The Fairy Tail Guild.
Natsu and the others had already left, and this world's Lucy was willing to accompany them for a while.
"Are we really okay with not helping them?" Gray asked.
".," Everyone fell into silence.
Outside in the desert.
"Roar—!"
A massive beast emerged from the sand.
"Be careful!" Lucy pulled out a magic item, ready to fight.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
Natsu blasted it, and the giant beast turned into cooked meat in an instant.
"That smells delicious!" Natsu's eyes lit up.
"Can we eat it?" Happy asked.
"If it's grilled, I suppose it should be fine," Wendy said.
Everyone went over and took some meat off the beast to eat, replenishing their energy.
"By the way, do you guys from Edolas all use magic directly?" Lucy asked with a hint of envy.
"Yes, for us mages, magic is as natural as hands and feet." Wendy paused and added with a tinge of sadness, "If one day, we from Edolas can't use magic anymore, maybe we would feel even more painful than you."
In Edolas, magic relied on items. Even the S-Class mage Mystogan used magic items. Compared to that, the mages of Escaflowne depended heavily on magic. If they lost it someday, it would be hard to adapt.
"I see," Lucy nodded thoughtfully. Then she looked at Lisana and asked, "Hey, Lisana, why are you here too?"
"Um…" Lisana was taken aback.
Suddenly, Lucy seemed to recall something and stared at her in shock, asking, "You're Lisana from Edolas, right?!"
Lisana hesitated slightly before nodding, "Yeah."
Lucy froze, and after a long moment, she asked with a bit of grief, "So… our Lisana has already…"
Lisana took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry."
"No," Lucy shook her head with a wry smile, "You didn't do anything wrong."
She gently touched Lisana's head and said, "These years must have been tough for you, leaving your true companions and trying to fit in with people who aren't the same as them."
"No! You are my companions too!" Lisana insisted.
"Thank you for saying that," Lucy smiled. "Once things are settled, go back to Edolas. That's where you truly belong."
Lisana remained silent.
Laxus placed his hand on her head and said, "Just follow your heart."
"I know," Lisana nodded, her emotions complicated.
Natsu turned away, no longer looking at them, and silently ate while watching the distant desert. He didn't say a word.
Wendy had no close relationship with Lisana and didn't understand her inner struggles. She simply transformed into a small, transparent form, holding a piece of meat, puffing her cheeks like a little squirrel, which made her look very cute.
"All right, once we've eaten, let's get going!" Lucy smiled cheerfully.
Everyone followed her as they continued their journey toward the capital city!
"This is what you call a humble home?!!!"
Lucy and Emily looked at the luxurious estate in front of them, which seemed endless.
Of course, Lucy's house was also large, but it only had one such place.
As for Jehfrit here, he owned more than just this property, and judging by his attitude, this place might not even rank among the top in his portfolio.
"In my opinion, a home is merely a place to shelter and sleep," Jehfrit humbly said, "My late father always hoped I could restore the family's glory."
Laxus admired him and said, "Mr. Jehfrit once served as the Kingdom Army's chief instructor!"
"Served before? Mr. Jehfrit, you're still young. Why did you resign?" Lucy asked curiously.
"Because I need to become stronger," Jehfrit smiled, "Due to differing beliefs, and because I don't have enough power to change things, I need to reflect on myself and spend more time improving my strength."
Lucy understood now. It seemed that he didn't see eye to eye with the kingdom either, but both sides hadn't yet broken relations.
He was a national celebrity. If he ever decided to rebel openly, it would cause trouble for the king. And he certainly knew he couldn't win against the king in a war right now.
Therefore, he was biding his time, waiting for the right opportunity!
Lucy's eyes lit up—he could be won over!
"Jehfrit…"
A zombie-like man walked through a small village.
Ahead were several people gathered.
It was a bullying incident.
Some tattooed delinquents with bad attitudes were beating a man and cursing loudly.
"You lousy guy, when you borrowed money, you said everything clearly. Today is the repayment day, and you dare not pay back? You're nothing but trash!"
"I've already paid," the man pleaded pitifully, "I borrowed five thousand J, and I've already paid you fifteen thousand J. But you want twenty-five thousand J. This is pure extortion!"
"I don't care about that. Repaying debts is a matter of principle."
"If you can't repay, then offer something else as compensation."
"I heard he has a beautiful daughter who is seventeen years old."
They discussed among themselves.
