magic. Whispers of his age coursed through the guild, mixing awe with skepticism. How could someone so young exhibit such mastery? His journey was even more bewildering considering his choice of magic. Shadow magic, long regarded as the weakest among the arcane arts, seemed a limiting path for anyone aspiring to greatness. Yet, Rogue wielded it with a proficiency that belied its reputation.

Rumors circulated, thick with envy and curiosity, about Rogue's origins. None knew of his past life, the lifetimes devoted to mastering magic in forms most could only dream of. This secret reincarnation was the scaffolding upon which his current prowess was built, yet it remained a closely guarded secret, known only to Rogue himself.

As tales of his feats spread, the skepticism within the guild turned into open confrontation. How could a mere child, they wondered, outmatch mages who had dedicated decades to their craft? Doubts about his age and the legitimacy of his abilities led to challenges, both in skill and loyalty. Amidst these trials, Rogue's resolve never faltered, his maneuvers within the shadows growing ever more intricate and devastating.

His initiation into Phantom Lord became a legend in itself. Initially seen as an orphan child lingering too often around the guild premises, Rogue turned his marginal existence into a tapestry of improbable victories. Taking on missions deemed too risky or mundane by others, he returned successful each time, using his neglected form of magic to achieve results that left his seniors baffled.

Each victory was a testament to his skill, slowly earning him a begrudging respect among the guild members. The skepticism never fully waned, but as Rogue continued to unveil the depths of what shadow magic could achieve under his command, it became increasingly difficult for his peers to deny his prowess. This string of successes, born from his unique blend of youthful audacity and ancient wisdom, cemented his place in Phantom Lord, transforming him from an enigma to a figure of near-reverential intrigue.

Upon his latest return to the guild, Rogue was met with a sight familiar to him; the bustling common room filled with his guild mates, each engaged in their own tales of conquest and intrigue. As he walked through the hall, his presence commanded a hush, a mixture of respect and curiosity coloring the silence. Gajeel, one of the more formidable members of Phantom Lord, with a reputation as solid as the iron he wielded, leaned against a wall, his eyes piercing through the dim lighting to land on Rogue.

"Oi, Ryos," Gajeel called out, his voice gruff, matching his rugged exterior. "Heard anything about Hargeon Town?"

Rogue, unfazed by the attention, answered in a tone much older than his years, "Yes, there's been a commotion there. Apparently, Natsu from Fairy Tail took down their whole guild."

Totomaru, always intrigued by tales of magic and power, joined them, his curiosity piqued. "Natsu, eh? He uses fire magic, right? How does that compare to your shadows, Rogue?"

Rogue smiled, a small, knowing smirk. "Every magic has its strength, Totomaru-san. It's not about the element; it's about how you use it."

Gajeel snorted, "Heh, spoken like a true old man. What's next? You gonna tell us 'with great power, comes great responsibility'?"

Rogue merely chuckled, his demeanor unchanging, "Perhaps one day. But for now, I have my own path to tread." His answer, wrapped in maturity far beyond his age, left an impression on the members around him. They watched as he sat alone, his figure blending into the shadows he so masterfully commanded. The air around him whispered of untold stories, of a life lived once before, secrets carried in the quiet confidence of Phantom Lord's youngest mage.

As he sat enveloped in solitude, Rogue's thoughts drifted to the tense relations between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail, reflecting on the deep-seated animosity that had escalated to a full-blown war, resulting in Phantom Lord's downfall in his past life. His unique perspective as a reincarnated soul allowed him insights that none of his current guildmates could fathom. He remembered the clashes, the losses, and the lessons learned from those tumultuous times. It pained him to see history poised to repeat itself, to watch as old resentments brewed anew, threatening to reignite a conflict that had cost both guilds dearly.

Rogue knew he was in a position few could claim, holding within him the knowledge and experience of past mistakes. He pondered on how he might use his understanding of shadow magic, not just as a tool for combat, but as a bridge between these rival factions. Yet, divulging his reincarnated status and the memories of his past life could jeopardize his place in Phantom Lord—a risk he wasn't ready to take.

These heavy musings were interrupted when Gajeel approached him once more, "are you okay?"

Rogue offered a thin smile, realizing the irony in Gajeel's words. Trust was a luxury he couldn't afford, not when the truth about his past could alienate him from the only family he had in this life. "It's nothing, just pondering over our next move," he lied smoothly, deflecting further inquiry.

But the seed of a new resolve took root in Rogue's heart this day. He began to contemplate a future where he could somehow mend the frayed ties between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail, leveraging his shadow magic and his strategic mind to forge a path of peace unseen in his previous lifetime. The journey would be fraught with peril, both from external threats and the distrust within his own ranks. Yet, Rogue's determination to alter the course of history, to prevent the repeat of a harrowing guild war, became an unspoken mission—a venture he would navigate from the cover of shadows, with the wisdom of his past lighting the way.

This new resolve was immediately tested when Rogue noticed a piece of parchment pinned to the guild's notice board. It spelled out the details of a quest with a reward of 200,000 jewels—a fortune that could fund several of his plans. His eyes barely grazed the bottom of the paper before another shadow loomed beside him. Gajeel had spotted the quest as well. Their gazes locked, a silent challenge passing between them.

"Looks like easy money, eh, Ryos?" Gajeel's voice was as rough as gravel, tinged with a competitive edge.

Rogue's eyes narrowed slightly, "It does. But it looks like there's only one paper. Tough luck."

Their hands reached for the parchment simultaneously, fingers brushing against each other, neither willing to relinquish their claim. The silent standoff grew more intense, drawing the attention of nearby guild members who watched the scene unfold with amused curiosity.

Gajeel's grip tightened, "Not planning on backing down, kid?"

Rogue smirked, the corner of his lip twitching upward. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Their standstill continued for a moment longer before Rogue, utilizing a swift maneuver born from his shadow magic, slipped the paper from under Gajeel's fingertips. In the next instant, he was darting away, the parchment secured in his grasp.

"Oi! That's playing dirty!" Gajeel roared, a mix of irritation and begrudging respect in his tone. He shook his head, fists clenching and unclenching, clearly pissed off yet somewhat amused at the turn of events.

Rogue didn't look back, a chuckle escaping him as he disappeared through the guild's doorway, his heart racing with the thrill of the challenge. The incident with the quest paper did more than reignite the competitive spirit between them; it also added a layer of complexity to Rogue's plans. He knew that balancing his ambitions with the dynamics of his guild, especially with strong-willed members like Gajeel, was crucial.

As he and Frosch left the raucous environment of the guild hall behind, the ambiance of the town wrapped around them anew. Unfolding the paper, Rogue's eyes scanned the details of the quest. "Let's see...it's about going to Everlue Mansion and burning a book called Daybreak," he murmured, more to himself than to Frosch.

Frosch, who had been walking in tandem with Rogue, "Burn a book, Rogue? That doesn't sound very nice."

Rogue couldn't help but smile at Frosch's reaction. "It's an easy quest on the surface," he admitted, "But I've never heard of this book. And I don't know why anyone would want it gone."

As they continued down the cobblestone path, Rogue's thoughts churned. He was no stranger to quests of varying nature, yet something about this request unsettled him. "I wonder what's so special about 'Daybreak'...and who is Kaby Melon? Why does he want it burned?"

His journey through reincarnation afforded him vast knowledge and experience, but his past did not cover every ward and mystery of this world. This book was one such enigma. Frosch, sensing Rogue's deepening concern. "What are we going to do, Rogue?"

Rogue sighed, his mind made up. "We're going to Kaby Melon's house before we do anything else. I have a few questions for our mysterious requester."

The decision settled a new energy between the two friends as they redirected their path toward the residential district. "This could be more interesting than just a simple burn-and-return quest, Frosch."

"Burn-and-return, huh? Sounds like we're cooking something up," Frosch replied, innocently misinterpreting the stakes. They both shared a light chuckle, the tension briefly lifted.

Their approach to Kaby Melon's house was met with caution. Rogue's shadow magic allowed them to blend into the surroundings, making their investigation all the more discreet.

"Remember, Frosch, no matter what we learn, we must tread carefully. This task...it might be simple on the surface but given the secrecy behind it, there's likely more at play."

Frosch nodded, the gravity of Rogue's words not entirely lost on him. "We'll be super sneaky, Rogue!"

As they neared the residence of Kaby Melon, Rogue's senses were on high alert. There was more to this quest than what was written on the parchment, and he was determined to uncover it, all the while contemplating how this new venture might tilt the balance of his carefully laid plans.

Unexpectedly, as they approached the ornate gates of Kaby Melon's lavish home, they spotted two familiar figures—Lucy and Natsu from Fairy Tail. Lucy, upon noticing Rogue, broke into a delighted smile and waved enthusiastically. "Rogue! What a surprise to see you here!" she exclaimed, her voice chiming through the air.

Natsu, however, didn't share her enthusiasm. His expression soured, and his stance became defensive. "What's Phantom Lord's mage doing here?" he grumbled, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Rogue, taken aback by their presence, raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering to Lucy's attire—a maid's outfit. "I could ask the same," he responded smoothly, "And why, may I ask, is Lucy dressed as a maid?"

Lucy's cheeks tinted pink, embarrassment momentarily overtaking her joy. "It's a long story," she stammered, fidgeting with the frills of her apron.

The tension between the Fairy Tail mages and Rogue only escalated when Natsu stepped forward, his hostility unmistakable. "We're on a job. And I don't trust you guys from Phantom Lord. Always up to no good."

Rogue remained unflappable, a stark contrast to the seething Dragon Slayer. "There's no need for hostility, Natsu. We're not here to cause trouble. Just like you, we have our own quest."

Despite Rogue's calm demeanor, Natsu's stance remained aggressive, the air around him heating with his growing anger. "Yeah, right. Like I'd believe that coming from someone from your guild," Natsu spat out.

Before the situation could escalate further, the door to Melon's house opened, and Kaby himself appeared, exuding an air of sophistication and calm that starkly contrasted the tension brimming outside his gate. "Ah, I see we have distinguished guests," he remarked, his eyes scanning the group. His gaze lingered on Rogue, shifting slightly to acknowledge Natsu and Lucy. "Please, come in. It's not often we have mages of such renown under the same roof."

Kaby's demeanor and respectful invitation served as a temporary peace treaty, easing the volatile atmosphere. Natsu, still visibly annoyed, allowed himself to be led inside, though his glare at Rogue suggested their altercation was far from over. Lucy, for her part, seemed relieved at the change of topic, her smile returning as she followed Kaby inside.

Once settled in Kaby's grand living room, the atmosphere shifted as Kaby addressed the gathered mages. "Thank you for coming," he began, his gaze sweeping over Rogue, Lucy, and a still-brooding Natsu. "As you might have guessed, the task at hand involves a certain book—'Daybreak'. It needs to be destroyed, no questions asked."

Rogue remained silent, his expression unreadable, while Natsu crossed his arms, skepticism written all over his face. "Why's that?" Natsu couldn't help himself, "What's so bad about a book?"

Kaby shook his head, a wistful smile on his lips. "I'm afraid the reasons must remain my own. But understand this—the importance of this task cannot be overstated."

Rogue, his suspicions deepening but still silently observing, watched Kaby closely.

"To incentivize your success," Kaby continued, a dramatic flair to his voice, "I've decided to increase the reward to a staggering two million jewels."

At the mention of the increased reward, Natsu's eyes widened, and even Rogue's stoic demeanor cracked slightly, showing a flicker of interest. Lucy's mouth dropped open in shock, the number clearly beyond what she had expected.

