The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

Natsu and Happy had developed an incredible bond during their six years together. Their coordination was seamless, forged through countless battles and unspoken understanding. Most of the time, a single glance or a few words between them were enough to communicate entire strategies.

This wasn't the first time they used their classic ploy: pretending to quarrel to lower their opponent's guard. Then, striking at just the right moment when the enemy was distracted.

Kira, who taught many tactical tricks to the guild, had emphasized this strategy often. In his words, "This isn't cunning—it's tactics." His signature advice: Attack when your opponent least expects it.

Natsu and Happy executed this flawlessly. As soon as Natsu began bantering, Happy understood the plan. The pair's pretense worked to perfection, and as Klaue stamped her feet in frustration, Happy soared into the air with Natsu, ready to strike.

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"

Flames burst forth from Natsu's clenched fist, fueled by his unwavering fury. Happy's agility gave him the angle he needed to deliver a direct hit on the self-proclaimed princess.

It didn't matter to Natsu whether his opponent was young or old, male or female, human or demon. The moment she attacked Lucy, she became his enemy—and Natsu's fury knew no bounds.

….

"Natsu! Happy!"

Lucy's shout came reflexively as she watched the sudden attack unfold. The fight had escalated so quickly that she barely had time to process what was happening. One moment she was standing by the wolf carcasses; the next, Natsu was charging headfirst at the mysterious girl.

Even though Natsu's strength reassured her, Lucy couldn't help but feel uneasy at the hasty start of the battle. Her journey with Fairy Tail had just begun, and adapting to the guild's chaotic style was still a work in progress.

….

The flames from Natsu's fist collided with Klaue—but to Lucy's astonishment, the girl didn't flinch. Instead, her form dissolved into a misty white vapor, as if she were made of clouds.

"She turned into… clouds?" Lucy muttered in disbelief.

Klaue's voice echoed smugly from the mist. "Foolish humans! Do you think such mundane tricks could harm me? I am the Princess of Clouds, and I am untouchable!"

Her body reformed, hovering above the battlefield with an air of superiority.

"She's… like smoke," Lucy realized. "How can we even hit her?"

Natsu's expression turned serious. "It doesn't matter what form she takes. I'll just keep punching until she goes down!"

Happy chimed in, flapping excitedly. "That's the spirit, Natsu! Don't let her princess attitude get to you!"

Klaue sneered. "You talk big for someone so powerless. Let me show you what a real attack looks like!"

…..

Far across the snowy terrain, Erza and Gray were facing their own challenge.

In front of them stood Si Nuoyi, a woman of unparalleled beauty. Her graceful figure exuded a strange allure, but the ominous aura surrounding her betrayed her true nature.

Gray's stomach churned as he looked at her. There was something unsettlingly familiar about her presence. It reminded him of the terror he felt in the past—of Deliora.

Sensing Gray's unease, Erza stepped forward, positioning herself between him and the enemy. Her voice was firm. "Who are you, and why are you blocking our path?"

The woman chuckled, her laugh soft yet sinister. "I am Si Nuoyi, the Queen of the Snowy Mountain. You trespass on my domain. Leave now, and I might let you go. Stay, and you will perish."

Erza's eyes narrowed. "Zonia is part of the Kingdom of Fiore. This land doesn't belong to any self-proclaimed queen. We have every right to be here."

Si Nuoyi's smile faded, replaced by a cold, menacing glare. "I see you're not willing to listen. Very well, I'll have to make you leave by force. Don't worry, though—I'll make your deaths swift and painless."

She spread her arms wide, revealing an ethereal beauty that captivated and unnerved in equal measure. Her movements were graceful, but there was no mistaking the lethal intent behind them.

"Be careful, Erza!" Gray called out. "She's not human!"

"I know," Erza replied. Her tone was calm, but her expression was resolute. "This fight will not be easy."

Si Nuoyi's form shimmered, dissolving into the surrounding snow. Within moments, the snow itself came alive, forming a towering wave that surged toward Erza and Gray.

Despite the overwhelming force of the snow wave, neither Erza nor Gray hesitated.

Erza's voice rang out as her magic flared to life. "Requip: Snow Empress Armor!"

In a flash of light, Erza's appearance transformed. She now donned a dazzling suit of armor crafted specifically for ice and snow magic, courtesy of Kira. The white-and-ice-blue design gave her an air of both elegance and authority, and the Snow Empress Sword in her hand gleamed with power.

Gray, too, reacted swiftly. "Ice-Make: Shield!"

With a fluid motion, he conjured a massive, flower-like shield of ice to block the oncoming snow wave. The shield held firm, dispersing the wave's energy and protecting both wizards from harm.

However, the battlefield was far from safe. As the snow settled, the ground beneath them shifted ominously. Suddenly, snow spikes shot up from all directions, aiming to skewer Gray where he stood.

"Watch out!" Erza shouted.

Gray acted immediately, freezing the spikes mid-air with a quick spell. "She's using the snow around us to attack. We can't let her control the battlefield!"

Erza nodded. "Understood. Let's neutralize her advantage."

Gray clapped his hands together. "Ice-Make: Floor!"

A wave of icy magic spread outward, freezing the snow beneath their feet and turning it into solid ice. The move disrupted Si Nuoyi's ability to manipulate the terrain, forcing her to adapt.

But before they could regroup, the pair was confronted by a new threat. From the surrounding snow emerged dozens of snow wolves, each the size of a fully grown man. Their glowing blue eyes burned with an unnatural light as they circled the two wizards.

"Snow wolves?!" Gray exclaimed.

Erza tightened her grip on her sword. "They're not ordinary wolves. Be on your guard."

As the pack closed in, Erza and Gray prepared for another intense battle.

…..

"Take this!" Natsu roared, unleashing another burst of flames toward Klaue.

But once again, her cloud-like form rendered his attacks useless. She reformed above him, laughing mockingly. "Is that all the great Fairy Tail can do? Pathetic!"

Natsu clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. "I don't care if you're made of clouds or smoke. I'll find a way to burn you to ash!"

Lucy, standing on the sidelines, shouted, "Be careful, Natsu! She's no ordinary opponent!"

"Don't worry, Lucy!" Happy chirped. "Natsu always finds a way!"

Klaue sneered, preparing her next move. "Then come, human. Show me what you've got!"

The battle in the snowy mountains was far from over.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters

patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto