Whether it was Eisenwald's Erigor or the Heartfilia Konzern's Jude, Roland had some impression of both.
But for the two of them to meet...
"Cana, is there any more detailed information on your side?"
Roland leaned back in his seat with a strange expression and couldn't help but ask.
One was the guild master of a dark guild, and the other was the boss of a railway company Konzern.
Really, he couldn't see how the two of them could have any connection.
"Unfortunately, the client didn't reveal any more details." Cana first shrugged, then continued, "But, to be targeted by that Shinigami who only takes on assassination-type missions, he's probably had a bounty put on him."
"Erigor?"
Roland turned to look at the scenery flying past the window, then pinched his chin thoughtfully.
His only impression of Eisenwald was their attempt to assassinate the many guild masters attending the conference with Lullaby... although they failed in the end.
"Don't underestimate Erigor. When Eisenwald was a legal guild, that guy was a true S-Class Mage—"
Here, Cana added in a serious tone, "If you hadn't joined, I absolutely would not have taken this mission."
She had self-awareness. After all, she had failed to be promoted to S-Class for three consecutive years. With her strength, it was impossible for her to win against Erigor.
But with Roland, it was different.
He was the strongest newcomer who had defeated Laxus and Erza fair and square!
At this, Cana propped her chin on one hand, her eyes fixed on him without blinking, the corners of her lips slowly turning up.
This is great. My lifelong wish is about to be realized.
"..."
Noticing her gaze, Roland couldn't help but meet it. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere fell into a brief silence.
At this time, the only sound in their ears was the clattering of the train on the tracks, mixed with the lively conversations of the passengers.
Their gazes met. In less than half a minute, Cana unnaturally averted her gaze, her face faintly hot.
The moment their eyes met just now, she suddenly had the urge to hold him in her arms, and the thought of falling in love with him also appeared in her mind.
Ahem... what am I thinking?
Cana coughed lightly, suppressing the strange feeling in her heart and forcing herself to calm down.
"Want some breakfast?" Seeing her turn her head away, Roland chuckled lightly, then took out the Gourmet Tablecloth. "I happen to have a pretty good item here."
"The tablecloth that can conjure up delicious food out of thin air..."
Looking at the checkered tablecloth, Cana raised her long, slender eyebrows. She had some impression of this item.
When Natsu and Happy had no money for food, they often borrowed it from Roland—over time, the members of the guild all came to know of this strange item's existence.
"Is there anything you want to eat?" Roland asked with a smile after laying it out. "It can generate anything from desserts to main courses."
"Then... a bottle of red wine?"
As her voice fell, a bottle of red wine appeared out of thin air on the Gourmet Tablecloth. This scene made Cana's eyes widen.
"It really appeared! Does this item have no usage restrictions?"
"No, all the food is available in unlimited quantities."
"Eh!?" An incredulous sound came from Cana's mouth.
Doesn't that mean, with this item in the future, she could drink as much as she wanted without worrying about money!
Damn it, I'm so envious all of a sudden.
Cana looked at the tablecloth in front of her with a longing heart, and a thought suddenly occurred to her.
If she could get Roland, wouldn't that mean she wouldn't even have to work and could enjoy all kinds of fine wine every day?
"Mmm The taste is no worse than the red wine in the guild!"
As her crimson lips took a small sip, the taste of the wine gradually spread in her mouth, causing Cana to involuntarily squint her eyes.
"Glad you like it."
Roland said with a smile.
The train, fueled by magic crystals, was faster than he had imagined. In just half an hour, they had arrived at their destination.
—Hargeon.
Unlike the inland town of Magnolia, Hargeon was a port city near the sea. Looking out at the sparkling sea, all one could see were various fishing boats.
Through the train window, Roland could even see several magnificent, giant cruise ships.
"Hmph~ How about it? The scenery in this city is nice, right?"
Just as they got off the train, Cana stretched comfortably, letting out a suggestive hum, and then asked with a beaming smile.
She had heard from Levy about Roland's history—a traveler from another continent, with Magnolia being his first stop.
So this should be Roland's first time in Hargeon.
"Indeed, it's more beautiful than I imagined..."
Roland nodded, his gaze curiously looking at the town.
The terrain of the city was undulating, with buildings of various heights situated neatly along the streets, with many slopes and roads leading in all directions.