The room buzzed with the newfound excitement over the lucrative reward, leading Natsu to lean towards Happy, whispering plans. "Okay, Happy, with two million jewels, think about how much fish we could get! We'll split it—half for me, half for you."

Happy buzzed with excitement, "Aye! But don't forget about sharing some with Rogue and Frosch, Natsu. They're part of this too, right?"

Lucy, overhearing the conversation, stomped her foot, clearly irritated. "And what about me?! Do I not get a share?" Her hands found her hips as she glared at the duo, her frustration evident.

Natsu, caught off guard by Lucy's outburst, scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Ah, right, Lucy. We'll, uh, work out the details later, yeah?"

Rogue, still silent, couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at the scene unfolding before him. His mind, however, raced with possibilities. The significant increase in the reward raised more questions than answers. Why was this book so important that its destruction warranted such a hefty sum?

Kaby, seemingly pleased with the spirited dynamics of his guests, clapped his hands together. "Well, it's settled then. Remember, discretion is of the utmost importance. I trust you'll handle this task with the care it demands."

As they left Kaby's residence, the temporary alliance between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail members was an unusual sight. The looming task of destroying 'Daybreak' loomed over them, yet the shared goal and the comedic squabble over the reward hinted at a potentially deeper camaraderie, even if temporarily so.

Rogue's thoughts lingered on the mysterious book and the hefty reward. With his past knowledge and current suspicions, he knew this mission would be anything but straightforward. The day ahead promised not only a challenge but also an opportunity to unravel a mystery that intrigued him more with each passing moment.

/

As they arrived at the Everlue Mansion, the team devised a quick plan. Lucy, with a false confidence, volunteered to approach the gates alone, pretending to seek employment as a maid. Rogue, Natsu, happy and Frosch, although skeptical of this approach, agreed to hide and watch from a safe distance.

Duke Everlue, a man known for his absurd vanity and peculiar taste, emerged from the ground alongside his giant maid, greeting Lucy with a scrutinizing gaze. "You wish to be employed under my roof? You clearly understand the prestige that comes with serving me, yes?" he inquired, his voice dripping with condescension.

Lucy, doing her best to sell her act, nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, sir! I believe I can meet your esteemed standards and serve you well."

Duke Everlue circled her, his eyes narrowing as he suddenly declared, "Impossible! You're far too... ugly. Have you seen yourself in a mirror? I have standards to maintain!"

From their hiding spot, happy and Natsu exchanged a look, struggling to stifle their laughter, while Rogue and Frosch simply looked confused, not quite catching the insult.

The situation quickly escalated when Duke Everlue summoned his team of maids to illustrate his point. The women who appeared beside him were... uniquely groomed to a specific taste that one might diplomatically call 'acquired'. Their appearances were so peculiar that Lucy's expression shifted from determined to utterly flabbergasted in an instant.

"But... but I...," Lucy stammered, her confidence deflating like a punctured balloon.

Duke Everlue, with a flair of dramatic dismissal, waved Lucy away. "Enough! You've wasted enough of my time. We have standards of beauty to uphold, and you, unfortunately, do not fit the bill."

As Duke Everlue and his maids retreated back into the mansion grounds, Lucy trudged back to where she thought Rogue, Natsu, Happy, and Frosch were hiding, her spirit bruised from the harsh rejection. Her eyes, red and puffy from the tears she tried hard to hold back, finally let loose a flood of frustration and embarrassment.

"What a jerk! Can you believe that guy?!" Lucy exclaimed, her voice quivering with a mixture of anger and sorrow.

Natsu, struggling to keep a straight face, and Happy, failing miserably, burst into laughter. "He said you were too ugly!" Natsu howled between his guffaws.

"Yeah!" Happy chirped, circling overhead, "Too ugly for the ugliest maids in Fiore!"

Lucy's grief quickly turned to fury, her glare fixating on her supposed friends. "Natsu, Happy!" she shouted, her hands curling into fists. In a flash, she launched herself at the unsuspecting duo, her punches landing on Natsu's head and Happy's soft belly.

"Ow! Lucy, stop! It hurts!" Natsu tried to shield himself, but Lucy's assault was relentless.

"Oh, why me too?!" whined Happy, attempting to hover out of Lucy's reach.

After a few more satisfying thumps on both Natsu and Happy's heads, Lucy halted, her breaths heavy with the exertion of her vengeance. It was then she realized—Rogue and Frosch were nowhere to be seen.

"Wait a second... Where did Rogue and Frosch go?" Lucy panted, looking around, her anger momentarily forgotten.

Natsu's face, previously contorted in laughter, now twisted into a mask of fury. "I knew it!" he exploded, his fists clenching at his sides, "Phantom Lord members can never be trusted. They're sneaky, always skulking around!"

Lucy tried to calm him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Natsu, don't jump to conclusions. Maybe they had a good reason to—"

But Natsu was beyond reasoning, his voice rising with every word. "No excuses! Every time those Phantom Lord guys are involved, trouble's not far behind. Mark my words, Lucy, they're planning something."

As tension buzzed in the air, Rogue's calm voice suddenly cut through the fray. "Planning something, are we?"

Lucy and Natsu whipped around to find Rogue, with Frosch perched on his shoulder, stepping out from the shadows. Their sudden appearance did little to soothe Natsu's anger.

"What did you sneak off to do, huh? Setting us up for some Phantom Lord trap?" Natsu accused, stepping forward aggressively.

Rogue remained unflustered by Natsu's hostility, a characteristic smirk playing on his lips. "Natsu, jumping to conclusions won't help. We were gathering information," he explained, his tone even and calm.

"Information? What kind of information?" Lucy interjected, her curiosity piqued despite the tension.

Frosch, always eager to help, piped up, "We found a secret passage 'round the back, yes! It leads straight inside, dodging the front gate completely."

Rogue nodded, "Exactly. Instead of charging in without a plan, we now have an entry point that will keep us undetected. It's for the mission, Natsu. Not everything is a conspiracy."

Natsu, still simmering, seemed slightly appeased by the explanation. His shoulders relaxed marginally, though his gaze remained skeptical. "Fine," he grunted, "But I'm keeping my eye on you, Rogue."

Rogue simply shrugged, an unreadable expression on his face as he turned towards Lucy. "Ready to try this again? Together this time?"

Lucy, caught between Natsu's suspicion and Rogue's apparent sincerity, nodded slowly. "Alright. Let's give it a shot. But remember, we're doing this as a team. No more going off without an explanation."

Unbeknownst to them, a lacrima was floating behind them in a dark room Everlue giggles as he watches the door behind him are two anonymous figures. "So it seems we have some wizards at our door." Everlue stated. He then zoomed in to see the mark on Lucy's hands.

"I don't recognize that guild mark, but they'll share the same fate as the other wizards who came here." Everlue said, laughing.

/

With a unified front, the unlikely group moved towards the secret passage Rogue and Frosch had discovered. The hidden path was shadowy and narrow, winding through the dense foliage that encased the mansion's less-visible sides. They slipped through, one after the other, their steps muffled by the earthen floor.

"This feels like a dungeon crawl," Lucy murmured, her eyes adjusting to the dim light.

"Yeah, and watch out for the dungeon master," Natsu joked, earning a soft chuckle from Frosch.

"Let's just focus on the mission," Rogue advised, his voice low, a guiding beacon through their shadowy trek.

As the passage expanded into a small clearing before the mansion's rear entrance, Lucy couldn't help but express her admiration for the covert route. "Wow, is some sort of storage room," she remarked, her eyes scanning the area.

Her observation was cut short when Happy, in an attempt to lighten the mood, jumped up with a skull on his head, causing Lucy to yelp in surprise. "Check me out," Happy boasted, clearly amused by his own antics.

"Yeah, you're looking fierce, Happy," Natsu chuckled, appreciating the attempt at humor.

The group then began their cautious exploration of the mansion, quietly checking every room in hopes of finding the elusive book titled 'Daybreak.' Upon entering one peculiar room, Lucy stumbled upon a toilet embellished with Everlue's visage, a sight so bizarre it momentarily distracted them from their mission.

"Are we going to have to check every room?" Natsu whispered to Lucy, his voice carrying a hint of impatience.

"Well, yeah," Lucy replied, her tone suggesting that was the only logical course of action.

Natsu, always the one for action over subtlety, loudly suggested, "I say we take a hostage and force them to tell us where the book is!"

"Aye," Happy agreed, not fully considering the ramifications.

Lucy immediately shot him down, "The whole point is not to be seen, ya dummy. You have to be stealthy like a ninja."

Natsu's imagination ran wild at the mention of ninjas, envisioning himself as a silent and deadly warrior. "Like a real ninja," he mumbled, lost in thought.

Their strategy session was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the ugly maids, accompanied by Virgo, the towering maid they had encountered earlier. "Intruder alert, Virgo," the maids announced in unison, their voices echoing through the corridors.

The ensuing chaos disrupted any plans of stealth. Happy leaped into the air, startling the maids with the skull still atop his head. "It's a monster!" they screamed in terror before Natsu intervened, his fists sending them flying with ease.

"Flying Virgo attack!" Virgo declared, launching herself at the intruders. The sight of her belly slamming onto Natsu was enough to shock both Happy and Lucy.

"You can take that off now," Lucy told Happy, referring to the skull head that had caused the initial scare.

Undeterred, Natsu proceeded to lift Virgo effortlessly, hurling her into the sky before his legs ignited, and a fiery kick sent her crashing to the ground.

"We must not be discovered. We are ninja," Natsu declared grandly, his scarf covering his face as he attempted to embody the essence of a ninja.

"Ninja," Happy echoed, equally enthusiastic about their newfound role.

Lucy, however, was far from impressed. "Ninjas are supposed to be quiet, you guys," she reminded them, her tone a mixture of amusement and frustration.

Frosch laughed at the spectacle, while Rogue merely smirked, appreciating the peculiar dynamics of their makeshift team.

Finally reaching the library, they were greeted by shelves laden with books, a testament to Everlue's unexpected penchant for literature. "There are many books in this library," Lucy said, awed by the vast collection.

"Aye, many indeed," Happy remarked, his attention momentarily diverted by titles related to fish, his and Frosch's favorite subject.

While Natsu and Lucy diligently searched for 'Daybreak,' Rogue wandered a bit further into the shadows of the library, his keen eyes scanning the titles. It wasn't long before a particular book caught his attention, its cover worn and title faded. Pulling it from the shelf, Rogue quickly realized it was a tome on martial arts, a compilation of ancient techniques and philosophies. His curiosity piqued, he flipped to a random paragraph and began to read, the words painting vivid images of fighters moving with grace and power, their shadows as integral to their form as breath to life.

After reading, a spark of inspiration struck Rogue. What if he could integrate the martial arts described in this book with his shadow magic? The possibilities began to unfold in his mind, scenes of him blending with his shadows, moving with a fluidity and strength he had never considered. The so-called "weakest magic" might just become his greatest asset, a unique style that no one else could replicate.

Rogue's thoughts raced with the potential of such a fusion. Shadow magic, combined with martial arts, could elevate his abilities to heights previously unimaginable. This amalgamation could redefine the limitations of his magic, transforming his perceived weakness into an unparalleled strength.

However, Rogue's contemplation was not without its conflicts. 'Integrating martial arts with shadow magic... It's uncharted territory. Could it make me too different from my guildmates? Worse, what if it's seen as a betrayal of pure shadow magic usage?' he mused quietly to himself. The thought troubled him deeply. Shadow magic, as looked down upon as it was, still held tradition and a certain pride among its practitioners.

