"So… our rapid Gourmet Cell growth was due to Food Luck?" Erina Nakiri mused, then gasped. "Wait—yours?"
Zed nodded. "My Food Luck is strong. As my temporary partners, you also benefit from it."
The revelation hung in the air, thick as the Swamp of Antiquity's mist. Mirajane's eyes widened. "If I become your temporary partner, I could also obtain gourmet cell...?"
"Yes. But understand what 'partner' entails."
He explained: in this world, partners were bonds deeper than marriage—shared fates, intertwined Food Luck.
Erina and Hisako flushed, recalling their journey. Mirajane, however, turned scarlet. Husband and wife?!
"Temporary means…?" she squeaked.
Erina stepped forward, her voice steady despite her pink cheeks. "Let me explain."
She explained that Zed act as a guardian—a man who'd sheltered them, asking nothing in return. His status (a Saiseiya and former IGO elite) made ulterior motives laughable.
Zed listened, stunned. Did I really seem that noble?
Mirajane exhaled. If someone like him—surrounded by power and beauty—is helping in them, it wasn't for lust. It was…
"…A second chance," she whispered.
Mirajane's lips curved into a soft smile. "Mr. Zed… you're truly kind."
A good person? Zed almost laughed. His motives were selfish—system rewards, power gains. Yet Erina's words had painted him a saint.
"I'm not." His voice hardened. "Your decision, Mirajane?"
She hesitated. "I need your Food Luck, but I've nothing to offer. Even back home, Fairy Tail's treasures are worthless here."
"Then trade me your magic knowledge."
"Magic?" She blinked. "The basics are useless without mana. This world has none."
"Indulge my curiosity." Zed shrugged.
Mirajane exhaled. Erina's portrait of him—selfless, noble—lingered. He's making excuses to help me, she decided. "Very well. I'll share what I know."
The deal struck, Zed's system pinged. Partner secured.
Swamp of Antiquity – Moments Later
The swamp exhaled decay and salt, its waters teeming with creatures defying logic: fish with cactus spines, crabs sporting mango shells, eels that glowed like fireflies.
"Even Zeref demons aren't this bizarre," Mirajane muttered.
Zed summoned colossal golden Chopsticks, plucking targets from the muck with surgical precision. A six-eyed turtle (Capture Level 18), a vine-wrapped lobster (Capture Level 22)—each vanished into his Cell Space.
Erina watched, her earlier words looping in her mind. Did I… oversell him?
But as Zed handed Mirajane a roasted swamp tuber—its aroma disarming her tension—she smirked. Or maybe not enough.