Magnolia Town – Annual Harvest Festival
Magnolia was alive with people, the annual Harvest Festival drawing crowds from every corner of the town. Streets overflowed with activity, lined with all sorts of market stalls. Even people from the outskirts had come to watch the magical parade, boosting the town's economy and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Kael and Kana were strolling through the bustling streets. Kana was in high spirits, determined to win first place in the festival's contest, and carefully examining every possible outfit.
"Kael, which one looks better, this one or this one?"
Kana held up two dresses she had spotted in the shop window. After having the attendant bring them out, she tried each on, beaming, and turned to Kael for his opinion.
"Well… obviously, you look amazing. Whatever you wear, you'll look great!" Kael replied without hesitation. His words made Kana beam even brighter, and she immediately instructed the attendant to wrap up the dress.
Watching Kana's excitement as she tried on clothes, Kael turned his gaze across the vibrant street—and froze slightly as he spotted Lucy sprinting toward them.
"Ah! The Fairy Tail Miss contest is starting! My rent… I'm coming…"
"Wow, Lucy really is dedicated," Kael chuckled softly, then turned back to Kana in the shop. "Kana, the contest is starting!"
"Oh, okay, okay! Let's go!"
Inside the Guild Hall…
Kael and Kana arrived just in time for the start of the competition. Kana headed backstage to change, while Kael took a seat beside Laxus.
"Hello, everyone! Thanks for waiting!"
"The beautiful fairies compete for glory—let the Fairy Miss contest begin! I, Marcos, the Sand Mage, will be your host today."
"Yeah! Let's go!"
The audience erupted into cheers at just Marcos' opening lines, urging him to start the contest.
"Hey, Laxus, this isn't like you! You've gotten lazier lately, not actively taking on work!" Kael asked, glancing at Laxus, who had been lingering in the guild hall. Previously, Laxus had been a workaholic, always taking on S-class missions with the Thunder God squad. But since the last battle with the phantom fiend, he hadn't left the guild much.
"You'll see soon enough," Laxus said, glancing at Kael with one eye before returning his attention to the stage.
Kael wasn't entirely sure what Laxus was planning, but one thing was clear: no internal conflicts would happen in Fairy Tail again. Laxus had changed—a little more tsundere now, but he still cared deeply for his guildmates.
"The first contestant is… a stunning beauty with exotic charm—Kana Alberona!"
Kana appeared on stage in full regalia, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Her popularity was still sky-high.
"Now, for the magical demonstration!" Marcos announced, holding the microphone.
Kana drew a stack of cards, tossing them into the air. Using her magic, she enveloped herself in a glowing aura. In an instant, she appeared in leather armor, wielding a massive stone slab. Amid gasps from the audience, she smashed it repeatedly into powder, her icy glare captivating the crowd. Some spectators even shot sympathetic looks at Kael.
Even Laxus gave Kael a look that said, "You're impressive."
Kael could only shake his head in amusement.
Backstage, Lucy peeked from behind the curtain, shocked. "Wow… she's a tough competitor. My rent!"
"Yeah… this is tricky. Should I change my outfit?" Erza whispered to Lucy, both carefully observing the stage, preparing their own strategies.
"The next contestant is a newcomer, but extremely talented—the ever-graceful water girl, Juvia Lockser!"
Juvia waved at the crowd, her gaze lingering on Gray. "Gray-sama, this is my passion for you!"
Transforming her body into flowing water, she twirled onto the stage in a swimsuit, sending the audience into a frenzy. Backstage, Lucy fumed. "Juvia, using seduction to win hearts… I won't lose!"
Erza silently nodded, her resolve firm. She would also break from tradition and show a new side of herself to dominate this contest.
"Next up, the trio—known as magical sirens: Mira, Lisanna, and Liza!"
"Lisanna, Liza, over here!"
"Mira, this outfit suits you perfectly!"
The sisters took the stage, and the crowd erupted in anticipation. Their magical transformation enveloped them in glowing beast-eared outfits, sending the audience into a frenzy. Kael noticed Laxus staring intensely at Mira, his eyes unusually fiery.
"Finally, the guild's Fairy Queen—Erza!"
Erza flipped gracefully from backstage to center stage, the glow of her transformation magic revealing a gothic lolita outfit. Some spectators were taken aback by the sudden change, while other female guild members followed, showcasing their magical prowess and strengths.
Lucy, aiming to win, swapped into a bunny-girl outfit, combining it with assistance from her Celestial Spirits. She had no intention of holding back.
"Princess, punish me harshly!"
When Virgo appeared, bound but calm, handing Lucy her whip, Lucy nearly lost it backstage.
The contest concluded amid loud cheers, with members excitedly casting their votes for the contestants they admired most.
Meanwhile, Laxus and Kael were summoned by the Guild Master to a private room. A new mission had been assigned, and the Fairy Tail guild would need to dispatch mages to handle it.
...
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