Moreover, the memories of his past life added layers of complexity to his internal debate. 'In my previous life, my adherence to tradition was my downfall. My insistence on purity and power led to my isolation, and ultimately, my defeat. Am I destined to repeat the same mistakes?' Rogue questioned, the weight of his reincarnated soul heavy on his shoulders.

The fear of being misunderstood by his peers, and perhaps even ostracized for his revolutionary approach to magic, cast a shadow over his initial excitement. 'To push the boundaries of magic comes with the risk of being seen as an outsider. Am I ready to face that challenge? To stand alone if I must?' Rogue pondered, his confidence wavering.

Despite these doubts, the potential for greatness, for a legacy beyond the constraints of conventional shadow magic, tugged at Rogue's ambition. 'This could change everything. Not just for me, but for all shadow mages. To show them that weakness is but a stepping stone to untold power and versatility,' Rogue envisioned, his resolve hardening. The reluctance gave way to determination, as he realized the path less traveled often led to the most rewarding destinations.

'I may face resistance. I may even walk this path alone. But the chance to redefine what it means to wield shadow magic... It's a challenge I cannot ignore,' Rogue silently affirmed, his decision marking the birth of a new era for shadow magic, one where the weakest magic could potentially become the most formidable.

With his mind set, Rogue knew the journey ahead would be fraught with trials, testing his resolve, his integrity, and the very essence of his mastery over shadows. But he was ready to face them, armed with the knowledge of his past and the boundless potential of his chosen path.

As his mind danced with ideas, the sound of his companions' voices pulled him back to the present. With a swift glance around to ensure no one had noticed his divergence, he carefully tucked the book into his clothes. Casting a look of feigned innocence towards his friends, he rejoined them, his discovery a secret flame burning within, ready to ignite a revolution in his journey as a mage.

"Find anything useful yet?" Lucy asked, her eyes scanning another shelf for the elusive 'Daybreak.'

Rogue shook his head, his expression the picture of innocence. "Nothing yet, but I'm sure it's here somewhere." His voice carried no hint of the treasure he'd just secreted away, his demeanor calm and collected.

Natsu, oblivious to Rogue's internal machinations, grunted in frustration. "This is like looking for a needle in a haystack," he complained, dusting off another tome that wasn't their target..

Rogue merely smiled, agreeing with a nod. "Patience, Natsu-san. We'll find it." As the hunt for the book continued, Rogue's mind stayed part on the task at hand, and part on the potential that now lay hidden within the folds of his cloak. The intersection of shadow and martial arts promised a future full of power, mystique, and the promising evolution of his magic.

Few minutes later, the quiet search was abruptly shattered by Natsu's voice echoing through the library, "This one is sparkly." He proudly hoisted a book above his head, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

"Will you try to focus!" Lucy shouted, frustration lacing her tone as she made her way to Natsu, only to halt, her eyes widening in recognition upon seeing the book in Natsu's hands. "Hey, it's Daybreak."

"Natsu found it!" Happy's voice, filled with a mixture of surprise and excitement, bounced off the walls.

"I did." Natsu looked at the book, a smug smile spreading across his face.

"2 million jewels, here we come," Lucy mused aloud, her voice a mixture of relief and anticipation. However, as her eyes scanned the author's name, her excitement faltered into disbelief. "Wait a second, I had no idea Kemu Zaleon wrote this."

"Kem what?" Natsu's confusion was almost palpable, his interest in literary figures clearly non-existent.

"He's an amazing wizard and novelist," Rogue interjected, the suspicion Rogue felt towards the book growing as he joined the conversation.

"I'm such a huge fan. I was sure I'd read every sentence he ever wrote, but this must be an unpublished novel." Lucy's voice teemed with reverence and disbelief, cradling the book as though it were a precious treasure.

"Yeah well, who cares? It all burns the same to me." Natsu's remark, as he sparked a fire in his hand, prompted an immediate and fierce reaction from Lucy.

"Don't you dare touch it! This is a great work of literature," she protested vehemently, positioning herself between Natsu and the book. "You better stay away from it, pyro."

"But what about our mission?" Happy piped in, voice tinted with concern over their newfound predicament.

"Forget the mission!" Lucy's shout echoed, her determination clear.

"Failure is not an option." Yet, Natsu and Happy began to corner Lucy, their patience thinning.

"Why don't we just say we burn it," Lucy offered, desperation creeping into her tone. "I'll keep it a secret, I swear."

"I'm not a liar," Natsu shot back, unwavering in his stance.

"Aye," Happy affirmed, siding with Natsu.

The standoff was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected arrival. "Well, well, what do we have here," Duke Everlue's voice boomed as he emerged from the floor, a self-satisfied grin on his face. "So you thieves are trying to pilfer Daybreak from me, boyoyo."

"See, slowpoke, this all your fault," Natsu accused Lucy, his frustration redirected.

"Um, sorry," Lucy managed, a nervous edge to her voice.

"Couldn't you have come in through the door?" Rogue finally spoke, his tone dry as he eyed the grandiose entrance of their unexpected host.

Everlue, visibly annoyed by Rogue's comment, scowled. "I knew all you low-life wizards were coming around here to take something of mine," Everlue said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I had no idea it was for that stupid book."

"Stupid?" Natsu pondered aloud, his brow furrowed as he considered the value of the book they were sent to destroy.

Lucy, her mind racing with thoughts, saw an opportunity. 'This book must mean a lot if the client is willing to pay so much to destroy it.' She thought to herself. "This works great if you don't want it, so that means I can have it," she said with a slight smile, hoping to appeal to Everlue's apparent disdain for the tome.

"It's mine. You can't have it, so get your greedy hands off," Everlue declared angrily, taking a step forward as if to protect the book from her reach.

"Greedy gut," Lucy retorted, puffing her cheeks in defiance, not willing to back down despite the insult.

"Shut your trap, ugly," Everlue retorted, his insult striking a chord within Lucy, her pride taking another hit. Though slighted, she clenched her fists, her determination to protect the book only strengthening.

"Will you hand that thing over so I can get this over with," Natsu said, his patience wearing thin.

"No way I'm not giving this to you," Lucy declared, shielding the book with her body.

"Lucy!" Natsu shouted, his frustration boiling over. "This is our job."

"At least let me read it first," Lucy pleaded, opening the book hurriedly.

"Read it now!?" the rest remarked in disbelief, their voices mingling in a chorus of urgency.

"Enough of this nonsense! How dare you put your hands on my possessions!" Everlue shouted, his temper flaring. "Now come forth, Vanish Brothers!"

Two of the bookshelves split apart, revealing the Vanish Brothers; the shorter man stood on the left while a taller man stood on the right.

"You summoned us, sir?" one of them asked, his voice laced with anticipation.

"Looks like two more wizards are about to meet their end," the other said with a hint of eagerness.

"That mark on their arms," Happy pointed out, hovering closer to get a better look. "Means they're from the Southern Wolves. It's a mercenary guild."

"So you have bodyguards, huh?" Natsu said, cracking his knuckles in readiness.

"Oh wow," Lucy stood and touched Natsu's shoulder. "Hey, can you hold them off? I think this book holds some sort of secret."

Natsu hesitated, but he simply nodded, allowing Lucy to dash through a door in search of answers.

'A secret must have slipped by me somehow. It might be a treasure map or something,' Everlue thought, intrigued by the possibility. "I'm going after the girl. Make sure pink hair doesn't leave here alive," he commanded before dissolving into the floor to give chase to Lucy.

"Happy, I need you to go help Lucy," Natsu told the blue feline with a sense of urgency.

"Are you sure you can handle them by yourself?" Happy asked, worry evident in his voice.

"Yeah," Natsu declared, his determination unfaltering.

Happy then took off past the Vanish Brothers, disappearing in pursuit of Lucy.

"You sure talk big for a little guy," the taller brother remarked, a sneer across his face.

"Maybe we should put him in his place," the smaller brother suggested, a sinister grin forming. "So you're a fire wizard."

"Yeah, but how do you know that?" Natsu inquired, eyeing them cautiously.

"We saw the fire around your legs during your fight with that Celestial spirit," the smaller brother explained. "So it's obvious you're an ability type wizard."

"So I guess you know what happens when you play with fire," Natsu attacked the Vanish Brothers with his Fire Dragon's Iron Fist. "You get burnt."

But the smaller brother easily stopped his attack. "Sorry to break it to you, but fire wizards are our specialty."

The taller brother suddenly attacked, slamming the ground with force, but Natsu easily dodged. However, the smaller brother hit Natsu with his giant frying pan, sending him flying through a wall and almost tumbling down the balcony.

Landing on the tongue of an Everlue statue, Natsu regained his footing.

"You see, now you're no match for trained mercenaries like us," the taller brother boasted, sure of their victory.

"If that's your best, then you're dead wrong," Natsu shot back, his fiery spirit unquenched.

"This kid actually thinks he can beat us!" the taller brother shouted in disbelief.

"Do you know what a wizard's greatest weakness is?" the smaller brother queried, readying for another attack.

"You talking about motion sickness?" Natsu said, a confused look on his face.

"I think that's more of a personal problem," the smaller brother deadpanned, unamused.

"Is he messing with us?" the taller brother wondered, scratching his head in confusion.

"Their weakness is their bodies," the smaller brother with the giant frying pan charged again but missed, destroying the statue's tongue as Natsu leaped to safety. "Since wizards have to focus on their mental abilities."

The taller brother attempted another hit, destroying a wall in the process. "They neglect to train their bodies, which leaves them physically weak."

"On the other hand, we focus on our physical abilities," the smaller brother explained, pride evident in his voice.

"So we are faster and stronger than you," the taller brother concluded, sure of their impending victory.

"Ooo, I'm so scared," Natsu replied sarcastically, undaunted by their claims. "So let's quit yappin and let's dance."

"Hey, bro, combination attack?" The taller brother suggested, eager to end the confrontation.

"Sounds good," the brother agreed, jumping onto the frying pan. "Heaven and Earth Annihilation," they declared in unison, setting their sights on the fiery mage before them.

Rogue and Frosch remained where they were, watching from a safe distance as Natsu prepared to confront the Vanish Brothers' powerful combination attack.

"Shouldn't we help him?" Frosch asked, concern evident in his small voice.

"Don't worry, Natsu-san is very strong," Rogue reassured him, keeping a close eye on the battle. Yet, even as he spoke, his attention was drawn away by the sound of quiet footsteps approaching from behind.

A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed Rogue's suspicions. A group of men had appeared, their demeanors hostile, and their insignias marking them as members of the Southern Wolf Guild, allies to the Vanish Brothers. They had encircled Rogue and Frosch, thinking them easy targets separated from their fiery companion.

A smirk appeared on Rogue's face before he turned to face the newcomers, the shadows around him seeming to respond to his silent command. "I think I'll do some warming up," he declared coolly, his calm demeanor masking the deadly intent in his eyes.

Frosch hopped off Rogue's shoulder, settling by his feet, his own gaze fixed on the approaching guild members. "Go, Rogue!" he cheered, his faith in Rogue's abilities unwavering.

The first of the Southern Wolves lunged at Rogue, a dagger gleaming in the dim light filtering through the mansion's shattered windows. With a fluidity that seemed to mock the very notion of shadow magic being the weakest, Rogue sidestepped, allowing the shadows to extend and trip his attacker, sending him sprawling to the ground with a thud.

"Is that all you've got?" Rogue taunted, the shadows around him swirling with anticipation. The remaining members of the Southern Wolves hesitated, their confidence shaken by Rogue's ease in dispatching their comrade.

