The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

Once you learn magic, you need to practice it.

It's said that practice is the only criterion for testing truth. If you don't apply the magic you've learned, how can you gauge your level of control?

For Kira, practice wasn't limited to battles or quests. His experiments with Word Magic often led to the creation of magical props. Over time, these "practice projects" piled up, which inspired him to open Hope Hut, his magical shop.

That day, as Kira prepared to start work on a new batch of magic props, the door to the shop opened.

"Welcome—oh, it's the dean!"

The visitor was none other than the head of Magnolia Orphanage, a kind woman in her 30s whose gentle demeanor radiated maternal warmth.

"Long time no see, Kira-sensei," the dean greeted him with a smile.

Kira was known as a part-time magic teacher at the orphanage. Every month, he spent a few days teaching the children magic, even writing simplified lesson materials for their studies. It was unpaid work, of course, but Kira never asked for compensation.

No one in Fairy Tail would have suspected that Kira—the guild's infamous money-minded wizard—dedicated time and resources to educating orphans for free. Yet, his actions spoke of a generosity few expected.

"What brings you here today? Did something happen at the orphanage?" Kira asked, gesturing for her to sit.

The dean smiled warmly. "The children are all fine, but they miss you. They asked me to find out when you'll be giving your next lesson."

Kira leaned back, scratching his chin. "Hmm, I don't have a new lesson plan ready yet. But how about this? I'll take on a mission and use a magic crystal to record it as a movie for the kids. They'll get to see real magic in action."

The dean's face lit up. "That sounds wonderful, teacher! I think they'll love it."

Kira grinned. "Great! Give me about three or four days for the mission, and I'll stop by in a week with the recording."

After they finalized the plan, the dean left, and Kira pondered what kind of mission would be appropriate for children to watch. The magical world wasn't exactly brimming with child-friendly content, but Kira was confident he'd find something suitable.

Kira headed to the Fairy Tail guild to check the mission board. As always, the guild was lively and chaotic, its energy feeling like home.

Just as he was about to browse the mission board, Mira came sprinting down from the second floor, her long legs moving swiftly and her expression fraught with worry.

"President! Something bad has happened!" Mira shouted, her voice cutting through the din.

Markov, sitting at the bar with a mug of ale, nearly choked. "What now?!"

"It's an S-Rank mission, sir. One of the request forms is missing!"

The guild fell silent. An S-Rank mission request wouldn't simply vanish—it was either misplaced or stolen. Given the tight security of the guild, the latter seemed more likely.

Markov's face darkened. "If someone took it, we need to find out who. Mira, which request is missing?"

Before Mira could answer, Laxus spoke up from the second floor, lounging against the railing with a smug look.

"Oh, I saw it last night," he said lazily, exhaling a puff of smoke. "A flying cat snatched the mission off the board. It flew right out the window."

"A cat with wings?"

The guild collectively groaned.

"Harpy," someone muttered.

"And if it's Happy, Natsu must be involved."

"They're at it again…" Erza crossed her arms, shaking her head. "How reckless can they get?"

"What were they thinking, taking on an S-Rank mission?!" someone exclaimed.

Markov buried his face in his hands. "Those fools! S-Rank missions are dangerous enough for seasoned wizards. And Lucy! Did they drag her into this as well?"

Kira chuckled under his breath.

To him, it was entirely expected. Natsu's rebellious streak made it only a matter of time before he attempted something like this.

"I tried to warn him," Kira said casually, sipping a drink someone had handed him. "It's Natsu, after all. If he sees someone else doing S-Rank missions, there's no way he'll sit quietly."

Kira's remark earned a glare from Erza, who clearly remembered the time Kira had taken Gray, Cana, and Rocky on an S-Rank mission. That incident had stirred Natsu's jealousy, and it was only a matter of time before he made his own move.

"Didn't Lucy mention she was going to take on a modeling gig? Why is she mixed up in this?" Kira mused aloud.

In truth, the answer was simple: Lucy's photoshoot mission had fallen through thanks to Natsu, whose antics had caused a scene during her last task. With no other way to earn money for her Star Spirit Keys, she'd followed Natsu on the S-Rank mission instead.

Laxus leaned back, grinning. "Well, if they wanted to prove their strength, maybe they won't make it back at all. Serves them right."

"Laxus!" Mira shouted, furious. "You knew about this, didn't you? Why didn't you stop them?"

Laxus shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, all I saw was a flying cat running off with a scrap of paper. I didn't know Natsu and Lucy were going after an S-Rank mission. Not my problem."

Mira clenched her fists, clearly tempted to punch him.

"Which mission did they take, Mira?" Kira asked, his curiosity piqued.

Mira hesitated, then answered, "The one about Zonia."

"Zonia?" Kira echoed, puzzled.

Markov furrowed his brow, searching his memory. "Zonia… that must be the Lingfeng Mountain Range."

A hushed silence fell over the guild.

"That area's notorious," Markov muttered. "It's home to treacherous terrain and wild magic. Even experienced wizards tread carefully there."

Erza's eyes narrowed. "If that's where they've gone, we need to act quickly. Otherwise, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy could be in serious danger."

Kira leaned back, grinning slightly. Despite the apparent risk, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement.

"Well, this'll be interesting," he said with a chuckle. "I wonder how long they'll last before they get themselves into trouble."

While the guild scrambled to decide their next move, Kira quietly considered his own.

He could join the rescue mission. Or… he could wait to see how things played out. After all, Natsu and Lucy weren't the only ones looking for adventure.

He smirked. "Looks like things are about to get lively."

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