[Several Days Later]
I stared blankly at my reserved table, absentmindedly tracing the rim of my empty plate. The meal I had ordered was finished, yet my mind was elsewhere.
Over the past few days, I had become somewhat of a celebrity in this village. Ever since news of my so-called heroic tale spread, people started looking at me differently. Some even treated me like a role model.
Even the kids had taken it to another level, imitating my outfit and claiming they wanted to be like me when they grew up.
This is rather embarrassing... As a result, I made wearing a mask a priority, refusing to step outside without it. At the very least, it helped avoid unwanted attention. Now, instead of being treated like a hero, I carried an air of mystery.
While I was lost in thought, the air around me seemed to hum with a quiet intensity. Then, suddenly—a powerful surge of magic. I stiffened. Again? However, this feels... different.
Unlike the overwhelming malice I had sensed from the dark guild members, this presence was strong but lacked the hideous, suffocating aura of evil. I recalled the village chief mentioning that they had commissioned a wizard to deal with the dark guild.
So, they're probably here for the commission? I couldn't be certain, but I needed to see for myself. Whoever they were, their magic was twice that of the strongest opponent I'd faced so far—and at least three stars greater than mine.
A mage with the power of a peak 8-star… If this was the commission mage, then everything was fine. But if it was the leader of the dark guild, the village was in extreme danger. Even I couldn't stop someone with this level of magic power.
Without wasting a second, I stood up and left the restaurant. With a swift, calculated motion, my foot slammed into the earth, propelling my body forward and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Would my hypnosis work on him? This was my biggest concern. So far, I hadn't had any trouble dealing with people on my level or weaker—my magic consumption was minimal against them. But against someone like him? I don't know for sure… Better to test the water first before diving in.
I needed to consider the ifs. If my magic didn't work, I would have to formulate a different strategy. A quick attack and a quick retreat… I decided. I would strike from a distance, testing his reaction, and then retreat deep into the forest if necessary.
The activation of Kyoka Suigetsu isn't so simple. Its effectiveness depends on how well the user can manipulate the five senses. And that's where I'm weak. The reason I could handle most opponents so far was due to my incredible physique and my ability to disable their senses entirely—eliminating them before Kyoka Suigetsu lost its effect.
I borrowed this fighting style from Hunter x Hunter's Zodiac Monkey, Saiyu. His abilities—See Not Monkey, Hear Not Monkey, Speak No Monkey—aligned well with my approach. Instead of casting complex illusions, I simply erased my enemies' ability to see, hear, feel, or react. In their confusion, I struck them down before they even realized what had happened.
In Bleach, Aizen successfully deceived the captains and Vizards, but that was only possible due to his vast intellect, extensive knowledge, and absolute mastery over his ability. To make someone see, hear, smell, taste, and feel exactly what I want, I would need to understand the inner workings of their brain, predict their reactions, and perfectly align my hypnosis with their expectations.
In theory, I could create false scenarios on the battlefield, but I lack the experience and mental structure for such high-level deception. It requires extreme multitasking—or rather, multi-casting—along with a massive amount of magic power. Just dealing with the dark guild took one minute, and yet my magic was completely drained. Two stars worth of energy in a single minute? Even though I was targeting weaker opponents in large numbers, this situation is entirely different.
I'm uncertain about the magic consumption or whether my hypnosis will even work. Even if I do manage to deceive them, skilled opponents will likely see through the illusion just by analyzing my movements. Since Kyoka Suigetsu's activation is undetectable, they might assume it's a magic-infused sword and attempt to destroy it.
The same applies to illusions in general. Even if I cast a powerful spell, my illusions can't replicate actual magic. Magic sense functions similarly to a sixth sense—an instinctive awareness of magical energy. And unfortunately, that's a field I have no control over.
Using a metaphor, it's like poisoning someone's drink. The contents of the glass are unknown to me, yet I still slip in the poison. Since poison alters taste, I need to make sure it's undetectable. To do that, I hypnotize their sense of taste, making them believe the drink is coffee.
However, if the drink was actually pineapple juice, they'd immediately notice something was off. Since when does coffee taste like pineapple juice? That realization would make them suspicious, and they might figure out it's poisoned.
To avoid this, I would need to first taste the drink myself and perfectly replicate its original flavor in the illusion. But not every glass is transparent, and I don't always have the luxury of knowing what's inside before I act.
It's much easier to disable all senses rather than create a complex illusion. When their senses are completely cut off, they become powerless against me.
That said, I can think of three things that could nullify Kyoka Suigetsu. As mentioned in the anime:
1. Directly touching the blade.
2. Being blind or otherwise unaffected by visual perception.
Last, just my speculation.