Frosch, although small, stood ready, his eyes darting between Rogue and their enemies, ready to jump in if needed. But Rogue was a step ahead, his shadows reaching out to disarm another attacker, the weapon dissolving into darkness as it left the man's grip.

One by one, members of the Southern Wolves Guild found themselves overwhelmed by Rogue's shadow magic, their numbers doing little to give them the advantage they had expected. Each attempted strike was countered with precision, each attack rendering them more helpless.

As the last of their number hit the ground, Rogue stood amidst the defeated men, his breath even, not a bead of sweat on his forehead. The display of power was a testament to the depths of his mastery over shadow magic, a prowess that transcended age or the apparent limitations of his chosen magic.

Frosch hopped beside him, a proud smile on his face. "Rogue, you're amazing!"

Rogue looked down at his small companion, a soft smile spreading across his face. "Thanks, Frosch. Let's go back and see how Natsu-san is doing."

As they returned to where Natsu was battling the Vanish Brothers, they found him standing victorious, the remnants of the fight evident in the destruction surrounding him. And yet, despite the odds, Natsu's spirit had remained unbreakable, his strength undeniable.

Rogue's intervention with the Southern Wolves had not gone unnoticed by Natsu, who gave him a nod of appreciation. "Thanks for the help," Natsu said, acknowledging the silent support Rogue and Frosch had provided.

"No problem, Natsu-san. Looks like you didn't need it, though," Rogue replied, a respectful tone in his voice. As he was about to follow the fiery wizard, a chilling howl echoed from down one of the mansion's ornate hallways, freezing Rogue in his tracks. His eyes narrowed, the sense of a new, unforeseen danger prickling the back of his neck.

/

Below the mansion, in a dimly lit sewer, Lucy frantically flipped through the pages of 'Daybreak', her wind reader glasses allowing her words to leap off the page straight into her consciousness at an incredible pace. "I knew it," she whispered to herself, "This book holds a profound secret."

Her concentration was shattered by Everlue popping out from the wall behind her, greed evident in his eyes. "Well, then, little bookworm, share the wealth of your discovery."

"No way." Lucy grunted. "A man like you doesn't deserve to know what it is; you're an enemy of literature."

/

Back in the grand hall of the mansion, the tension escalated as a massive black wolf, its eyes gleaming with primal ferocity, emerged from the shadowed corner. An audible chuckle came from one of the defeated Southern Wolves members, a smirk of anticipation spreading across his bruised face. This was their secret weapon, the Black Wolf, one of the four elemental beasts of the Southern Wolf Guild. The Duke's fortune had convinced them to station this monstrous guardian within his walls, a living, breathing deterrent against all who would dare cross him.

The guild member's smirk widened, thinking, 'Let's see how the young shadow mage deals with this nightmare.'

Rogue's hand went instinctively to the hilt of his katana, the metal humming softly as if in anticipation of the clash to come. "Frosch, find somewhere safe," he ordered, his voice brooking no argument.

The Exceed nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, and quickly scurried to a nook beyond the reach of the upcoming maelstrom.

The black wolf snarled, a sound that seemed to shake the very foundations of the mansion, its massive frame moving with an agility that belied its size. Rogue positioned himself, katana drawn, the blade reflecting the little light that filtered through the destroyed ceilings of the once-grand estate.

An ancient wisdom, carried over from his past life, stirred within him. He knew brute force alone would not subdue such a beast. Shadow magic and martial prowess must intertwine, becoming more than the sum of their parts. A dance of darkness and steel.

The air thickened as Rogue extended his hand, shadows coalescing around the blade of his katana, turning the weapon into an extension of his will. The beast charged, its massive jaws agape, aiming to crush him with its overwhelming might.

But Rogue was no longer there. He moved like a wisp of smoke, using his shadow magic to enhance his speed and agility, darting around the behemoth with the precision of a seasoned warrior. Each swing of his katana was a stroke of artistry, a perfect blend of shadow magic and martial prowess, targeting the beast's vulnerabilities with surgical precision.

As the battle raged, it became a spectacle of flashes and howls, the clashing forces resonating throughout Everlue Mansion. Rogue, the young mage who had chosen the path of shadow, was not just fighting for survival but also proving the true power of what many had deemed the weakest of magics.

Rogue's grip tightened around the hilt of his blade as he studied the towering wolf-like beast before him. His eyes, narrowed with focus, darted between the creature's hulking frame and the ancient tome tucked securely beneath his cloak. The words within, detailing long-forgotten martial techniques, had ignited a spark of inspiration, a path to elevate his shadow magic from its perceived weakness.

With a deft movement, Rogue leaped high, the shadows lifting him beyond the reach of natural bounds, and descended upon the black wolf in a decisive arc. His mind brimmed with the newfound possibilities of blending shadow magic with martial arts, a fusion that could redefine the boundaries of his power.

As he soared through the air, Rogue reached deep within himself, tapping into the ancient wisdom he had gleaned from the book. He envisioned his shadows as extensions of his body, fluid and adaptable, each movement a symphony of grace and precision.

"This is it," he whispered, the words carrying a determined weight. "The birth of a new era for shadow magic."

With a deft twist of his wrist, Rogue wove his shadows into a protective shroud, hardening them into a shield that deflected the wolf's snapping jaws. The beast snarled, its fury undeterred, but Rogue remained unperturbed.

As the beast lunged again, jaws gaping wide, Rogue deftly evaded its attack, his movements guided by the martial philosophies fresh in his mind. Shadows swirled around him, coalescing into tendrils that lashed out, seeking the creature's vulnerabilities with surgical precision.

"I've spent too long relying on raw power," Rogue muttered under his breath, his voice edged with determination. "It's time to embrace the true essence of shadow magic – the art of adaptation, of exploiting every crevice and weakness."

With each strike of his blade, Rogue felt the weight of his past life's burdens lift, replaced by a newfound sense of purpose and clarity. No longer would he succumb to the traditional limitations of his magic; this fusion of martial prowess and shadow manipulation would redefine what it meant to wield the so-called weakest element.

The beast howled in rage, its massive paws slamming against the ground, sending tremors rippling through the earth. Rogue, undeterred, melded with the shadows, becoming one with the darkness that surrounded them. His movements were fluid, each strike a graceful dance, a perfect harmony of steel and shadow.

"You rely too heavily on brute force," Rogue taunted, his voice echoing from every shadowed corner. "But true power lies in adaptability, in understanding the ebb and flow of battle."

The beast swiped blindly, its attention divided between locating Rogue and fending off the relentless assault of shadow tendrils. Rogue seized the opportunity, emerging from the shadows in a blur of motion, his katana slicing through the air with a whisper of deadly intent.

As the blade connected, a surge of shadow magic rippled outward, enveloping the beast in a vortex of darkness. The creature thrashed, its howls echoing through the manor's crumbling walls, but Rogue held firm, pouring every ounce of his newfound understanding into the attack.

With a final, defiant roar, the beast succumbed, collapsing to the ground in a heap of fur and fading shadows.

Rogue stood triumphant, his chest heaving with exertion, but a sense of accomplishment burned brightly in his eyes. He had proven, not only to himself but to any who doubted, that shadow magic was far more than a mere weakness – it was a force to be reckoned with, a tool of unparalleled versatility in the hands of one who truly understood its depths.

As the adrenaline from the battle subsided, Rogue's mind wandered to the ancient tome he had discovered in Everlue's library. The words detailing martial arts techniques had ignited a spark within him, leading him to blend those concepts with his shadow magic in a way that had never been done before.

'Who would have thought that a few pages from an old book could unlock such potential?' Rogue mused to himself, his fingers tracing the outline of the tome tucked safely within his cloak. 'If just a glimpse could elevate my magic to these heights, what wonders might the full text hold?'

The estate fell silent as the dust settled, Rogue standing victorious, his breathing steady, his resolve firmer than ever. The Black Wolf lay subdued, a testament to Rogue's unmatched skill and the untapped potential of shadow magic.

As the echoes of their clash faded, Rogue sheathed his katana, turning to find Frosch peering from his hiding spot, eyes wide with admiration and relief. The shadow mage offered a reassuring nod to his friend, a silent promise of protection, always.

The aftermath of the battle left the members of the Southern Wolves in stunned silence, their anticipated victory turned to ashes. Rogue's display of power sent a clear message, not just to those who witnessed the fight, but to anyone who dared underestimate the so-called weakest magic.

However, the wolf didn't die yet but could no longer move, laying defeated on the ground. Rogue, standing victorious, scanned his fallen foe with a peculiar glint in his eye. "Well, Frosch, looks like we've got ourselves a feast," he announced, much to the surprise of everyone around, including the wolf, whose one eye widened in terror.

The wolf thought to itself, 'What in the World is happening? This isn't what I signed up for! I was expecting a fearsome battle, not to become dinner!' Its face contorted into a look that, were it human, might have been mistaken for an exasperated "What the hell is this?!"

"But, Rogue, do you even know how to cook a wolf?" Frosch asked, tilting his head, as innocent and curious as ever.

Rogue scratched his head, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "No, but how hard can it be? I've cooked fish before. I mean, a wolf is just a bigger, furrier fish, right?"

The wolf, upon hearing this, internally screamed, 'Bigger, furrier fish?! These folks are mad! Utterly mad!' Its attempts to will itself into invisibility proved futile, adding to its growing list of indignities suffered that day.

"Don't look at me like that," Rogue said, noticing the wolf's expression. "You'd have done the same if you caught us first."

Frosch nodded solemnly, his adventurous spirit momentarily overshadowed by empathy. "Do you think it understands us, Rogue?"

"Maybe," Rogue replied with a hint of contemplation. "But it's the law of nature, Frosch. Today was just not his day."

The wolf's thoughts, a jumbled mess of instinctual fears and regrets, seemed to simmer down to a resigned acceptance. If it had known how its day was going to end, perhaps it would have chosen a different path, perhaps not to cross paths with a mage known for his unique connection with shadows.

Frosch watched the subdued beast, then turned to Rogue with a mixture of curiosity and concern in his little green eyes. "Rogue, how do we cook a magical animal like that wolf? Is it even safe to eat?"

Rogue paused, considering Frosch's question with a seriousness that belied the absurdity of their situation. After a few moments, a confident smile spread across his face. "Frosch, when dealing with the unordinary, one must tackle it in unordinary ways," he declared, as if sharing a profound secret.

The little exceed tilted his head, still not entirely convinced but trusting Rogue completely. "So, what's the plan then?"

With a mischievous gleam in his eye, Rogue looked back at the massive wolf, now lying defeated yet majestic in its own right. "First, we need the right tools for the job. And I have just the idea. Stay here, I'll be back."

Frosch watched as Rogue headed back towards the mansion's storage room, his curiosity piqued. The mage rummaged through assorted items, throwing aside ropes and cloths until he found what he was looking for.

Moments later, he returned with a pile of metal wires, which he began to wrap around the wolf's body. Putting on a pair of rubber gloves, he glanced towards where he imagined the readers would be.

"Warning, don't try this at home," he warned, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, while the wolf trembled, utterly bewildered.

"Who are you talking to, Rogue?" Frosch's puzzled voice broke the silence, but Rogue simply ignored the question and proceeded to plug the end of the wire into an electrical socket.

A howl that seemed to carry the weight of unforeseen regret bellowed throughout most of Shirotsume Town, promptly followed by a total power outage. Darkness enveloped the area, leaving the townsfolk in confusion and mild panic.

Rogue's plan, however dubious, was a success. He and Frosch sat down to a meal that would surely be talked about for generations, albeit in hushed, bewildered tones. The Southern Wolves members could only stare in a mix of horror, astonishment, and utter confusion.

"Did he... Did he just?" stammered one member, aghast at the sight before them.

"By the ancients, he cooked the beast," another whispered, disbelief coloring his voice.

A third member, the most senior among them, scratched his head, unable to process the scene. "To think, our fearsome Black Wolf... and they're eating it?"

One of the younger members, a newbie to the guild, couldn't hide his curiosity. "Do you think it tastes like chicken?" he asked, only to receive a sharp elbow to the ribs from his companion.

"Shut it! This isn't about the taste," hissed the second member, though his own stomach betrayed him with a curious growl.

The senior member shook his head, trying to regain some semblance of dignity. "We'll never live this down," he muttered. "First defeated, now outdone by a culinary... experiment."

A hush fell over the group as they watched Rogue and Frosch share their meal, a mix of envy and disgust warring within them.

"Should we... should we try it?" the youngest member ventured, only to be met with a chorus of vehement noes.

Rogue actually heard them but didn't care. Around him, the Southern Wolves murmured amongst themselves, their voices a mixture of disbelief and embarrassment.

"Can you believe this?" one whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from the sight of Rogue and Frosch dining on their fearsome beast. "He wields shadow magic, considered the weakest, and yet, look at what he's done!"

Another piped up, his voice laced with a shame that dug deep. "The entire guild will be a laughingstock once word of this spreads. Defeated by shadow magic and our guardian beast cooked and devoured like some common feast!"

They exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of their situation sinking in. "We ought to do something about this. We can't let this stand!" one declared, his voice a desperate attempt at defiance.

"Yeah, someone should really teach him a lesson," another member chimed in, keeping a safe distance from Rogue.

"Right, so who's going first?" The question hung in the air, met with a sudden silence as everyone suddenly found the ground incredibly interesting to look at.

"I would, but I sprained my ankle earlier," one member quickly excused himself, limping exaggeratedly on a perfectly fine leg.

"I've got, uh, a wizard's cold, very contagious, deadly to wizards," another said, covering his mouth with his sleeve and coughing unconvincingly.

"I'm allergic to shadows," another added, nodding solemnly as if he had shared a deep, personal truth.

As Rogue overheard their bickering, a sly smirk danced across his lips. He glanced over to them, amusement clear in his gaze. The members froze, suddenly aware that their charade was observed by the very target of their supposed ire.

Seeing the smirk on Rogue's face, panic set in. "He's looking this way. Quick, act natural!"

Instantly, they all turned to each other, their earlier bravado vanishing like mist. "You go deal with him!" one hissed, trying to push the nearest member forward.

"No, no, you were talking big earlier. You're up!" the pushed member retorted, shoving back.

Their argument escalated into a comedic shoving match, each one pushing the other forward, yet none daring to move an inch closer to Rogue.

"Alright, fine, on three we all charge together," suggested one, a desperate attempt to rally the troops.

"One... two...," they counted together, every member bracing themselves.

On the unspoken three, they all darted—but not towards Rogue. Instead, they scattered in every direction but his, tripping over their feet and each other in their eagerness to escape.

Rogue watched, the smirk never leaving his face as he returned to his peculiar meal, leaving the members of the Southern Wolves to their squabbles and excuses. Their voices faded into the background, a comedic backdrop to an already unusual day.

"Can you imagine the look on everyone's faces when they hear about this?" one of the Southern Wolves moaned, the humiliation already heavy on his shoulders.

"Imagine walking into town and the whispers start. 'There go the mages who were bested by a kid with shadow magic,'" another added, his tone laced with dread.

A third chimed in, "And not just bested! He cooked our fearsome beast and ate it. We'll be the punchline of every joke!"

As they bemoaned their fate, an ominous creaking sound filled the air, drawing their attention away from their woes. The entire mansion began to shake violently, dust and debris falling from the ceiling.

"What now?" one member exclaimed, panic edging into his voice.

Another looked toward Rogue, expecting to see concern, but found the young mage smirking instead. "This has Dragneel written all over it," Rogue mused, barely audible over the growing chaos.

The mansion groaned a final warning before it started collapsing, the grand structure unable to withstand the damage inflicted during the day's events. The Southern Wolves, caught between their fear of Rogue and the imminent danger, made a hasty retreat, tripping over their own feet in their rush.

Rogue, however, remained calm, casually standing up and stretching as if he had all the time in the world. "Frosch, seems like Natsu-san is living up to his reputation. Shall we?" he asked, looking down at his companion.

"Yes, Rogue!" Frosch replied, enthusiasm undimmed by the collapsing mansion around them.

Just as they made their move to leave, the floor beneath them gave way, sending them sliding into a new part of the mansion previously hidden from view. Landing with a grace that only a mage of his caliber could manage, Rogue looked around the new room, his interest piqued.

"This day just keeps getting better," Rogue remarked dryly, his eyes scanning the room for anything of value or interest before the entire place came down for good.

As the dust settled and the last of the mansion's walls tumbled down, Rogue and Frosch emerged from the rubble, unscathed and with a new tale to add to their already growing legend. The tale of how Rogue of Phantom Lord not only defeated a legendary beast and rival mages but also survived the downfall of Everlue Mansion, all in a day's work.

/

As they made their way back to Melon's house, the mood was significantly less jovial than when they had set off. Lucy's strides were sharp, each step a testament to her brewing anger over the day's events. The destruction left in their wake, especially Natsu's handiwork that brought down the mansion and, unintentionally, the town's electric grid, had her fuming.

"Natsu! How could you be so reckless? Do you have any idea what you've done?" Lucy's voice was a mix of disbelief and anger, her hands flailing for emphasis.

Natsu, on the other hand, seemed to shrink with each step, his usual confidence replaced by an unusual sense of nervousness. "Uh, Lucy, I mean, I just got carried away with the fight," he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze.

"Carried away? Carried away!" Lucy echoed, her voice rising with each word. "You've not only destroyed a historical mansion, but now the whole of Shirotsume Town is without power. How do you plan to fix this, Natsu?"

"Well, I, uh, didn't think that far ahead," Natsu admitted sheepishly, an awkward chuckle escaping him as he attempted to lighten the mood.

Lucy stopped in her tracks, turning to face him fully, her eyes blazing. "This isn't funny, Natsu. Thanks to you, we might as well be the most wanted criminals in town!"

Seeing Lucy so upset made Natsu's usual bravado falter completely. "I'm sorry, Lucy. I didn't mean for things to get so out of hand. I'll make it right, I promise." There was a sincerity in his voice that was rare, showing the depth of his regret.

"Make it right? How, Natsu? Are you going to magically restore the mansion and the town's electricity?" Lucy's sarcasm was palpable, her arms crossed as she awaited an answer she knew he didn't have.

Natsu's gaze shifted from Lucy to the dark town then back again, his mind racing for solutions where he knew there were none immediately available. "I... I'll figure something out. Maybe Happy and I can—"

Before he could finish, Lucy sighed deeply, her anger subsiding slightly as she realized no amount of scolding would undo the damage. "Just... let's just get back to Melon. We need to explain what happened. And Natsu, no more 'figuring things out' on the fly, okay?"

Natsu nodded, a quiet "okay" the only response he managed, fully aware of the long night ahead as they prepared to face the consequences of their actions. Rogue, meanwhile, couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for his unique cooking method that contributed to the town's current blackout. However, seeing Lucy's furious demeanor, he opted for silence, believing it the wiser choice under the circumstances.

Rogue then looked down at the piece of grilled wolf meat in his hand, contemplating his next action. With a shrug, he extended it towards Natsu, trying to pass it off casually. "Here, Natsu, try this. It's... um, chicken," he muttered, hoping Natsu wouldn't question it further.

Natsu, still absorbed in his own thoughts of how to amend the chaos he'd caused, gratefully accepted the offering without a second thought. "Thanks, Rogue. Anything's good right now," he said, biting into the 'chicken' with an oblivious gusto.

Rogue sighed in relief, his secret safe for the moment. As he watched Natsu devour the meat, his thoughts drifted to how they could possibly smooth things over with the town and Mr. Melon.

Lucy, calming down slightly from her tirade, caught the exchange between the two and raised an eyebrow. "Rogue, since when did you start carrying chicken around?" she asked, suspicion lacing her tone.

Caught off-guard, Rogue scrambled for an answer, the gears in his mind turning. "Oh, you know, just in case. A mage needs his strength," he replied, chuckling nervously. He quickly looked away, hoping to steer clear of further culinary inquiries.

As they continued their walk back to Melon's house, the group fell into an uneasy silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the day's events and the repercussions that awaited them. Rogue, despite the light-hearted façade, couldn't shake off the concern for the town's current state, vowing silently to make amends, even if it meant revealing his part in it all.

Little did they know that the road back would hold a few more surprises, ones that would test their newfound camaraderie and force them to confront not just the external chaos they've caused but the internal conflicts they've yet to face.

Upon reaching Melon's house, the atmosphere was tense. The group, unsure of how to present the events that had unfolded, hesitated at the doorstep. It was Rogue, with a calm demeanor, who finally knocked.

Kaby Melon, upon opening the door, was taken aback by their appearance - disheveled, covered in dust, and a mix of guilt and apprehension written on their faces. "Well, this should be interesting," he mused, stepping aside to let them in.

Once inside, the five exchanged glances before Lucy stepped forward, holding out 'Daybreak' with a solemn expression. "Mr. Melon, we've brought back the book. But there's something you need to know about it and... about what happened."

Melon raised an eyebrow, taking the book from Lucy's hands. "Oh? Do tell."

Natsu shuffled uncomfortably, scratching the back of his head. "Well, sir, it's a bit of a long story... We might've accidentally brought down Everlue Mansion... and maybe caused a power outage in the town."

Melon's eyes widened slightly but then, to their surprise, he chuckled. "Well, that's one way to handle a quest. And the book?"

Lucy took a deep breath, the words rushing out with a mixture of determination and a hint of apprehension. "The truth is, Mr. Melon, this book holds a far greater secret than we could have imagined. It's not just any book—it bears a hidden message from Kemu Zaleon himself."

Melon's expression shifted from curiosity to shock. "I thought I requested this book to be destroyed. Why are you handing it to me completely unscathed?"

"If you want to burn it, then I much rather you do it yourself," Lucy explained, her voice firm yet respectful.

"I most certainly will." Kaby replied, a grim resolve settling over his features.

"I never wanted to see this trash again," he added, disdain clear in his tone.

Lucy's voice softened as she approached Melon, "I understand why you would feel that way. You want to protect his legacy because you're Zaleon's son, aren't you?"

Kaby's gaze faltered for a moment as he looked at the book. "Yes, that's true."

"Did you ever read it?" Lucy probed gently, knowing fully well the weight of her question.

"I could never bring myself to," Kaby admitted, the sadness in his voice echoing the heavy burden he carried. "I already know it was trash."

"So you were just going to burn it?" Natsu asked, his temper flaring slightly.

"Yes, I was," Kaby replied, straightforward yet with a hint of resignation.

"But that's the last thing your father ever wrote. Some of us would give anything for that kind of memory," Natsu retorted, his anger giving way to a passionate plea for Kaby to reconsider.

"Let Kaby explain himself," Lucy interjected, seeing the pain and conflict in Melon's eyes.

Kaby began to recount the story of the book's creation and his father's ultimate fate, revealing the depth of the heartache and shame that had driven his decision to destroy it. His tale was punctuated with a flashback to a younger Kaby confronting his father, leading up to the dramatic moment Kemu Zaleon severed his arm, a symbol of his resolve to never write again.