Not far away was the vast, azure sea. A flock of seagulls circled at low altitude, letting out crisp cries.
Sunlight like crushed gold scattered on the sparkling sea, reflecting a dazzling and charming light...
After arriving, the next thing to do was to wait for the appointed time and then go to the merchant association.
Since the client had said to set off at noon, they could relax for the whole morning.
Cana's suggestion for this was to go to a tavern for a drink—completely unconcerned about her state when meeting the client in the afternoon.
"I'm begging you... let's find a restaurant to rest for a while."
Roland said helplessly.
Is this woman's mind full of nothing but drinking?
The two of them rested in a restaurant for a while, and soon, it was time to meet the client.
The meeting place was at a commercial hotel in the center of Hargeon.
But—
"Are you Mr. Jude?"
Looking at the short old man in a top hat in front of him, Roland raised an eyebrow and asked with feigned confusion.
He remembered that Lucy's father wasn't that old.
"I am Ede, Master Jude's butler, and also the client for this mission."
The hunched-over old man pushed up his glasses and bowed slightly.
He looked very gentlemanly and polite.
"The client? But isn't the name on the mission request Jude?"
Cana stood with one hand on her hip, holding the mission request up in front of him with the other as she couldn't help but ask.
"Please rest assured. My master has agreed to this mission. After a safe return, I will pay the remuneration as promised."
Ede said quickly.
After seeing their only potential enemy, Erigor, their guild was the only one that dared to take on the escort mission, so his attitude naturally had to be respectful.
Since there was no problem with the client, Cana didn't dwell on it any longer. As long as she got paid after completing the mission, it was fine.
On the way upstairs, Roland also learned the details of the matter from the butler.
Eisenwald's Erigor, for some unknown reason—
Learned that the boss of the Heartfilia Konzern was going to attend a meeting held by the merchant association in two days, and so was preparing to kidnap him on the way to make a hefty sum.
As for why the news of the kidnapping was leaked?
"Two days ago, thanks to the passing of some people from the council, my master was not kidnapped. So I took the liberty of posting the mission request..."
Recalling what had happened two days ago, Ede said with a sigh.
"Usually, my master has no dealings with those dark guilds. I don't know why that Eisenwald guy has gone crazy—it can't be that he's short of money!"
"..."
Roland followed behind, silent.
Eisenwald wasn't just short of money. In just three short days, he had earned over a hundred million from them. They were probably already bankrupt.
"If you ask me, it's most likely a bounty posted by a competitor."
Cana crossed her arms and walked alongside him, also casually speaking.
After all, assassination requests posted by such Konzerns in order to compete for benefits were too common in the dark guilds.
"..."
Ede shook his head and didn't reply.
This kind of thing was not something a butler by his master's side could discuss.
In the hotel living room.
As the magnificent door was pushed open, Roland saw the head of the Heartfilia Konzern as he wished.
Also Lucy's father—Jude Heartfilia.
The tall man sat behind a desk, his golden hair meticulously combed back, his expression very stern, giving off a strange sense of pressure.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Jude."
Roland greeted with a smile.
Cana beside him also greeted politely.
"Are you two the ones the guild sent to escort me?"
Looking at the young man who was no older than his daughter, Jude frowned slightly, clearly already dissatisfied.
He was being targeted by Erigor, yet that famous guild had sent two young members. Were they looking down on him?
"I spent nearly four million, and all I got were two kids?"
"Where are the S-Class Mages of your guild?"
Jude's face gradually darkened as he said in a displeased tone.
"Tsk... old man, this bit of reward isn't worth an S-Class mission." Cana retorted unhappily. "At the very least, you'd have to add another eight million."
"Alright, calm down first." Roland patted her shoulder, then said with a light laugh, "Mr. Jude, why don't you see my strength first, and then judge?"
"Don't worry, it won't take much time."
"Then don't waste any more time." Jude's gaze was fixed on Roland as he said in a deep voice, "Let me be clear, if you don't meet my expectations, please return."
"No problem, but my magic's destructive power is a little astonishing..."
Roland placed one hand on the long sword at his waist and said, hesitating.
"I will compensate for any damage you two cause."
Jude replied without even thinking.
Two kids who were no older than sixteen or seventeen, how much damage could their astonishingly destructive magic do?
