Regarding Mirajane's suggestion, Nate thought about it seriously and realized it was a great idea. Since the game needed testing anyway, organizing a guild ranking competition would only heighten everyone's competitive spirit.
However, since it was going to be a competition, there should be some prizes, even if they weren't trophies or other fancy items—something worthwhile should be offered.
"What kind of prizes should we have?" Nate asked Mirajane for her opinion.
"I think even without prizes, everyone would still be eager to join," she said with a smile.
"Well, that's true..." Nate agreed. Natsu would definitely be the first to sign up, followed by Gray, Elfman, and others. The title of "The Strongest Mage of Fairy Tail" was enough to attract participants.
But Nate still felt that having a prize would make it more rewarding.
"How about the recipe for a magic recovery potion?"
"Magic recovery potion?" Mirajane blinked, unfamiliar with the concept.
"It's the result of my recent research. You can store unused magic power in potion form and then drink it when needed to recover a large amount of magic."
Nate explained simply, then smiled. "I was planning to teach this to the guild members for free, but since we're holding a competition, why not make it the prize?"
Mirajane nodded in approval. "That's a great idea. I agree!"
She then added with admiration, "I've never heard of a potion like that before. You're amazing, Nate."
As they talked, they arrived at the marketplace. Early in the morning, the market was lively, and Mirajane, being a regular, was quickly recognized.
"Miss Mira, shopping again today? How about some freshly baked bread?" a plump woman with bright red lipstick asked with a smile. Spotting Nate beside her, she teased, "Oh, is this your boyfriend?"
"Ah, good day, Mrs. Millgana." Mirajane's face flushed as she smiled. "Nate is a new member of our guild."
She introduced Nate, saying, "She's Wakaba's wife, Mrs. Millgana."
Wakaba's wife? Nate immediately understood, recalling how often Wakaba would complain about his wife. 'She's definitely... well-endowed,' Nate thought.
"You're Nate?" Mrs. Millgana was surprised. "My husband often talks about you. That magic ring he has—didn't you give it to him?"
Nate assumed she was referring to the Magic Net ring and nodded.
"Everyone in the guild has one. It's just a small gift, no need to think much of it," Nate replied modestly.
But Mrs. Millgana enthusiastically pulled a few loaves of bread from her basket and insisted that Nate take them.
"Oh, that Wakaba! He doesn't have any manners. He took your gift without even thanking you. Here, take this as a token of my appreciation," she said, handing him the bread.
"Uh... thank you," Nate accepted the bread, unsure of what else to do.
Mirajane stood nearby, watching with an amused smile. 'Nate is really popular wherever he goes. How interesting.'
Mrs. Millgana patted Nate's hand and whispered, "Good luck. I think Mirajane likes you."
Nate: "..."
In every world, it seemed like older women loved to play matchmaker. Surely, Mirajane heard that, right? S-rank mages have excellent hearing, after all!
With his Six Eyes, Nate didn't even need to look. He could sense Mirajane blushing while maintaining her calm, smiling expression. 'She looks really cute like that,' Nate thought.
"Well, I won't keep you two. Goodbye, Mira. If my husband bothers you again, let me know, and I'll give him a piece of my mind!" Mrs. Millgana said, satisfied as she left.
"Did Wakaba bother you?" Nate asked, curious.
Mirajane laughed and mimicked Wakaba's voice: "How about we go on a date, Mira?"
She really nailed the voice! Nate couldn't help but laugh, thinking she could win first place in a mimicry contest.
"And she saw that?" Nate asked.
"Yes," Mirajane chuckled, squinting her eyes with amusement. "Mrs. Millgana showed up at the guild that day, and the next day, Wakaba had a swollen eye."
Nate smiled, realizing the barmaid had a playful, mischievous side.
"How about going on a date with me, Mira?" Nate teased, repeating Wakaba's words.
Mirajane paused for a moment before laughing and nodding, "Sure. You said you'd treat me to dinner last time, but you still haven't followed through."
Wait, when was that? Nate thought for a moment, recalling that it was the day he went on a train ride with Erza. That was about two weeks ago.
'I really forgot,' Nate realized, embarrassed. "I promise, next time!"
...
After finishing their shopping, Nate and Mirajane made their way back to the guild. The marketplace, or rather the shopping street, was full of all kinds of shops: bakeries, grocery stores, liquor shops, and seafood stalls, to name a few. Mirajane seemed to know every shopkeeper well. She didn't need to pick out items herself; the vendors always gave her the freshest produce and even threw in extras.
'Good-looking people really are welcome everywhere,' Nate thought. Mirajane's good looks and kind personality won her favor wherever she went.
As their bags grew heavier, Nate ended up carrying more to help out.
"Oh, I almost forgot! We're running low on beer in the guild," Mirajane remembered.
Nate glanced at his already full hands and considered using his card magic to store everything inside cards. But doing so wouldn't let him show how "tired" he was.
"Don't worry," Mirajane smiled, "They deliver beer directly to the guild."
"Delivery?" Nate suddenly had an idea. "We should get everyone in Magnolia to start using the Magic Net. Then, we can offer online shopping and home delivery!"
"Place orders online and have them delivered to your door?" Mirajane's eyes lit up. "That sounds so convenient!"
"It is, isn't it? You know all these shopkeepers well, so I'll leave the promotion to you," Nate said with a grin.
Mirajane laughed, "Alright, but how will you thank me?"
"Dinner?"
"You still owe me one."
"Then... how about a trip to Akane Resort?"
"It's a deal! No more forgetting this time," she agreed.
The thought of Mirajane in a swimsuit popped into Nate's mind, making him excited for the future.
...
After finishing their shopping, Nate and Mirajane returned to the guild. The temporary tavern was already bustling with people.
"Morning, Mira! Morning, Nate," people greeted as they entered.
Nate responded politely to everyone, while Mirajane went behind the bar to prepare a couple of beers.
She turned to Nate and said, "Help me out for a bit. I'll make you some breakfast afterward."
After working together for about ten minutes, things finally settled down, and Nate got to enjoy his breakfast.
Standing behind the bar, Mirajane opened the Fairy Tail Chat Group on her Magic Net.
Mirajane: "@Everyone, Nate has finished a new game. Come try it out!"
Mirajane: "[Magic Arena: Beta Version]"
Mirajane: "This one's different from the others. You're all going to love it!"
Mirajane: "I'm also proposing a guild event: a ranking competition to determine who's the strongest mage in Fairy Tail. Who's signing up?"
Laxus: "?"
~~~
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