As Kaby's story concluded, with the mention of his father's passing and the lingering anger that turned to remorse, he made a move to burn the book. However, Lucy intervened, showing him the spell Kemu Zaleon cast on the novel, rearranging the words to hide its true message intended only for Kaby.

The group watched in awe as the spell broke, revealing a heartfelt message from Kaby's father. The revelation that the book was indeed a masterpiece, disguised to protect its contents until the right time, moved everyone, especially Kaby.

Tears filled Kaby Melon's eyes as the realization of his father's love and the misjudgment of his intentions became clear. The moment was poignant, filled with a mix of sorrow, revelation, and eventual understanding.

'I thought about you the entire time I was gone.' Kaby thought about his father's last words to him, as tears began to fill his eyes, the book resting in his lap.

"And now that the spell has been broken, you can read for yourself," Lucy finished.

"Thank you, father." Kaby said aloud, his voice thick with emotion. "I swear I will not let any harm come to this book."

"Well, I guess we won't be collecting that reward," Natsu said, turning away with a sigh.

"Aye," Happy agreed, his small voice tinged with disappointment.

Lucy looked at Natsu, confusion etched on her face. "What do you mean?"

"We failed our assignment," Natsu explained. "So we can't accept the reward."

"Even so," Kaby pleaded, his gaze shifting between the faces before him. "Let me do something for you."

"Yeah, but it's not our fault he decided not to burn the book," Lucy protested, the hint of frustration evident in her voice.

"Lucy, don't sound so greedy," Happy chastised her gently. "You're ruining what was a touching moment."

"But I need the cash!" Lucy exclaimed, her desperation clear.

"Thanks for offering, but we don't want it," Natsu said firmly, his decision final.

"Um, yes, we do. I need to pay for a hotel tonight!" Lucy argued, her need outweighing her pride.

"I think it's time we all went home," Natsu said calmly, a sense of resolution in his decision. "You too, Mr. Melon, go home."

"Unbelievable," Lucy exclaimed in disbelief as she and Natsu began their walk back to Magnolia. "Who in their right mind would ever turn down 2 million jewels?"

As Lucy's frustration echoed in the night, Kaby's gaze shifted towards Rogue, who had remained silent from the beginning. The room followed Kaby's lead, their eyes turning to the young shadow mage, anticipation and curiosity mingling in the air.

It was then Rogue finally spoke, his voice calm but firm, "I want the money."

The statement hung in the room like a thick fog, confusion etching itself on everyone's faces. Lucy's mouth fell open, Natsu blinked in surprise, and Happy hovered closer, his eyes wide.

"Why on Earth would you want that?" Lucy demanded, her earlier frustration now directed at Rogue.

"Yeah, didn't you hear everything Kaby just said about the book and his dad?" Natsu added, echoing Lucy's sentiment.

Rogue held up a hand, signaling for them to let him finish. "I do want the reward," he stated again, more firmly this time, "but I am willing to give it up on three conditions."

This piqued everyone's curiosity, silence filling the room as they waited for Rogue to continue.

"What are your conditions?" Kaby finally asked, breaking the silence.

Rogue took a deep breath before speaking, "First, I want you to cancel the request from all guilds immediately. I don't want this to get back to Phantom Lord or any other guild, for that matter. If my guild finds out I refused a reward as substantial as this one, it could lead to... complications."

"And what kind of complications are you expecting?" Kaby inquired, genuinely intrigued.

Rogue glanced around at his companions before answering. "Let's just say, Phantom Lord isn't known for its... understanding nature. Refusing a reward, especially one of this magnitude, is viewed as a betrayal of sorts. It could very well put me in hot water with the master and my peers."

Lucy, Natsu, and Happy exchanged concerned glances. Natsu's earlier frustration with Rogue's claim to the reward faded, replaced by a newfound understanding of his situation.

"And your second condition?" Lucy asked, her tone softer now that she grasped the gravity of Rogue's circumstances.

Rogue paused, taking a moment as if weighing the weight of his next words. "My second condition," he finally began, his gaze steady, "is somewhat... personal to our adventure today. I must confess, the complete power outage in Shirotsumi Town was my doing."

Everyone froze, their eyes wide in shock and confusion.

"Natsu, I thought you were the reckless one," Lucy exclaimed, turning to Natsu with a bewildered look.

Natsu just scratched his head, equally surprised. "I guess we're even now?"

Happy hovered closer, curiosity piqued. "But how did you do it, Rogue?"

"A culinary experiment gone wrong," Rogue admitted, a slight smile playing on his lips despite the guilt in his eyes. The group's confusion only deepened, prompting Rogue to shake his head. "It's a long story, one that involves a rather unconventional method of cooking."

The room erupted in murmurs, the members struggling to piece together Rogue's cryptic admission with the bizarre events of the day.

"Regardless," Rogue continued, cutting through the whispers, "I feel responsible for the damage caused to the town. So, I propose using my share of the reward—400,000 jewels—to repair the electrical grid."

Kaby, who had been listening intently, nodded slowly. "That's a generous offer, Rogue. But you do understand that this amount might not cover all the expenses?"

Rogue shrugged. "It's a start. And it's the least I can do to make amends."

Lucy looked at Rogue, a newfound respect in her gaze. "That's... actually very noble of you, Rogue."

"Yeah, didn't expect that from a Phantom Lord mage," Natsu added, a hint of admiration in his tone.

Rogue caught the subtle shift in tone, a light chuckle escaping him. "Well, let's just say I don't want to rack up any more bad karma. I've got enough of that from my enemies. And, especially, that wolf.."

No one missed the mention of the wolf, but their puzzlement was evident. Lucy tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her features. "What wolf?"

Rogue hesitated, a shadow passing over his features. "It's... part of the reason why Shirotsume Town is in darkness. Let's just say, my culinary experiment involved an unconventional ingredient."

Frosch piped up from Rogue's shoulder, "Rogue tried to make a new recipe!"

The room fell into a brief silence as they tried to piece together Rogue's cryptic explanation with the bizarre turn of events. Kaby, trying to steer the conversation back, prompted, "And your third condition?"

Rogue's smile turned thoughtful, his eyes gleaming with a quiet resolve. "My third condition," he began, his voice steady and clear, "is that one day I get a copy of the book 'Dear Kaby.' And I want it for free."

An audible gasp filled the room, with Lucy and Natsu exchanging surprised glances. "That's... quite specific," Lucy finally said, a look of curiosity etched across her face.

"And why that book?" Natsu chimed in, equally puzzled by Rogue's request.

Rogue leaned back, his expression softening with a hint of wistfulness. "It's not just any book. It's a promise, a reminder of today's adventure, and the unforeseen paths our journeys can take us on. Despite its value symbolizing a significant part of today's revelations, it also represents a moment of understanding... and redemption," he explained, his gaze drifting as if lost in thought for a moment.

Kaby, who had listened quietly, nodded in understanding. "You have my word, Rogue. When the time comes, a copy of 'Dear Kaby' will find its way to you," he promised, extending his hand to seal the pact.

Rogue reached out, clasping Kaby's hand firmly. "Thank you. That means a lot."

Lucy watched the exchange with a growing sense of admiration for the young mage. "You're full of surprises, Rogue. I never would have guessed shadow magic could reveal such... depth."

"Yeah," Natsu agreed, his voice carrying a newfound respect. "You've got my respect, man."

The agreement settled, they all shared a moment of camaraderie, understanding the weight of the day's events and the bond it had forged among them. Kaby's eyes lingered on Rogue, sensing the layers yet to be uncovered in the young mage's story.

"As for the issue of the town's power outage," Kaby continued, drawing their attention back to more immediate matters, "I'll contribute to the repairs as well. Your actions today have sparked a change, and it's only right I play my part."

Rogue nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Thank you, Mr. Melon. It's a relief to know the town will get the help it needs."

He then turned to Frosch, who had quietly observed the exchange from his perch on Rogue's shoulder. "Looks like our work here is done for today, Frosch. What do you say we head home?"

Frosch's little eyes sparkled with joy. "Yay, home! Good job today, Rogue!" The exceed's enthusiasm was infectious, and even Kaby couldn't help but smile at the duo's bond.

As Rogue, Frosch, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy slowly walked away, disappearing into the distance, Kaby stood at the doorstep, watching their retreating figures with a thoughtful expression. The bond they shared, the laughter that echoed even as they walked away, painted a vivid picture against the quiet backdrop of the night.

Turning to head back inside, Kaby found his wife waiting, a curious look on her face. "So, what did you think of our visitors?" she asked, her voice laced with intrigue.

Kaby sighed softly, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "They're... extraordinary. Especially that kid," he remarked, reflecting on Rogue's unexpected depth and wisdom. "There's something about him—a quiet strength and an uncanny wisdom beyond his years. It's not something you see every day."

His wife leaned in, her interest piqued. "And the others?"

He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Natsu is a force of nature, unpredictable and fiery. Lucy, she's got a heart as big as her ambitions, always striving for more. And Happy, well, he brings a lightness that seems to bind them all together. But together with Rogue and Frosch, they make quite the team—an interesting company, indeed."

His wife smiled, wrapping her arm around his. "It sounds like they've left quite the impression on you."

"They have," Kaby admitted, gazing out into the night where the group had disappeared. "Perhaps there's hope yet for the younger generation of mages. Maybe, just maybe, they'll be the ones to bring about the change we've been hoping for."

Together, they closed the door, retiring for the night, but Kaby's thoughts remained with the young mages who had, in just a short period, managed to challenge his perceptions and, in doing so, had rekindled a sense of hope and curiosity within him about the future of magic and its bearers.

As they walked, the tranquility of the night contrasting sharply with the chaos of the day, Lucy couldn't contain her curiosity. "Rogue, you've got to tell us more about this... cooking incident," she pressed, her tone a blend of intrigue and incredulity.

Rogue sighed, a slight grimace on his face as he tried to dissuade her. "Lucy, it's not as interesting as you think," he attempted, hoping to deflect her persistent inquiries.

However, his efforts proved futile. Natsu, ever the instigator, egged him on. "Come on, Rogue! Spill it. Was it a terrifying beast? Or did you enchant the meat with shadow magic?"

The group's laughter echoed through the quiet streets, their camaraderie evident in their shared amusement. Rogue, resigned to his fate, began to recount the tale, his words drawing gasps and laughter in equal measure.

"I may have... used a bit of an unconventional method to cook one of our... aggressive encounters," Rogue admitted sheepishly, referring to the unfortunate wolf.

Lucy stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. "You didn't!" she exclaimed, half amused, half horrified.

Natsu, on the other hand, burst into uncontrollable laughter. "That wolf tasted horrible, didn't it?" he managed to say between laughs, slapping his knee in amusement.

Rogue shot him a wry smile. "Funny you should mention taste," he said, his gaze turning pointedly towards Natsu. "What about that 'chicken' you enjoyed so much?"

The laughter halted abruptly as realization dawned on Natsu's face. "Wait, that was the wolf?!" he gasped, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

The rest of the group couldn't contain themselves, erupting into laughter at Natsu's expense. Even Rogue allowed himself a chuckle, appreciating the light-hearted moment amidst the night's serene ambiance.

"Got you, Natsu-san," Rogue teased. "But you did say it was good, didn't you?"

Natsu's expression flipped from shock to outrage in an instant. "You... You tricked me into eating wolf?!" he exploded, flames practically sparking in his eyes.

Rogue, sensing the impending doom, took a cautious step back, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "Now, Natsu, let's not blow this out of proportion—"

"Out of proportion?!" Natsu roared, his temper igniting. "You're gonna pay for this, Rogue!"

