After the feast, Kael once again embarked on his journey of training. He knew full well that stronger enemies were approaching, and his current power would not be enough.
He carefully selected a ten-year mission, a task so perilous that, if completed successfully, he could gain the Dragon-Slaying attribute. But due to the danger, he didn't bring Kanna along and went alone. The mission had no strict time limit, allowing him to hone his skills at his own pace.
Meanwhile, Mistoga had participated in the X782 S-Class Mage Exam, using physical combat and a few illusion spells to exhaust Erza's body and magic. Ultimately, by invoking the Fivefold Magic Array: Mikagura, Mistoga forced Erza into a deep slumber.
Erza's hopes of seeing Mistoga's true form during the exam were dashed, but the defeat only fueled her competitive spirit, driving her to train even harder.
Mistoga's abilities were fully recognized, earning him S-Class status in one stroke. As a result, Fairy Tail now had two Saint Tens and five S-Class mages, remaining the top guild in the kingdom for two years, unchallenged by any other guild.
Mirajane and Elfman, after the previous mission, had doubled their training, greatly increasing the duration they could maintain Magic God Harphus and Beast King forms.
Although Lisanna had no magic, she adapted well to this world thanks to everyone's care. Upon learning about the presence of another power, Haki, she began training under Kanna, learning martial arts and Haki application.
In her free time, Lisanna helped Mirajane as a server in the guild or occasionally took modeling jobs. The two Lisannas, when shooting photos together—one outgoing, the other shy and reserved—became a sensation. Any male who saw the images would be utterly smitten. Their popularity far exceeded Erza and Mirajane.
Time quietly passed as everyone busied themselves with training and daily life. One day, Natsu heard from a guild member that a "Fire Dragon" had appeared in Harujion Port. Without hesitation, he and Happy rushed toward the location, setting the stage for his fateful meeting with Lucy.
X784
A train slowly pulled into the station. Natsu covered his mouth, pale and miserable, struggling to step off.
"Ugh… two train rides in a row… I feel like I'm going to vomit…"
Happy hovered nearby, worried, tapping Natsu's forehead. "Natsu, your motion sickness seems to be getting worse… need a bandage?"
"I'm starving, Happy… s-so hungry…" Natsu groaned, reaching out weakly.
"Hang in there, Natsu! I'll take you to eat right now… don't worry. You won't starve on my watch."
Happy lifted him into the air, flying toward the town at breakneck speed, oblivious to how the wind contorted Natsu's face.
At the magic shop in the port, Lucy bargained for a key.
"I'm looking for the key that can open the Great Gate," she said.
"A gate? Rare… but yes, I have one. Only this single key."
"The Canis Minor Key? How much?"
"20,000 J."
Lucy's eyes narrowed, leaning closer to the shopkeeper, forcing a smile. "Sir… I said, how much exactly?"
"20,000 J. No haggling."
Ugh, 20,000 J? I barely have any money left… if I buy this, what about food? And the cost to Fairy Tail… impossible!
Lucy smiled coquettishly, trying to charm the stubborn man, but he was unfazed, having seen it all. Minutes of playful tugging followed.
On the street afterward:
"Stubborn old man! How can my charm only be worth 1,000 J? That attitude… makes me furious!" Lucy stomped toward the town center, venting her frustration.
Meanwhile, Natsu and Happy trudged through an alley, Natsu clutching his stomach:
"So hungry… wind in my stomach makes it worse…"
"Eh~ who said we even had money, Natsu?"
"Look, Happy… it's Igneel, isn't it?"
"Yes… couldn't have been anyone else."
Destiny guided the two toward their encounter amid the crowd cheering for the Fire Dragon.
"Ah… Fire Dragon-sama!"
"So handsome…"
"Look over here, Fire Dragon-sama!"
Natsu and Happy shouted in excitement, racing toward the commotion. Lucy, hearing two girls talking nearby, realized something and dashed toward the gathering crowd.
"Make way! Let me see!" she exclaimed, finally reaching the front. There, a purple-haired man twirled, throwing glances at the surrounding girls, instantly capturing their hearts.
Lucy's eyes sparkled, her pulse racing as she cautiously approached this attractive man.
Suddenly, Natsu and Happy burst through the crowd, calling out eagerly:
"Igneel!"
Seeing the man, Natsu's expression fell. "Who are you?"
"Let's go, Happy… not Igneel," he muttered, dejected, leaving the crowd behind.
The confident purple-haired man froze, realizing how fast they had gone.
"Stop! Who do you think you are? Disrespecting Fire Dragon-sama? Kneel and apologize, or face my scissors kick!"
A group of girls launched into a comical assault on Natsu, enraged at his insolence. The man continued theatrically to plead on Natsu's behalf.
Lucy, however, observed coldly, arms crossed. She had already discerned the magic's true nature when Natsu entered the crowd and had noticed the disabled ring on the man's hand.
"Hungry… so hungry… what's wrong with that guy?"
Lucy noticed Natsu holding his stomach, clearly in discomfort.
"Thank you! I'm Lucy," she said brightly.
"Huh? I'm Natsu, this is Happy," Natsu replied blankly.
"Are you hungry? I'll treat you! Consider it a thank-you." Lucy bent slightly, teasing. She reached out to take Natsu's hand.
His rough, tanned hand met her delicate one, and the connection felt natural and harmonious.
"Let's go. There's a restaurant around the corner—delicious food!"
"Oh, yes!" Natsu cheered.
"Ah!" Happy added.