The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

Meeting Gildarts in the snowy Zonia Mountains was an unexpected twist, one that felt almost too fateful.

Everyone in the group was ecstatic, especially Natsu, who immediately dashed forward, fists swinging in challenge. Predictably, he was sent flying face-first into the snow after a casual backhand from Gildarts.

The most emotional, however, was Cana. After all, Gildarts wasn't just the guild's strongest wizard—he was her father.

Under the clear night sky, a massive bonfire roared in the center of their makeshift camp. The group gathered around, the heat and crackling of flames driving away the mountain chill as they roasted wolf meat, drank from Poole's finest stock, and exchanged stories.

From tales of Fairy Tail's recent changes—Kira opening his magic shop, Laxus growing more rebellious, and Markarov visibly aging—to somber recountings of Lisanna's death, and lighter anecdotes about Lucy joining the guild, Gildarts listened with a mix of fascination and sadness.

With a melancholic sigh, Gildarts remarked, "So much has changed in just a few years…"

Meanwhile, Happy, seated beside Lucy, pointed a grilled fish at the middle-aged man, explaining, "That's Gildarts, Lucy! He's Fairy Tail's strongest wizard!"

Lucy's eyes widened in shock. "The strongest? Even stronger than Erza, Kira, or Laxus?"

"Of course!" Gray chimed in, placing his glass down. "Gildarts is in a league of his own. The rest of us S-class wizards couldn't compare if we tried!"

Lucy glanced skeptically at Kira, expecting him to counter. But to her surprise, he remained uncharacteristically quiet, raising his glass in agreement.

"Wait," Lucy asked, curious, "I know Kira, Erza, Laxus, and Mistgun are S-class wizards, but who's the last one?"

"That would be Mira," Gray replied. "She used to be known as the 'Demon,' back in her prime."

"Mira-san?!" Lucy gasped, thinking of the kind, bubbly barmaid who greeted everyone at the guild. The revelation left her reeling.

After several rounds of drinks, Kira leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. "By the way, Gildarts," he began casually, "weren't you on a hundred-year mission? Why are you all the way out here in Zonia?"

Gildarts scratched his head sheepishly. "Well, according to some intel I picked up, this place might have a connection to my mission target. But so far, after days of searching, I haven't found a thing."

Kira's mind immediately raced back to Ice Demon Ace's cryptic comment about an "enemy" related to the Sea Demon King. Could Gildarts's mission and Ace's enemy somehow overlap?

Carefully, Kira ventured, "The enemy Ace mentioned… Could it be your mission target?"

Gildarts gave a noncommittal shrug, but his furrowed brow hinted at deeper concern.

Erza, overhearing, raised an eyebrow. "What kind of mission could keep even you at bay for three years?"

Gildarts laughed awkwardly. "Sorry, I can't say much. Confidentiality clause and all. I'm not allowed to share details, even with you guys."

Kira rolled his eyes but smiled. "Fair enough. But if you're stuck, maybe I could tag along. You know, as backup."

Gildarts's grin widened. "Tempting offer, but no can do. Mission rules are strict—no additional help allowed!"

"Your loss," Kira said, leaning back with a smirk.

As the night wore on, Kira's thoughts grew more focused—and far more troubling.

The mention of dragons in Zonia sent a jolt through his memory. In the original timeline, Gildarts's mission involved confronting Acnologia, the fearsome Black Dragon. The encounter left Gildarts grievously wounded, barely escaping with his life.

But Acnologia's territory was supposed to be on another continent. What could have drawn Gildarts here, of all places?

Subtly, Kira glanced at the older wizard, scanning him for injuries. No missing limbs. No visible scars. Gildarts was whole.

That could only mean…

He hadn't encountered Acnologia yet.

A chill crept up Kira's spine, cutting through the warmth of the bonfire. If Acnologia was here—and early—then the timeline had shifted.

Kira leaned forward, his voice low. "Gildarts, quick question. You said Zonia was linked to your mission. Are you referring to those demons we just fought, or…" He paused deliberately. "Dragons?"

Gildarts choked on his drink. "H-How did you—?!"

The camp went silent, everyone's attention snapping to Kira and Gildarts.

"Did you just say… dragons?" Natsu's eyes widened, his voice tinged with awe and desperation. "Gildarts, is your mission about dragons?!"

Before Gildarts could respond, the air grew unnaturally heavy.

Above them, the once-clear night sky darkened with ominous clouds. The wind howled, whipping through the trees and snuffing out the bonfire. Snow, sharp and relentless, began to fall again.

A deep, resonating roar echoed across the mountain range.

Every head turned upward, terror etched into their faces.

"What… was that?" Erza's hand instinctively went to her sword.

Gildarts shot to his feet, his jovial demeanor replaced by hardened seriousness. "It can't be…"

Kira stood frozen, dread pooling in his chest. His worst fears had come true.

The shadow of something enormous blotted out the moon.

The roar came again, louder this time, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

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