The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

"Hiss, hiss, hiss... The 'witch' is really powerful!"

Juvia couldn't help but acknowledge Mira's quick reflexes and battle instinct. Yet, her magic didn't falter.

"Let's see how you handle this—Cut Through the Water!"

A blade of condensed water shot forward with incredible speed and precision, giving Mira no time to react. She raised her arms instinctively to shield herself, bracing for impact.

The water blade struck, slicing through Mira's flowing white hair and tearing into her long dress. Crimson streaks appeared on her arms, marking shallow cuts from the magically charged attack.

"Her magic is incredibly strong…" Mira murmured, wincing as the attack left her shaken.

Though she had been in countless battles and boasted years of experience in Fairy Tail, Mira had to admit this opponent was a master of water magic, unlike anyone she had encountered before.

Magic seemed ineffective, and hand-to-hand combat was a gamble she wasn't ready to take yet. It was time to rely on something else.

Dodging to the side to avoid another torrent of water, Mira reached into a hidden pouch and pulled out a curious item—a belt.

The belt gleamed silver-white, the same hue as Mira's hair. Its surface was smooth, almost pliable, resembling the texture of a magical beast's hide. The centerpiece was a round black badge with Mira's portrait embossed on it.

Juvia eyed the object suspiciously, water swirling protectively around her. "What's that? A magic item?"

Without answering, Mira quickly strapped the belt around her slender waist. It fit snugly, clearly designed for her.

Then, Mira shouted, "Transform!!!"

For a brief second, time itself seemed to pause. Raindrops hung in mid-air as an explosion of light erupted from Mira's body. A shockwave of magic burst forth, pushing back Juvia's swirling water blades and soaking the area with raw power.

Holy light illuminated Mira as her form began to change. Pieces of gleaming silver-white armor materialized and wrapped around her body. Elegant yet powerful, the armor radiated an otherworldly majesty, its design exuding both strength and grace.

The chest plate accentuated her slender figure while maintaining full protection. Intricate engravings lined the armor, adding a touch of refinement. The shoulder plates were adorned with sleek spikes, and the gloves were reinforced with golden accents. Her legs were protected by flexible yet sturdy plating, allowing for both speed and agility.

Juvia's eyes widened in shock. "What is this? A magic armor spell?"

Before Juvia could process the transformation, Mira raised her right arm. The armor cracked audibly at the forearm, revealing a dozen small barrels hidden within.

With a resounding boom, a volley of explosive rounds fired from the barrels, tearing through the air toward Juvia.

The water mage reacted swiftly, spinning into a high-speed vortex. "Water Stream Saw!"

She transformed into a spiraling torrent of water, her centrifugal force strong enough to cut through most magical defenses. But as her attack collided with Mira's armor, the water splashed harmlessly, unable to penetrate the surface.

"What?!" Juvia exclaimed. Her attacks, which had shredded countless foes, barely left a mark.

Mira calmly extended her arm into the vortex, the armor splitting slightly to reveal more gun barrels. Another volley of bullets detonated inside the water spiral, disrupting Juvia's magic and sending her sprawling backward.

Landing in her human form, Juvia stared at Mira, her expression a mix of confusion and fear. "Can that armor… absorb magic power?"

Mira smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "This armor? It was crafted by Fairy Tail's top blacksmith, 'Sage' Kira. Made with energy-absorbing stones and magic-sealing stones. Didn't see that coming, did you?"

Juvia's gaze darkened. "I didn't know Fairy Tail had a blacksmith… or someone capable of creating something so absurd."

Mira didn't give her a chance to recover. She raised her arms again, the armor glowing as it activated a new barrage of attacks.

"Water Flows with Twin Teeth!"

"Water Whip!"

"Water Flows and Rising Clouds!"

Juvia unleashed a flurry of water-based attacks, each one more powerful than the last. But none could breach Mira's defenses.

Each time Juvia's magic collided with the armor, it was absorbed, nullifying its impact. The more Juvia attacked, the more futile it seemed.

"We can't keep this up…" Juvia muttered under her breath. Her magic reserves were depleting fast.

Sensing her hesitation, Mira seized the opportunity. Her armor's arms, shoulders, and gloves shifted, revealing additional barrels and vents. With the infusion of Mira's magic, the armor's firepower increased exponentially.

Whoosh!

A rain of explosive rounds flew toward Juvia, each one detonating just before reaching her.

"Why do they keep exploding near me?" Juvia cried, struggling to maintain her composure.

She didn't know the rounds were imbued with tracking magic. Kira's design allowed Mira to lock onto her target with precision. The explosions were carefully calculated to disrupt Juvia's elemental form.

Forced into a defensive position, Juvia tried to escape the barrage. But Mira wasn't about to let her go.

Determined to end the fight, Mira activated the final mode of her armor. The barrels retracted, replaced by sharp, glowing blades extending from her wrists.

She charged at Juvia, her speed enhanced by the armor's design. Each strike was calculated, her movements reminiscent of the days when she and Erza would spar as equals.

Juvia, realizing she couldn't win at range, met Mira head-on. Water blades clashed with Mira's glowing armaments, the sound of their battle echoing through the rain-soaked streets.

Despite her determination, Juvia found herself outmatched. Mira's combination of skill, experience, and the armor's enhancements left her with no openings to exploit.

Finally, Mira disarmed Juvia with a decisive strike, her blade stopping just short of Juvia's neck.

"It's over," Mira said softly.

Juvia froze, her body trembling. But instead of delivering a final blow, Mira extended a hand.

"Juvia, you're strong. But you don't have to fight for Phantom. Come to Fairy Tail. There's a place for you here."

Juvia stared at Mira, her resolve wavering.

At that moment, Lucy appeared, panting from her battle with Thor.

"Mira-san! Are you okay?"

Mira smiled warmly, lowering her weapon. "Of course. How about you?"

"I won!" Lucy said with a grin.

"Good," Mira replied. "Then let's head back. Our guild needs us."

Together, they turned, leaving Juvia behind to wrestle with her thoughts.

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