3. Possessing an immense level of power, sharp perception, or unyielding mental resistance. Anyone with strong enough instincts or sheer willpower might be able to break free. For now, these are just concerns since everything is uncertain. But it's always better to be safe than sorry.
He hasn't arrived yet. From the looks of it, my detection abilities are superior to his—at least for now.
The biggest question is: How can I make him look at Kyoka Suigetsu?
They only need to glance at it. In that case… I stab the sword into the ground, letting a few drops of blood spill beside it.
They say curiosity killed the cat. No matter how powerful someone is, humans are always bound by curiosity. Even if my setup is clumsy, he'll still investigate it. Now, I just need to hide… Merging into the shadows, I find cover within a nearby bush, waiting.
Time passed, and it didn't take long for him to enter my range. The moment I caught a glimpse of him, my eyes widened in disbelief.
This guy is… I muttered, barely believing what I was seeing. I didn't expect to meet him here. But it seems fate has other plans.
He, of course, did not fail to notice the sword. A sword? And this blood… it's fresh. Did someone come here? He muttered, falling into deep thought. His sharp instincts were at work, analyzing the situation with the experience of a seasoned warrior.
But I didn't give him the luxury of time. Without hesitation, I activated Kyoka Suigetsu. Now, if it's working… he shouldn't be able to see the sword or the blood.
His eyes widened in shock. What? It's gone?! He only scratched the back of his head and left.
I see... So it depends on distance and the individual. I analyzed the effects carefully, noting the strain on my magic reserves. The consumption is about the same as teleportation magic... It's taxing. On top of that, I can only cast full hypnosis on a single individual at a time. In theory, I could put him into a deep slumber for an entire day, but the cost would be immense. This wasn't an ability I could recklessly spam in prolonged battles.
Feeling satisfied with my findings, I retrieved the sword and silently followed behind Gildarts. A smile crept onto my face—only to vanish just as quickly. It's time for your punishment, Gildarts.
Without hesitation, I activated Kyoka Suigetsu. A flicker of energy. An unseen signal. The silent hum of magic pulsed through the air as the illusion took hold. The world around me shifted, as if reality itself were bending under the weight of my will.
What… What's going on? Gildarts muttered, pacing in circles like a dog searching for the perfect spot to lie down. At times, he picked up a twig, holding it with care and even going so far as to introduce himself.
Is this the full power of Kyoka Suigetsu...? I asked myself in disbelief. Although he ran around, in truth, all that surrounded him was the peaceful, undisturbed forest, the leaves whispering in the wind as though nothing were amiss. Truly terrifying ability...
When the moment came—the part where I severed his head with swift precision—his body crumpled into the mud with an unsettling thud.
I could cut his head off, but my sword would shatter since he had himself surrounded by Crush Magic. So my theory was actually correct. As long as I used it this way, then I could utilize it.
With a deliberate motion, I deactivated Kyoka Suigetsu, undoing the illusion I'd woven around his mind. The ruined village vanished, replaced by the tranquil forest once more.
Next, I tossed a wooden puppet onto his fallen form—an object stolen from a puppeteer I had killed earlier. A simple charm embedded within, laced with hypnosis, would now make Gildarts see what I wanted him to see: a beautiful woman.
Minutes passed before his eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding his expression. He sat up, wiping the mud from his hands as he groggily muttered to himself. Ugh… What's going on? Didn't I die just now? His thoughts spun in disarray, but one question lingered in the air, unanswered. Was it illusion magic? It felt... so real. More importantly, who is that bastard!?
Before he could process further, a voice—a soft, feminine voice—spoke from a distance, pulling him from his thoughts. Uhm... Are you okay?
Without thinking, he turned, his gaze instantly locking onto the figure before him. His eyes widened, a gleam of astonishment lighting up his face. What a beautiful woman!
She stood before him, a vision that would make even the most hardened hearts skip a beat. Her ears were slightly pointed, the delicate features of an elf; her skin, as white and pure as snow; and her eyes, a hue of blue so deep, it might've been mistaken for the sky itself. Her hair shimmered like strands of gold, so brilliant it seemed to catch the very light of the sun.
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, though his face was smeared with mud. Spitting into his palm, he casually ran his hand through his disheveled hair, trying in vain to compose himself. With a smirk that was as much self-assured as it was lecherous, he leaned closer and, with a wink, said. I actually felt sick... and I needed help... Otherwise, I might fall... fall in love with you!
A shiver of disgust passed through me. Oh god, that's so cringe! Can you think of a better line? I retorted, though it wasn't like he could hear me anyway. Good thing I had experience in this field, and he was such a simple-minded fool—otherwise, this wouldn't have worked.
