-Next Morning-
The morning after our first mission, I woke up feeling energized and ready to dive deeper into magical development. Astra was already awake, sitting by the window and practicing making small objects float around our apartment.
"Good morning." I said, watching a spoon orbit lazily around her head. "How's the gravity practice going?"
"Better than yesterday." she replied, carefully guiding the spoon to land softly on the table. "I'm starting to get more precise control. How are you feeling after yesterday's fight?"
"Honestly? Excited to try more techniques. That combination of [Sky Primal Magic] and Dragon Slayer abilities felt incredible."
After breakfast, we made our way to the guild hall. It was still relatively early, so the usual chaos hadn't quite begun yet. Levy was at a corner table, surrounded by books and notes, while Mira hummed softly as she cleaned glasses behind the bar.
"Morning, you two!" Mira called out cheerfully. "How are you feeling after your first mission?"
"Ready for the next challenge." I said, settling at the bar. "Actually, Master Makarov mentioned the guild has research resources available. I was hoping to do some studying today."
"Of course! Our library is on the third floor. Levy would probably love to show you around if you're interested in magical theory."
"Did someone mention magical theory?" Levy looked up from her books with bright eyes. "I'd be happy to give you a tour!"
An hour later, I found myself in the guild's extensive library, which was impressive even compared to Professor Maddox's collection. Ancient tomes, modern research texts, and magical artifacts filled the space.
"This section has transformation magic research." Levy explained, guiding me through the stacks. "And over here are the eye magic references—though I should warn you, most of these are theoretical."
"Theoretical is perfect." I said, pulling out a particularly old-looking volume. "I'm still working on the foundational concepts."
I spent the next few hours deep in study, with [Archive Magic] helping me process and integrate the information rapidly. The guild's collection provided additional perspectives on the magical theories I'd learned from Professor Maddox's library.
[Notice: Additional theoretical frameworks acquired. I recommend practical application sessions to cement knowledge]
"I can agree to that." I thought to Raphael. "Let's see if I can make some progress on the [Eye Magic] development."
I found a quiet corner of the library and began the meditation exercises described in the texts. The process involved channeling mana through specific neural pathways while visualizing information overlay systems. It was incredibly difficult to maintain focus, but I was starting to feel something happening behind my eyes.
After about an hour of practice, I decided to test the progress. Looking around the library, I tried to focus on gathering information about the books and magical artifacts around me.
For just a moment, I thought I saw faint text overlays appearing in my vision—basic information about magical energy levels and material composition. But the effect flickered and disappeared almost immediately.
"That is progress." I murmured, feeling encouraged despite the brief nature of the success.
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-One Week Later-
Training had become a daily routine. Every morning, Astra and I would practice our respective magics, then spend time at the guild working on techniques and taking on small jobs. I was getting noticeably stronger, and my status screen reflected the improvements.
"Status." I whispered during a quiet moment in our apartment.
**************************************************************************************
[Status Window]
Name: Kazuki Hayashi
Race: Skywing Elf
Age: 18
Level: 2
Health: 280/280
Mana: 390/390
ATTRIBUTES:
Strength: 20
Agility: 26
Vitality: 22
Intelligence: 24
Wisdom: 21
Luck: 15
ACQUIRED ABILITIES:
[Archive Magic] [Novice+]: Store, process, and transfer information magically
[Sky Dragon Slayer Magic] [Novice+]: Consume and manipulate wind/air
[Sky Primal Magic] [Novice+]: Philosophical understanding and runic knowledge
[Wind-Make Magic] [Novice]: Compressed air construct creation
[Eye Magic: Appraisal Eyes] [Developing]: Basic analytical visual enhancement
THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE:
[Transformation Magic] Theory: Advanced biological manipulation and restructuring
TITLES:
"Otherworlder" - One who has crossed between worlds
"Fairy Tail Mage" - Member of the Fairy Tail Guild
"Dark Guild Hunter" - Defeated dark guild mages in combat
COMPANION: Astra (Exceed) - [Gravity Magic] [Novice+]
**************************************************************************************
The improvements were encouraging. My level had increased, my mana capacity had grown significantly, and several of my abilities had advanced from basic Novice to Novice+. Most exciting was that [Eye Magic] had moved from theoretical knowledge to a developing ability.
