Fairy Tail: The Phantom Dragon Slayer

Chapter 10: S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial (2)

After changing trains three times from the town of Ciclaremen, I finally arrived in Magnolia—ten days later.

It had only been a few months since I left, yet the town felt incredibly familiar.

Maybe the saying "there's no place like home" really is true.

For someone like me who once wandered without a destination, it still feels surreal to have both a home and a family waiting.

As I walked through the streets, I made my way to the second-largest building in town—Fairy Tail's guild hall—and pushed open the doors.

"This place is still as lively as ever."

"Ciel!"

"Oho~! Our one and only Phantom King has returned!"

Apparently, not just dark guilds, but even my own guildmates had fully embraced the nickname. Every time I returned, someone would call me "Phantom King."

It was awkward at first, but I've grown used to it by now.

As cheers erupted around me, Elfman, Lisanna, and Natsu came running up.

"Ciel-nii!"

"Ciel-nii! Welcome back!"

"Ciel! Let's fight!"

"You've all grown quite a bit while I was gone."

Though it had only been a few months, the kids had shot up noticeably taller—at least physically.

Mentally, they were still very much children.

I patted Elfman and Lisanna's heads and gently turned down Natsu's challenge.

That's when a familiar figure approached—clad in armor, her crimson hair braided neatly behind her.

Erza had come to greet me.

"Ciel, you worked hard on that last mission."

"You've grown too, Erza. I heard about your accomplishments on the way back."

"Master told me you were selected for the upcoming S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial in three days. Congratulations."

"I'm a bit afraid I'll be reduced to Master's errand boy if this keeps up. By the way... where's Mira?"

While chatting with Erza, I asked about Mira.

She made a slightly pouty face and pointed toward the guild's counter, where Master sat—Mira beside him.

For some reason, Mira was glaring at me with a rather grumpy expression.

"Did you two argue again?"

"You know Mira and I are rivals. Maybe she's jealous I'm standing next to you again."

"I doubt that."

"Anyway, shouldn't you report to Master about your mission?"

"There's something I need to talk to you about too. Come with me."

"Me?"

With Erza in tow, I made my way to the counter where Master and Mira were sitting.

I had a few things to say about this sudden S-Class nomination—but really, it was only a matter of time. I'd expected it eventually.

"Master, I've returned."

"Ciel, you're back."

"It's been a while, Mira. Here—just like I promised, snow blossom cookies, a specialty from the town of Ciclaremen."

Mira accepted the treats with her usual stoic expression.

But I could see the hint of a smile on her face—it was enough to reassure me.

Leaving Mira behind, I pulled another pack of the same cookies from my bag and handed it to Erza.

"Erza, this one's for you."

"Oh? I get one too?"

"It's a return gift for that onsen snack you gave me before."

"Thank you, Ciel."

"H-Hold on a second! Ciel, you can't join Erza's faction! You're supposed to be on my side with Elfman and Lisanna! Erza's my rival, remember?!"

"I wasn't aware any 'factions' had formed."

"Ugh, you—really...!"

As Mira scowled and raised her voice, I lightly tapped her forehead and turned my attention to the Master.

"I heard through the communication lacrima. Still, to suddenly inform me of the S-Class trial like this… Master, you're as sneaky as ever."

"If I didn't, you'd just keep coasting as a provisional S-Class. I'd honestly prefer to keep you a regular wizard, but the Council's been breathing down my neck about your achievements—asking why the hell you're not already promoted. They even threatened to scout you for themselves…"

"And what about your personal opinion, Master?"

"Well, my plan is to make you an official S-Class so I can rely on you to clean up after the guild's messes."

"I knew it… You're a scheming old man."

"That's just what happens when you get old, kid."

As expected, Master wanted to promote me so I could take on a more permanent role as the guild's fixer.

I'd already anticipated that much—it wasn't anything to be upset about.

Might as well face it head-on. Like the saying goes: "better to take the beating first."

"So, where's the S-Class trial being held?"

"This year, it'll be on Tenrou Island."

"Tenrou Island?"

"Yeah, it's the guild's holy ground. If you'd arrived a bit earlier, I could've announced all the participants together in front of everyone. But since you were late, I already revealed the names."

"And who else is taking the exam?"

"There are four candidates this year, including you. Macao, Bickslow, and Freed will be joining."

"Macao? Really?"

"He's been with the guild for quite a while now. I figured it was time he gave it a shot. Anyway, the trial isn't taken solo. Each candidate must choose one partner to accompany them. You've got about three days left until the exam—take your time and decide."

As Master spoke, he nudged me lightly in the ribs with a sly, half-lidded grin.

"You're probably taking Mira as your partner, right? Figures."

"I've already made my decision on that."

At my reply, I reached out and took Erza's hand.

"For this S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial, I've chosen Erza Scarlet as my partner."

"Yeah, just as I expected—Erz—WHAT?!"

Everyone, including Master, let out a collective scream of disbelief.

It was the same reaction they had when they first found out I'd known Natsu before joining the guild.

Master and Erza stared at me in shock and demanded clarification, while Elfman, Lisanna, Natsu, Gray, Cana, and Levy rushed over to the counter to see what the commotion was.

"C-Ciel! What did you just say?! You're taking Erza, not Mira?!"

"C-Ciel? This is the first I'm hearing of it! You suddenly name me your partner and—what's going on?!"

"I've been thinking about it ever since Master told me about the trial," I replied calmly. "And I believe Erza is the most suitable choice. She has an armor resistant to illusion magic—which makes her the best possible partner for me, should anything unexpected occur."