"No, please, don't harm my family. I'll pay you, even if I have to sell my house. Please, beg you!" The man immediately knelt down and begged.
"Bang!"
At that moment, a yellow-haired boy bumped into someone from behind. He stepped forward quickly to steady himself.
"You idiot, don't you have eyes?!" The yellow-haired boy turned around, saw the person who bumped into him bowing his head, and angrily slapped him across the face.
"Punch!"
His hand was grabbed, and a powerful force rendered him unable to pull it back.
"Damn it, hit him!" The yellow-haired boy roared, and his accomplices kicked the stranger.
"Thud thud thud!"
Suddenly, several arms sprouted from the man's body—tearing through flesh and emerging grotesquely. A few hands grabbed the feet of those attacking him.
This bizarre scene stunned everyone.
The man slowly raised his head, his demonic eyes subtly shifting.
The kneeling man realized the danger and scrambled to run.
This zombie-like man spoke, "Believe in me and I will grant you power."
"Monster!"
The group paled in fear.
But then the man's back revealed an eight-armed, two-winged figure, who slowly opened his eyes and stared at the crowd with demonic pupils.
After a short while, the man released his grip. Those freed didn't run away; instead, they all devoutly chanted, "Praise Ansa—"
Inside a bar, a man wearing a hat and glasses, with an elegant demeanor, sipped his drink. At that moment, a rugged-looking man approached and sat beside him.
"It's strange. There's someone who looks exactly like me," the elegant man turned his head, puzzled and surprised.
"Yes," Gajeel grinned, "but your reputation isn't so good."
"This is the glory of being a journalist. Being brave enough to expose darkness and the interests of the elite often leads to being smeared and ostracized." This man was Edolas' Gajeel.
"Interested in chatting?" Gajeel asked.
"Certainly," Edolas Gajeel nodded.
They moved to a corner, a slightly quieter spot.
Gajeel had already investigated this man beforehand and confidently believed he could trust him.
Thus, he revealed everything.
"So," Edolas Gajeel carefully noted, "it's our Edolas King who wants to monopolize magic by extracting the magic of your world using the most despicable methods."
"That's right," Gajeel nodded.
"What a despicable act," Edolas Gajeel's gaze showed determination, even a touch of readiness to die for his cause. He said, "Did he actually ask the people for their opinions, whether they were willing to harm others for magic? No, he didn't. He doesn't respect the people or the lives of other worlds. He only acts selfishly for his own benefit!"
"The people should know the truth!"
"Will you help me?" Gajeel asked.
"Helping you is also helping me, helping our Edolas!"
"Ha ha—," Gajeel laughed, "I thought you'd be very different from me, but…"
Suddenly, the two men hooked arms around each other's necks and happily said, "But we're the same after all!"
"Your polite personality and intellectual cultivation are exactly like mine!" Gajeel shamelessly declared.
Edolas Gajeel pushed his glasses and elegantly replied, "Your wild charm is also completely the same as mine. By the way, I am also very skilled in singing and playing instruments."
"Of course!" Gajeel said, "I am a master of singing and guitar!"
"Not bad at all!" Edolas Gajeel praised.
"Great brother!" Gajeel was also very excited.
Unfortunately, Lucy and Happy weren't here; without a joker, it felt incomplete somehow.
Out in the wilderness, there was a caravan.
They had just endured the first wave of bandits' attack.
A merchant brought his daughter to a pink-haired beauty in a kimono, crying and saying, "If we can't resist, at least safely send my daughter home. Please!"
"Wah wah wah," the little girl cried.
Ikuto slightly tilted her head and said, "How could it not be possible? We've already repelled the first wave. You should take your daughter and hide in the carriage. Since I've been paid, I will definitely protect you and ensure safe arrival at your destination."
"But there are so many bandits, and they even use magic," the merchant despairingly said.
"Magic? My sword can cut through magic."
"Shoot arrows!!" The bandit leader shouted from the hillside.
Their first tentative attack had barely managed to push back the caravan's other guards, who were insufficient in strength. However, that woman with the long sword was incredibly strong, causing heavy losses among the bandits.
This time, they opted for direct remote attacks, covering the enemy with a rain of arrows.
"Shishishish—"
Seeing the sky filled with arrows, Ikuto shouted, "Get back to the carriage quickly!"
She drew her long sword and exclaimed, "Moonflow—Nightmare Skyfall!"
With one strike, she severed all the arrows mid-air. Then a fierce hurricane blew away the broken arrows.