[Notice: Progression rate remains exceptional. The combination of theoretical study, practical application, and your enhanced physiology continues to accelerate development]
"How's Astra's progress?" I asked.
[Notice: Her gravity magic control has improved substantially. She can now manipulate objects up to 50 pounds with precision and has begun experimenting with directional gravitational fields]
That was an impressive development for just one week. We'd been practicing together every evening, and her natural talent for gravity manipulation was becoming increasingly apparent.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-One Week later again-
"Kazuki, want to try a more challenging job?" Natsu asked, approaching our usual table with a mission request in hand. "This one's rated B-class."
I looked at the posting—bandits had been attacking trade routes near the border, using some kind of magical enhancement. The reward was substantial, but so was the implied danger.
"What do you think, Astra?" I asked.
"I feel ready for something more challenging." she said confidently. "My magic has gotten a lot stronger."
"Alright, let's do it."
The mission took us two days' travel from Magnolia, deep into mountainous terrain near the border with neighboring Bosco. The bandits had established a fortified camp in a natural canyon, making direct assault difficult.
"There are at least twenty of them," I reported after aerial reconnaissance. "and they definitely have magical enhancement—I can see the energy signatures from here."
My [Eye Magic] had progressed enough to provide basic magical detection, though detailed analysis was still beyond my current abilities.
"Twenty, huh?" Natsu grinned. "Sounds like fun! What's the plan?"
"Astra and I will provide aerial support and crowd control. You and Happy focus on the main group while we handle the stragglers and prevent escapes."
The battle was more intense than our previous encounters. The bandits were using stolen magical items to enhance their strength and speed, making them formidable opponents even for experienced mages.
But our teamwork had improved dramatically over the past two weeks. Astra's gravity magic allowed her to immobilize multiple enemies at once, while my combination of wind magic and Sky Primal abilities provided devastating area-of-effect attacks.
"[Sky Dragon Cyclone Slam]!" I called out, creating a massive vortex of compressed air that swept through the bandit formation.
"[Gravity Well]!" Astra added, creating a localized gravitational field that pulled the scattered enemies together for Natsu's finishing attack.
"[Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame]!" Natsu's enhanced fire attack struck the grouped bandits, ending the fight decisively.
"Incredible teamwork!" Happy said as we surveyed the unconscious bandits. "You guys have gotten so much stronger!"
The mission's success earned us recognition back at the guild, and more importantly, provided valuable combat experience against enhanced human opponents.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-another week later-
"I want to try developing [Transformation Magic] next." I told Astra as we practiced in a secluded training area outside Magnolia.
"Isn't that supposed to be really difficult?" she asked, looking up from her gravity exercises.
"Very difficult. But I think I have enough theoretical knowledge to start with basic applications."
The transformation magic texts had described the initial steps—understanding your own body's magical signature, then learning to alter it gradually. The process required incredible focus and precise mana control.
I started with something simple: changing my eye color. Closing my eyes, I focused on the magical pathways that determined my appearance, visualizing the change I wanted to make.
When I opened my eyes and looked at my reflection in a nearby stream, they had shifted from electric blue to a warm brown.
"It worked!" Astra exclaimed. "That's amazing!"
"This is a basic transformation." I said, changing them back to blue. "The foundation for more advanced techniques."
[Notice: Successful initial transformation magic application. I recommend gradual progression to avoid magical backlash]
Over the following days, I practiced small changes—hair color, minor facial features, height adjustments of a few inches. Each successful transformation felt like unlocking a new piece of magical understanding.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-another week later-
A month after our first mission, I was reviewing my progress while Astra practiced creating complex gravitational patterns in our apartment.
"Status." I said quietly.