The puppet—his beautiful woman—blushed at his words, her hand rising to cover her smile, her expression coy. Gildarts, completely captivated, felt his heart race with excitement. I hit the jackpot! He thought, his mind giddy with anticipation.
Beautiful miss, do you know where the Red Blossom village is? He asked, his voice thick with desire.
Her smile widened, and she extended her hand toward him. Well, yes… Follow me. I'll take you there.
And just like that, she grabbed his hand, pulling him forward. Together, they ran through the forest, as if fleeing some unseen threat. Gildarts, his heart alight with the thrill of the moment, struggled to hold back the tears of joy. It was all so perfect—so unreal.
But from an outside perspective, it was a far different scene. Gildarts was nothing more than a mentally unstable man, flirting with a lifeless doll.
[Red Blossom Village]
Gildarts, oblivious to the stares and murmurs around him, continued his playful banter with the puppet, laughing and whispering sweet nothings as if she were truly alive. His broad grin and carefree demeanor only added to the bewilderment of the villagers.
A young boy tugged at his mother's sleeve, pointing at the scene. Mama, why is that man talking to a doll?
The mother hushed him quickly, turning away. Don't stare, dear. He might be cursed.
Why is he flirting with a puppet? Another voice whispered nearby, tinged with confusion and mild revulsion.
An older man, his eyes sharp despite the years, cast a weary glance at Gildarts, a mix of concern and resignation in his gaze. Let him be. He probably went insane after losing someone dear to him... His voice trailed off, heavy with the unspoken sorrow of those who had seen too many broken souls.
What a sad world we live in... Someone muttered, their voice thick with sympathy.
Meanwhile, I watched from the shadows, arms crossed, silently amused by how well the illusion had taken hold. A powerful mage like Gildarts, reduced to this? The thought almost made me laugh.
Still, I couldn't underestimate him. Even under hypnosis, his instincts might kick in if something feels too off. I needed to ensure the illusion stayed flawless. After all, the real game was just beginning.
It's time for us to part ways, but once I finish my mission, I'll definitely be back for you! He declared dramatically, releasing the puppet's hand. The moment his fingers let go, she dropped to the ground with a soft thud, as if marking the end of their brief, bizarre encounter.
I had anticipated this and caught the puppet with ease, my fingers brushing against the smooth, lifeless wood. But before I could even consider my next move, Gildarts paused mid-step, turning back as if some unseen force had pulled him.
The people around us, sensing something more troubling in his behavior, misinterpreted his actions.
He simply looked at me—or rather, at the puppet in my hands—with an oddly serious expression, though the light in his eyes still shimmered with delusion. My name is Gildarts. He said, his voice striving for an air of mystery. Beautiful lady, until we meet again...
His attempt at coolness was palpable, but to anyone watching, it was met only with disdain.
Gildarts hurried toward the village chief's house, driven by the urgency of a man eager to fulfill his mission. Expecting a straightforward task, he inquired about the details of the commission—only to be met with an unexpected revelation.
The chief, his voice calm and steady, explained. Fortunately, a free mage dressed in black named Suigetsu already took care of them.
So it was him... But why would he cast illusion magic on me? Gildarts blinked, stunned. He had anticipated action, perhaps a struggle, but it seemed someone had beaten him to the punch.
The mission was already complete. With nothing left to occupy him, Gildarts' thoughts quickly turned elsewhere. Now that he had free time, he rushed to the town, searching for her—the love of his life.
In truth, it was all still an illusion. A week had passed, and Gildarts remained trapped within my hypnosis. Even someone like him couldn't break free.
Am I evil for doing this? I wondered. But I don't think so. After all, he deserved it.
For a week, he flirted, chased, and dated, as if living in some kind of romantic novel. The people of the village had long since grown accustomed to his antics—some even found them amusing.
But honestly... I think this is enough. Using this ability is tiring. I muttered, silently watching from a distance. With that thought, I finally undid the hypnosis. Now then, what should I do next?
I had already begun writing my own legend. And our encounter? Just a coincidence, a fleeting chapter in a story that wasn't even about him. So this isn't important... And with that, I stopped talking to myself.
[A Few Weeks Later—Fairy Tail Guild]
I'm back!
Crash—Thud!
Gildarts made his entrance into the guild—through the wall. Concrete shattered and flew in all directions.
Don't destroy the wall! Someone shrieked. Though I had only heard it in anime before, the voice was unmistakable. It belonged to none other than the guild master of Fairy Tail, Makarov Dreyar!