Ikuto gripped the hilt of her sword, not even catching her breath.
Of course, cutting wood sticks wasn't much effort.
During her time at the Tower of Heaven, she had effortlessly sliced through Erza's armor like tofu.
"Damn it, how strong!" The bandit leader cursed.
"Boss, perhaps we should give up," one subordinate suggested.
"How could we give up! If we fail this heist, our decades-long undefeated reputation would collapse in the hands of a woman!" The bandit leader refused to quit.
He gritted his teeth and ordered, "Bring the three-headed dog!"
"Boss, this is our mountain guardian beast. Once released, we won't be able to retrieve it!" The subordinate panicked.
"Shut up and bring it!"
The Hell Three-Headed Dog was the gang's mountain guardian beast, captured by the previous leader with a dark mage and kept as one of the gang's trump cards. Now, releasing it meant it could never be retrieved again.
However, the bandit leader believed fame was more valuable than the beast!
For over ten years, he had never misjudged anyone, enjoying an undefeated myth in the industry!
What was the secret? It wasn't strength, but insight!
Picking soft targets!
But today's plan had failed—the small caravan unexpectedly had a sword expert of such caliber!
If he returned in disgrace today, his reputation would be ruined!
Worse still, his subordinates might question him, leading to potential power struggles!
Therefore, he couldn't lose!
He would rather unleash the mountain guardian beast to kill this woman and complete the heist!
"Whoosh—"
A pill fell from the sky.
Ikuto kicked it far away with her foot.
"Boom boom boom!"
The ground shook violently.
A three-headed beast charged toward the group.
"Bait?"
Ikuto quickly realized.
"完了完了 (We're doomed)." All the guards were desperate.
Ikuto didn't bother to speak and simply placed her hand on the hilt of her sword.
It got closer and closer.
Ikuto suddenly unsheathed her sword and shouted, "Moonflow—Multiple Sword Flashes!"
"Shishishish—"
Hundreds of flashes of swords instantly covered the beast.
The creature straightened up, and in the next second, shattered into hundreds of pieces!
"How is that possible?!" The bandits were shocked.
"Run!" The bandit leader gave orders decisively. Nothing mattered more than life now!
"Boom!" A mushroom cloud rose, and all the bandits died mysteriously.
"Mr. Jehfrit!" Ikuto's eyes lit up as she sensed familiar magical energy.
"What are you doing?" Jehfrit's voice appeared behind Ikuto, "Working part-time?"
Faced with Jehfrit's question, Ikuto shyly replied, "I don't have money here, I'm hungry, and this job gives me some money and food."
Jehfrit sighed and lightly tapped Ikuto's head.
"Thank you so much, Miss Ikuto. It was you who saved us!" The merchant and others surrounded her, their faces full of excitement and awe.
"Take care of these matters," Jehfrit said, then flew away with Teal blowing wind.
He had just arrived using Deception Magic, so nobody saw him.
After a while, Ikuto came back with the gifts and payment from the merchant. She generously said, "Mr. Jehfrit, I earned some money. Whatever you want to eat, I'll treat you!"
"No need," Jehfrit sighed and took out a card, "Quickly, collect your belongings."
"Yes," Ikuto replied.
After collecting her things, Ikuto lightly leaped forward and stood in front of Jehfrit, asking, "Mr. Jehfrit, haven't you met the others?"
"Yes, now it's just us two, but the others shouldn't be too far away," Jehfrit said, "Let's go to the capital city. Everyone will gather there, and we'll meet up."
"Yes," Ikuto agreed.
In the estate of Edolas' Jehfrit, Lucy was chatting with Jehfrit.
"Natsu's magic!"
Emily suddenly called out, "And Wendy's too!"
"What is it?" Lucy turned to her.
"There's a battle in the city, Natsu is fighting!" Emily stood up.
"That idiot, using magic like that will surely reveal his origins!" Lucy immediately figured it out.
"If they fight the soldiers, your companions might get hurt," Jehfrit said, "Let's bring them here first. Here, they'll still give me some face."
"Getting hurt won't happen," Lucy said, "But revealing their origins is certain."
Emily disappeared, apparently having already left.
"Emily!" Lucy hurried after her.
In the city.
"What is this?"
"How can a human spit fire and whirlwinds?!"
The soldiers were extremely shocked. This was beyond their comprehension.
"Don't retreat, capture them!" The captain roared.
"This is annoying," Laxus raised his hand, ready to clear the field.
