"The First of a New Era in the Magic World: 'Sage' Kira"
"'Demon' Mirajane Returns to the Magic World"
"Mind-Blowing Illusion Magic: The Most Mysterious Mage of Fairy Tail, the Man Named Mystogan"
"A Look at the Prestige of Fiore's Top Magic Guild: Just How Strong Are 'Fire Dragon' Natsu, 'Ice Warrior' Gray, 'Summoner' Cana, and 'Dark Knight' Freed?"
The magic newspapers were buzzing with headlines like these, each one more eye-catching than the last. In no time, the entire Fiore Kingdom was talking about Fairy Tail and the Grand Magic Games! The dazzling magical battles, innovative rules, and powerful mages had everyone hooked. The excitement even pushed the royal family to take the establishment of their Magic Guard more seriously—and sparked their interest in hosting their own Grand Magic Games.
If a single magic guild can pull it off, surely the royal family of Fiore can do it too, right?
The buzz around Fairy Tail's Grand Magic Games spread like wildfire. After hitting the headlines, it wasn't long before the guild's fame skyrocketed across the kingdom. From Mirajane and Mystogan to Macao and Bisca, everyone's name was on people's lips. But the one whose fame soared the highest? The tournament's champion, Kira.
From that day on, every citizen in Magnolia knew Kira' name. Though, some gave him odd looks, which he suspected was due to Dispel stirring up trouble behind his back. Too bad he had no proof.
Three days after the Harvest Festival, a letter arrived at Kira' Hope Cottage.
"A letter? People still send me letters in this day and age?" Kira had just returned from the guild and pulled the envelope from his mailbox, brimming with curiosity and excitement. "This might be the first letter I've gotten in forever. Who could it be from?"
Back inside, he eagerly opened the envelope, a pleasant scent of paper and ink wafting out. Inside was a letter and what looked like a card—no, an invitation.
"Fancy paper like this? Who's sending me an invitation? Don't tell me it's the King of Fiore looking to marry off his daughter… No, wait, the princess is way too young for that…"
The letter was exquisitely crafted, and Kira could tell just by touching it that it was made from cedarwood paper—a high-quality material used only for invitations from the elite, like the royal family or the Magic Council. Regular nobles or wealthy folks weren't allowed to use it, which made Kira suspicious.
He spread the letter on the table and read:
Dear Mr. Kira Hoplight,
We have heard of your reputation as one of the foremost mages of Fiore's younger generation, with exceptional magical prowess, youthful talent, and noble character… Your contributions to the magic world are indelible.
Magic education is an essential part of our world, and providing elite training and fostering a proper understanding of magic for gifted children is the responsibility of every magic academy…
In light of this, Demisour Magic Academy is preparing to launch its new enrollment season this September, and we cordially invite Mr. Hoplight…
At this point, Kira, who'd been lounging in his rocking chair, jolted upright like a startled fish. "What?! Demisour Magic Academy?!"
Demisour Magic Academy was Fiore's most prestigious magic school, funded by both the royal family and the Magic Council, boasting an unparalleled faculty. The academy had a long history, with rumors suggesting its origins dated back centuries. Kira couldn't help but wonder, recalling that in the manga, Zeref had studied at a magic academy as a child.
Whether it was the same one or not, if the rumors were true, an academy that survived the Dragon King Festival would have an incredible legacy.
But… I'm already this strong. Going there to study? That's a bit awkward, isn't it?
"Why didn't they invite me back then? I'm way past the age to show off at an academy. What do they want me for? To play the fool and mess around?"
Kira kept reading.
…We cordially invite Mr. Hoplight to attend our enrollment ceremony, to serve as an inspiring example for the future geniuses of the magic world.
"Okay, my bad! It's not about enrolling me. Makes sense…"
Kira slumped back in his chair, relieved. They were inviting him as a guest to the enrollment ceremony, not as a student. Clearly, they knew he wasn't a fit for that.
But then, a wave of disappointment hit him.
"Damn it! With my magical talent, I should've had an epic academy life, strutting my stuff! Why didn't they invite me to enroll back then?!"
The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he got.
Furthermore, we hope you will share your passion for education by giving a speech and teaching a one-month magic course for the children.
"What?! They're asking me to do grunt work?!"
Demisour Magic Academy recruited students every year, targeting kids aged 6 to 12 with magical talent. The entrance exams were brutal, and only the best of the best made it through. These prodigies would study at the academy for years, but the duration varied. Less gifted kids might get kicked out after a year or two, while the truly talented could stay for four or five years. The most exceptional, starting young, might even stay for eight or nine years, though never more than ten.
Kira had heard from Jura and Ivan that the academy occasionally invited famous mages to teach special classes. The letter's mention of a month-long teaching gig was likely that.
"Hmph! They didn't come looking for me when I needed it, but now they want my help? I'm not going…"
His grumbling trailed off as his eyes caught the last few lines of the letter.
If you accept this invitation to speak and teach, we will compensate you with 1,000,000 J. You may also bring any talented children you know to the event.
Kira' jaw dropped. "Well, damn! No wonder they're backed by the kingdom and the Council. That's some serious cash! 1,000,000 J is about what you'd get for winning the Fairy Tail tournament."
In the magic world, being invited as a guest to Demisour's enrollment ceremony was a huge honor, a testament to one's status. Most mages would jump at the chance, money or no money. But Kira? He had principles.
Simple ones: Pay me, I go. No pay, no way.
"Since they're so sincere, I guess I'll make the trip."
Not just to find a home for that 1,000,000 J, of course. It was about supporting magic education.
After mulling it over, Kira grabbed the letter and invitation and headed out to find Makarov.
"Better safe than sorry. I'll check with the Master to make sure this invite's legit. What if it's someone's prank?"
Half an hour later, Kira left Makarov's place. The old man had confirmed the letter and invitation were real.
"Just as I thought. The Master's been invited before too. Since it's legit, I should start thinking about who to bring…"
The invitation allowed him to bring kids who fit the criteria—6 to 12 years old with magical talent. Kira wasn't about to pass that up. But who to choose?
"Looks like I'll have to pick from the orphanage…"
Back at Hope Cottage, Kira wrote down the names of all the kids he knew from the orphanage, carefully considering their magical talents and crossing names off one by one.
"This one's got a bad attitude—wouldn't want them embarrassing me. This one's too old… This one's too young…"
In the end, amid a mess of scratched-out names, only three remained.
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