Fairy Tail: Becoming stronger by spending money.

"After Lisanna came back, everyone became more energetic."

Gray said to Ur, "Even that guy Caesar feels a lot happier."

"After all, it's a good thing to have family back."

Ur rubbed Gray's head and then looked at Caesar.

At this moment, Caesar was talking to Master, and Master looked a little serious.

After Caesar finished speaking, Master pondered for a moment and then said, "This ten-year task has been on hold for more than ten years. It is very difficult. I do not recommend you complete it."

"Don't worry. I'll take Mira with me this time."

Caesar promised Master, "And let's try. If it doesn't work, we will come back immediately. Don't forget, my spatial ability is very strong now. Even if something happens, we can still escape."

Master thought for a long time and finally sighed, saying, "Okay, but please pay attention to safety in everything. It's okay if you don't finish it. You have to come back safely, understand? Don't let me, an old man, worry too much."

"Okay, Master, I will remember it."

Seeing Master agree, Caesar immediately laughed. "But the journey is long this time, and Mira and I probably won't be able to catch up with this year's S-level assessment. How about Mira staying here to help you?"

"Don't even think about it!"

Master immediately spoke and said to Mirajane, "Mira, please watch out for Caesar. Don't let him get too ahead of himself. If something goes wrong, pull him back. Do you understand?"

"Okay, I understand, Master."

Mira said with a smile. With these words, Mira was able to control Caesar.

Caesar rolled his eyes. Only he knew that he must complete the ten-year mission selected this time.

It is precisely because of the high difficulty that Caesar would gain more experience by defeating the opponent.

If he could really be promoted to level 40, Caesar could be promoted to the purple card in one go, and his strength would make a big jump.

So while he said he'd retreat if it was too hard, deep down he was ready to fight to the end.

Master had watched Caesar grow up. Based on his understanding of Caesar, he could guess what Caesar was about to pull the moment he saw him move.

So when Caesar said he would take Mirajane, Master immediately reminded her that if something went wrong, she was to take Caesar and evacuate.

Mirajane understood and agreed.

So, Caesar's difficult journey began just like that.

...

On the train sleeper, Caesar, despite his sleepiness, smiled at Mirajane and said, "Mira."

"No."

Caesar was rejected by Mirajane before he even opened his mouth.

"I haven't said anything yet!"

"I know what you're going to say."

Mirajane put away her smile, looked at Caesar seriously, and said, "You didn't say anything, but I know you. I know you've been anxious about something. Even if you don't show it, I can still see it."

Caesar was stunned for a moment, then fell silent.

"Caesar."

Mirajane sat beside Caesar's bed, looked at him, and said, "I don't care how much money you make or how strong you become. As long as you're safe and happy, I'll be satisfied. If I really lose you, I won't be able to move on."

Caesar laughed.

He reached out, and before Mirajane could react, he pulled her down onto the bed and held her in his arms.

Gently rubbing Mirajane's face, Caesar said softly, "I know. And I cherish everything now. So I won't risk my life. Trust me, okay? I still want to see you… in a wedding dress."

Caesar's words made Mirajane's face instantly turn red.

She buried her face in Caesar's chest and whispered like a mosquito, "Yeah."

Mirajane was relieved, at least for now.

The two of them began to enjoy the scenery, eat, drink, and relax as the train continued its journey.

The destination of the ten-year mission was an island far to the south of Ishgar.

It would take three days by train and another two days by passenger ship to reach it.

The island was nearly as big as the Kingdom of Fiore, and the round trip alone would take at least half a month.

So they weren't in a hurry and planned to take their time.

However, despite the relaxed pace, Caesar was still the same—sleeping more than ten hours a day.

Mirajane would shake him from time to time, afraid something might go wrong.

Five days later, when Caesar and Mirajane arrived at the port, both wearing short clothes and sleeves, they were stunned.

According to the mission records, the island housed a powerful monster stronger than any S-class beast.

So Caesar and Mirajane thought the place would be desolate and uninhabited.

But stepping off the dock, what greeted them was a resort bustling with activity.

Later, after asking around, they learned the island was called Christopher, a famous winter resort.

Thanks to its tropical climate, it stayed over 30 degrees even in winter.

The island's massive size, diverse terrains, and well-developed tourist industry made it a paradise for travelers.

As for the ten-year mission, the real target was the island's highest peak—a massive, snow-covered mountain.

The goal of the mission? Clear the mountain of monsters and help develop it into a luxury ski resort.

Once they learned all this, Caesar could only silently mutter, "Seriously?"

A ten-year mission disguised as a tropical vacation.

Even if prices weren't too high, the sheer amount of tourism meant the client had to offer 70 million j as reward.

Of course, it wasn't that high in the beginning. But after more than ten years of failures and delays, the price rose again and again.

Now it landed in Caesar's hands—at 70 million j.

No wonder they were desperate to see this project done.

But Caesar was more curious about the monster that had defeated so many S-class mages over the years.

When he and Mirajane entered the city hall to request the mission briefing, Caesar finally saw a photo of their target.

A massive frost lizard, with sharp teeth and scales like plated armor.

But what caught Caesar's attention were the two bulges on its back.

He and Mirajane looked at each other, both thinking the same thing.

Were those wings?

Was this frost lizard about to evolve into a dragon?

Did it carry dragon blood?