"Then it's a deal—"
Under Cana's expectant gaze, Roland slowly recited.
"Enclose, Murciélago..."
Dark green Reiatsu shot into the sky. The clear sky was now piled with thick, dark clouds, and raindrops condensed from spirit particles poured down.
The scene outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was like the end of the world. The atmosphere of the entire town was filled with a heavy and oppressive feeling, making it difficult to breathe.
"..."
Jude's pupils widened as he looked at the demon with outstretched wings before him, his entire body trembling uncontrollably.
...Huh!?
The intense pressure made his mind go blank, and his body bent uncontrollably, as if submitting to a higher-dimensional being.
"To be honest, ever since my Resurrección, I've never used my full strength."
Roland extended his index finger and pointed at Jude's side. Dark green Reiatsu condensed at his fingertip, a gentle smile on his face.
"It just so happens that today, I'll let you see my strength."
Cero Oscuras—
The soaring Reiatsu shot out. The black Cero instantly annihilated the wall behind Jude, rushing toward the sky with unstoppable momentum.
The sky full of dark clouds was pierced through, and the bright sunlight once again poured down, finally falling from the now-empty wall.
It just so happened to fall on Jude.
"Do you have any questions now?" Roland slowly retracted his index finger and asked softly. "Mr. Jude."
"...No, I have no more questions."
After a long while, Jude slowly came back to his senses. He looked at the young man before him with shocked eyes and murmured in a trembling voice.
He could clearly feel his back covered in a layer of cold sweat, which had long since soaked his expensive suit.
Not just his upper body, but even his pants...
At this, Jude's eyes widened, and a bad feeling suddenly rose in his heart.
Impossible—
"Ro-Roland?"
At this time, Cana swallowed, looked at him with some disbelief, and called out cautiously.
This demon-like form is Roland's strength?
A thick black cloud covered the sky. The bright sunlight had long since disappeared, and a cold, oppressive atmosphere permeated Hargeon.
Many residents had noticed the sudden anomaly and were in a state of panic. The entire town was in an uproar for a moment.
"Sorry, I lost control of my power just now."
Roland stood in front of the huge window that had been annihilated into dust, looking down at the assembling soldiers below, the corners of his lips slightly curved.
Although he was apologizing, the pleased expression on his face showed not the slightest hint of remorse.
"According to our previous agreement, I'll leave the damages to this hotel to you, Mr. Jude."
"...I understand." Jude used a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his nose, suppressing the discomfort in his lower body. He turned to look at the equally stunned butler and said with feigned calmness, "Ede, go down and inquire about the price of compensation, and explain it to them."
"Yes, Master!"
Ede quickly replied.
"By the way, the Royal Army below is also yours to handle," Roland suddenly said, turning his head to remind him.
The Royal Army?
Jude's expression stiffened for a moment. He clearly hadn't expected his display of power just now to attract the soldiers.
But come to think of it, faced with a scene like a dark guild attacking, it wasn't strange that the Royal Army would come.
After the butler had finished compensating and explaining, about half an hour had passed.
During this time, Jude had left for a while on the grounds of physical inconvenience. It was unknown what he went to do.
"Hey, hey, was that Take Over magic you just used? It looks stronger than Mira's Satan Soul!!"
Cana sat next to Roland, her eyes shining as she looked at him, her delicate face flushed with excitement.
Although she knew this newcomer was strong, she had never seen his true strength.
Now that she had seen it, there was only one thought in the girl's mind.
It's a sure thing!
The S-Class Promotion Trial—as long as Guild Master Makarov doesn't place any restrictions on Roland, he will definitely be able to pass!
At this, Cana couldn't help but laugh out loud, her entire body swaying from side to side on the sofa.
"Something like that. Hmm... you can understand it as Take Over magic."
Roland held a cup of hot tea in his hand, took a leisurely sip, and said with a light laugh.
"Ah, you didn't see that client's expression—" Cana wrapped her arm around his shoulder and said with a laugh, "After seeing your strength, he was so scared he didn't even dare to move!"
Not only did he not dare to move, he probably even wet his pants.
"Even that annoying expression of his instantly became respectful. It felt so good!"
"..."
Jude, who had been handling matters, came back and happened to hear the girl's remarks, causing a vein to pop on his forehead.
