58.
"Already morning huh…"Shun woke up exactly at 5AM. After that small incident at the theater room they didn't go any further and just continued watching.
Shun turned his head to the side and… …there was a pair of green eyes staring at him.
"!!"
"Ah…"
Unexpected for the both party that was staring and being stared. A quiet and short scream came out of Shun's mouth.
"…"
"Pfft-!" A melodious laughter rang out in the bedroom that was peaceful just a moment ago.
"…"
The self proclaimed shameless man, Shun, felt heat rose to his cheeks.
After half a minute of continuous laughter, Mavis finally calmed down.
'Acting all mature usually, but still has a childish side.' Mavis thought and smiled. Finding such reactions from Shun was always a rare find for her. So she felt warm in her heart whenever she witnesses them.
"Are you done laughing?" Shun asked feeling a bit exasperated
"Un, sorry for scaring you." Mavis nodded with a smile tugging at her lips
"I'll be thankful if you did that." Shun answered in a way Mavis' teasing wouldn't work further and pulled her in for a hug.
"Kya~ what are you doing?" Mavis asked, her face turning red, wondering if she went too far
"It's just a casual skin-ship between a mother and a son. Also just checking the result of your growth…
Hmm, you grew up for about a centimeter again." Shun's words stopped her struggle.
"Really?!" Mavis asked, her eyes brightening
"Of course." Shun answered.
'Hmm, one centimeter a year… I guess it ain't much but a honest growth.'
Since when Mavis' curse was lifted, Mavis' body started growing. However the pace was as slow as it can get.
'But she seems happy, that's all it matters.' Shun thought and started getting up.
Letting the excited Mavis drop on the bed.
"You're gonna leave again…?" Mavis asked her excitement instantly cooling down
"Hm? I don't have a plan yet. I might or might not."Shun answered as he looked at Mavis' expression turning a bit bright after hearing his answer.
'Mother… huh, she was more like a little sister. But lately she feels like a cute pet.' Shun shook his head, removing the rude thoughts about the figure that helped him the most in his life.
'Fairy Heart, Fairy Glitter… without Fairy Heart he wouldn't be nowhere close to his current strength.'
'There's still about three years before the original story, I'm a bit excited about fighting Acnologia and devouring his powers.
Acnologia or the Hitogami, both are hard to find… it will take me years to find them. But Acnologia would come to Tenroujima on his own, with the help of Grimoire Heart arranging things. That was the biggest reason why I didn't go now and free Ultear instantly from their guild. Of course if Ultear was getting unfair treatment I wouldn't care about those things, but she is the second in command there as Blunote hasn't joined them yet.'
"Should we go for a walk?" Shun suggested with a smile
"Un." Mavis nodded with a big smile
When they walked out of Shun's room. The others were still asleep. Only Natsu, Gray and Happy were passed out on the floor of the theater room. Others went to the guest rooms to sleep.
Except Laxus and his team that were away on a mission. Everyone else from the young generation joined yesterday's movie party.
Swoosh~
"The wind feels great." Mavis smiled as she felt the fresh weather
"Yes."
Step. Step.
The two started walking around the city. As it was too early in the morning not many people were around. Only few merchants preparing to open their stores, were making rustling noises.
As the two walked around aimlessly, without planning to they arrived at the Fairy Tail guild.
"It's locked." Mavis said as she couldn't open the front door.
"Let me try." Shun said and stepped forward.
Smash.
Shun applied a bit of strength to his fist and punched the poor door. To no one's surprise it opened without a problem.
"…"
Shun turned on the lights and invited Mavis in.
Mavis was speechless but accepted his invite. When she got in, Shun used one of his favorite magics.
Arc of Time.
The time itself for the guild building was turning backward. Soon… the guild door was repaired flawlessly, as if it was never broken.
'The Arc of Time is becoming my favorite magic, it had many uses that I stole ideas from Ultear and added my own ideas to it too. My ideas mainly focused on returning a person's time to a past where they were healthy. Such as the time when I used it to save the already donut Ace.
Other than that I made it a passive spell for myself, if I receive a damage that is enough to make me break a bone or lose a limb. The time for my body will return back to a minute or an hour ago. To a time where I was completely healthy.
