"This world... quite fascinating."
Initially, George was disheartened that his new avatar wasn't human but rather a cat. However, after accessing Jinjin's memories and understanding this magical world's intricacies, his resentment dissipated.
In this world, magic was deeply integrated into everyday life. This widespread use implied a highly developed magical system, ideal for honing his abilities.
"This Fairy Tail... why does it feel so familiar?"
Digging through his past-life memories, George felt a vague familiarity with the name but couldn't pinpoint its source.
"Maybe it's from a series I didn't watch."
His experiences traversing the Marvel Universe and the Harry Potter world were tied to familiar works. Hence, this third world likely originated from a similar creative source. The problem was, George hadn't encountered it directly—just enough to leave a faint impression.
In his previous life as a child of the '80s, he had grown up watching black-and-white TV and action-packed kung fu movies. Later, as an adult, his taste shifted to Hollywood blockbusters. Busy with academics during his youth and work in adulthood, it wasn't surprising he missed out on certain series.
Though he lacked the narrative foresight he had in Marvel or Harry Potter, George accepted the challenge. Whether playing a favorable or uphill game, he wouldn't shy away. Besides, his innate ability to share talents across bodies already gave him a substantial edge.
"Flavitudo!"
Waving a paw, George incanted a spell. Seconds later, a leaf before him transformed into a razor-sharp blade.
This cat form had inherited wizard blood, significantly boosting its magical power.
Another wave of his paw and the blade, now magnetically controlled, spun through the air, slicing a tree branch as thick as an arm cleanly in two.
He still retained his magnetic and telekinetic abilities.
Simultaneously, his main body in Marvel and his avatar in the Harry Potter world felt a slight surge in their magical reserves. While Goldie's body didn't contribute much raw magic, it provided a modest boost.
However, the true gift wasn't the magic boost—it was the innate "Wings" spell.
Closing his eyes, George activated the Wings magic for the first time.
Instantly, a pair of radiant white wings materialized on his back, making him look like a celestial being descending from the heavens.
Flapping the wings, his body effortlessly soared into the air.
Previously, his flight relied on magnetically manipulating metal beneath his shoes, allowing him to hover. Now, he could achieve swift aerial combat movement—true flight.
Mastering aerial mobility was like gaining air superiority, significantly enhancing his combat prowess.
"Since I've taken your body, I owe you vengeance."
Stretching his feline limbs, George soared into the skies, searching for the three dark wizards from the black guild who had killed Goldie.
In this world, dark guilds were unofficial, outlawed organizations similar to assassins' or terrorist groups. Their dark wizards specialized in illegal activities such as theft and murder.
Goldie had fallen victim to three such wizards. Had it not been for his limited magical reserves and subsequent exhaustion while flying, he might have escaped.
George, however, faced no such restrictions. His wizard blood granted him abundant magic reserves, enabling him to fly tirelessly for hours. Coupled with his magic and abilities, he was confident of either defeating or escaping the trio.
Of course, vengeance was only part of his plan. He also needed money.
In any world, survival without funds was challenging. Goldie's meager savings from selling foraged magical herbs had been looted by the dark wizards. By defeating them, George could recover Goldie's money—and claim whatever else they carried.
"Found them!"
Half an hour later, he spotted the three wizards sitting in a forest clearing, roasting fish.
Instead of rushing in recklessly, George landed nearby and prepared.
Based on Goldie's memories, the trio's abilities were as follows:
One specialized in Requip magic, summoning magical weapons for close combat.
The second wielded fire magic, excelling in ranged attacks.
The third controlled wind magic, using it to bind enemies. Goldie had been immobilized by this wind magic, leading to his death.
"Flavitudo!"
"Serpensortia!"
George transformed nearby leaves into his usual arsenal of blades, needles, and wires. With a serpent-summoning spell, he conjured hundreds of venomous snakes to stand by.
When the wizards rose to leave, he launched his ambush.
The wind mage was his first target. Manipulating an almost invisible steel needle, George drove it through the unsuspecting wizard's ear, piercing his brain. The man collapsed instantly.
Neutralizing the wind mage ensured George's flight remained uncontested. Should the fight go south, he could escape freely.
The sudden death of their comrade alarmed the remaining two dark wizards.
When George directed his needles toward them, the Requip mage swiftly summoned dual swords, deflecting the projectiles with precision.
"Who dares attack the wizards of Death Fang?!"
"Wizards are indeed on a different level from ordinary humans."
Stepping into view, George flew out of the forest to draw their attention.
Normally, his magnetically propelled needles moved too swiftly for regular humans to evade. However, the Requip mage's enhanced reflexes, strength, and speed—bolstered by magic—allowed him to deflect them with ease.
If not for their initial lack of vigilance, even the wind mage might not have fallen so easily.
"It's you... that cat? How are you still alive?!"
The Requip mage recognized George, his expression shifting to confusion. He vividly remembered stabbing the golden-furred feline, yet here it was, unharmed.
George offered no reply. Instead, he used their distraction to send six spinning blades hurtling toward them.
"You think this weak attack can harm me?"
The Requip mage reacted instantly, his twin swords flashing as he deflected every blade.
"Since you survived, I'll just kill you again!"
The fire mage stepped forward, forming a crimson magic circle in the air. Flames erupted from the circle, spiraling into a blazing tornado aimed at George.