[Fairy Tail Year X775]
Buzz!
A rift tore open in space near the entrance of [Red Blossom] Village, stretching wide like a yawning mouth. A figure emerged from its depths—a child no older than nine.
Ahhh, finally, freedom after a million years! My voice rang out, filled with an almost delirious joy. I took a look around. The world has changed so much. I muttered. Then I reminisced, marveling at the simplicity of the environment: the sights, the sounds, and the sensations. This was a common experience—a part of daily life for most—but it was all new to me.
Before venturing further, I paused for a moment to stretch my still-immature body, relishing the sensation of movement after such a long time.
A subtle ripple of magic coursed through me, prompting me to gauge my current strength. It's still the same—about 5 stars.
To be specific, my total magic power is 543,210. That means I need exactly 366,197 magic power to use teleportation, which is quite taxing for a single use. This leaves me with a reserve of 177,013.
T = (TMP - RMP) ÷ R
So, it should be:
366,197 ÷ 210 ≈ 1,743.79
Now, converting that to hours:
1,743.79 ÷ 60 ≈ 29.06 hours.
This means I can only use it once a day. Although it feels like my calculations might be off—the consumption could be based on both usage and capacity. Perhaps the reason it's so demanding is due to distance? I can't say for sure, since I'm still recovering my magic, but I'll figure it out later.
I wave my hand dismissively at the solution I had written in the air. Anyway, even without unlocking a secondary source, this is a decent foundation. I murmured to myself with a satisfied nod. My magic power is at least comparable to that of an ordinary S-rank mage—not spectacular, but solid, considering I'm only nine years old.
Lost in thought, I suddenly felt a prickling sensation at the back of my neck.
Hmmm… What is this? I wondered, feeling the strong presence of someone nearby. About 2 stars? I'm not sure if it's an ally or a foe, but considering the scent of blood on his hands, it's very likely that he's an enemy. It's a good thing I've honed the art of suppressing my magic until it's nearly depleted—otherwise, they would have surely sensed it.
A confrontation now wouldn't be advantageous. After all, I still lack experience when it comes to fighting. Although I have some theories, I haven't practiced enough.
So, should I run? Run? Is that what you thought I'd say? I snorted, feeling dissatisfied with my imaginary audience. If I lack experience, isn't this the perfect opportunity to gain some? How could I possibly resist such a rare, exquisite chance?
Beside the riverside, hidden behind a tree, I spotted a man around 26 years old, clad in a black robe bearing a guild emblem on his back. I don't recognize him—probably from some random guild. I mused. But when I'm unsure of my own strength, I never underestimate anyone; I won't commit such a rookie mistake.
Our distance is approximately 35 meters. I began slowly closing the gap, blending into the environment like a chameleon.
I've always wondered what that would feel like. I whispered to myself, the thrill of the moment coursing through my body and awakening my inner demon. If I were to become a killer, that would be my signature move. With a quiet, almost predatory grin, I prepared for my next move.
I stand behind him. He is completely unaware of my existence. My fingers traced the curve of his skull, grasping it with calculated precision, while my other hand slipped under his chin to guide the motion with firm tenderness. In one swift, synchronized movement, I pulled and pushed with seamless grace, the action accompanied by a satisfying, almost musical crack. This happened almost in blink of an eye.
Crackle!
Oh, that's quite satisfying. I said, watching his face contort in a wild 180-degree twist. His eyes widened as if he had witnessed unspeakable horror. I didn't like that expression, so I twisted his head again, as if I were adjusting a faucet.
Well, time for looting... I murmured, my voice barely more than a soft whisper, as I stood over the fallen corpse. I had just extinguished a life, yet it didn't feel like a big deal—I merely eliminated a bug, after all.
I stripped him of anything valuable, collecting his possessions with precise efficiency—so much so that if a thief were around, they might ask me for guidance. Coins, trinkets, and weapons—whatever could prove useful. I recalled that storing non-living items incurs no consumption, so everything slipped seamlessly into the boundless space at my side, swallowed whole by the void.
I temporarily used his robe to cover myself, of course removing the unsightly guild emblem and cutting away parts to avoid unnecessary trouble.