Of course such high quality spells would cost a massive amount of magic power, however I never lacked magic power thanks to the Fairy Heart.
Ultear in the original was able to turn back time for the entire world by a minute, the cost was her entire magic and her life force. I haven't tried but maybe in the future I would become able to go to the past or future or even stop the time.'
"What do you want to drink?" Shun asked Mavis and went to the guild kitchen.
"I want your specialty." Mavis played along as she was confident in Shun's ability in the kitchen area
The two talked a lot about things. Mainly Mavis asking what is Shun doing when away from home. Shun answered honestly that he is just traveling the whole world.
Click~
Suddenly a noise from outside, opening the lock sounded. And a short old man entered the guild.
"Hm?! First generation… and You brat returned?"
Makarov was energetic
"Hmm? You want something from me?" Shun asked as the old man was acting a bit suspicious, like… guilty?
"Well… about that…" Makarov was mumbling uncharacteristically
'No other choice… to convince this unruly brat, I have to talk to her!'
"Actually, first generation. During the previous guild masters meeting. I might have bragged a bit about our young generation and told them about Shun beating Zeref book's demon. Deliora…" Makarov finally revealed his sin
"…"
"That's childish but how is that a problem for me? Are they telling me to prove it by showing my strength or something?" Shun asked, already feeling annoyed by this conversation.
'Why would I try to impress some old men guild masters?'
"No… I already proved them by checking with the magic council about the sealed demon disappearing. Now they want to reward you a title of wizard saint!" Makarov revealed the full story
'It's a great news for any magician but this brat isn't the type to care about such titles. He even seemed to look down on magic council.' Makarov sighed
"I'm good. I did that ages ago, why now?" Shun was speechless.
"Well, don't rush your decision." Makarov
"First generation, if we get another wizard saint in our guild. We will rise in power! The magic council won't be able to put pressure on our guild." Makarov started convincing Mavis
"For the guild…" Mavis muttered and looked at Shun
"You want me to go?" Shun asked
"That's up to you, of course." Mavis said but her eyes were telling otherwise.
"Well, fine." Shun shrugged, it really wasn't a big deal anyway.
"Where should I go, old man?"
"The main branch. Era. I will prepare the transportation in few hours." Makarov answered with a smile.
"Alright. You wanna drink something?" Shun asked as he was behind the counter.
"Beer."
——
Soon more members started arriving in the guild.
"Shun! I can't believe you left me…" Sorano arrived while holding little Yukino's hand
"Ah, my bad." Shun played along with her little drama
"I heard you're going to the magic council. I'll take you in my carriage." Ultear suddenly offered
"Really? Thanks."
"But wizard saint huh, it should be surprising but at the same time not really surprising considering your strength…" Ultear said with a shrug
"What? Wizard saint? Magic council?! Bring me with you!" Natsu who arrived few minutes ago, joined the conversation
"Me too!" X5
With Natsu's shout, a bunch of people that was at the theater party last night arrived. Lucy and Sorano were expressing their will to go.
"Quiet! You brats, we're not going to play." Makarov's shout silenced the chaos.
"Also Natsu we're going by a carriage. You can tag along if you want."
"Ah! I forgot about that…"
"Enough about that, why are we not invited to your movie parties?!" Marco, Wakaba and some old members of the guild started to protest.
"Hm? I don't want my house reeking of an old man smell."
"…"
"I'm older than them…" Mavis muttered in low voice
"You're different." Shun patted Mavis' head and continued
"You're cute!" Shun raised his thumbs up.
"…"
Everyone including the prostesters found themselves speechless in front of Shun's flawless logic.
——
Soon in the afternoon, Shun and the others joined Ultear's carriage to head to Era. A city where the magic council's main branch is located.
In this short trip, Ultear, Mavis, Makarov, Erza and Mirajane followed along.
'Apparently Makarov wants to show off his guild's new S-Class mages.'
It was a simple horse carriage, Makarov stood beside the two drivers. Who were the magic council members.
In the small cabin, Mavis and Shun sat on one side while in front of them Mirajane, Erza and Ultear were sitting.