"Uncle Laxus!" Emily suddenly appeared, grabbing him and pulling him backward.
"People have vanished!" The soldiers panicked.
"Emily?" Natsu and the others reacted.
"Come with me!"
Emily unleashed her magic, deceiving the soldiers into furiously attacking a pillar.
"Sharon, Happy!" Wendy reminded.
"Lucy, let's go!" Natsu instinctively grabbed Edolas Lucy and ran.
They crossed a street.
"Emily, are you okay?" Lucy finally caught up.
"I'm fine," Emily replied, "I just brought Uncle Laxus over."
"Are you... me?" Lucy looked at Edolas Lucy in surprise.
"Exactly the same!" Edolas Lucy was also shocked.
Lucy quickly noticed Edolas Lucy's hand, which was being held by Natsu.
"Oh, sorry," Edolas Lucy, understanding Lucy's thoughts, immediately let go.
"Lucy!" Natsu ran to Lucy, looked at her, and said, "Have you gained weight?"
"Shut up, who gains weight after eating just once?" Lucy punched him down immediately.
"Well, that's not necessarily true," Emily said, "Since we came here, Lucy has been eating constantly."
"No, that's not true," Lucy was somewhat guilty.
The local snacks were indeed delicious.
After arriving, Emily sold several magic items—high-quality products made by Jehfrit, naturally priced high. In an instant, the two became wealthy.
Then they began tasting the unique local snacks.
No, not eating nonstop. When talking with Mr. Jehfrit, they didn't eat, as that would be impolite.
Had I really gained weight?
Lucy looked at Edolas Lucy and felt that the other's figure was indeed better. Especially her waist—it was so slim!
"Enough of this, let's go talk at Mr. Jehfrit's estate," Lucy said.
"Jehfrit?" Natsu got up.
"Has Mr. Jehfrit bought a house here so quickly?!" Wendy was shocked.
"Oh, this is the Jehfrit from this world," Lucy said, "By the way," she looked at Laxus and said, "Mr. Laxus, don't get too excited later."
"Huh?" Laxus was puzzled.
"Hehe," Emily chuckled.
"Let's go."
Everyone headed toward the estate.
At that moment, Lucy noticed a familiar yet unfamiliar figure.
"Hey? Lisana?" She looked at Lisana, whose image gradually overlapped with the white-haired girl in her memory.
"Lucy, this is Lisana, our guild's Lisana," Happy said.
"Our's," Lucy was surprised, "Is dead. Sorry."
"No problem, it was indeed the one mistakenly thought dead," Lisana said casually, "Lucy, I've always heard about you from Natsu and Happy."
"Ah? What did they say about me?" Lucy blushed a bit, curious how Natsu described her.
"They said your strength is huge," Lisana replied.
Lucy's smile froze.
She looked at Natsu, who was laughing obliviously.
Was that a compliment to a girl?!
"And also, you have a unique scent that's easy to find," Lisana added.
Lucy blushed, then shyly retorted, "That's nonsense. It makes it sound like I'm always needing to be rescued."
"Indeed," Lisana said.
She hugged Laxus' arm and tapped his head in annoyance.
This action startled Lucy. Lisana was so bold, daring to act like that toward Laxus!
Laxus was known for his pride and bad temper.
But when Lucy looked at Laxus, he didn't mind at all, as if he was used to it.
Lisana said, "Natsu and Laxus got your description wrong. You're actually a very cute and graceful girl."
"Thank you for the compliment. You're also very pretty and gentle," Lucy replied shyly.
"As for Natsu, he deserves to be beaten up!" Lisana said.
"That's not necessary," Lucy inwardly agreed but waved it off on the surface.
"What?" Natsu frowned, "Why should I be beaten up? I'm really strong, you know."
"First, learn half of Jehfrit's emotional intelligence before refusing Miss Lucy's punches," Lisana said.
"Pfft, what's so great about that guy," Natsu dismissed it.
"I agree with that," Lucy said, "Jehfrit is terrible at that stuff too."
"For boys," Lisana said, "That's why virgins are the worst."
"Speaking of which," Lisana suddenly looked at Laxus.
Before she could speak, Laxus coldly said, "Shut up!"
"Hmph!" Lisana huffed and stopped hugging his arm, walking over to Lucy instead, linking arms with her closely.
"By the way, why did you clash with the soldiers?" Lucy asked curiously.
"Oh, that's all my fault," Edolas Lucy explained, "Mages from our world are all wanted criminals. They recognized me."