[Red Blossom Village]
Sure, it's hard not to be stared at... I muttered, diverting my gaze from the onlookers. Everyone had paused in their activities, casually watching as I walked by in my black cloak and bare feet. Is it their first time seeing a beggar?
My eyes darted around in search of a clothing shop, and I was relieved to find one immediately. There were several attractive options, but I decided to purchase five similar sets. I didn't have any specific requirements, but if I'm going to be well-known, I must choose an outfit that exudes a mysterious vibe.
I first set my eyes on a long-sleeved black V-neck T-shirt. Then there were black trousers, a black belt, black socks, boots, black underwear, and finally, black gloves. Everything was set—I purchased an all-black ensemble. But I needed one element to stand out, so I also bought a plain white scarf.
This should do it. I nodded at myself, crossing my arms in satisfaction. They say dress makes the man, so I must choose the perfect outfit. While some might insist that a cool look requires a cape, I'm not interested in that—I prefer a scarf.
On my way to the clerk, I could still feel people staring at me. What do these guys want? Do they think I can't afford this? Too bad—I robbed a rich guy who had over half a million J. I sneered silently, though I never met their gaze; I could sense exactly what they were thinking.
How much is this? I asked her. She gave me a sidelong glance before replying.
Uhm... That would be 32,000 J. She said, her eyes darting between me and my clothes.
I let out a weary sigh and waved my hand. A small rift appeared beside us, and cash began to fly out one after another. Instead of scattering, the money neatly aligned itself on the counter—a sight that clearly shocked her.
Here, that's a total of 32,000 J. I said, then carried the items toward the dressing room. But before I could take a step forward, she asked me a question.
Uhm... Excuse me, sir... Are you a wizard? She asked.
Wizard...? I frowned at her question, then tilted my head. If using magic makes you a wizard, then I guess I'm one. With that, I left the place.
Now that's what you call proper clothes. I remarked as I looked at myself in the mirror. Come to think of it, I've never really looked at myself properly before. During the past thousand years, I've been honing my swordsmanship and mastering my magic control, rarely taking the time to examine my appearance. I didn't even know what I looked like—I assumed I resembled my previous life.
Hmmmm... This time, I focused on my face. Light blue eyes, slightly curly brown hair—what I saw left me speechless. Whoa, what's up with this face? Isn't it the same as before reincarnation? In the end, there were no significant changes—I retained my appearance.
This isn't good... I need to purchase a mask. I thought, rushing back to the shopping district. This is big trouble... I'm facing a predicament: if my face becomes well-known, won't that ruin the mysterious vibe? As I pondered how to solve my current problem, a voice from behind pulled me back to reality.
Excuse me, sir...
...?
I casually turned around to see if someone was speaking to me. Then I caught a glimpse of a middle-aged man. He had black hair tied in a ponytail, a Balbo beard, and round black sunglasses. Although the sunglasses were slightly transparent, I could clearly see his emerald eyes gleaming beneath. The way he was dressed clearly indicated that he held high status in this village, and his demeanor showed that he was a respectable person. I didn't want to be rude to someone who treated me with such respect.
Oh, hello. Do you need something from me, elder? I bowed my head slightly, offering a small greeting, and he returned the gesture.
As our eyes met, he asked. Sir, are you the person wearing a black robe earlier? His eyes were full of worry and curiosity. Although I'm not particularly adept at reading people, I could tell he was being genuine.
Yes, is there some kind of problem? I replied, aware that my reputation would be in shambles before I could even forge my tale—repeating the mistakes of my previous life was not an option.
Sir, are you willing to take a commission? He asked.
What kind of commission? I inquired.
He looked down at the ground with a sad expression, clenching his fist and gritting his teeth before speaking. A few days ago, we were attacked by a large number of Dark Guild members... His voice trembled as he recalled the events—the screams of residents, the terror of that day. We were fortunate that a group of passing mages happened to be nearby. They fought them off, but they sustained injuries.
He didn't finish narrating the whole story yet, but I already have some speculation about it, so I interrupt him. So, are you saying I should exterminate them? I asked.
