When Chase arrived at Hargeon's port, he ran into Natsu and Lucy, who were in the middle of an argument.
Hearing they needed to take a boat to Galuna Island, Natsu strongly resisted and proposed they "just swim there."
This impractical idea was naturally met with Lucy's rebuttal and rant.
"Ahem. You two, who've violated guild rules, shouldn't you be prioritizing other issues—like punishment?"
The sudden voice startedled Lucy. "Chase?! Gray?! And Dark Magician Girl?!"
"The Master sent us."
Chase stepped forward, his expression extremely serious. "You've got some nerve, secretly taking an S-Class quest."
Uh oh! Busted already!
Lucy's heart raced. She shrank behind Natsu, feeling like a kid caught stealing from home by their parents.
"While there's still time to fix this, come back with us now. Otherwise, you could be expelled."
Gray's words terrified the guild rookie so much she barely dared to breathe.
"Chase, even you can't stop me! I'm finishing this quest and wiping that smug look off Laxus's face!"
Unlike Lucy, Natsu was far more tough, meeting Chase's gaze without fear.
As for Happy...
Sensing the situation, the traitor immediately defected, flying to Dark Magician Girl's shoulder to tattle.
"Chase! It wasn't my fault! Natsu and Lucy forced me to take the S-Class quest!"
Lucy: What a disloyal weathervane cat!!
Everyone's eyes fell on Chase. The atmosphere grew subtle.
"Natsu, according to guild rules, you're not qualified to take an S-Class quest."
Hearing this, Natsu's right fist instantly ignited, ready to fight.
Gray also positioned his hands at his waist, releasing waves of cold air.
Just as tension peaked, Chase suddenly changed his tune. "But... since you want to wipe the smile off Laxus's face, I've gotta help out."
Gray: "???"
"You mean Chase is coming with us on the quest?!" Lucy's eyes sparkled with surprise.
With Chase around, a cursed island, demons, monsters—nothing sounded scary anymore!
That Zodiac key was practically in the bag!
The surprise was so sudden that Lucy immediately got cocky, covering her mouth and giggling.
But Natsu pouted and refused before she could even speak. "Lucy and I don't want your help!"
He'd steal the S-Class quest to prove his strength to the guild.
If Chase came along, it would be pointless!
Lucy's mouth twitched as she petrified on the spot: I want it! I want it! I want it! I super need it!!!
"Oh ho. Pretty determined, huh."
Chase clapped his hands, cards flickering at his fingertips. "Then let's have a contest. Whoever completes the quest first wins. What do you say, Natsu!"
With that, a cool magic array lit up. He and Dark Magician Girl mounted Guardian of the Fortress.
"W-wait! Chase! Weren't we supposed to bring Natsu back?!"
Gray, already poised to fight, was completely bewildered, his droopy eyes wide.
SWOOSH!
His answer was the wind from Guardian of the Fortress's wings.
In an instant, the blue dragon vanished over the horizon.
"Magic arrays?! Are you mages?! Going to Galuna to break the curse?!"
A boatman on the dock witnessed everything, his expression excited. "I know the way! I can take you!"
It was Bobo, the Galuna chieftain's son.
"Let's go!"
His competitive spirit ignited, Natsu forgot about transportation. Grabbing the stunned Lucy and Gray, he leaped onto the small boat.
"We're leaving! No way we're losing to that bastard Chase!!" Flames spewed from the Fire Dragon's mouth.
"Yes sir!" Terrified, Bobo rowed frantically.
The boat left the port, heading for Galuna Island.
Meanwhile, over the vast sea, Guardian of the Fortress soared.
Dark Magician Girl sat in front of Chase, arms spread, enjoying the cool sea breeze, her long golden hair flying messily.
"Go, Guardian of the Fortress! We have to beat Natsu to Galuna Island!"
Hearing this, Guardian of the Fortress immediately braked mid-air.
It turned back, its round eyes filled with confusion: Galuna Island? What's that?
"Huh? Didn't Master give you directions?"
Dark Magician Girl frowned slightly. "The cursed island."
Guardian of the Fortress's eyes became even clearer: Nope. No idea. Master just told me to fly.
The two card monsters exchanged looks, then simultaneously stared at Chase.
"Ahaha! Sorry about that. Forgot." Chase sheepishly scratched his head.
In his hurry, he forgot to ask where Galuna Island was...
Dark Magician Girl and Guardian of the Fortress both Petrified: What an unreliable master!
"Maybe we should turn back?" Dark Magician Girl suggested.
"No can do. Besides Bobo, a local, normal fishermen are too afraid of the curse to go near."
"Go back and find Natsu and them?"
"Too embarrassing."
"...You still have shame?!"
"How about finding a pirate on the sea to guide us? If they refuse, beat them up!" Dark Magician Girl clenched her fist insidiously.
Great idea. That's what Erza would do.
And so, Guardian of the Fortress soared high, using its super eyesight to search for pirates.
By the time a lucky pirate guided Chase to Galuna Island, night had fallen.
A purple moon hung high, casting an eerie glow over the lonely island.
In a primitive village on the island's edge...
Natsu and the others, having arrived earlier, had learned the situation.
Under the purple moonlight, the islanders transformed into terrifying demons at night.
This terrified the village. The chieftain had even executed his own son, who had completely fallen to the curse, to prevent its spread.
The quest was simple: destroy the purple moon, the curse's source.
But Natsu and the others couldn't accomplish such a fantasy. After much discussion, they had no feasible solution.
Finally, at Lucy's suggestion, they decided to sleep on it and explore the island tomorrow for clues.
In the temporary guest room...
Natsu, Gray, and Happy's snores filled the air.
"How can anyone sleep with a pervert and a monster in the same room?!"
Lucy threw off the covers and sat up, her complex expression beyond words.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Just then, a soft knock on the door.
"Sorry to bother you. Are you asleep? Two more companions from your guild have arrived."
It was the village chieftain's voice.
***
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