Meanwhile, Gildarts just laughed it off, scratching the back of his head.
Welcome back, Gildarts.
Welcome!
Come, have a drink!
Gildarts, fight me!!
Makarov's screams were soon drowned out by a chorus of voices echoing from all corners of the guild. Cheers, laughter, and excitement filled the air as the guild members welcomed their returning comrade.
Without a doubt, Gildarts is a highly respected individual. I thought, amused. Hard to believe a womanizing scumbag like him would be treated with such admiration.
My eyes scanned the room, flitting from one guild member to another, until they landed on a particular child. A boy with black hair, around eight or nine years old, stood among them—wearing nothing but his underwear.
Gray Fullbuster, huh? I mused inwardly. From what I've gathered, the current year is X775… meaning he joined Fairy Tail just a year ago.
While lost in thought, I noticed Gildarts making his way inside. Silently, I followed him, searching for a vacant seat to rest. No one noticed my presence; they were too focused on him—which was a good thing. After all, I had no interest in becoming the center of attention. I preferred to stay low-key and maintain an air of mystery.
Aside from President Makarov, who gave me a brief glance, no one likely realized I was even there.
After giving me a brief once-over, Makarov shifted his gaze to Gildarts. The mission shouldn't have been too difficult for you... He began. But still, how was it? Was everything as expected? His voice carried a hint of mild curiosity.
Gildarts chuckled. The mission was a failure... He gave Makarov a wry smile before continuing. The dark guild had already been taken care of several days before I arrived. With that, he took a deep drink from a glass full of wine.
Makarov leaned in, his eyes narrowing slightly. I see... didn't expect someone to solve the problem. Anything else, though? You seem... a little off. He put particular emphasis on the word someone.
Even without looking at him, I could tell his words were directed at me. Still, Makarov sensed that something was bothering Gildarts. But before he could inquire—
No way. Gildarts didn't complete a mission? That's impossible. Someone said.
I glanced toward the source of the voice and saw that it came from a longtime guild veteran, Macao, who was sitting in front of me.
Although the president and Gildarts hadn't spoken loudly, he had overheard their conversation—and found it beyond belief. His disbelief was shared by others, including Laxus. Leaning against the handrail, he stared at Gildarts, incredulous.
The guild members knew his strength better than anyone. Not once had they ever imagined Gildarts failing a mission.
He didn't fail the mission; I just completed it, I mused inwardly. They only hear what they want to hear. A tired sigh escaped my lips.
Still, Gildarts didn't offer much explanation. But his expression turned serious, a shadow passing over his face. For some reason, I feel like he's scheming something. I thought to myself.
Gildarts, did you really fail to complete the mission? Someone asked.
Gildarts gave him a look before nodding. Yeah, it's because of that kid... He said. Then he glanced at me from the corner of his eye.
He failed because of a kid? Someone muttered in a low tone. It was a short reply, but it silenced the entire guild.
Cana Alberona. Along with Macao and Wakaba, the four of us shared the same table. She rested her arm on the table, propping her chin atop her palm while keeping her gaze fixed on Gildarts. A kid, huh...? I wonder who it is... She murmured.
On the other hand, Laxus displayed a different emotion—his dissatisfaction was evident. The outcome of the mission clearly didn't sit well with him. He decided to ask directly. What exactly happened, Uncle? Did a kid die?
Gildarts shook his head lightly. No. In fact, there were no casualties. He said in a softened voice.
Then tell us exactly what happened. He said.
At this, Gildarts slowly recounted the events of the past few weeks. His mind flashed back to Kyoka's last words—the ones that had haunted him. A tightness gripped his chest once more.
I wanted to accept your love, Gildarts, but we cannot be together. She said with a bitter smile.
Why? Why, Kyoka...? He fell to his knees, completely heartbroken. She had given him hope—a promise to give him an answer in a week—yet all he received was rejection.
He had tried his best, expressed his genuine love, and treated her well. During their time together, they had grown close and shared intimate moments. He had even dreamed of having a family with her.
I'm sorry, Gildarts... She could only apologize, her tone heavy with helplessness, as if the decision was beyond her control.
That hurt Gildarts even more. Are we really not meant to be? he asked himself.
A series of events had weighed on him, each adding to his stress. He felt regret for not arriving in time to help the village, guilt gnawing at him as he witnessed its state. And beyond that, he felt powerless—just as he had when he faced an enemy far younger than him, yet immeasurably stronger.
When Gildarts arrived at the village, desperate and ready to face whatever awaited him, he discovered that everything had been an illusion—caused by a kid—and the village had already been saved. He felt a strange relief, but it was quickly overshadowed by regret. He had parted ways with the girl he cared for, and no matter how much he searched, he couldn't find her.