He looked at me in surprise and immediately denied my assumption. No, sir. If you're willing, could you at least hold off until the mage we commissioned arrives? I'll pay any price you ask. Then, he fell to his knees before me, pleading earnestly. Please, for the sake of residents. I'm not asking you to eliminate them, just protect the village.
He's asking me to hold off on the attack until backup arrives. It seems both sides have suffered casualties, which is why neither can launch a full assault—and it's also why everyone is staring at me; they've mistaken me for a mage. So that's what's going on. I think I've finally figured everything out. The guy I killed earlier was likely a member of the dark guild causing trouble here. If that's the case, then I'll take care of it.
I understand everything, elder. I said. Then, I slightly raised my hand and gently pointed my finger upward. Just one... Give me one hour, and I will exterminate them.
Hearing this, his eyes widened in shock. ...But sir, there are so many of them. I know you dealt with one—he began, trying to reason with me. But once I've made up my mind, I'm fully committed.
Numbers aren't a problem. I said. Then, using my footwork, I vanished from his sight. I don't know what expression he's wearing, but if someone who treats me kindly is in trouble, I won't hesitate to return the favor. I retrieved my zanpakuto from my personal space and unsheathed it as I ran. I then spread my magic to detect everything within a 100-kilometer radius.
I see, so that's where you guys are hiding? I muttered. I halted my movements and slid along the ground, leaving a trail of dust behind me. Then, I shifted my attention toward the mountain's base. The surroundings were filled with trees, yet I instinctively sensed something. There's probably a cave in there? I mused. The elder mentioned that there were too many of them, but 30 is only a small number.
Although there's "a lot" of them, they're nothing more than a bunch of small fries—I don't have to worry about them. The strongest among them is only mid-tier, about 4 stars.
This is no different from killing a bug to me. But I don't want any more trouble, so I run at full throttle until I reach their hideout.
Swoosh—BAM!!
I kick the door open and charge in at a rapid pace, inadvertently killing someone in the process. What? What's going on?
I scan the room and observe them. My gaze locks onto the person with the highest magic power. Judging by the bulge on her chest, she is likely a woman.
Our eyes meet, and seizing the opportunity, she taps into my capabilities and demands to know my purpose.
Are you a commission mage? No, that's impossible. She said, immediately dismissing the idea. We just attacked yesterday, and it would take several days to travel and issue a commission. What are you...?
Oh? I didn't expect a woman like you to be smart enough. That saves me some trouble then. I replied, taking the opportunity to show off my sword. Hey, lady, would you take a look at my Kyoka Suigetsu? I said, flexing my weapon. Naturally, everyone turned to look at it, which only fueled my amusement. I couldn't suppress my excitement.
The idea of using Aizen Kanzen Saimin flashed through my mind, and I activated it immediately. Instead of creating a complex illusion, I simply disabled their senses entirely. Then, without discrimination, I began hacking at everyone, reveling in their screams of agony.
Slash—Clang! Drip—Thud! Bang!
Some even use their own magic to kill their teammates for efficiency—so how could I refuse such an advantage? This is exactly what happens when I use 100% of my brain: it's over within a minute. No exaggerated theatrics or elaborate schemes—I'll simply hypnotize them and slash them to death. No drama, no complications.
Well, that should do it. I wave my hand, and every corpse and item is instantly transferred to my space inventory. I had thought I wouldn't be able to erase the trail of blood, but does it even matter now?
Then I rushed back to the village to deliver the news. Worried about the dark guilds, I just exterminated them.
On my way, I suddenly halted. Come to think of it, I don't even have a name yet. I had been so absorbed by my magic that I completely forgot about it. The system didn't tell me anything either—so I guess I'll have to figure it out myself. I hadn't received any guidance from my mother, and speaking of her... Well, who cares about her? It's not like I can do anything now. She probably doesn't even know I exist. And even if she does, I still don't care.
How cold-hearted... How cruel... Can you imagine the pain of watching your child vanish into the abyss—never knowing whether they're alive or dead, caught in the cruel, unforgiving grip of the unknown?
Well, unfortunately, I don't... And does it even matter now? I muttered. I have more important things to do than worry about these trivialities. What name should I use? I pondered. I wanted to bring terror and become infamous.
