'BOOM'
The red-haired woman riding a giant monster swung her weapon, interrupting the bolt of lightning.
"Erza?"
Laxus stared at the figure before realizing she wasn't the Erza from Earth-land—the one he was familiar with.
"Laxus?!" To everyone's surprise, Erza from Edolas recognized Laxus too. She roared, "Why are you in this guild?! Have you betrayed the kingdom?!"
Laxus furrowed his brow, unsure of what she meant. Clearly, there was more to this than met the eye. He chose to remain silent—better not to say too much and risk making a mistake.
"Fire Dragon's—" "Lightning Dragon's—" "Sky Dragon's—"
"ROAR!"
The three unleashed their magic simultaneously.
A terrifying surge of magical energy engulfed their enemies.
"That's it!" Levy shouted.
'Buzz'
A wave of dizziness and ringing ears hit them as the teleportation finally activated, causing the entire guild to vanish in an instant.
"This situation seems to be getting complicated," a flashy man with spiky blonde hair and pink armor said to Erza as he arrived on the scene. "If Laxus, the vice-leader of the church, is hanging out with Fairy Tail, does that mean their Muscle Supremacy Church has betrayed the kingdom?"
Climbing out of the crater, Erza glanced at her thoroughly roasted mount, frowning deeply. "No, that can't be right. It doesn't make sense. That guy wouldn't dare... If he loses the king's support, all his efforts will have been for nothing. He wouldn't betray His Majesty."
"Let's hope so. If that guy rebels against the kingdom, things will get messy." The man paused. "By the way, didn't you think something seemed off about Laxus just now?"
"Off?" Erza tilted her head, puzzled.
"He looked bulkier. Is that guy really that strong?" the man asked.
"...I don't think there's much difference," Erza murmured after some thought.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe I misremembered," the man agreed.
"So, what exactly is going on?"
Fairy Tail had landed in the middle of a desert. As soon as they arrived, everyone turned their attention to Laxus and the others.
Natsu looked utterly confused, Wendy only partially understood, but Laxus—who had spoken with Lisanna earlier—had a general idea.
Laxus glanced at Lisanna, hoping she would explain since she was born in Earth-land yet had spent years in Edolas, making her familiar with both worlds.
However, Lisanna glanced at Mira, who gave her a subtle smile. Lisanna stepped back, choosing to stay quiet.
"Fine, I'll explain," Laxus stepped forward. He recounted the events that had occurred in Earth-land, though he omitted Lisanna's involvement.
Though there were inconsistencies, the shocking truth about the two worlds captured everyone's full attention.
"Tch, those bastards in the kingdom did this? How despicable!"
Everyone shared the same anger toward the injustice.
"Hey, so you're really me from that world? And I'm this small?" Big Wendy pinched Little Wendy's cheek.
"Will I grow up to be like you?" Wendy asked.
Big Wendy looked down and grinned. "Don't worry, you'll definitely become a very charming woman!"
"Speaking of which," Gray chimed in, draping an arm over Natsu's shoulder. "Did I finally win Juvia over in your world?"
"Hah? You're such a blockhead," Natsu scoffed. "Even Jehfrit called you 'a piece of wood.' Juvia kept throwing herself at you, and you ignored her every time. What a dumbass!"
At this, Wendy, Happy, and Carla couldn't help but exchange bewildered looks. 'Who exactly is Natsu insulting here?'
"Eh? That version of Gray ignored Juvia despite her feelings?!" Gray exclaimed, utterly baffled.
Meanwhile, Juvia sneered. "Huh? Me liking him? Impossible. The Juvia from your world must've been blind to fall for some creep bundled up in thick clothes."
"Nope, in our guild, Gray's the pervert who never wears clothes," Natsu corrected.
"Well, that's slightly better," Juvia smirked.
"Eh? Juvia-chan, don't betray me!" Gray panicked, lunging toward Juvia, only to be kicked squarely in the chest. She then sat on top of him, casually crossing her legs and declaring arrogantly, "That world's Juvia might be an idiot, but I'm not."
"Waaaah, if sitting on me makes you comfortable, then I'm glad," Gray sobbed dramatically.
"Gross," Natsu cringed visibly at Gray's behavior.
"Wait... weren't you listening?" Macao interrupted. "He mentioned Jehfrit."
"You mean THAT Jehfrit?" Everyone gasped.
"Jehfrit de la Vallière," Wendy clarified. "We're talking about the same person."
