The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

"You even know this kind of magic?"

Ace walked toward Kira on the surface of the rising water, his tone a mix of surprise and wariness. "You're the most versatile wizard I've ever fought."

"Really?" Kira replied casually, drying his clothes with the [Dry] spell. "What a coincidence. You're also the strongest demon I've ever seen!"

Winter stood nearby, her water-receiving form still active. She glanced at Ace, her eyes wary.

Ace seemed momentarily amused. "I have a question for you, human. The Sea Devil—sealed by Absolute Freeze for centuries. Do you really think that alone could kill it?"

Kira's gaze sharpened. "That's what I've been wondering. Absolute Freeze is supposed to sap the life out of its target. So how did the Sea Devil survive for hundreds of years in that state?"

Ace chuckled, his voice thick with arrogance. "The Sea Devil is no ordinary demon. It devoured countless of my kin during its reign. Do you think something as fragile as Absolute Freeze could drain all the vitality it stole?"

"So... it was alive all along?"

"Of course. That's why I spent decades gathering Moon Drops from the black market. Breaking the seal required immense power, and I needed that beast alive to serve my plans!"

Kira frowned. The more Ace spoke, the clearer it became that this creature was far more formidable than he had imagined.

"But enough questions," Ace said, cutting off the conversation. His tone shifted, growing colder and sharper. "You've had your turn. Now it's mine!"

With a wave of his hand, Ace unleashed a barrage of spells:

"Torrential Surge!"

"Ice Tornado!"

"Frost Barrage!"

"Steam Explosion!"

Dozens of water and ice-based attacks rained down on Kira, each spell layered with lethal precision and overwhelming force.

Kira's eyes widened as he quickly countered.

"Time—Speed Up!"

With the manipulation of time magic, Kira accelerated the movement of his own spells and neutralized Ace's barrage in an instant. The icy blasts melted and dissipated into harmless mist.

"What?!" Ace stumbled back, genuinely surprised. "Time magic?!"

Kira smirked, though he was fully aware of the danger he faced. "Fought someone with time magic before. Let's just say I took notes."

Ace's confidence faltered as he realized the advantage he had was slipping. His expression darkened. This wizard is too powerful. If this keeps up...

For the first time, Ace hesitated.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Kira erupted in twin explosions.

"Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Red Lotus Blade!"

"Heaven's Wheel—Dazzling Sword!"

Fiery blasts and gleaming sword strikes burst upward, shaking the battlefield. Ace staggered back as Natsu and Erza emerged from the chaos.

A heavily wounded Gray followed shortly after, his expression as grim as his icy magic.

"You guys!" Ace growled, glancing at the approaching wizards.

It was clear from their injuries that Natsu, Erza, and Gray had barely won their battles, but the sight of their fallen opponents was enough to send a shiver down Ace's spine.

He assessed the situation. Three additional opponents. All injured, yes, but determined. And then there was Kira, a wizard with an arsenal of spells so vast it seemed impossible to overcome.

Ace clenched his fists, his mind racing. His magic reserves were already running low after devouring the Sea Devil and fighting Kira. A full-on confrontation now could spell his end.

Kira turned back to Ace, smirking confidently. "Well, what now, demon? You're out of tricks."

But Ace was no longer in sight.

"What the—" Kira whipped his head around, scanning the battlefield. "Where'd he go?"

Winter shook her head, equally confused. She had been so distracted by Natsu and the others' dramatic entrance that she hadn't noticed Ace's escape.

"He ran away?!"

Natsu's jaw dropped. "The boss just... ran?!"

Erza's expression tightened. "How could someone so powerful retreat so easily?!"

Kira folded his arms, his smirk giving way to mild frustration. "Some 'boss' he turned out to be. No dignity at all."

Erza turned to Winter, her tone stern but gentle. "Winter, why are you here? This place is dangerous."

Winter shifted uncomfortably but explained her reasoning.

Kira nodded. "She helped a lot, actually. Can't blame her for wanting to protect her family's legacy."

"Where's Ace now?" Natsu asked, looking around suspiciously.

"Ran off as soon as he realized we had him cornered," Kira replied. "Typical."

Gray frowned. "That's bad news. He's devoured the Sea Devil and now has all its power. Even if he's not part of the Balamu Alliance yet, he could become a serious threat."

Erza nodded grimly. "He won't need a guild to wreak havoc. His strength alone is enough to rival most guilds."

Natsu clenched his fists. "Then we'll find him and stop him before he can do any more damage!"

But Kira interrupted, shaking his head. "Not our job. If he resurfaces, the Magic Council can deal with him. For now, we've done what we came to do."

As Kira spoke, he noticed tension between Natsu and Gray. Their usual bickering seemed different this time—more subdued, almost... awkward.

"What's with you two?" Kira asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's nothing!" Natsu shouted, crossing his arms.

Gray sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "He nearly got himself killed, that's all."

Erza looked between them, her expression softening. "Gray, you didn't..."

Gray hesitated but eventually nodded. "I almost used Absolute Freeze."

"You WHAT?!" Kira, Natsu, and Winter shouted in unison.

Gray's face turned red with embarrassment. "I didn't, okay?! But this idiot was about to get himself killed, and I... I panicked!"

The room fell silent. Erza stepped forward and placed a hand on Gray's shoulder. "Don't ever do that again. We're your comrades. We'll always find another way—together."

Gray nodded, his voice low. "I know."

As the group began to regroup, Kira's expression suddenly darkened.

"Wait..."

"What's wrong?" Erza asked.

"I just remembered something Ace said earlier. He mentioned 'three little brothers' left to deal with another enemy. If he's gone, that means..."

Gray stiffened. "You think he might come back for them?"

Kira nodded grimly. "And if he does, they're in no condition to fight back. We need to move. Now."

With that, the team hurried back down the mountain, knowing their mission wasn't over yet.

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