Then... Black Calamity? Black Plague? Kuroki Saiyaku? Kuro Wazawai? Yami? There were so many options, but none of them felt right.
As I deliberated, I suddenly felt a small vibration in my hand. It caught my attention, drawing my gaze to the sword resting at my waist. Looking at its scabbard, I felt an odd yet familiar sensation—as if my mind were being stimulated.
Kyoka Suigetsu...
What does it mean? The name can be translated as "Mirror Flower, Water Moon." In poetry, it symbolizes illusion, beauty, and the unattainable.
I felt a heavy weight in my chest, as if a sword were piercing it—like Excalibur, waiting for the right person to pull it out. Am I waiting to be saved by someone?
Heh... I chuckled mockingly at myself. A deep disgust and hatred welled up inside me just at the thought. Unknowingly, I gritted my teeth and unleashed a terrifying burst of magic power. Even from a distance, the residents could sense that something was happening in the forest.
Over time, I slowly calmed down. ...Kyoka Suigetsu, was it? I murmured, staring expressionlessly at the sword. Thank you for reminding me of that feeling. It's been thousands, perhaps millions of years since I completely forgot it. Time has a way of soothing rage, and eventually, it will fade away. Yet, to ensure I never forget, I continue to dwell on it again and again.
I guess I'll be called Kyoka Suigetsu from now on... I hope Aizen and Kubo don't mind. Since what I truly desire is that unattainable beauty—even if it means living my life in illusion—I must have it. Isn't this like casting infinite Tsukuyomi on myself? Whatever.
I dismissed these unnecessary thoughts and continued on my way. Once I arrived at the village, I was in for some surprises.
Hmmmm...? I observed as a small crowd gathered, and at the center, I spotted the village chief. I slowly approached him to inquire about what was happening.
What's going on? I asked.
Noticing my presence, he shifted his gaze—visibly shocked. To make sure he was really seeing a person, he rubbed his eyes and looked at me again. Sir... You're back already? He stammered.
I didn't bother replying to the obvious rhetorical question. Instead, I gestured toward the empty space where several corpses lay neatly arranged. I just finished cleaning up the dark guilds here. I declared.
Everyone watching the scene unfold remained speechless. A kid, barely nine years old, had killed a number of powerful opponents—and he did it as if it were nothing.
This makes me sigh... I shook my head inwardly. What do they expect? Just because I'm a kid, they assume I'm incapable of killing people? Once you realize that life comes and goes, taking it is as easy as breathing. Even gods don't take human life seriously.
D-did you really take care of the dark guild? asked a woman in her thirties, her voice trembling.
Yes. I replied firmly and briefly.
At that, she fell to her knees and began crying loudly. It wasn't just her—others reacted in the same way.
T-thank you! They chorused.
Watching this scene, I observed the tears shed over the eradication of the dark guild. No words were needed to understand their pain. They must have suffered so much at their hands—abduction, slavery, and countless other horrors. It's possible that things could be even worse in a world without magic, yet here in Earth Land, it's the pure who suffer under the dark guild's tyranny. Quite ironic, I'd say.
While we were talking, I sensed a presence approaching us. I subconsciously looked and noticed two figures—a middle-aged lady and a kid. The lady had long silver hair that reached her waist, a busty chest, and black eyes, and she was wearing a dress and heels, which seemed a bit odd. However, on her collarbone there was a guild emblem: a curved "M" with a hovering "X."
I recognized that guild—Mermaid Hill, perhaps? Then I shifted my gaze toward her companion. The kid was slim but had a well-developed chest covered by long purple hair. She was dressed in a blazer, a collared shirt, and a red tie, along with black tights tucked into knee-high boots and a short white frilled skirt.
Our eyes met, and her hazel eyes glared through me as if she were seizing a powerful opponent. Kagura Mikazuchi, huh?
Her character left a deep impression on me. Although I haven't watched all of Fairy Tail, I've seen enough short clips and gathered information about its characters. Judging by the way she looked at me, there was no doubt that this fellow swordmaster would soon issue a challenge.