"You guys hungry?" Suddenly Shun broke the silence
"No, I'm fine." Erza rejected the offer, before they could talk. Shun pulled out some short cakes from the storage ring that was gifted to him fifty chapters ago.
"Shun gave one cake per person and pulled out a bowl full of grapes for himself then placed it on Mavis' hand.
Next moment to the three girls' surprise Shun placed his head on Mavis' laps and started getting fed by Mavis.
"…"
The three girls were left speechless by this flawless teamwork displayed by the two.
While Erza's focus was more on the cake given by Shun and Ultear was a bit aware of this shameless guy's behavior. Only Mira was truly surprised by the usually mature Shun acting like this…
——
After half a day they finally arrived at the city named Era.
"Finally…" Shun got out and stretched his stiff body.
'Seriously, why are we even using this crap carriage. I could've used my paw bubble…' Shun thought but didn't say it out loud.
'I guess sometimes taking it slow is fine too.'
"Welcome to Era. Fairy Tail." A bunch of people dressed in magic council uniform were waiting them at the city entrance.
Makarov approached and did short introductions.
Step. Step.
"Hmm, there's some strong people in this city…" Shun muttered.
"Huh? How strong? Who are they?" Mavis asked a series of questions
"Some stronger than the old man, probably the other members of the wizard saints." Shun patiently answered every questions.
'Why are they gathered in the city, did something happen at the year 781X…' Shun pondered but he didn't remember much about events before the original.
Soon they arrived at the main branch of the magic council.
"So this is the headquarters." Shun looked at the grand building before him.
It was the imposing headquarters of the Ishgar Magic Council, a grand, multi-tiered structure with towering spires and large arched windows that dominates the mountain's peak, giving it an authoritative and almost fortress-like appearance. In the foreground and background, smaller buildings and structures of the city cascade down the slopes, creating a sense of scale that emphasizes how the council building looms over the entire settlement like a watchful guardian.
"We'll lead you to your rooms. Please wait there until you're called." One of the council members explained.
"Mm." Makarov nodded
"Alright, I'll go too. See you later." Ultear went to her own business.
Everyone was led to their designated rooms. Only Mavis declined and joined in Shun's room.
——
After about an hour of just chatting small things and getting hand fed by Mavis, finally a noise came from outside.
"Magicians from Fairy Tail please gather in the hall."
"Alright, imma head out." Shun got up from the bed.
'Just sitting and lying down the whole day supposed to make me feel relaxed but I'm getting tired somehow.' Shun sighed and joined the others and entered a room.
It was the meeting chamber of the Ishgar Magic Council.
At the center stands an elevated, ornate, multi-tiered podium resembling a grand judicial bench or throne platform, richly decorated with golden accents, intricate carvings, blue-green pillars, and geometric patterns.
The council members, a group of dignified figures in elaborate robes of various colors are seated along the upper level of this massive structure with some wearing distinctive hats or headdresses, giving them an air of supreme authority.
'There were nine figures in total, seven elders and Jellal's twin brother. The last one was none other than Ultear?! You're already at this level?' Shun was surprised, she never said anything about it.
When Shun looked at Ultear, she looked back with a smug smile.
While the figures were somewhat strong, the truly strong figures were standing on the lower floor like Shun and others.
There stood nine eight strong people. Adding Makarov and the newly promoted Shun. They would become the ten wizard saints.
Some of the members were completely unknown to Shun.
The room became silent with anticipation. The council wouldn't Gather the ten wizard saints just for a promotion for newcomer. There is bigger reason.
"Everyone. Thanks for coming." An old man that looked like Gandalf started speaking.
"Before, we start the discussion. Due to the previous member retiring of an old age, there was an empty slot in the ten wizard saints. Let's welcome the new member of the ten wizard saints."
When he finished speaking, there wasn't any cheers or clapping.
"Thanks." Shun nodded with a small bowing.
Clap. Clap.
"Ohh! Congrats." In the silent room, only Mavis was making proud mom noises, as if his son was getting a promotion at his job.
While Shun was having a faint blush on his cheeks from Mavis' actions.
A man resembling a tree trunk approached them.
"Mavis?!!"
"Huh?! Warrod?"
"You're alive?!" X2
"Cough. Please do the reunion later." Gran Doma of the Magic Council started speaking.
