— — — — — —
Kazuma's goal was simple: he wanted to make sure that the things he desired and the people he cared about would never be harmed in any way. And the only way to do that was to become stronger.
He'd watched the Fairy Tail anime — and a lot of other animes — and he knew all too well how easily someone could lose the people they loved.
"..."
Mira stared at him, speechless. It was the first time she truly understood why Kazuma pushed himself so hard.
And for a fleeting moment, she wondered—if she had been stronger back then, would Lisanna still be alive? Could she have protected everyone she loved?
But she quickly shook the thought away.
"No wonder people call you the Tyrant," she said with a faint, bitter smile. "They say nicknames always hold some truth, huh?"
"You're so arrogant you think the world should bend to your will. But what if you meet something you can't beat? What if your pride gets someone hurt?"
Her voice rose slightly, trembling with emotion. The memories she tried so hard to bury clawed their way back up. For once, the ever-smiling Mira couldn't hide her pain.
"At least I'll have tried," Kazuma replied firmly. "Right or wrong, you only find out by doing it. I'd rather make mistakes than do nothing."
He stood, looking down at her. His eyes were sharp, his presence fierce.
"You really are full of yourself," Mira said, puffing out her cheeks. She was actually upset—truly upset. Ever since Lisanna's death, she'd hidden behind her smiles. Even when the guild members accidentally hurt her, she never showed anger. But this time... this time, she couldn't hold it back.
Kazuma laughed loudly and sat back down. "If youth isn't reckless, what's the point of being young?"
"By the time I'm as old as that geezer Makarov, it'll be too late to go chasing dreams."
"Hmph. I bet you'll be bald by then," Mira shot back.
"Don't curse me like that! Look—my hair's thick and healthy!" Kazuma ran his hand through it quickly, then frowned. "...Though I have been shedding a bit lately. That's not a bad omen, right?"
"Just finish your food," Mira sighed, rolling her eyes. "Then go home and get some real sleep."
"I'll just crash here," Kazuma said casually. "Plenty of tables to nap on, and I've got work tomorrow anyway."
He had an apartment somewhere, but he hadn't been back in ages. There wasn't anyone waiting for him there. Whether he slept at home or in the guild didn't really matter.
"No way," Mira said firmly. "If you don't rest properly, I'm not finding you any missions tomorrow. You'll just wear yourself out at this rate."
Despite her scolding tone, worry lingered in her voice.
"Alright, alright. Thanks, Mom," he teased lightly. "I'll go."
After finishing the meal—and the snacks Mira had been hiding behind the counter—Kazuma got up to leave.
But just as he reached the door, he paused and turned back. His voice was quiet, but his gaze was steady.
"Mira, when I said I'd protect the people I care about—you're one of them. If you're ever in danger, I'll be the first one there."
Then he left.
Outside, rain still poured from the dark sky. He didn't bother with an umbrella. A bit of rain was nothing to someone like him.
...
"That idiot…" Mira muttered, pouting slightly. "Acts so tough one second, then says something like that the next."
She couldn't stop herself from smiling though.
As she cleaned up the dishes, her thoughts drifted back to the past—to that day with Lisanna.
If Kazuma had joined Fairy Tail earlier...Would he have been there to save her? Would things have turned out differently?
She knew the past couldn't be changed. But his words still warmed her heart, easing a pain she thought would never fade.
"Yeah," she whispered, smiling softly. "Fairy Tail really is the best guild there is."
She stacked the plates neatly, already thinking about what new dish to make tomorrow—something special for him to try.
Meanwhile, Kazuma finally returned to his small apartment. He changed clothes, lay down on the bed, and closed his eyes.
A crisp ding echoed in his mind.
[New Cross-World Request Received]
[Client: Miko Yotsuya]
[Request: "Please... help me deal with this crisis!"]
[Description: "G-God, please help me! Every day I see horrible, terrifying things... I'm so scared, I can't take it anymore!"]
[Reward: 100 Mission Points]
[Accept this request?]
---
"Oh? A system mission? That's rare."
"And of course, I accept the mission."
Kazuma didn't even hesitate. A mission was a mission—of course he'd take it.
"Miko Yotsuya… that name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before... Which anime was it? Hmm—"
Before he could finish the thought, his surroundings warped.
...
..
[You reached the world.]
"Huh?"
Kazuma looked up to see that Fairy Tail's Night turned to day.
And standing right in front of him was a beautiful girl with long black hair, her eyes trembling with tears she was desperately trying to hide.
"Can you see me?"
Behind the girl loomed something monstrous—its voice a horrible whisper, gurgling over and over.
"You saw me. You saw me, didn't you?"
.
.
.