Everyone turned their gaze as the two figures approached. Hello there, my name is Hanabi, and this is Kagura. We are from Mermaid Hill. The lady introduced herself, gesturing toward her companion. Are you the mage village chief we've heard about? She asked, her eyes shifting to the neatly arranged corpses.
I simply offered a firm nod. My name is Kyoka Suigetsu. I introduced myself and said nothing more.
Then she shifted her gaze at me and looked at my face with a smirk. You seem quite powerful. Judging by your appearance, you haven't joined any guild yet. How about joining our Mermaid Hill?
I gave her a sidelong glance. I might not be fully aware of the inner workings of your guild, but I'm pretty sure only female members are allowed to join.
She smirked and looked at me with interest. You look female enough.
.....
I'm speechless. This is one of the reasons I wanted to wear a mask. People often mistake me for a female. Sometimes they even ask if I'm a tomboy, which is really annoying.
Seeing my serious and unhappy expression, she apologized. Oh, I'm sorry—I was just kidding. Anyway, thank you for helping clean up after us. I will definitely return the favor one day. She said, bowing her head slightly in gratitude.
I simply dismissed her words. No need to thank me. You're just hoping to delay the dark guilds until reinforcements arrive, right? If I had failed, they'd likely attack again or retreat. In a way, I'm just sticking my nose where it doesn't belong.
She didn't say another word—she simply looked at me with a serious expression. Although I had received a commission to protect the village, what I said was correct. Both sides were in a stalemate after the attack; however, since I intervened, either they will attack or retreat, which disrupts their plan to capture it. She knew this yet chose not to pursue the matter since I had succeeded.
Then Kagura spoke up, not letting the moment slip. It's good that you know—and you seem confident in your strength, too. How about fighting me?
And that's it... I already anticipated this. It's unavoidable, so I decided to take advantage of the situation. I took light steps away from her and headed to an open area.
As a fellow swordmaster, are you going to challenge me? I halted and asked with my back facing her.
Yes. She replied.
It's good to have ambition, but you should choose your target wisely. I said.
Are you saying I'm too weak for you? She retorted. Despite fighting against dark guild members and sustaining injuries, she still held her ground. Judging by her power, she's at least a 2.5-star prodigy.
I shook my head. No... I paused deliberately, placing my hand on the sword's hilt. What I'm saying is that my swordsmanship—
I drew my sword in a slow yet graceful motion, capturing everyone's attention. Kagura watched with wide eyes, absorbing every detail. Under their watchful gaze, I executed an upward slash, followed by a downward stroke, and finished with a smooth sideways cut before calmly sheathing my sword.
My swordsmanship isn't that impressive. I remarked.
A soft thud followed. Everyone instinctively glanced at the ground, only to find three mosquitoes writhing—each one missing its wings.
Their eyes shifted between me and the fallen mosquitoes, disbelief written on their faces. Saying your swordsmanship isn't impressive while clearly showing off?
Kagura opened her mouth, ready to speak, but Hanabi gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. Though Kagura sought a serious fight, she wasn't oblivious—Hanabi's silent gesture made it clear that the gap between us was too vast.
Realizing this, Kagura exhaled sharply before giving me a slight bow. Then, I'll challenge you once I'm stronger. With those words, she turned and left, rejoining her injured comrades.
I watched them leave in silence until the village chief approached me.
I don't know how to thank you. If there's anything you need, just tell us. He said, gently patting my shoulder.
I shook my head slightly. There's no need to thank me. I killed them for my own reasons. My actions don't justify righteousness. My voice was firm and clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
But they dismissed my words and stuck to the facts. Regardless of your reason, it doesn't change the fact that you helped us. So at least allow us to thank you. The village chief insisted.
Slowly, the villagers gathered around, bowing their heads in unison. Sir wizard, thank you for helping us.
Thank you, huh... I wasn't sure how to react. To be honest, I've never received this kind of gratitude in my life. Everything up until now had been painful, so this was a new experience—like discovering something unknown.
Will I continue experiencing things like this in the future? I didn't know... But could such a small moment truly change anything in my life?
-[Beneath the Hammer of Fate]