"Now we will discuss the main topic of today's gathering… the Alvarez Empire is gathering their forces to invade our continent!!"
"!"
Gran Doma the chairman dropped the bomb
'I don't remember anything about it, must be no big deal.' Shun thought
"Today We'll discuss how to deal with them."
——
Two hours later.
Finally the meeting ended.
'Two fucking hours!' Shun glared at Makarov. He was starting to hold a grudge against this old man.
Makarov whistled and pretended not to notice then went to talk with Yajima.
Warrod and Mavis were talking on the other side.
Mira and Erza followed Shun like loyal bodyguards.
"God hello." A weird guy that was eyeing Shun from the start of the meeting finally started a conversation. Just not in a normal way.
"What?" Shun was surprised by this unexpected guy, God Serena.
'Since he got one shotted in the original, didn't see him much. But he is indeed strongest in Ishgar. Every other member combined can't be his match.
Maybe Hades and Gildarts could become his match. After all Gildarts is a cheat character. That could match any of the enemy strongest member without any training.'
"Hello." Shun answered conveniently ignoring his weird way of speaking.
"You… I can smell it, you're a dragon slayer!" God Serena said loudly, attracting the attention.
"Yes. I'm a second generation dragon slayer. What about it?" Shun answered
"I want to have a god duel with you!" God Serena was honest with his desires.
'From the moment the Fairy Tail entered this city, I could sense his magic power. This brat is the strongest here except me!' God Serena thought with a smile
'I currently have seven dragon slayer lacrima implanted in my body. The Alvarez Empire offered me a new one, if I were to betray Ishgar. However that could wait for a bit more…'
"A duel? Why would I duel—" Shun was about to refuse but
"That sounds good!" Someone unexpected agreed in his place
"Jose! This is none of your business." Makarov shouted from the back
'Jose… this guy is the guild master of Phantom Lord. The so called rival guild of Fairy Tail that was founded at the same time as Fairy Tail. His goal is obvious, using the strongest wizard in Ishgar to humiliate Fairy Tail…' Shun sighed
"That's true but, with the threat of Alvarez Empire around. We need a good show to keep our moral high." Jose started bullshitting but it started sounding not that wrong…
'Well, sitting and lying down for the whole day and having to listen that pointless meeting for two hours. Just for them to use the Etherion or Face like they always did. I was getting a bit frustrated anyway.'
"Sure. I agree." Shun replied, surprising the people that don't know about him.
'Heh, dumb brat. Even I would be helpless against that monster God Serena.' Jose did his best to not let out his evil laughter
"Oi! Lead us to a sparring area." God Serena ordered a council member
"Y-Yes!"
"Let's go." Serena said and started walking. Shun just followed.
To his surprise everyone from the meeting followed to the sparring area.
It was a massive, open-air, circular arena inspired by ancient Roman structures, featuring a vast central fighting pit large enough to hold entire towns or complex battlefields, surrounded by towering tiered seating that accommodates thousands of excited spectators.
'As expected of the headquarters, at least the buildings and weapons are high quality. Like the Etherion and Face.' Shun thought
In a distance about a hundred meter from him stood an imposing man with medium-length, wavy, spiked light-colored hair that dramatically juts upward at the top in a distinctive shape resembling rabbit ears, thick eyebrows, sharp features, and a prominent scar running across the bridge of his nose.
He dresses in extravagant, noble, fanciful robes adorned with intricate designs and a massive, eye-catching wheel of blades on his back resembling a dharma wheel, giving him an overall god-like and flamboyant appearance that matches his arrogant, spotlight-loving personality.
'As expected of the whole continent's strongest wizard. He got the presence and charisma. Let's see the strength of a man that got one shotted by Acnologia.'
"Is Shun gonna be okay?"
"…"
Erza's worried words made the other three speechless.
"Huh? Did I say something wrong?"
"Erza, you never seen him fight?" Mira asked, while the two often fought. They were each others' closest friends in the guild.
"No." Erza answered flatly
"Then watch closely, this is the strongest man of this era." Mirajane, who had unknowingly been influenced by her younger brother, said to Erza.
Hearing the two's talk, Makarov felt a bit awkward but didn't argue.
