"Ahaha..."
Hearing Chase's introduction, which completely lacked any goodwill, Lucy's vision immediately went dark.
Who introduces their own companion as "that one" and "pathetically weak"?
"Stupid" was even more rude!
The most painful part was that she couldn't even refute...
Bro Chase, I'm glad you want to help ease the atmosphere, but I don't like the way you said that!
As she bitterly complained internally, Dark Magician across from her slightly, uncrossed his arms, and slowly walked over to greet her.
"Hello. I am Dark Magician."
"H-hello. I'm Lucy."
Lucy's mouth twitched as she struggled forced an awkward smile.
So brief!
Definitely not the type of person I'm good at dealing with...
"I heard from Master just now. The magic you use summons Celestial Spirits from another world, correct?"
"As summoning magic, it's similar to Master's—the user's magical power is of utmost importance."
"Besides that, your physical constitution, the speed of opening the gate, the choice of which spirit to summon in battle—all are key factors influencing the outcome."
Dark Magician rested his chin on his hand, briefly analyzed, then looked seriously at Lucy. "May I first see your Celestial Spirit magic?"
Huh?
Th-this is getting straight to the point?
Lucy blinked, standing there somewhat bewildered.
Just moments ago, she'd been wondering what lighthearted topics to use to eliminate that damn sense of distance.
She never imagined that for Dark Magician, that sense of distance didn't exist at all!
She'd worried for nothing...
"Yes! Mr. Dark Magician!"
The invisible sense of oppression made Lucy involuntarily stand up straight, even adding a respectful title.
But when she looked down at the Celestial Spirit keys hanging at her waist, she inevitably fell into thought, tangled about which spirit to use for the demonstration.
Virgo?
Seeing the staff in Dark Magician's hand, she'd probably say something strange on the spot.
Taurus?
Better forget the perverted cow...
Plue?
That would be more about being cute than demonstrating—might make him think I'm here to be comic relief.
Aquarius?
Lucy's mind immediately conjured Aquarius's explosive expression, like she'd hit menopause.
Absolutely not her!
After tearing that mental image to shreds, Lucy's eyes lit up as she finally found the most suitable spirit.
"Open! Gate of the Clock! Horologium!"
The silver key spun between her fingertips, and a magic array ignited.
With a flash of light and a "ding-dong," Horologium appeared—an old-fashioned clock shape with slender black arms and legs.
Horologium, huh?
Chase observes carefully with interest.
Although just a silver key, with its invincible damage immunity, Horologium had always held a place among the "strongest Celestial Spirits."
But Lucy obviously didn't think that way. The reason she'd chosen Horologium was probably because, as an veteran spirit, he possessed rich knowledge and a calm personality?
"Lady Lucy, it's 8:36 PM~"
The clock on Horologium's body gently swayed.
"Horologium, I didn't summon you to tell the time."
Lucy waved her hands in front of her chest, signaling him to read the room.
"Oh, on the Guiltina continent, it's 7:00 PM sharp~"
Lucy: "..." So embarrassing.
After some explanation, Horologium finally understood the situation and greeted Chase and the others.
Dark Magician quickly got into character, asking Horologium for more details about Celestial Spirit magic and having Lucy demonstrate several times.
Then, with decisive efficiency, he returned to the deck to quietly devise a targeted training plan.
Magical power was always Lucy's weak point. If they could increase it, even without forcibly opening a Second Origin, she'd qualify to learn Urano Metria—the legendary metamagic of the stars.
Further down the line, she might even be able to use Celestial Spirit Dress, channeling the power of her spirits!
By then, with Lucy reaching S-Class mage level, the cards she yielded definitely wouldn't be bad!
At this thought, an expectant smile involuntarily appeared on Chase's face.
"Ah! There it is again—Bro Chase's scary smile!"
Lucy, who had barely relaxed after Dark Magician left, instantly went on guard.
She really wanted to thank Bro Chase and Dark Magician Girl for their concern, but why did she inexplicitly sense a whiff of conspiracy?
"Yay! Teacher's finally gone."
Unlike Lucy's suspicion, Dark Magician Girl, who'd been sitting upright the entire time, heaved a huge sigh of relief and slumped onto the sofa like a pink blob of mud, completely lacking the image of a cute girl.
Lucy deeply empathized. Deciding not to worry about Chase, she plopped down on the sofa too.
After all, Bro Chase would never hurt her—at worst, she might get beaten up a bit~
Although they hadn't known each other long, she trusted him immensely... except when it came to sparring and possibly getting sent flying!
"By the way, I remember that Lullaby we encountered in Crocus was a demon from the Dark Mage Zeref's book, right?"
Lucy suddenly remembered something, her eyes widening. "Does that mean Mr. Dark Magician..."
"Don't overthink it. There's no connection between them." Chase took a sip of tea.
Actually, he couldn't blame Lucy. Even he, as a time traveler, found it quite coincidental.
Not only were their names highly similar, both had lived for ages, and both specialized in "Dark Magic" that could easily take lives!
He wondered if Dark Magician could crack the immortal curse of Ankhseram on Zeref?
He'd discussed this with Dark Magician long ago, but without seeing it with his own eyes, Dark Magician couldn't give a definite answer.
"I was startled when I heard that title too."
Dark Magician Girl lay on the coffee table, spinning a teacup with her slender fingers, her expression quite cute.
"I see..." Lucy sighed.
"Speaking of which, Lucy, I've actually wanted to ask you something since we first met." Chase suddenly spoke.
"Forget it—I'm never telling you my measurements!" Lucy immediately became vigilant.
"I told you, I'm not that interested."
Chase slowly set down his teacup, spread his hands, and dropped his relaxed expression.
Seeing this rare serious look, Lucy sensed this might really be a major issue and grew somewhat tense.
Sure enough, the next words out of Chase's mouth struck her like lightning.
"On a commercial escort mission two years ago, I think I saw you."
"You're the young miss of the Heartfilia Konzern, famous throughout the Fiore Kingdom..."
"Lucy Heartfilia?"
***
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