"Eh? Vallière?!" The crowd erupted. "You mean THAT big shot?!"
"You guys know someone like that?!"
"The Jehfrit from the other world must also be incredible, right?"
"At least a duke, surely."
"Did he reject a princess's proposal too?"
Voices buzzed as everyone speculated wildly.
"Haa?" Natsu scratched his head, completely lost. "Jehfrit isn't anything special. He's just a fellow guild member—a viscount at best. And no, he hasn't rejected any princesses."
"What?! So the Jehfrit from your world is actually pretty ordinary?!"
"How could that be? He's such a great man!"
"It's not exactly ordinary," Natsu admitted. "But calling him 'great' might be pushing it."
"Look, differences between the two worlds are normal," Lucy interjected. "In our world, Jehfrit is someone we look up to and admire deeply."
"No way. That guy? What has he even done?" Laxus couldn't take it anymore.
"Actually..." Levy suddenly squinted at Laxus. "You look kind of familiar."
"Yeah, now that you mention it..."
"I agree."
Others nodded along.
"Who was it again?"
"Feels like I've seen him somewhere."
"Maybe I'm mistaken."
"There are plenty of good-looking blondes around."
"True."
"... " Laxus fell silent.
---
In the town square:
The atmosphere was lively as the host shouted into the microphone. "Welcome to the 31st Annual Eating Contest of this town! Let's introduce our contestants!"
"First up, this year's rising star—Mr. Tom!"
"Tom! Tom! Tom!" The audience cheered.
A man weighing at least 300 pounds wobbled onto the stage.
"Next, let's welcome our veteran contender, Mr. Edward!"
An elderly man, frail and coughing, walked slowly onto the stage. Despite his appearance, the crowd erupted with even louder cheers.
"And finally, our third contestant—oh, let me check my cue card—please welcome..."
"Laxus!"
A tall, lanky man with long golden hair shuffled nervously onto the stage.
"... " The audience fell silent.
Looking at this stick-thin man with long hair trailing down his back, clearly lacking confidence, everyone wondered: Who is this guy?
"Hmm, it seems the crowd isn't very enthusiastic," the host remarked awkwardly. "Anyway, moving on to our next contestant—the most beloved idol of all time!"
"Let's shout his name together!"
Taking a deep breath, the audience screamed in unison.
"Master Jehfrit!"
"Jehfrit?!" "Master?!" Nearby, two beauties—one blonde, one white-haired, holding candy sticks—were shocked, their mouths agape.
---
At the competition site:
A gentle yet powerful voice echoed through the air.
"From the ancient times to the present day, no living being, no person, can survive without muscles!"
"What are muscles?"
"Are they merely the source of fatigue?"
"No!"
"They are the positive feedback of training one's willpower! They are the strength needed to overcome all difficulties!"
"Reject laziness!"
"Reject procrastination!"
"Reject giving up!"
"Nothing that defeats you will truly kill you!"
"The only thing that can truly destroy you is when you say you can't keep going!"
"Muscles are power, belief, and weapons!"
"Embrace muscles, forge strength, and no difficulty will ever defeat you!"
"If you lose, it's because you haven't trained enough!"
"With effort, you can reclaim victory!"
"Muscles never betray hard work—they are the most honest companions. Trust in them, and temporary failures won't matter. We will achieve ultimate victory!"
"Together with me—"
"Be self-reliant!"
"Together with me—"
"Embrace muscles!"
"Men and women alike should understand one truth—"
"Shout it with me!"
The audience roared in unison: "Muscle Supremacy!"
"We don't need magic!"
"We can rely on ourselves, trust in the power of muscles!"
"Even if we lose magic, it's fine—we can still build our homes!"
"Those who depend solely on magic are cowards who will be left behind by the times!"
"Magic only causes chaos. Believe in your muscles, praise others' muscles, and follow Jehfrit's example to become strong yet gentle people who bring peace!"
"All who oppose the Muscle Supremacy Church are heretics!"
"Crush the magical heretics! Burn the magical heretics!"
Opinions among the crowd varied, but everyone shouted their views passionately.
"No!" A new voice spoke up. "We train our muscles to become stronger, to overcome challenges, and to help others once we gain strength. We have no enemies, nor should we. The world is changing, and eventually, everyone will believe that muscles are the only true reliance."
"We are not a closed-off church. We are simply a group of self-reliant enthusiasts."
