Internet Magic in Fairy Tail

Chapter 185: Chapter 185: Fairy Law App Activates?

"It doesn't matter if I enjoyed it; it's enough that you did." Nate chuckled softly, crossing his legs as he sat beside Azuma.

"Honestly, I have plenty of ways to beat you, but since you came all this way for a challenge, I thought it was only right to return the favor with a grand spell. Satisfied?"

Azuma was speechless. Lasting only three seconds against Nate's casting felt less exhilarating and more... humbling.

After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Why didn't you kill me?"

"Why should I?" Nate countered.

Azuma was silent for another moment before saying, "I owe you a life."

Oh? Sticking to principles, are we? Nate found himself slightly amused; this was exactly the sort of thing a battle enthusiast would say. People like this, once committed, would pursue their goals stubbornly to the end.

"I'll do anything you ask, except kill Master Hades." Azuma emphasized the word 'anything', underscoring his resolve. Hades wasn't just his guild master but also the mentor who had taught him magic. Betraying him was a line Azuma could never cross.

"Loyalty's a rare quality, even in people like you. Seems there's a glimmer of something worthwhile in all of you." Nate shook his head. "I don't need you to do anything. Just don't come after me again, that's all."

"That's not good enough!" Azuma gritted his teeth, struggling to sit up. After some thought, he continued, "Our mission this time was to capture Ultear and Meredy. I'll help you drive off the rest of the Seven Kin."

Nate almost wanted to laugh—did this guy even realize how worn out he looked? His magic reserves were nearly drained; he was pushing himself purely on willpower. Still, Nate decided not to object. Let him try if he wanted to; just as long as it didn't involve him.

After watching Azuma stagger off, Ultear approached, finally joining Nate's side.

"You men have some truly strange friendships," she remarked.

"Friendship?" Nate blinked, not quite following her line of thought.

"Isn't it?" Ultear chuckled lightly. "You beat him down, and he still insists on helping you. That's just the kind of person Azuma is."

She began counting on her fingers playfully. "Meredy and I are out; Kain was taken out by you, and now Azuma's off the table too. That leaves only three of them."

Nate sifted through his memory. Out of the remaining three, he only remembered Zancrow by name, though he still recalled the others.

One was a glasses-wearing guy with the lost magic 'Arc of Embodiment'. The other, a ram-headed figure, wielded 'Human Subordination'.

"Let's just hope they're not coming for me..." Nate sighed inwardly. 'Do I have some kind of siren call for these people?'

Turning to Ultear, Nate said, "Their target is you and Meredy; it's best if you go protect her."

"Got it. You be careful too, dear," Ultear replied, her expression softening as she leaned in to kiss him before heading off.

Nate surveyed the scorched earth around him with a sigh. Porlyusica-sama would definitely be upset...

He was about to call Ultear back to ask her to help restore the forest when his ring started flashing repeatedly.

Mystogan: "East Forest is your patrol area. Need backup?"

Sigma Male: "No need, it's taken care of."

Laxus: "How come you're the one finding all the action? I'm bored waiting at the church!"

Sigma Male: "Want to trade places?"

Laxus didn't reply, making Nate suspect he was already on his way over.

Erza: "Nate, are you alright?"

Sigma Male: "I'm fine. How's it going on the west side?"

Erza: "Glad to hear it! Nothing here so far; I haven't seen any Dark Guild activity."

Grimoire Heart's many Dark Guild affiliates had everyone worried they'd face not just Grimoire Heart but other Dark Guild mages sneaking into the city. But Nate thought it was just Grimoire Heart.

Afterward, he chatted briefly with Erza about the Harvest Festival. Both were on duty, unable to enjoy the festivities, but at least they could talk.

Suddenly, Nate sensed someone approaching. He immediately split off a Thought Projection to stay behind while he himself quickly left the area.

Good timing—if he didn't leave now, he'd get a scolding!

Sure enough, not long after he left, Porlyusica arrived at the scene of the battle.

She immediately spotted Nate's Thought Projection sitting calmly and stormed over, furious.

"Nate! I knew it was you!"

"Hello, Porlyusica-sama. Master Makarov talks about you all the time," the Thought Projection greeted her with a friendly smile. "He often says you were quite the beauty in your younger years!"

"That old fool would never say that!" Porlyusica huffed, rolling her eyes. 'Kid, do you think I don't know how long I've known Makarov?'

"Flattery won't get you anywhere," she scolded. "Look at what you did to the forest... This is why I can't stand humans—they're so drawn to fighting!"

The Thought Projection played along, nodding with mild exasperation. He wanted to explain that it was Azuma, the battle maniac, who'd caused all the damage.

"My apologies. I'll ask Ultear to help restore the forest soon."

"That new girl?"

Porlyusica snorted but then softened a little. "Reversing time will restore the forest, yes, but let me say a few things first."

Go ahead. I'm here to listen.

The Thought Projection sighed inwardly. His true self had made the escape, leaving him to endure the lecture.

And so it went for a solid fifteen minutes until Porlyusica finally shifted her tone.

"Well, I suppose it's not entirely your fault. Follow me to the treehouse."

"I prepared some healing potions. Take them with you; they'll be useful if anyone gets hurt in Grimoire Heart's attacks."

Hearing this, Nate's Thought Projection chuckled inwardly. 'Tough words, but a kind heart.'

Porlyusica must have been an interesting character in her younger days.

...

After leaving the Eastern Forest, Nate soon crossed paths with Laxus in the eastern part of town.

"So, you really wanted to trade spots?" Nate joked as they met.

"Where are the enemies?" Laxus asked, eager to find a fight. If he couldn't beat Nate, maybe he'd at least take on the Seven Kin of Purgatory.

"I drove them off, but if you head to the Eastern Forest, you might find reinforcements coming in."

"Alright, I'll check it out, and you go cover the church!"

The two were just about to go their separate ways when suddenly, a massive golden magic circle appeared in the sky above them.

Laxus looked up, stunned. "Fairy Law? Again?"

"Wait—was that from the magic app you developed?"

"Seems like it."

Nate was also surprised, preparing to check the backend to see who had activated it.

Just then—boom! Another golden magic circle appeared in the sky.

Laxus stared up, dumbfounded. "Is this some kind of light show?"

The city was bathed in holy light once again, and citizens and tourists alike felt the warmth of its glow.

"It's quite the spectacle... we haven't even reached evening, and the fireworks are already starting."