And with that, Natsu launched himself at Rogue, his anger fueling his speed. Rogue, barely dodging the fiery punch, took off down the street, his laughter echoing through the night as he ran.

"Come back here, Rogue! I'm not done with you!" Natsu shouted, hot on his heels, his determination unwavering even as passersby gave them wide berths.

Rogue, while still running, couldn't help but smile, the thrill of the chase mixing with the amusement of the situation. Every glance back at Natsu's infuriated yet determined expression only added to the hilarity.

"Natsu-san, you have to admit, it was a pretty good 'chicken'," Rogue called out over his shoulder, dodging another of Natsu's fiery assaults with a swift sidestep.

"Good 'chicken'? I'm gonna show you 'good chicken' when I catch you!" Natsu retorted, his fists glowing with the promise of revenge.

As they darted past bewildered onlookers, Lucy and Happy couldn't contain their laughter, following at a safe distance.

"Do you think we should stop them?" Lucy gasped between laughs, her concern for safety at odds with the entertainment unfolding before her.

Happy, floating alongside, shrugged. "Nah, let them go. Natsu needs to burn off that energy somehow. Plus, this is too good to miss!"

Back in the heart of the chase, Rogue's quick reflexes kept him just out of Natsu's reach, his shadow magic aiding his escapes whenever he found himself in a particularly tight spot.

"Give it up, Natsu-san! You know you can't catch me!" Rogue teased, darting around a corner with the agility of a cat, his laughter fading into the distance.

Natsu, however, was undeterred, rounding the corner with a burst of speed, his resolve hardening. "We'll see about that, Rogue! No one makes a fool out of Natsu Dragneel!"

The night wore on, their figures eventually disappearing from view, leaving behind a trail of laughter and the occasional burst of flames. Their comrades, still laughing, finally decided to give chase, intrigued by how this unusual night would end.

Rogue darted through the streets of shirotsume, his shadow magic aiding his swift movements, all the while dodging Natsu's fire attacks that lit up the night sky. Despite the situation, Rogue couldn't shake off the exhilaration of the chase.

"Admit it was a good meal at least!" Rogue teased, glancing over his shoulder, his laughter mingling with the sounds of the chase.

"Admit you're a dead man when I catch you!" Natsu retorted, his determination unyielding, causing passersby to stop and watch the spectacle with wide eyes and an air of amusement.

As Rogue continued to evade Natsu's relentless pursuit, he couldn't deny the bond these moments were forging among them. Even amidst the anger and the outrageousness of the situation, there was an underlying camaraderie that tied Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail mages together, albeit in the most unconventional of ways.

/

«?????»

In the battlefield, the air was thick with the scent of magic and metal, a testament to the grueling fight that had unfolded between the two mages. The ground beneath them, scorched and cracked, bore witness to their immense powers, with the landscape around them forever altered by their conflict.

The battle, nearing its end after two relentless days, seemed to push both participants to their limits. The armored man, despite his shattered defences, refused to yield. With parts of his once-impenetrable armor now lying in ruins, many areas of his skin were exposed to the harsh elements and the piercing gaze of his opponent. A notable injury was the visible portion of the left side of his face, where a blood-red eye glimmered with a fierce resolve, betraying no sign of defeat or fear.

His adversary, the man with the fiery aura and tattoos, appeared as though the battle was the only place he wished to be. Despite an array of bruises that painted his body and cuts that seemed to tell their own tales of the fight, his spirit was undiminished, illuminated by an inner fire that seemed to fuel his every move. There was a sense of exhilaration within him, a warrior's joy found in the heat of battle, suggesting that despite the physical toll, his resolve was only strengthened.

As both stood on the shattered battleground, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of wills, a new wave of energy surged between them. The armored man, finding a burst of strength from some unseen reservoir, launched forward in a move that was as desperate as it was calculated. This wasn't just a mere attempt to overpower; it was a statement, a refusal to be subdued by injuries or odds.

His opponent, sensing the shift, met the charge with a mix of anticipation and respect. Flames danced along his hands, ready to meet steel with fire, in a clash that promised to mark the culmination of their epic confrontation. This was more than a battle of strength; it was a profound test of their beliefs, the very essence of their magic.

As steel met flame, the resulting shockwave sent ripples through the air, a testament to the incredible power both wielded. The armored man, using his agility, maneuvered around the fiery assaults, each move a testament to his will to stand against the overwhelming power before him. His red eye, glowing brighter with each passing moment, seemed to pierce through the flames, seeking an opening, a chance to turn the tide.

On the other hand, the tattooed mage, his body seemingly dancing with flames, adapted to each challenge with a grace that belied the brutal nature of their combat. His laughter, resonant and full of life, echoed over the battlefield, a sound that was paradoxically both chilling and exhilarating.

The battle, though nearly at its end, was far from decided. With both fighters pushed to their limits, it was clear that the conclusion of this legendary confrontation was poised to be as unpredictable as it was inevitable. The scars they bore and the ground that lay wrecked beneath them were but a prelude to the final act of their saga, a testament to their unwavering spirits and the unyielding power of their magic.

In a swift motion, fraught with the tension of the nearing end, the fiery-haired mage unleashed a devastating punch, connecting with the armored man's face with such force that it sent him flying several meters back. The impact kicked up a cloud of dust, obscuring him from view for a moment, a pause in the relentless dance of combat. As he reemerged from the haze, steadying himself with evident effort, the look in his blood-red eye was not one of defeat, but of an unspoken challenge, a silent vow that this was far from over.

The fiery-haired mage, catching his breath, couldn't hide a grin, the thrill of the clash pulsating through his veins like a drug. "Now, wasn't that a blast?" he called out, his voice booming across the shattered landscape. "This, my silent friend, is what it's all about. The clash of power, the rush of battle, the sweet dance on the edge of life and death!" His words, though heavy with the gravity of their situation, carried a fanatic zeal, a love for the chaos of battle that defined him.

There was something profoundly unsettling yet deeply captivating about his soliloquy on the virtues of fighting and killing, on the necessity of extermination in the grand tapestry of their world. "There is greatness in this, don't you see?" he continued, pacing now, his steps measured, each word punctuated by the echoes of their duel. "In our destruction, we create! In our combat, we unveil the purest essence of our souls! What could be more exhilarating than this, than to stake everything on your power, your will to dominate?"

The armored man, having listened to this passionate yet terrifying monologue, released a scary and deep sigh, the sound vibrating through the air like a harbinger of doom. It was a sound that seemed to carry the weight of countless battles, a testament to the harsh realities of their world.

For the first time since the beginning of their confrontation, the armored man spoke, his voice as chilling as the grave. "You talk too much," he said, his tone carrying an undeniable edge of weariness and critique. It was not just a dismissal of the other's words but a declaration of his own philosophy, one that favored action and result over words and proclamations.

The first man laughed, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to shake the very air around them. "Ah! So the statue speaks!" he exclaimed, amusement clear in his voice. "Was beginning to think you'd taken a vow of silence, friend." His words were tinged with mockery, yet there was a glint of respect in his eyes—a recognition of the armored man's prowess and the significance of his voice.

The armored man took a step forward, the ground beneath his feet crackling with the residual energy of their clash. "Your words are empty, filled with the vanity of one who has not known true loss," he responded, his voice gaining strength with each word. "There is no honor in destruction for destruction's sake. The path you cherish, the chaos you revere, it leads only to ruin."

This exchange, while brief, provided a glimpse into the contrasting ideologies that defined their existence. On one side stood the advocate of chaos and power, relishing in the thrill of combat and the supremacy it granted. On the other, a figure emerged who, despite his willingness to engage in battle, held onto a belief in purpose, in the significance of the fight beyond the mere act of violence.

The first one's laughter faded as he sensed a shift in the atmosphere, his eyes narrowing. "You know, I preferred when you were acting like a mute. Your silence was comforting in its own eerie way," he remarked, his tone laced with a blend of mockery and genuine annoyance.

The armored man, unmoved by the taunt, finally uttered a single word that seemed to slice through the tension between them. "Ignia."

The moment his name was spoken, the fiery mage's posture stiffened, his previous irritation morphing into a mix of shock and anger. "How dare you," Ignia spat out, his voice cracking like a whip. "How do you know my name?"

The armored man, unphased by Ignia's outburst, stood firm, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to ground the very air around them. "I know many things, Ignia. More than you might expect," he responded, his tone even, yet carrying an undeniable edge of authority.

Not waiting for Ignia's reaction, he continued, revealing knowledge that sent a ripple of tension through their standoff. "You are Ignia, the son of Igneel, the Fire Dragon King. Not only that, but you yourself are one of the Five Dragon Gods, the Fire Dragon God," he declared, observing Ignia carefully for any sign of reaction. "And let's not forget, you're one of the very few dragons to have escaped Acnologia's radar."

Ignia's flames, which had been a constant, pulsating presence around him, flickered wildly at the mention of his lineage and status. The revelation seemed to hit him with the force of a physical blow, his fiery aura dimming momentarily as he processed the armored man's words. "You speak of matters that should not be known to mere mortals," Ignia said, his voice laced with suspicion and a newfound wariness. "Who are you to wield such knowledge?"

The armored man took a step forward, the light from Ignia's flames casting shadows that danced across his armor. "Let's just say, I've been around," he replied cryptically. "And in my time, I've learned that knowledge can be just as powerful as the strongest magic."

Ignia, taken aback by the depth of the armored man's insight, found himself reassessing his opponent. The battle that had seemed so straightforward moments ago had now taken on new dimensions, with implications that stretched far beyond the immediate conflict.

"Anyway, Why attack me in the first place? without reason?" Ignia finally asked, his flames pulsing with each word, reflecting his simmering anger and curiosity.

The armored man, standing amidst the devastation their battle had wrought, sighed deeply. "I needed your undivided attention, Ignia. I knew mere words would not suffice to claim it. You dragons value strength above all; hence, I chose to communicate through the language you respect."

"And you think brawling with me without a cause was going to get me to listen?" Ignia couldn't help but smirk at the audacity, his interest piqued despite himself.

The armored man locked eyes with Ignia, his gaze steady. "Would you have truly listened otherwise?"

"Hell no," Ignia admitted with a chuckle, the smirk still playing on his lips. "You've made your point, human. So, what is this favor you seek that warranted such a... dramatic approach?"

The change in Ignia's demeanor signaled a shift in their confrontation, from opponents locked in battle to potential allies navigating a tentative truce. The armored man took a step closer, his movements deliberate.

"I seek your cooperation, Ignia. Not as adversaries, but as allies united." he declared, his voice echoing with a sense of purpose that seemed to cut through the tension lingering in the air.

Ignia raised an eyebrow, his curiosity now fully awakened. "Allies, you say? This day grows more interesting by the moment. Speak then. What do you want from Ignia, the Fire Dragon God?"

"Ignia, son of Igneel, I seek an alliance with you and the other Dragon Gods," the armored man finally spoke, his voice firm, cutting through the thick tension.

With a smirk, Ignia asked, "For what purpose? Why would we, the mightiest of dragons, agree to ally with a human? Such a thing has never happened before." he questioned, skepticism woven through his words. "Alliances are not formed without reason. What is it you seek to gain—or perhaps, what is it you seek to destroy together?"

The air between them thickened with anticipation as the armored man remained silent for a moment, contemplating his next words carefully. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a determination that seemed to cut through the surrounding chaos. "To kill Acnologia," he declared, his statement resonating with a profound resolve.