"So please, stop speaking ill of magic users. Instead, we should help them, just as we support each other."
"Muscles bring peace, not chaos or irrationality."
"Master Jehfrit, you're amazing!" The crowd cheered.
On stage:
"Master Jehfrit, you're incredible!" A tearful Laxus ran up to the man on stage. "I've disgraced you!"
"Don't worry. Just stepping onto this stage and facing your fears is already remarkable, Laxus, my vice-leader. One day, you'll become excellent, and no girl will ever reject you again!" The man patted Laxus's shoulder and gave him a thumbs-up.
"Long live muscles! Long live Master Jehfrit!" Laxus cried emotionally.
*Plop*
Emily's jaw dropped, and the candy she'd been sucking on fell to the ground.
"Who is that?" Lucy gawked in shock.
The man on stage looked identical to Jehfrit—even his physique and attire matched perfectly, except he wasn't wearing glasses. His sunny, cheerful demeanor and speech were entirely different from the Jehfrit they knew.
"Embrace muscles?"
"Muscle Supremacy?"
"Reject laziness, lying down, and procrastination?"
Who IS this guy?!
And what about—
Who's that skinny version of Laxus?!
On stage:
"Thank you so much, Master Jehfrit, for sponsoring and personally attending this event. It's such an honor to have someone of your stature here..." The host began crying mid-sentence.
"Don't cry. Those with muscles and confidence should face anyone boldly," Jehfrit reassured him with a smile.
"I'm sorry, I'm just so emotional—I'm your biggest fan!" The host ripped open his shirt, revealing chiseled abs. Pointing to his chest, he declared, "You said we shouldn't design crests. You told us that love for muscles is spontaneous and pure, requiring no symbols or branding. So, I used my muscles to spell out these words instead."
As he flexed, four bold letters emerged on his chest: "Muscle Supremacy!"
"Wow, this is ridiculous!" Lucy muttered under her breath.
"Good job," Jehfrit clapped the host's shoulder and grinned. "Let's start the contest. I still have ten thousand push-ups waiting for me."
Ten THOUSAND push-ups...
Lucy gulped audibly and turned to Emily, whose eyes sparkled. "Do you think this guy who looks like Master has impressive muscles?"
"Why are you focusing on that?" Lucy asked, perplexed.
On stage:
The contestants took their seats as plates of hearty meat dishes were served.
"Clang—"
"Begin!"
At the host's command, everyone dug in.
Laxus was the first to drop out, choking after just a few bites. He raised his hand and stepped down.
"This Uncle Laxus is so uncool!" Emily huffed.
"What about this Jehfrit?" Lucy teased.
Emily watched as Jehfrit elegantly opened his mouth wide, devouring steak pieces one by one. Though his movements appeared slow, his efficiency was astonishing. While other competitors stuffed food chaotically, Jehfrit ate as effortlessly as if he were swallowing eggs—each bite precise and efficient.
"He's not quite like Master, but he's still cool!" Emily declared.
Not quite like him?
This is the complete opposite!
Then again...
Lucy recalled Jehfrit during the battle against Oración Seis, particularly after being affected by Nirvana. Compared to that version, this one was far better. So maybe "opposite" wasn't entirely accurate.
On stage:
Jehfrit finished his first plate.
When the second plate arrived, the other contestants immediately despaired—they'd barely eaten half of their first serving!
How could Jehfrit, who didn't appear to have a particularly large appetite, eat so much and so quickly?
The champion was decided without question.
"Ahh!" Lucy suddenly shrieked. "Now I finally understand why that guy always carries a camera! Imagine capturing this moment!"
"I brought one!" Emily said, pulling a card from her bag.
Her card wasn't black with gold lettering like Jehfrit's—it was pale pink with flowery designs and doll illustrations, clearly tailored to young girls. With a flick of her wrist, the card transformed into a camera.
"Hurry, take a picture!" Lucy urged.
"You take it, Lucy-nee. I prefer writing things down," Emily handed the camera to Lucy.
While Jehfrit enjoyed documenting moments through photos, Emily preferred writing. She believed that while photos captured objective scenes, words carried emotions. Through text, she hoped to relive her feelings at the time of writing—a memory far more precious to her.
"Let's congratulate Master Jehfrit!" the host announced.
"Thank you all for your support," Jehfrit beamed with a radiant smile.
"This is mind-blowing," Lucy muttered, holding the photo.