**************************************************************************************
[Status Window]
Name: Kazuki Hayashi
Race: Skywing Elf
Age: 18
Level: 4
Health: 360/360
Mana: 520/520
ACQUIRED ABILITIES:
[Archive Magic] [Intermediate]: Store, process, and transfer information magically
[Sky Dragon Slayer Magic] [Intermediate]: Consume and manipulate wind/air
[Sky Primal Magic] [Intermediate]: Advanced runic knowledge and elemental understanding
[Wind-Make Magic] [Novice+]: Advanced compressed air construct creation
[Eye Magic: Appraisal Eyes] [Novice]: Basic analytical visual enhancement and magical detection
[Transformation Magic] [Developing]: Minor physical alterations
TITLES:
"Otherworlder" - One who has crossed between worlds
"Fairy Tail Mage" - Member of the Fairy Tail Guild
"Dark Guild Hunter" - Defeated dark guild mages in combat
"Rising Star" - Rapid magical development recognized by guild
COMPANION: Astra (Exceed) - [Gravity Magic] [Intermediate]
**************************************************************************************
The progress was remarkable. I'd gained two full levels, my primary magical abilities had all reached Intermediate rank, and I'd developed two entirely new magical disciplines. Most satisfying was that [Eye Magic] had progressed from developing to a full Novice-level ability.
"How do you feel about trying a solo mission?" I asked Astra.
"You mean just the two of us?" Her eyes lit up with excitement. "I think we're ready for that!"
The next day, we selected a C-class mission that seemed perfect for testing our independent capabilities—investigating strange magical phenomena in a forest near Magnolia.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Whispering Woods lived up to their name. As Astra and I made our way through the dense forest, we could hear faint voices carried in the wind, speaking in languages that sounded almost familiar but not quite comprehensible.
"Can you sense anything with your [Eye Magic]?" Astra asked, perched on my shoulder as we walked.
I activated the ability, focusing on the magical energies around us. The forest was suffused with an unusual type of magic—not dark or malevolent, but definitely otherworldly.
"There's something deeper in the forest." I said, following the strongest magical signature. "The energy feels... ancient."
We found it in a clearing about two miles from the forest edge: a circle of standing stones covered in runes that seemed to shift and change when viewed directly. The whispering voices were strongest here, and the air itself seemed to shimmer with magical energy.
"It's some kind of dimensional weak point." I realized, using my [Archive Magic] to analyze the runic patterns. "The voices are coming from another realm."
"Is that dangerous?" Astra asked, floating near my shoulder with wings spread in case we needed to make a quick escape.
"Not immediately," I said, cross-referencing the rune patterns with knowledge from the guild's library. "but if the barrier weakens much more, things could start coming through."
The solution required a delicate combination of my various magical abilities. Using [Sky Primal Magic], I began tracing stabilization runes in the air around the stone circle. [Archive Magic] provided the theoretical framework for understanding the dimensional mathematics involved. And [Wind-Make Magic] allowed me to create semi-permanent anchors for the stabilization spell.
"Can I help?" Astra asked.
"Actually, yes. If you can create a gentle gravitational field around the circle, it should help anchor the dimensional fabric."
Working together, we managed to stabilize the weak point. The whispering voices faded to barely audible murmurs, and the magical energy settled into a much more stable pattern.
"Mission accomplished," I said, wiping sweat from my brow. The complex spellwork had been exhausting, but incredibly satisfying.
The guild was impressed when we returned with our report. Dimensional magic was advanced even by Fairy Tail standards, and solving the problem with a combination of multiple magical disciplines demonstrated the kind of creative problem-solving that the guild valued.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-two weeks later-
"Kazuki, Astra." Master Makarov called out as we entered the guild hall after returning from another successful mission. "Could I see you both in my office?"
We climbed the familiar stairs to the second floor, wondering what this might be about. When we entered his office, Makarov was smiling warmly.
"I've been reviewing your mission reports," he said, gesturing for us to sit. "Your progress over the past month and a half has been remarkable. Most mages take years to develop the kind of versatility you've demonstrated."
"Thank you, Master," I said. "we've been working hard to improve."
"It shows. Your combination of magical disciplines, creative problem-solving, and teamwork with your partner represents exactly the kind of growth Fairy Tail seeks to foster." He paused, studying us with those keen eyes. "Which is why I'm promoting you both to full mage status."
