Internet Magic in Fairy Tail

That afternoon, Nate used what little money he had left to buy a map and confirm the location of Galuna Island. Since the island was overseas, he first had to take the magic train to the port city of Hargeon and then board a ship to Galuna Island.

Although the journey wasn't too far, unfortunately for Nate, his wallet was nearly empty, leaving him with less than 1,000J.

At precisely 1:00 p.m., Nate passed through the ticket gate and boarded the train for his journey.

In the world of Fairy Tail, magic technology relied on magic power and lacrimas. The magic train wasn't as fast as a high-speed rail, but it was much quicker than a regular train. It was expected to arrive around 7 or 8 p.m.

Nate found his seat and, as usual, preferred sitting by the window. The journey would be long, and he didn't bring much luggage, just a magic book.

There weren't many passengers in his carriage, just a dozen or so people. Nate wondered if they could even make back the operating costs or if lacrimas, as an energy source, were cheaper than he thought.

Pulling his gaze back, Nate opened the magic book, quietly reading during the journey. It was a book on "photography" magic, explaining the principles of the magic in detail, as well as how to learn it. It wasn't too complicated—certainly not as difficult as advanced mathematics.

Math—if you don't get it, you just don't get it. If it doesn't make sense, it's like listening to a foreign language.

This magic book, however, was much simpler. Nate could understand it without anyone needing to explain it to him.

Engrossed in the book, Nate didn't notice when the train slowly began to move.

Suddenly, the ring on his finger flashed for a brief moment. Someone had sent him a private message.

He infused a bit of magic into the ring, and a semi-transparent interface appeared before his eyes.

The Departing Traveler: Nate!!

The Departing Traveler: Are you doing the S-Class mission from the second floor?

The Departing Traveler: I heard from the Master. Are you out of your mind!?

As expected, it was Mirajane. After all, she was his only friend.

Nate smiled slightly. What a kind and gentle girl.

Sigma Male: Thanks for worrying. I'm really strong.

Mirajane responded almost instantly.

The Departing Traveler: I know you've mastered a second magic already! The guild members said it's Super Magic!

The Departing Traveler: You didn't even tell me yesterday...

The Departing Traveler: But strength doesn't matter. S-Class missions are extremely dangerous. Please be careful!

The Departing Traveler: Oh, by the way, the Master is secretly following you. If you're in danger, just call out for help.

Makarov had no idea that Mirajane had ratted him out.

Nate was stunned for a moment, surprised that Makarov would follow him. He felt a little touched. He looked around the train carriage but didn't spot him.

Well, Makarov was one of the Ten Wizard Saints, so it wouldn't be easy for Nate to detect him.

Sigma Male: Don't worry. If I run into trouble, I'll call for the Master.

The Departing Traveler: You're unbelievable... Don't be reckless like this again, okay?

Then, Nate saw a notification.

The Departing Traveler invites you to join the chat group "Fairy Tail Bonds of Love." Accept?

Huh? They've already created a chat group?

He accepted immediately. As soon as he entered, the chat messages flowed like a waterfall.

Macao: Did Nate really take an S-Class mission?

Buy Me a Drink: That's what the waitress said.

Faster Than Anyone: A test from the Master? Even if he has Super Magic, jumping straight into an S-Class mission seems too aggressive.

What to Draw Today: I feel like there's something between Nate and Mirajane… Did anyone else notice? I don't need to explain the significance of giving someone a ring, right?

Dance with Me: But he gave a ring to everyone. What are you trying to say, Reedus?

What to Draw Today: Call me by my nickname online, you idiot.

And then the conversation veered off course.

Nate was speechless. Humans really love gossip, and it seems mages were no different.

The Departing Traveler: Stop making things up. You're going to cause trouble for Nate. The rings are just magic items to access the Internet.

The Departing Traveler: I still have over 20 rings left. Anyone who hasn't gotten one can come to me to collect theirs. They're from Nate, so be sure to thank him!

Wakaba: Our guild waitress is in a hurry. Smirk.jpg

The Departing Traveler: Wakaba, I'll tell your wife you've been smoking again. Smile.jpg

Wakaba: I'm sorry, Mirajane-sama!

Macao: Speaking of, the Galuna Island mission goes through Hargeon, right? Yesterday morning, Natsu asked me about the Fire Dragon. I heard the Fire Dragon appeared in Hargeon, so he went there.

Macao: They might even run into each other.

Nate, who had been quietly reading, raised an eyebrow. Natsu in Hargeon? A Fire Dragon?

Could this be the opening scene of the storyline?

At that moment, Mirajane sent him another private message.

The Departing Traveler: Sorry, Nate. Don't mind what they're saying in the group.

Sigma Male: I mind very much. It'll take five meals to make it up to me. Doghead.jpg

Seeing the first sentence, Mirajane was startled. After reading the second part, she rolled her eyes.

Sitting behind the bar at the guild, she quickly typed a reply.

The Departing Traveler: Come back safe, and I'll treat you to the best meal. Smile.jpg

These people were learning quickly; they were already using emojis like pros.

Nate responded with a "pinky promise" emoji and then set the conversation aside. Ignoring the gossip in the chat group, he went back to his book.

Magic was far more interesting to him.

...

At 7 p.m., the train finally arrived in Hargeon. Nate, holding his magic book, slowly walked out of the station. The port city at night was brightly lit.

"It's already late, so there probably aren't any ships to Galuna Island tonight. I'll have to wait until tomorrow."

Nate patted his pocket. After buying the map and the ticket, he had a little over 3,000J left.

So, where would he stay tonight?

Wait, forget about where to stay—what about dinner?

He should've asked Mirajane to pack him a bento for lunch.

"Poor planning."

As he walked through the city at night, Nate pondered how to gracefully get a free meal. Could he perform some magic to cover the cost of dinner?

Paying was out of the question; freeloading was the only way he could survive.

He soon entered a restaurant that looked pretty nice. Finding a table, Nate had just sat down when he noticed a tuft of pink hair and a blue-skinned cat at the next table.

A person and a cat were happily feasting on a large dinner.

Nate whispered softly:

"Igneel."

Suddenly, the activity at the next table froze.

Natsu, with a piece of meat still in his mouth, asked, "Happy, did you hear 'Igneel'?"

"Aye, I heard it."

The blue cat replied indistinctly, munching on a fish.

"Must've been my imagination."

Natsu went back to devouring his meal.

A figure sat down across from them.

"Good evening, you two."

Nate smiled. "Want to know where Igneel is? Treat me to dinner."

Score! Another free meal!

Natsu and Happy looked up in unison.

"Who are you?"

"You mentioned Igneel?"

Nate casually removed his left glove and held out his hand to them.

On the back of his hand was a blue guild emblem.

"I'm Nate, a mage of Fairy Tail. Nice to meet you, Natsu, Happy."