And now... She planned to break up with him after everything they had been through? He felt like a toy, discarded after use. Not only had he failed the mission, but he also failed to win the heart of the woman he loved.
Gildarts couldn't accept this. Desperation filled his eyes as he looked at her, his voice cracking as he asked. Can you at least tell me the reason...?
She simply shook her head, her gaze full of pity. It's because… Her words lingered in the air, and he listened intently, making sure not to miss a single detail.
They locked eyes, staring at each other in silence. Then, her expression changed—a sinister smile curled at the corners of her lips, sending a chill down his spine.
Gildarts, you've fallen prey to that kid's Genjutsu! She declared.
What? Illusion? What's going on?!
He needed to know everything, but suddenly, her body began to dissolve into the air. Her flesh tore apart like paper, floating upwards, until it morphed into the shape of a crow, fading into the distance. The air was filled with laughter, thick with mockery.
Wkwkwkwkwk!
W-what is this? Gildarts stammered, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. He stood frozen, his thoughts spinning as the impossible unfolded before him.
What's going on? He muttered, his eyes narrowing as they focused on the doll he had been holding for a week. His fingers trembled as the truth sank in. Illusion!? That kid? Damn it! It was his doing!! He gritted his teeth, subconsciously unleashing his Crush magic on the doll, turning it into the size of atoms.
His frantic movements drew the attention of the villagers, and one kind-hearted woman stepped forward.
What, you're finally awake? She said, her tone a blend of disbelief and pity.
Awake? Gildarts furrowed his brow, struggling to piece things together. Could it be...? But before he could form a coherent thought, the elder spoke, her voice sharp with a hint of disdain.
Yes, you've been flirting with and dating a doll for an entire week. She said, crossing her arms. Honestly, everyone in the village thought you'd lost your mind after losing your loved one. They just got used to it. Her words hit him like a splash of ice water. He felt his entire body freeze, as though time itself had come to a halt.
I've been doing this for a week…? Gildarts whispered, feeling as though the world had crumbled beneath him.
Everyone just thought you went insane. You really should've seen yourself, though. You had no idea, did you?
He couldn't answer. No words could escape him. He had been so thoroughly trapped in the illusion, completely unaware of it.
Gildarts wasn't just embarrassed; he was heartbroken. His pride had been shattered, and the humiliation weighed heavily on him. All of this, orchestrated by a kid not even half his age.
Bastard! Gildarts gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with determination as he scanned his surroundings. Despite the blow to his spirit, he wasn't about to go down without a fight. The illusion magic was powerful, but if the user was the source, they had to be nearby.
From a nearby restaurant, Gildarts noticed a kid casually enjoying a cup of tea. Uncle, how's your date?
The audacity of the remark left Gildarts speechless. You—you bastard… How dare you say that! Fury surged within him. This arrogant kid had the nerve to provoke him? He must be courting death!
Gildarts was ready to unleash his wrath. Even the healing powers of a thousand-year-old ginseng wouldn't be enough to help this brat recover once he got his hands on him.
Seeing Gildarts' frustrated expression, the kid simply shrugged and tried to reason with him. It's not my fault you fall for obvious honey traps. Maybe you should reconsider every woman you meet from now on?
Bastard! Gildarts wanted to argue, but he couldn't deny the truth in the kid's words. It had been an obvious trap, and he'd walked right into it, blinded by his own greed and desire. He hadn't even questioned it, so taken by her beauty. The shame he felt only fueled his determination to make the kid pay one day.
Heh... If you want to fight, I don't mind, but what do I gain from it? The kid asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Gildarts remained silent for a moment, weighing his words. Finally, he spoke.
Don't worry, I'm just testing my abilities against you. I don't plan on setting any traps. I'll fight you fair and square.
Cut the crap! The fact that you're not setting a trap is the trap! Gildarts retorted, his tone sharp. Despite his words, he agreed quickly. Alright, let's do it. If I win, you'll do one thing I ask. If you win, I'll do anything you want. Deal?
Sure, but let's fight somewhere more secluded...
Follow me, then.
The two of them left the town and made their way toward an abandoned island.
Are you ready? Gildarts asked, getting into position, preparing to launch his first attack.
He thrusts his hand forward, preparing to launch his magic All Crush.
Sure. The kid replied, pulling out his sword and pointing it at Gildarts. This time, no illusions. I'll be using swordsmanship.
Then let's get started! Gildarts declared.
Don't cry if you lose... The kid taunted with a smirk.
-[Beneath the Hammer of Fate]