He wasn't worried even a bit.
'I would rather be grateful if that God Serena could punch that brat a few times…' Makarov also been holding a small grudge toward Shun…
——
"I'll work as the referee." Jose volunteered
"Then, start!" Jose said and hurriedly stepped back.
The duel kicked off in an instant, and God Serena's fist ignited with roaring flames.
"Purgatory Dragon's… Blazing Inferno!" he bellowed, unleashing a ferocious storm of fire that surged straight toward Shun.
"He's using the same element as Natsu!" Erza muttered, eyes narrowing.
"Shun!" Even Mavis, who had complete faith in his abilities, couldn't hide a flicker of worry.
As the intense blaze closed in, threatening to swallow him whole, Shun decided it was time for his first meal since acquiring his Slayer-type magics.
"The one who gave birth to fire wasn't people or dragons. It was the gods."
In the next heartbeat, under the stunned gazes of everyone watching, Shun opened his mouth wide… and began devouring the flames.
"Hmm, it doesn't taste good. In terms of magic power replenishment, it feels like adding a single drop of water to a river," he sighed casually.
"You're a fire type too? In that case… Sea King Dragon… Water Vortex!" God Serena switched seamlessly, hurling another ferocious storm, this time a raging torrent of water toward him.
Shun chose to strike back this time.
"Fire God's Bellow." A stream of dark purple flames erupted from his mouth, colliding head-on with the water attack in midair.
Just when everyone braced for a violent clash, the water was instantly obliterated, reduced to harmless steam in an explosion of vapor.
"!"
"Thanks for the godly dessert!" Serena grinned, undaunted, and made a sucking motion to try eating the dark purplish flames.
But nothing happened.
"Ahh!" Instead, he took the full brunt of the attack head-on, unguarded. Still, he was no stranger to battle.
"Sea King Dragon's: Healing Vortex!" A swirling storm of water burst from his palm, dousing the lingering flames and rapidly mending his burns.
"You're good! Time to get serious!" Serena roared, his eyes darkening to pitch black as he began gathering immense power.
"Cavern Dragon's Earth Collapse!
Sea King Dragon's Water Vortex!
Tempest Dragon's Song of Moon and Wind!
Lightning Dragon's Encircling Deluge!
Diamond Dragon's Fortress Crusher!
Luminance Dragon's Augite Heavens!!"
He unleashed a mad barrage, spamming every one of his non-fire attacks in a chaotic symphony of destruction.
Faced with the onslaught of six powerful elemental dragons roaring toward him in a multicolored maelstrom, Shun hesitated for a moment, he didn't want to end things with a single overwhelming blow, but…
You seem like the type of guy who can't escape the fate of getting one-shotted, he thought with a quiet sigh.
"Arc of Time: The World!"
As soon as the words left his lips, time itself ground to a halt.
The roaring storm of six differently colored dragon-shaped magics froze mid-charge. Everything, everyone came to a complete stop.
Yet…
"Hmm, since it's my first time casting it, the spell's still incomplete," Shun murmured, glancing around calmly.
The frozen bodies and magics stood motionless, but the people in the surrounding area retained their consciousness. They could still see and think, helpless to move or act.
A shared wave of dread rippled through their minds:
W-What is this?!
"In this stopped time, only I can move freely, while others keep their awareness… but all they can do is watch helplessly. Should I keep this incomplete version? It seems way more effective for psychological damage," Shun remarked casually, analyzing his own magic like a kid playing with a brand-new toy.
Then, at last, he turned toward Serena and the frozen barrage of attacks still suspended in the air.
Step. Step.
Shun walked forward, his fist glowing with the trembling power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's effect. With effortless swings, he shattered Serena's mighty magics one by one, the frozen assaults crumbling like glass under his strikes.
Finally…
Shun turned to face Serena, his gaze calm and unyielding.
"Fall."
"!"
Serena, still completely frozen in time, suddenly felt his body obey the command against his will, his knees buckling as he dropped heavily to the ground in an involuntary kneel.
Shun's voice cut through the frozen silence, cold and eerily resonant, carrying straight into the ears of everyone trapped in helpless awareness.
"You are strong, child. But I am beyond strength. I am the end."