"Full mage status?" Astra asked, confused.
"Most new guild members start as provisional members," Makarov explained. "Full mage status is typically earned after six months to a year of successful missions. You've earned it in six weeks."
He handed me a new guild identification card, this one marked with the full mage designation.
"This grants you access to B-class and higher missions, advanced training resources, and representation in guild decision-making processes. Use these privileges wisely."
"We will, Master. Thank you for this honor."
"The honor is mine," he replied. "Fairy Tail is stronger with mages like you among our ranks."
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the end of our second month, my final status check showed remarkable progress:
**************************************************************************************
[Status Window]
Name: Kazuki Hayashi
Race: Skywing Elf
Age: 18
Level: 6
Health: 480/480
Mana: 720/720
ACQUIRED ABILITIES:
[Archive Magic] [Advanced]: Comprehensive information management and knowledge transfer
[Sky Dragon Slayer Magic] [Advanced]: Mastery of wind/air manipulation and healing
[Sky Primal Magic] [Advanced]: Complete runic knowledge and elemental mastery
[Wind-Make Magic] [Intermediate]: Complex compressed air constructs
[Eye Magic: Appraisal Eyes] [Intermediate]: Detailed analytical enhancement and magical assessment
[Transformation Magic] [Novice]: Moderate physical alterations and disguise capabilities
TITLES:
"Otherworlder" - One who has crossed between worlds
"Fairy Tail Mage" - Full member of the Fairy Tail Guild
"Dark Guild Hunter" - Defeated dark guild mages in combat
"Rising Star" - Exceptional magical development
"Problem Solver" - Creative solutions to complex magical challenges
COMPANION: Astra (Exceed) - [Gravity Magic] [Advanced], [Enhanced Intelligence], [Tactical Awareness]
**************************************************************************************
Six levels gained, three abilities reaching Advanced rank, and three entirely new magical disciplines developed. More importantly, Astra and I had become a formidable team with tactics and combination techniques that leveraged both our abilities perfectly.
As I looked at my current status, I found myself reflecting on how much had changed. My magical abilities had progressed rapidly, Astra had become an incredibly capable partner, and we'd established ourselves as valued members of Fairy Tail.
More importantly, we were approaching the timeline when major events would begin. Lucy's arrival was still a few months away, but I needed to start thinking about how to handle the canonical storyline when it began.
"Raphael," I thought during a quiet evening in our apartment, "how much stronger do you think we'll be by the time Lucy arrives?"
[Notice: Current progression rate suggests you'll reach Advanced level in primary abilities within three months. Astra's gravity magic development may exceed that timeline. Your combination techniques and versatility already place you above typical guild member capabilities]
"That's encouraging. What about the timeline impact?"
[Notice: Your presence has created minor ripples but no major disruptions. The dark guild encounters have been reported to the Magic Council, potentially accelerating certain investigations. However, the core character relationships and major plot points remain unchanged]
I looked over at Astra, who was practicing complex gravitational manipulations while reading a book—literally floating the book in the air while creating small gravity wells in her other paw.
"You know," I said aloud, "I think we're ready for whatever comes next."
"Definitely," she agreed, gently landing the book on the table. "though I'm curious about what you meant about timeline changes. You've mentioned that before."
I'd been wondering when she'd ask about that. Astra was incredibly intelligent, and she'd picked up on my occasional comments about future events.
"It's complicated," I said carefully. "let's just say I have some... knowledge about events that might happen in the future. Nothing specific, just general awareness of potential challenges the guild might face."
"Like [prophecy magic]?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Something like that." I agreed, grateful for the convenient explanation. "It's part of why I wanted to get stronger quickly."
"Well, whatever might be coming, we'll face it together." she said with determination.
As we settled in for the night, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction with our progress. We'd grown stronger than I'd dared hope, established ourselves within Fairy Tail, and built a genuine partnership that would serve us well in the challenges ahead.
The main storyline was still months away, but when it arrived, we'd be ready. Whatever challenges the future held—whether from the canonical storyline or unexpected developments—we were as ready as we could possibly be.
The real adventure was just beginning.