Endure it. Don't stoop to the level of a little girl who hasn't seen the world.
He expressionlessly passed by Cana, his gaze on Roland as he asked in a steady voice, "How about we set off now?"
Generally speaking, the departure time was decided by the client, but considering this guy's strength... it was better to ask.
"You're the employer, so of course, you decide."
Roland stood up and said very politely.
"Then let's set off. The destination is the Royal Capital's merchant association. I'll need an escort for the round trip." Jude paused, then continued, "After the request is completed, I will send the money to you."
"I have no problem."
"Me too!"
After leaving Hargeon, the clear sky reappeared.
Outside the city, on a suburban path.
A carriage traveled on the wide field. All around was an endless expanse of grass. A gentle breeze blew, and the green blades of grass rippled like a green ocean.
"The scenery here is nice."
Roland looked at the picturesque scenery outside the carriage window and sighed softly.
Whether it was Magnolia or Hargeon, he had never seen such beautiful scenery—of course, there was also the dream-like Edolas.
"Yawn, what's so good about grass..."
Cana glanced at it, then turned her head away with disinterest and continued to read the entertainment magazine she had brought.
If I have time to look at the scenery, I might as well read a magazine.
Jude, the client, sat opposite, his eyes closed in meditation, not saying a word.
Considering that taking the train might lead to a large number of unrelated people being injured, he had chosen the more stable carriage, preparing to move slowly along the small path.
"..."
A woman who doesn't appreciate beauty.
Looking at the girl who was boredly flipping through a magazine, Roland shook his head, then checked the missions that had refreshed today.
[Today's Missions have been refreshed:]
[Mission One: I will be a photographer!]
[Mission Description: A wonderful journey can't be without records. Take a camera and capture the beautiful scenery of the other world!]
[Mission Reward: Chika Fujiwara's Special Board Game (from the world of "Kaguya-sama: Love Is War")]
"What is this..."
The corner of Roland's eye twitched slightly, and after a long while, he sighed.
He had no desire to be a photographer.
Sure enough, most of the rewards from the daily missions were meaningless.
[Mission Two: My Forces!]
[Mission Description: In another world, how can you not form your own forces? Please subdue an S-Class Mage-level subordinate!]
[Mission Reward: Heart-Calling Machine (from the world of "Doraemon")]
It's appeared!
Seeing the mission and reward this time, Roland's eyes flashed, and his heart couldn't help but be moved.
The Heart-Calling Machine—if he remembered correctly, this item could summon anything with a soul in the form of a spirit.
It was just what he needed.
"Moon Drip and Ultear..."
Recalling that tragic mother and daughter, Roland pinched his chin. He had to have this reward.
[Mission Three: Even a Cat is Fine!]
[Mission Description: Welcome to the romance section. Please go to Cait Shelter to meet and fall in love with Charles!]
[Mission Reward: Hiraikotsu (from the world of "Inuyasha")]
"..."
Roland covered his face, really not knowing what to say.
It would be fine if the target were Wendy... why did it have to be a white cat? Although Charles can indeed turn into a cat girl later on, her main body is just a cat! This romance template is too beastly!
The sound of the wheels rolling echoed in everyone's ears. After closing the mission panel, Roland leaned against the carriage window and admired the scenery.
He was trying to forget the last mission.
If he really chose to do this mission, wouldn't he become Happy's love rival?
No, not that!
"Oh my, I didn't expect anyone to dare to show up—how interesting."
At that moment, a strong wind suddenly blew outside the carriage window, and an arrogant voice came from the sky, falling into the ears of the three people in the carriage.
"Erigor..."
Jude's pupils shrank, but with the demon beside him, his tense body gradually relaxed.
With the stronger Roland here, dealing with Erigor—shouldn't be a problem, right?
"Don't worry, leave the rest to me."
Roland propped his chin on one hand and looked up at the sky with great interest. Soon, he saw the figure floating in mid-air.
A head of white, spiky hair, a muscular upper body with dark purple tattoos on his chest and under his eyes, his hands wrapped in bandages, and a giant scythe on his shoulder.
Shinigami—Erigor.
Currently also the guild master of the dark guild, Eisenwald.
"So, you've hired people."
Erigor floated in mid-air, looking down at the carriage with contempt. He also noticed Roland looking at him and couldn't help but sneer.
