Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Mira’s Surprise
The night had been a blaze of passion, unlike anything Mira had ever known. Exhausted beyond measure, her body still tingling from Escanor's superhuman, transformed form, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep—safe and warm on the man's broad chest.
Escanor gazed down at her with a smile full of quiet joy. This woman, radiant and strong, was now his eternal promise.
As dawn's light spilled softly into the room, Escanor's eyes fluttered open. He tightened his arm gently around Mira, stirring her slightly. Slowly, she opened her eyes and smiled—a smile that held the bliss of a new beginning.
"Why don't you sleep a little longer? It's still early," she murmured sleepily.
"No. I want to see you sooner," Escanor replied, his voice tender yet playful.
They shared a silent moment, their eyes locking in deep connection. Escanor lowered his head and pressed a kiss to Mira's lips. She responded with equal warmth, and soon their morning was filled with love's sweet dance once again.
Outside, the sun climbed to its zenith. Only then did they rise to wash and dress. As they prepared to leave for the guild, Mira suddenly paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face.
Escanor caught up and asked, "Mira, what's wrong? Why did you stop?"
She looked at him, eyes bright. "Ah, this... I think something's changed. I feel stronger—my magic... it's grown."
"What?! Are you feeling unwell?" Escanor's concern was immediate.
"No, it's not that. My magic power has increased—significantly! I don't know why. We should ask the master."
Without hesitation, they hurried to the guild.
Arriving late together, the guild's members exchanged knowing smiles. Mira blushed under the curious gazes but held her head high as she approached Makarov.
"Escanor, my boy! Why didn't you go home to sleep last night? Got lost?" The old man's teasing tone filled the room.
Escanor rubbed his neck, cheeks reddening. "Haha... yeah, got lost..."
Mira quickly jumped in. "Master, something strange is happening—I feel much stronger. Can you help?"
Makarov's eyes twinkled. "Let's see then." They moved to the guild's backyard.
Makarov commanded, "Mira, cast your spell."
"Satan Soul. Full Takeover!"
A flash of black light surged around Mira as she transformed—yet this time, her Satan Soul was different.
Her wings multiplied into two pairs of magnificent black feathers. The leather armor morphed into ornate, battle-ready armor, sculpted perfectly to her form. In her hands gleamed a massive scythe, ominous and powerful.
Curved demon horns crowned her head, and a fiery golden crown shimmered above. Golden streams of energy weaved through the black magic that cloaked her. The aura she radiated was overwhelming—powerful enough to shake the very foundations of Fairy Tail's backyard.
Escanor hastily conjured a barrier to shield the guild members from the intense pressure.
Makarov stared in awe. "This... this is the true Satan form!"
Mira, equally stunned by her own power, quickly reined in her magic. "I think I've fully taken over the Satan Soul this time."
Makarov explained, "Usually, with Take Over magic, you can only fully control animal spirits if you master their nature completely. For demons or supernatural beings, it's rare to fully take over the entire soul—too dangerous for your own essence, and it demands immense magic power."
He paused, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I think I understand what's happening. Gods often have attendants, akin to shrine maidens, who serve as vessels or conduits of divine will. Though Escanor hasn't become a full god yet, he now possesses divinity. Mira, by his side, has naturally become his divine attendant. Such attendants receive enhancements from their gods... in ways not always simple to explain."
Mira blushed, lowering her gaze at the teasing implication.
"Also, remember this—only through a divine attendant can a god's descendants be born."
Makarov winked slyly.
Escanor laughed, heart swelling with joy.
Mira dispelled her transformation and quickly excused herself, cheeks still warm.
The two men watched her retreat, sharing a knowing smile.
"Escanor, what's next? Missions, or continue cultivating godhood?"
Escanor pondered. "Cultivation can wait. Deliberate training feels less meaningful now. Missions are more interesting. Are there still Hundred Year Missions available?"
Makarov nodded. "Gildarts took one recently. There's one left. Not everyone can take Hundred Year Missions, but you're not just anyone. The old you found Ten Year Missions easy. Hundred-Year Missions will challenge even you—so be careful."
"Do you want to become Master now, with your power?"
Escanor shook his head. "No thanks. I don't want to deal with aging prematurely or endless council criticism."
Makarov sighed, feigning disappointment. "Insensible grandson."
Back inside, Makarov asked Mira, "Ready to do missions again?"
She smiled faintly. "No, Master. I'm used to being the guild's signboard girl."
Makarov accepted this. Mira had been a perfect pillar during Escanor's absence.
"Mira, help me register this mission."
"Okay! Wait—Hundred Year Mission? Escanor, you're taking this?!"
"Yeah. But not immediately. I want to relax a bit first. Register it for me; I'll gather details."
Mira nodded, worry and pride mingling in her eyes.
Makarov leaned in and said gravely, "You know, this mission is about the subjugation of Acnologia, the Dragon of Calamity. It was nearly rated 'infinite' by the Council."
Escanor's gaze sharpened.
"I'm pretty sure I'm at that level now."
The legend of a god-in-the-making—and the Dragon of Calamity—was about to collide.
To be continued...