The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

"Everyone, retreat now!" Gildarts shouted. His voice, usually calm and reassuring, carried a note of urgency that shook the group. But instead of complying, the group exchanged glances, a silent agreement forming between them.

"We're not leaving!"

Before Kira could echo Gildarts's command, a trembling voice interrupted him.

It was Cana, her eyes brimming with tears. "I won't leave!" she cried.

Kira turned, startled by the intensity in her voice. Cana's face was streaked with emotion. Her tears reflected the anguish of a daughter who hadn't yet revealed her true identity to her father, the legendary wizard standing before her.

She stepped forward, her body shaking but her resolve unwavering.

Gildarts stared at her, his expression softening as if her face triggered a faint, distant memory. "You…" he began, a realization flickering in his eyes.

But before he could finish, Kira clapped a hand on Cana's shoulder, disrupting the moment. "There's no time for sentimental speeches! No matter what we're facing, we don't abandon our companions. Not now, not ever."

His voice carried the weight of conviction, and the others nodded in agreement.

"We're Fairy Tail wizards!"

Above them, Acnologia circled ominously, its massive wings stirring up snowstorms that threatened to bury the group. The beast seemed to enjoy the sight of the humans below—waiting, observing, and savoring their fear.

"This thing… it's toying with us," Kira muttered, his eyes locked on the dragon.

"What do we do?" Erza asked, her tone serious but her hands steady on the hilt of her sword.

Before anyone could answer, Acnologia abruptly swooped down, its claws tearing through the air like scythes.

"Move!" Gildarts yelled.

The group scattered just in time, dodging the dragon's crushing descent.

"You kids don't understand!" Gildarts growled as he planted himself firmly in front of the others. "This isn't an opponent you can beat with sheer willpower! You'll die if you try to fight it!"

But Natsu, his fiery spirit undeterred, clenched his fists. "You won't know that until you try!" he shouted, flames erupting from his body as he charged forward.

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"

Natsu's fiery punch landed squarely on Acnologia's scales but left no mark. The black dragon didn't even flinch.

"Damn it! These scales are impossible to break!" Natsu grunted, frustration etched across his face.

Gray followed suit, casting a flurry of ice lances that shattered harmlessly against the dragon's hide.

Erza, in her Sea Empress Armor, launched a wave of water magic with her Sword of Chaos, but it evaporated instantly upon contact with the dragon's oppressive magical aura.

One by one, each member of Fairy Tail attacked with their strongest abilities.

"Hydro Storm!" Winter shouted.

"Five Elements Magic Circle!" Cana added.

Even Gildarts joined in with a powerful Smash, hoping to find a weak point.

But it was futile. Acnologia stood unscathed, as though mocking their efforts.

"Nothing is working!" Lucy shouted.

"No," Gildarts corrected, his face darkening. "Dragon Slayer Magic works—but only barely. The rest of us? We're just buying time."

Realizing Natsu's attacks had some effect, Acnologia shifted its attention to him. The dragon's massive tail swung like a wrecking ball, striking Natsu squarely and sending him flying into the snow.

"Ahh!" Natsu screamed as he skidded across the icy ground, blood spraying from his mouth.

"Natsu!" Lucy and Happy cried, rushing toward him.

Kira was faster, catching Natsu before he hit a boulder. Sliding to a stop, he immediately cast Word Magic: Healing, stabilizing Natsu's injuries.

"Stay down, idiot!" Kira snapped. "You're in no condition to fight!"

"But… I'm a Dragon Slayer!" Natsu coughed, his voice weak but defiant.

"Not today, you're not." Kira's voice softened slightly. "If you really want to help, then lend me your power."

"Lend you my power?" Natsu repeated, confused.

The others overheard the exchange, their faces mirroring Natsu's bewilderment.

"What's he talking about?" Gray asked.

Ignoring the questions, Kira placed one hand on Natsu's head and pulled a strange white staff from his coat with the other. The staff was engraved with intricate dragon motifs, clearly designed for a specific purpose.

"Time for a little magic experiment," Kira muttered, a sly grin forming on his face.

Kira closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of magic between him and Natsu.

"Analysis… Transmission… Transformation… Reconstruction…"

Using Word Magic, Kira broke down Natsu's Dragon Slayer Magic into its raw components, isolating the essence of the dragon's power. Then, like a master craftsman, he infused it with his own magic, reshaping it into a new form.

The staff glowed brightly, the carved dragon seeming to come alive as flames erupted from its mouth.

"Let's see how you like this!" Kira shouted, raising the staff.

"Xianlong's Fire Disaster!"

A torrent of flame shot from the staff, hotter and more intense than anything Natsu had conjured. The inferno roared toward Acnologia, striking the dragon with enough force to push it back several steps.

"Whoa!" Gray exclaimed. "Did Kira just…?"

Even Gildarts, seasoned and skeptical, was momentarily stunned.

"I knew you had tricks up your sleeve, but this… is something else," he muttered.

Acnologia growled, its crimson eyes narrowing as it refocused on Kira. The black dragon flapped its massive wings, sending gusts of wind that extinguished the remaining flames.

But the damage was done. Though it remained unscathed, Acnologia had been forced to acknowledge Kira as a threat.

Kira twirled the staff, its glowing tip illuminating the battlefield. "Alright, big guy," he said, his grin widening. "Let's dance."

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