He looks to be only fifteen or sixteen—is the old man looking down on me?
"Erigor is here... Roland, do you need my help?"
Cana put down her magazine and turned her head to ask.
"No need, I'm enough."
Roland shook his head, then pushed open the carriage door and got out. His gaze swept past Erigor in mid-air and looked at the bright sun behind him.
It's noon... then I'll use Ulquiorra's power.
Feeling the sun magic in his body gradually dissipating, Roland thought for a moment and said to himself.
"Brat, I advise you not to meddle in other people's business, otherwise—" Erigor's lips slowly curled into an arrogant smile. "You might die."
As his voice fell, the giant scythe in his hand suddenly swung down diagonally, and several wind blades rose from the ground, rushing forward with unstoppable force.
Wind magic...
Faced with the aggressive wind blades, Roland didn't dodge, just pressed his left hand on the long sword at his waist.
Boom!!
The hurricane descended, a whistling sound in his ears. The wind blades all landed on Roland's position without exception, turning into a chaotic airflow that rushed in all directions.
The surrounding dirt flew everywhere, and several deep gashes appeared on the ground, as if they had been cut by a sharp blade.
Dust instantly filled the air, and the scattered blades of grass flew with the wind, making it difficult to see the situation clearly.
"Ha, an overconfident brat."
Erigor uninterestingly retracted his gaze and slowly floated toward the carriage not far away, preparing to take Jude away first.
After all, mages relied on magic to fight, which led to their bodies being very fragile. A single hit from a wind blade could almost cut their body in half.
Let alone taking so many wind blades head-on. It would be a wonder if his corpse remained intact.
"To be honest, I don't think I should use my Resurrección to deal with you, because that would be overestimating you."
A familiar voice gradually came, causing Erigor to be stunned for a moment, and he quickly turned his head to look.
Under his surprised gaze, Roland stood there, completely unharmed, not even a single tear on his clothes.
It was as if the attack just now had no effect on him.
How could this brat block it all... is it because of his own magic?
Erigor's expression became a little more serious. He slowly landed on the ground, thinking to himself.
"But considering I have a mission to do, I'll let you see it once—my second stage Resurrección."
Roland unhurriedly drew his long sword.
The next moment, the long sword in his hand gradually turned to dust and dissipated. An immense Reiatsu instantly pressed down in all directions, and the symbolic dark green raindrops fell again.
First stage Resurrección.
"—!?"
Erigor looked in disbelief at the winged demon, who was like a different person from just now. His mouth opened slightly, but he couldn't make a sound.
He unconsciously tightened his grip on the giant scythe in his hand. At this moment, he felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.
More terrifying than any enemy he had ever met—just the aura he was leaking made it impossible for him to even move.
"Now is not the time to give up... stay conscious."
Looking at his gradually dulling eyes, Roland's gaze lowered, and the dark green tear marks on his cheeks gradually turned pitch black.
Not enough—this form is not my limit.
"And welcome true despair."
The tyrannical Reiatsu that erupted from his body rose to another level. A blast wave surged out from Roland as the center.
Gravel and weeds floated up, crushed to dust in the erupting Reiatsu.
The clothes on his body disappeared, replaced by black fur that covered his legs and finally stopped at his waist. Only a pair of bone-white horns remained on his head.
At the same time, the Hollow Hole on his chest expanded again, and pitch-black marks, like blood flowing from the hole, were branded on his body.
"Second stage Resurrección. You're the first to see this form."
The bat-like tail whipped through the air, creating a sonic boom. Roland felt the immense power in his body and said softly.
Whether it was Mirajane or Levy, he had never shown this form in front of anyone else.
At the same time, a thick, heavy feeling, as if the sea were pressing down on the sky, appeared in the hearts of everyone present.
It wasn't an illusion...
Cana clutched her chest, feeling as if she could hardly breathe, and her face turned as red as if she were drunk.
Jude's condition was no better. He held onto the carriage window for dear life, barely managing not to collapse to the ground.
As for Erigor—the one being slightly targeted.
At this time, he was already covered in cold sweat, his pupils had lost focus, and he was kneeling on the ground in a daze.
"So now you have two choices—"
Roland instantly appeared beside him, then squatted down and asked softly.
"Submission or death?"
"..."