At the mention of Acnologia, the infamous Dragon Slayer who had become a dragon himself, known as the Dragon King and feared by all, Ignia's laughter broke the tense atmosphere. It was a deep, resounding laugh, uncontrolled and genuine, as if he had heard the most absurd joke in existence.

"Kill Acnologia?" Ignia managed to say between bouts of laughter. "You propose to slay the King of Dragons, the terror of all magical beings?" He shook his head, flames dancing in his eyes, his laughter echoing around them. "That's the most ridiculous—no, the craziest thing I've ever heard!"

The armored man remained unfazed, his stance tall and commanding under Ignia's mocking gaze.

Ignia, still chuckling, wiped a tear from his eye. "And What makes you think any of us would join forces with you against Acnologia?"

"Because, Ignia, even dragons desire a world where their dominance is not threatened by extinction at the hands of a mad tyrant." the armored man stated, every word imbued with the weight of his conviction.

His laughter continued, echoing around them, unchecked and mocking. "You're either incredibly bold or incredibly foolish," Ignia added, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye, the laughter not quite fading. "To think you'd approach me with such a ludicrous proposition."

Yet, even as he laughed, there was a spark of something akin to interest in Ignia's eyes. The very audacity of the plan, the sheer impossibility of it, intrigued him. Acnologia represented a threat like no other, a force of destruction that had long seemed invincible. The prospect of an alliance against such a foe, however fanciful or doomed to failure it might appear, carried a certain appeal, a challenge that ignited the fire within him anew.

The armored man, seizing the moment of Ignia's interest, dared to further provoke. "Or has the fear of Acnologia turned the great Ignia, and his fellow Dragon Gods, into mere cowards, shying away from the battlefield?"

Ignia's laughter halted, a sudden silence taking its place. His expression darkened, the amusement vanishing from his eyes, replaced by a fiery anger. Yet, he stood still, his rage simmering but controlled. "We are no cowards," he stated firmly, his tone measured but laden with a threat. "We have faced losses and pain you couldn't possibly comprehend."

He slowly approached the armored man, his gaze intensifying. "You speak of things beyond your grasp, human. Acnologia is a force of pure destruction, his craving for dragon blood insatiable. He has slaughtered countless of our kin, left nests desolate, and futures extinguished. Our caution stems not from fear but from wisdom. To engage Acnologia without foresight is to invite annihilation."

Ignia paused, contemplating the gravity of his next words. "You do not know Acnologia as we do. His power is unmatched, his cruelty boundless. He is a scar upon this world, a reminder of our failures."

The armored man, listening intently, remained unfazed by Ignia's outburst, his demeanor calm and collected amidst the dragon's growing anger.

"And yet, you stand here, proposing an alliance," Ignia continued, his tone softening slightly, a mixture of incredulity and curiosity in his voice. "What makes you believe you can succeed where so many have failed? What plans do you have that could possibly turn the tide against such a monster?"

The armored man leaned in closer, his gaze piercing, "I believe, because I've seen the possibility of such strength that can oppose Acnologia. I seek not just brute force but strategy, alliances, and the untapped powers of those overlooked."

Ignia scoffed, but interest flickered in his eyes. "And you think you can unite the dragon gods? We, who have remained isolated, each to our own realms and troubles?"

"It's not just about uniting the dragon gods," the armored man stated, his voice firm with resolve. "I speak of creating a force that combines the strengths of dragons, humans, and any who wish to see the end of Acnologia's reign of terror. Admittedly, it's a colossal task, one filled with peril, but it's the only path forward if we wish to see a future free from his shadow."

Ignia's reflective gaze shifted away, lost in thought. A memory surfaced, one that seemed to momentarily soften the hard edges of his stance. "I remember the battle between Acnologia and Aldoron, the Wood Dragon God. He was the strongest of us and yet..." Ignia's voice trailed off, laden with a mix of respect and a sobering acknowledgment of their reality. "Aldoron was lucky to leave alive and one piece. That battle... it showed us the sheer extent of Acnologia's might. And despite Aldoron's strength, it was clear – luck played its part in his survival."

The armored man nodded, understanding the weight of Ignia's words. "Yes, the battle served as a harsh reminder of Acnologia's power. But it also showed that even he can be challenged. Aldoron's survival, luck or not, indicates that Acnologia is not invincible. With the right allies, strategy, and timing, we can recreate such a challenge, only this time, we aim to end it."

Ignia turned back to the armored man, the fire in his eyes reigniting with a newfound consideration. "You've clearly thought this through," he acknowledged, the harsh edge of skepticism softening. "Perhaps... there is merit to your plan. But know this, engaging Acnologia is inviting a tempest. Are you prepared to bear the consequences, should we fail?"

"I am," the armored man replied without hesitation. "And I'm asking you, and the others, to stand with me. Not as subordinates, but as allies. Together, we can forge a new destiny, one where future generations can thrive in a world without fear of Acnologia's shadow."

A tense silence settled between them, the proposition hanging in the air like a delicate balance waiting to be tipped.

Finally, Ignia exhaled, the flames around him flickering with contemplation. "Very well. I will consider your proposal, human. But actions speak louder than words. Show me you can unite the others, show me your dedication, and perhaps... you'll find an ally in me."

The dragon gods remain stationary unless something "big" occurs, upon which they could potentially create a calamity. Consequently, due to the possibility of them clashing and mutually killing one another, they all kept each other in check through these means given another party could gain something from their demise. The five Gods have not all met together at once, leading them to not know everything about one another or even their whereabouts.

The armored man, absorbing Ignia's words, remained silent for a moment longer, his mind racing with thoughts and strategies. The task before him was monumental, not merely a mission but a labyrinth of politics, power, and ancient mistrust to navigate. To unite the dragon gods was to tread where no mortal had dared before—to bridge divides widened by eons, secrets, and shadows.

"I understand the fragility of the balance you describe," the armored man finally spoke, his voice carrying a newfound gravity. "It's a delicate dance, maintaining the peace amongst titans whose mere movements could shake the world."

He took a step forward, his resolve hardening like steel tempered by fire. "But it's precisely this balance that Acnologia seeks to upend for his own ends. He exploits the distances between you, the silence and the secrets. If left unchecked, there will come a day when not even the mutual checks among you will be enough to prevent calamity."

Ignia's gaze narrowed, considering the armored man's words. It was true, the dragon gods had long kept their distance, their communications limited and often filled with veiled threats of power. The idea that their isolation could be Acnologia's opportunity was unsettling.

"And what of the other gods?" Ignia asked, a trace of skepticism in his tone. "You speak of uniting us, but such a feat... Do you even know where to find them, let alone convince them to join your cause?"

"And what of the other gods?" Ignia asked, a trace of skepticism in his tone. "You speak of uniting us, but such a feat... Do you even know where to find them, let alone convince them to join your cause?"

Ignia's skepticism was evident, yet there was a sliver of curiosity in his gaze as he awaited the armored man's response. The prospect of uniting the dragon gods, an endeavor fraught with complexities and ancient rivalries, seemed almost fanciful.

"The search for the others is already underway. Finding them will not be easy, but it's a challenge I'm prepared to face. As for convincing them, I believe the threat Acnologia poses will be a compelling argument." The armored man, understanding Ignia's doubts, reached into his cloak and produced a small, intricately carved lacrima. He extended it towards Ignia, who eyed it warily. "This lacrima," the armored man began, "will be our means of communication. Once I have located the others, we will use these to coordinate our efforts."

Ignia took the lacrima, turning it over in his hand, feeling the magic pulsating within. "And how do you propose to bring all the dragon gods together after they've been found?" Ignia asked, his tone laced with a mix of incredulity and intrigue. The history among the dragon gods was complex, marked by centuries of territorial disputes and deeply ingrained mistrust. "The mere idea of the five of us in one place—it could spell disaster if not handled with the utmost care."

The mention of their ancient duty to prevent mutual destruction lingered between them, unsaid but heavily present.

The armored man nodded, acknowledging the weight of the task ahead. "A summit," he stated firmly. "A meeting will be held between all dragon gods. The location will be chosen based on its neutrality and agreed upon by all parties. There, we will discuss the threat Acnologia poses and formulate a plan of attack."

Ignia's expression shifted, the idea of such a summit sparking a flicker of interest amidst his reservations. The concept, unprecedented as it was, held potential. "A neutral ground, you say?" he mused aloud, the gears turning in his mind. "And you believe they will all agree to this?"

"I do," the armored man replied with confidence. "The threat posed by Acnologia transcends our individual disputes. It's a matter of survival, for dragons and the world alike. The necessity of unity in the face of such a threat will, I hope, overshadow our past conflicts."

The idea of gathering in one place, of speaking face to face after centuries of isolation, lingered in the air between them. It was a proposal that demanded consideration, a possibility that, despite its challenges, offered a glimmer of hope.

"Your plan is bold, perhaps too bold. But I cannot deny the logic behind it, human." Ignia looked off into the distance, the flames around him dancing as if reflecting his tumultuous thoughts. "Very well," he finally said, a decisive tone to his voice. "I'll keep your lacrima. And should you manage to gather the others, I will attend this summit. But be warned, the path you choose is fraught with peril. Acnologia is no ordinary foe; he is destruction incarnate."

The armored man nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Ignia. I am aware of the risks, But I also know the cost of inaction. Your cooperation brings us one step closer to a future free from Acnologia's tyranny."

Ignia turned the lacrima over in his hand, his mind racing with the potential implications of their plan. "This... summit," he finally said, "it could mark the beginning of a new era, or the end of us all. But I find myself intrigued by the possibility of a world freed from Acnologia."

With those final words hanging in the air, Ignia took a step back, his gaze never leaving the armored man. In a burst of flames that seemed to consume his very presence, Ignia disappeared, leaving behind a heat haze that slowly dissipated into the cooling air of the night.

The armored man watched silently as the spot where Ignia stood moments ago now held nothing but the lingering warmth of his departure. As soon as he was sure Ignia was gone, the man's posture crumbled, and he knelt to the ground. A faint, muffled sound of distress escaped from behind his helmet as he vomited blood, the battle's toll on his body now unhidden and raw.

Pain racked his body, a stark reminder of the dire situation he had narrowly escaped. "If that battle had continued for even a few more hours," he whispered to himself, the realization heavy in his voice, "I would have met my end."

He knew Ignia's human form had not displayed the dragon god's full strength. Despite the power Ignia wielded, the armored man was acutely aware that the dragon god had only utilized about 75% of his potential. The man's own limit had been pushed to the brink, barely hanging onto life by a thread.

As he slowly rose, steadying himself with a hand against the scorched earth, the man's resolve hardened. This encounter had shown him the terrifying disparity in their strengths and reinforced the gravity of the mission he had embarked upon. "To kill Acnologia," he repeated to himself, the goal now imbued with a deeper sense of urgency and peril.

Taking a deep breath, the man summoned his remaining strength and stood tall. His gaze fixed on the horizon, where the first light of dawn threatened to pierce the darkness. "This is only the beginning," he murmured, determination threading through every word. "An alliance with the dragons is but the first step."

And with those thoughts fueling his weakened body, the armored man began his journey forward. Each step was a testament to his unwavering commitment to forge an alliance powerful enough to challenge Acnologia, to unite the mightiest beings in the magical world, and to alter the course of destiny. The path ahead promised untold dangers, but with the potential for an unprecedented future, the risk, he decided, was worth every moment.

The world around him slowly awakened, oblivious to the monumental pact that had just been forged in the quiet of night. But within the heart of the armored man lay the seeds of hope, a daring dream to free the world from the shadow of a dragon tyrant.