"I… I do have armor with resistance to illusion magic, but… are you sure about this?"

"Yes?"

Just then, a loud crack echoed behind us—the sound of a tree trunk splitting in two.

Turning around, we saw Mira in her demon form, her face twisted with rage.

Without warning, she grabbed me by the tie and yanked me close.

"Why?! Why did you pick Erza instead of me?!"

"As I said—I've made this choice based on efficiency and compatibility."

"But still…!"

"Then let me ask you this, Mira—can you move freely inside the illusion mist I create?"

"...Ugh...!"

"Even if it's just an exam, I approach every fight as if it were real. I want to prioritize efficiency above all else. Mira, I regret not choosing you as my partner, but I hope you'll understa—"

I didn't even get to finish the sentence.

Mira's fist slammed into my face.

I didn't resist—I took the blow head-on and went flying into the guild wall.

"You idiot, Ciel!!"

"Mira, wait—!"

"Big sis!"

"Mira!"

With tears streaming down her face, Mira canceled her Satan Soul transformation and ran out of the guild.

Erza and the others tried to go after her, but Mira, even without her transformation, was fast—too fast for anyone to catch her.

Once she had disappeared, Erza extended a hand to me as I slowly got up.

"Ciel, are you alright?"

"It stings a little."

"Honestly, only you and Master could take a punch from Mira and still be standing."

"I'd prefer it if you didn't lump me in with that old monster."

"Ciel, what were you thinking?"

"In any case, I understand your reasoning. But I also hope you'll consider how Mira feels. She's been going through a rebellious phase lately, but deep down, she still thinks the world of you. She was so happy when your name came up as one of the S-Class candidates—she waited all day just to see you."

"...Yeah, I know. Because Mira's... always been kind."

Loosening the tie that had been yanked nearly to my throat, I dropped into a nearby chair.

"But that kindness is a separate issue. Lately, my illusions have been evolving. Their quality is improving so much that even low-level illusions can now completely overwhelm a person's nervous system."

I raised my hand and covered my left eye.

Recently, along with the full awakening of the Eye of Six Path of Reincarnation, I realized that my current body struggles to properly control its power.

Even when I suppress its potency to the bare minimum, it can still reduce someone to an empty shell. If I don't intend to actually kill my opponent, I avoid using illusion magic and opt for more tangible, direct attack techniques.

The S-Class Wizard Promotion Exam is notoriously difficult.

Given the possibility that I might need to use illusions in a critical situation, it was only logical to choose someone with resistance to illusion magic as my partner.

"If there had been more time before the exam, I would've chosen Mira without hesitation. But with only three days left, I don't have the leeway to master full control over this power."

"...If you had just explained that to her from the start... Or maybe she didn't even wait to hear it out before storming off. Still, Ciel, please explain things to Mira later and apologize. I accept your choice of partner—but only if you promise to talk to Mira and make amends."

"Understood. But for now, I'd like to go home and rest. Elfman, Lisanna—could you two spend the night at Natsu's place? I'd like some quiet time alone with Mira."

"Okay, but Ciel, you better apologize first—don't fight!"

"Yeah! When Mira's angry, she's super scary… Be careful!"

"...I'll handle it."

After reporting the details of the previous mission to the Master, I left the guild.

Fifteen minutes on foot brought me to our quaint little cottage, tucked away at the edge of town.

It was home to me, Mira, Elfman, and Lisanna.

Once inside, I took a warm bath to shake off the exhaustion. Then, from the cabinet, I selected a tin of black tea leaves and began brewing a pot.

Upstairs, in the study, I opened a window and set down the teapot and two cups. Bathed in soft moonlight, I sipped a cup and let the warmth spread through me.

Then, in a calm voice, I turned toward the door and spoke.

"You can come in now, Mira."

"You already noticed?"

"I always remember your scent."

"..."

The door creaked open, and a silver-haired girl stepped in hesitantly, her hair catching the moonlight.

"Um… Ciel…"

"If you want to talk, have a seat."

"..."

I motioned toward the chair with a hand. Mira hesitated a bit longer, then sat down, glancing at me as she did.

"...Even knowing I see Erza as my rival… You still did that in front of me… That's just mean…"

Pouting, she leaned in and hugged me, her cheeks puffed up like a steamed wheat bun.

It was honestly adorable enough to make me smile.

Meeting her eyes, I spoke gently.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I had my reasons."

"I waited so long for you to come back, Ciel... I wanted to be the one to help you with the S-Class exam… but you chose Erza instead… I really hate it..."

"Mira, all I can say is I'm sorry. If you're still angry, it's okay to hate me."

"…I'm frustrated… but I can't hate you… I don't want to hate you... it's just… strange…"

With those quiet words, Mira lowered her head and gave my shin a light kick with her dangling legs—her own little way of saying 'Pay attention to me.'

I chuckled softly and gently ran my hand through her hair.

"Then promise me this: if you're going with Erza instead of me, you have to pass the exam and come back. If you don't, I'll punish you."

"A promise like that... I can't break."

"...Good. Then keep it."

I had planned for us to share some tea and talk a little longer… but it seemed today wasn't the day for that.

Still seated, Mira drifted off mid-sentence, her breathing slowing as she finally fell asleep.

"I missed you… Ciel..."

"I missed you too, Mira. I'm home."

"Welcome back... Ciel."

Beneath the gentle light of the full moon, with a cool breeze brushing past the windowsill, I had returned once again—to Fairy Tail, and to the people I call family.

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