Zeref's Perspective
This was Zeref's first time experiencing someone holding a scythe to his neck.
The man before him exuded an overbearing attitude, exactly what Zeref expected from dark mages.
"You mean this picture?"
Zeref activated the Magic Net, swiping his finger to reveal an image of the Blood Moon Castle.
Erigor narrowed his eyes. "That's the one. Who sent it to you?"
"A demon named Goddess of the Chill Moon, Seilah."
Zeref shook his head and asked, "So, can you now tell me what this place is?"
Recently, Seilah had been incessantly sending him friend requests, persistent to the point of annoyance.
But Zeref had no interest in associating with these demons.
They were creatures he had created, discarded as useless tools.
These weak demons were no threat to him. The only one who might have a chance was END—Natsu Dragneel.
…
The Blooming Capital, Crocus
The Day of the Finals
The Domus Flau Arena was packed to capacity.
When Nate and future Lucy tried to buy tickets, they found even scalpers had nothing left to sell.
"No tickets left. That's a shame," Lucy remarked regretfully.
"No problem. Give me a moment."
Nate opened the Magic Net and sent a private message to Princess Hisui.
If he had been alone, he might have just snuck in. But with future Lucy by his side, such behavior seemed improper.
…
Private Messages with Princess Hisui
Sigma Male: "Good morning, Your Highness."
Hisui: "Good day to you, Nate."
Future Lucy, standing nearby, couldn't help but notice the conversation. Seeing the name "Hisui," she widened her eyes.
"Nate, is that Hisui, the Princess?"
"Yeah."
Her "boyfriend" seemed to have quite the extensive network. And apparently, he was on familiar terms with Princess Hisui.
Future Lucy's curiosity about Nate grew even stronger.
…
Sigma Male: "I'd like to trouble you with a favor. My friend and I want to watch the finals, but the tickets are sold out."
Hisui: "Nate, have you forgotten? You're one of the organizers. 😆"
Hisui: "How many are in your party?"
Sigma Male: "Just two."
Hisui: "If you don't mind, you could join me as a special guest on stage."
Nate considered the suggestion. With the stands packed, there wasn't anywhere to sit anyway. Watching from the commentary box wouldn't be much different.
Sigma Male: "Who was the original guest?"
Hisui: "It was me."
Hisui: "For today's finals, let's present as guests together, the three of us. 😄"
Sigma Male: "I'll leave it to you, then."
With the entry problem solved, Nate turned to Lucy with a smile.
"Let's go. The match is about to start."
"Is that really okay? We can join as special guests?" Future Lucy asked in amazement.
"You don't know, do you? This competition was co-hosted by me and the royal family," Nate explained. "The game itself was my creation. Doesn't it make perfect sense for the game's designer to be a guest?"
"Completely reasonable!" Future Lucy smiled, clearly impressed. "You're amazing," she said, her admiration growing.
"I have many amazing qualities. You'll see more of them in time."Nate chuckled and led Lucy into the Domus Flau Arena.
Taking her to watch the match wasn't just about entertainment; it was also a way to lift her spirits and keep her from crying at every turn.
Shortly after, the two arrived at the commentary box. The live commentator, Jabadiro, was still the same as before. Nate had even remembered his name after previous events.
Princess Hisui was already there waiting. When she saw Nate and Lucy approach, she warmly greeted them:
"Nate-san, and Lucy-san."
"Princess Hisui, you know me?" Future Lucy was stunned. Did the Lucy of this world already know the princess?
Hisui looked slightly puzzled. "This is our second meeting, Lucy-san. Don't you remember the banquet on the first night of the tournament?"
"Ah, I'm sorry. Hello, Princess Hisui," Future Lucy quickly responded, bowing politely. She refrained from saying too much to avoid suspicion.
"Please, take a seat. The match will begin soon," Hisui said graciously, not lingering on the topic.
Following her invitation, the two took their seats. The order from left to right was: commentator Jabadiro, Nate, Future Lucy, and finally Princess Hisui.
Since the match hadn't started yet, Nate activated a telepathy magic.
Nate's Telepathic Conversation with Lucy
Nate: "Lucy, do you still have your celestial spirit keys?"
Lucy: "Huh?"
She blinked in surprise but replied internally. "I left them in my original timeline. I needed them to open the Eclipse Gate."
"Why? Is there a problem?"
Nate: "No, just curious."
Nate was genuinely curious—if the keys had traveled with her to this world, would she still be able to summon celestial spirits? Probably not, he mused.
The group chatted casually for a few minutes until the clock struck 10 AM.
…
The Event Begins
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fireworks exploded in the sky as the theme song of the Pokémon anime, "Aim to Be a Pokémon Master," played. The crowd erupted in cheers, with many singing along to the iconic tune.
Nate couldn't help but feel that this was less of a tournament and more of a Pokémon carnival.
At that moment, Jabadiro cleared his throat and reminded them:
"Nate, Lucy, Princess, please turn on your mics. Once the song ends, it'll be our turn."
The three of them complied, though Nate had to help Future Lucy with hers since she wasn't familiar with the equipment.
When the song ended, Jabadiro took the lead with his polished commentary:
"Welcome to the Pokémon Championship Finals!"
"I'm your commentator, Jabadiro!"
"To all the spectators here and the millions watching via the Magic Net, good morning!"
Thunderous applause echoed through the arena, pushing the excitement to new heights.
"Before introducing our finalists, allow me to present today's three special guests!"
"First, a woman of unparalleled beauty and intellect—the one and only Princess Hisui!"
The applause surged as many audience members stood up, cheering and chanting the princess's name.
Nate was surprised to see her enjoying such immense popularity. He hadn't realized her influence was this strong—perhaps it was thanks to her involvement in hosting the Pokémon tournament?
Hisui stood gracefully, smiling and waving to the cameras. "Fellow Pokémon enthusiasts, I'm Hisui. Hello, everyone."
"As a Pokémon trainer myself, I'm delighted to join you today as a guest and to witness the thrilling showdown between our finalists."
"Let's hope they deliver a spectacular match for all of us to enjoy!"
The audience's enthusiasm reached a fever pitch. Being a princess, Hisui was naturally adept at delivering such eloquent, crowd-pleasing remarks.
Jabadiro continued:
"Thank you, Your Highness, for gracing us with your presence.
"And next, we have a truly special guest—a man whose reputation precedes him!"
"A man?" Nate raised an eyebrow. What's with that introduction?
But then his face appeared on the giant screen above the arena. The crowd erupted. Women screamed in excitement:
"Ahhhhh! Nate-sama!"
"Nate-sama, I love you!"
By now, Nate was immune to such public displays of affection. But Future Lucy, on the other hand, was utterly stunned. "Boyfriend" was way too popular—more so than a princess!
Judging by the crowd's reaction, his popularity seemed to be several times higher. This is insane! Why?!
Future Lucy's curiosity about Nate only deepened.
Jabadiro reveled in the crowd's energy. "That's right! That man is none other than…"
"The legendary creator of the Magic Net, the father of Pokémon, and a member of the Ten Wizard Saints—Nate!"
"Ten Wizard Saints?!"
Future Lucy froze, her mouth agape. "Boyfriend" is also one of the Ten Wizard Saints?!
Nate stood, smiling as he waved at the cameras. Just as he was about to speak, a surge of magic power erupted within him.
Nine Stars!