On the day of the exam, Kira led his three young charges into the testing area before heading off to meet the academy's officials.
Not far from the recruitment exam meeting point in Harms City, there was a secluded European-style villa. Inside, several figures of immense influence in the Fiore Kingdom were gathered.
Kira pushed open the villa's grand doors, and an air of elegance and sophistication washed over him.
The floor gleamed with mirror-like tiles, and a dazzling crystal chandelier hung at the center of the room. A fragrant wooden table, delicate porcelain cups, and plush leather chairs spoke of a luxurious lifestyle that many could only dream of. Expensive carpets, intricate stone carvings, masterful oil paintings, and vibrant greenery added splashes of color to the space. But what truly caught the eye were the towering bookshelves lined with countless magic tomes, exuding a subtle yet profound sense of prestige.
Kira couldn't help but nod in approval. No wonder this is Demisole Academy's reception hall. The decor's on another level!
A tall, striking woman with a curvaceous figure, flawless skin, and a cool, almost ascetic demeanor approached him with the grace of a noble. "Mr. Kira Hopelight, welcome!" she said warmly.
Her light blonde hair was neatly tied back, her captivating eyes sparkled, and she wore a fitted white dress that revealed just a hint of cleavage, accentuating her elegant curves. A long cloak—white on the outside, blue on the inside—draped over her shoulders, reaching down to her calves, a hallmark of a powerful mage. Around her neck hung an emerald necklace, its gemstone glowing with a vibrant, oasis-like energy.
Kira couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship. That's no ordinary gem—it's gotta be some kind of magical artifact. His mind wandered to Marvel's Doctor Strange, though he was relieved this world didn't have something as wild as a Time Stone. Would've loved to borrow it for a closer look, though.
Her black leather gloves and white boots caught his eye too—both clearly enchanted with special properties, though he couldn't yet discern their purpose.
Judging by her face and figure, she seemed to be in her early thirties, radiating a mature, refined charm.
Kira returned a polite bow. "Thank you for the invitation, Dean Cornas!"
According to Makarov, this woman, Cornas, was the current dean of Demisole Academy—and one of the Ten Wizard Saints, no less.
Cornas nodded approvingly. "Fairy Tail's got a bright future with you around. How's Makarov doing?"
"The guild master's in great health. Thanks for asking," Kira replied.
As they exchanged pleasantries, Kira noticed two other men in the villa: one elderly, one middle-aged.
The older man had a long white beard, looked to be in his sixties or seventies, and wore a wizard's hat and a reddish-brown cloak. He clutched a snake-headed staff, his hands wrapped in bandages. This was Gran Doma, the new chairman of the Magic Council.
The middle-aged man had short, dark purple hair with four red dots forming a cross on his left forehead and a few strands of bangs swept to the right. His red eyes and small mustache gave him a distinguished air. Dressed like a noble gentleman in a white-and-purple shirt with a blue bow tie and a high-collared black cloak, he held a wine glass—filled not with wine or some red drink, but with milk.
Yeah, that face is familiar, Kira thought. Hyberion, ranked second among the Ten Wizard Saints.
Determined to keep up his personal image and Fairy Tail's reputation, Kira greeted them both politely.
Gran Doma, with a hint of aloofness, squinted one eye. "I'd heard you were from Fairy Tail and expected some reckless kid. You seem far more composed than Makarov."
So the new council chairman isn't exactly a fan of Fairy Tail's chaos, Kira noted.
Hyberion stood, smiling. "Now, now, Chairman Gran, let's not be too harsh. Makarov can be quite dependable when it counts!"
So that's how you guys see the old man… Kira thought, amused.
After some casual conversation, Kira got a sense of the trio. Gran was stern, decisive, and supportive of the younger generation but had little love for Fairy Tail. Hyberion was mature, steady, and charmingly witty. Dean Cornas, despite her aloof appearance, was warm and cared deeply for her academy and students, with a sly, playful streak.
Through their talk, Kira learned why Cornas had invited them. Gran represented the Magic Council, Ishgar's largest official magical organization. Hyberion stood for the Ten Wizard Saints, the pinnacle of Ishgar's magical might. And Kira? He represented Fairy Tail, Fiore's oldest magic guild.
In short, the three of them were representatives of the magical world's major powers, which left Kira a bit flattered.
Cornas spoke up. "As mentioned in the invitation, I've asked you here for a few important matters. After the recruitment event, I'd like you three to give a lecture to our students, followed by a month of teaching."
The trio nodded silently. Since they'd come, they'd already agreed to the terms.
Kira raised a hand hesitantly. "I've got a question. Why invite me instead of our guild master, Makarov?"
Cornas paused for a moment before answering. "In previous years, we did invite Master Makarov, but… no offense, he caused quite a bit of trouble. After his month of teaching, many students became unruly and hard to manage."
Imagining Makarov's rebellious streak, Kira instantly understood, inwardly roasting the old man. Wow, old man, didn't know you had it in you…
"Though I'm based at the academy, I've heard of your deeds, Mr. Kira," Cornas continued. "You've used magical artifacts to open trade routes, boosting economic ties with neighboring countries and elevating Fiore's magical technology single-handedly. Years ago, you were nominated for the Ten Wizard Saints, and recently, you defeated both Jose and Jellal, two Wizard Saints. Your strength and reputation make you an ideal guest."
Per Dispel's request, Fairy Tail had reported to the Magic Council that Kira was the one who defeated Jose.
Though her words might've been partly flattery, Kira couldn't help but feel a thrill. Especially since neither Gran nor Hyberion objected or showed any doubt, he was quite pleased. Big shots, huh? They can tell I'm a cut above. Gotta give them props for their eye for talent.
"Oh, you're too kind… I'm not that great… You're pretty amazing yourself, Dean," Kira said humbly, tossing some praise back. A little mutual flattery never hurt.
The rest of the time, the four delved into a deep discussion about magic.
Gran, a veteran of the Magic Council, was a walking encyclopedia of magical theory, constantly refining his studies. He was an academic giant, though not much of a fighter.
Hyberion wielded indirect vampiric magic, manipulating blood from a distance and excelling in mana control. Sure, he got taken out quickly by God Serena in the original story, but he was the only one to land a hit on him. Plus, his magic earned praise from the Magic King August himself.
Kira couldn't help but marvel at their reputations being so well-earned.
As for Dean Cornas, Makarov had told Kira she used aging magic, capable of rapidly aging objects—a terrifying ability that reminded Kira of Baraggan from Bleach. As the head of Demisole Academy, her knowledge rivaled Gran's, and with the academy's history as her foundation, her understanding of certain magics surpassed even the veteran researcher.
Kira couldn't help but admire the hidden depths of talent in Fiore.
Finally, the conversation turned to Kira.
"Word magic, huh? I never imagined such a unique magic existed…"
The trio was astonished by Kira's magic, saying it completely reshaped their view of the art.
"Speaking of which, I've been working on a research topic recently," Cornas said, drawing their attention. "It's one of the reasons I invited you all here. I'd like you to join me in studying it."
Kira leaned in, curious. "What's the topic?"
Cornas smiled faintly. "The second magic source within a wizard's body!"