After dealing with the biggest issue, the now-interested Dark Magician began discussing deeper magical theories with Zeref.
Chase could barely get a word in edgewise. Also, he was genuinely a bit "afraid" of Zeref. So, he made up an excuse to leave, returning to his assigned exam area.
Under the drastic transformation of Dark Magician Girl and the other two, the first path was already taking shape. They were currently inside setting up various strange mechanisms and traps.
Feeling a bit guilty about letting his card spirits do all the work, Chase offered to help.
However, he was sternly rejected by Dark Magician Girl. How could she let him steal the fun of setting traps for the participants?
So they really are just here to play, huh...
With no other choice, Chase found a patch of soft grass, sat down with his back against a tree, and gazed out at the vast, endless sea beyond Tenrou Island.
A gentle, cool breeze carried fallen leaves, bringing the unique fresh scent of the primeval forest. It blew open Chase's deep blue cape, revealing his right arm.
The Fairy Tail emblem engraved there glowed faintly. The magic power he had consumed while resisting Zeref's death aura was now gradually being replenished.
Even the speed and efficiency of the "Heart" storing magic power had increased, far surpassing normal levels.
Chase knew this was the unique buff of Tenrou Island, the resting place of the first master, Mavis.
Within the scope of the Tenrou Tree, those bearing the Fairy Tail emblem would have their magic power's strength, recovery rate, and even the speed of wound healing enhanced.
This was one of the reasons Makarov had decided to hold this year's trial on Tenrou Island.
Thinking of this, Chase instinctively looked up toward a certain area hidden deep within the Tenrou Tree's canopy.
Come to think of it, aside from Zeref, there was actually another person he particularly wanted to see: the first master, Mavis.
Unfortunately, when he and Makarov had visited her grave yesterday to pay respects, he hadn't found any trace of Mavis's spiritual body.
Perhaps strong emotion was needed to awaken her, like Cana inheriting Fairy Glitter to protect her comrades, or the original guild members' determination in the face of Acnologia's roar.
Or perhaps she, already "dead," was deliberately hiding, not wanting her existence to be known.
The former would be tricky, as there was no Grimoire Heart attack trigger for this S-Class Trial.
As for the latter...
First master, you're a bit mischievous, aren't you?
Chase wasn't worried. Given Mavis's love for lively occasions, she would definitely be hiding somewhere, watching once the trial officially began.
If there were still no signs of her "awakening," then he would just have to be disrespectful, go to her grave, and say something like, "I didn't expect our first master to be a little kid," to trigger her strong emotions.
Chase really wanted Mavis to see the thriving, prosperous guild she had founded.
And if he had the chance, giving those soft, adorable cheeks a little pinch would be even better. Though he would probably get an earful from the old man about disrespecting elders and such.
As for whether it would disturb the dead...
Technically, the first master wasn't even dead yet!
Just then, light footsteps approached. Mira walked out from a nearby forest path, holding two cups of iced juice.
"What are you thinking about? You have the same sinister expression as Lucy when she's up to something~"
Chase looked up. Whether due to Tenrou Island's hot climate or simply because it was more practical for work, Mira had changed out of her usual wine-red dress into a cool, light red sleeveless casual outfit.
He swore he wasn't looking on purpose. It was just that this angle happened to offer a view of... a pleasant snowy landscape.
"Nothing. I was just curious what kind of person the first master was," Chase said, lightly coughing as he averted his gaze. He asked curiously, "Aren't you in charge of the northeast area? What brings you here?"
"The magic power here is abundant, so I used my Demon King Take Over to control the island's magical beasts to do the work for me," Mira said naturally, sitting down beside him with a playful smile. "I'm just taking a casual stroll. It's not like I came specifically to see you~"
"So, it turns out Chase is just like me, being a horrible taskmaster, hiding under a tree slacking off."
As expected of you, using a term like that so openly to describe yourself...
And isn't using Demon King Take Over for something like this a bit of a waste?
Chase silently complained. Then he corrected her, "Unlike those poor beasts being forced into hard labor, Dark Magician Girl and the others are doing it voluntarily."
"I figured as much. After all, it's a perfect opportunity to set traps for Natsu and the others," Mira said.
She didn't know the other card spirits very well, but she knew Dark Magician Girl all too well.
"So, is that juice?" Chase pointed at the
wooden cup in her hand, with ice cubes floating on top.
"Yep. Freshly squeezed from wild berries on the island."
Mira smiled and handed him the light blue one. "This is blueberry flavored. I tried it. It's not too sweet. You should like it."
Chase took the wooden cup. He ignored the faint lipstick mark on the rim and took a big swig.
The iced juice, with a hint of light sweetness, flowed down his throat.
The cool sensation instantly spread through his body, greatly relieving the sweltering heat brought on by the surrounding environment.
"How is it?" A flicker of anticipation shone deep in Mira's beautiful eyes.
"Though it's a bit inferior to iced black tea, it's still pretty good," Chase said honestly.
"Oh." Mira puffed out her cheeks. Her flat, unenthusiastic voice carried a hint of disappointment.
What the heck? Even my handmade juice can't compare to iced black tea?!
Chase, you big idiot!
But soon, Mira let it go. "Then, I'll make you iced black tea tomorrow~"
A card nerd was a card nerd. If he suddenly started acting like Loki, sweet-talking girls to make them happy, she would probably feel a bit uncomfortable, even if she really wanted to hear it right now.
"Chase, what do you think Elfman and Lisanna are doing right now? Probably training with their partners, right?"
"Lisanna just got back not long ago. I wonder if she's getting along with Juvia. And Elfman with Evergreen..."
"Don't worry. They've long since become fully capable mages in their own right."
"That may be true, but I'm still going to worry. It's their first time in the S-Class Trial. And Chase, as an older brother, aren't you concerned about Lucy's training at all?"
"Compared to that, I think what Lucy's thinking about right now is what pose she should use to surrender if she runs into me in the trial."
"Haha, you two have such a good relationship~"
The two sat under the tree, sipping iced juice, chatting idly about the S-Class Trial.
A gentle breeze blew. The leaves rustled, bringing with it a rare sense of peaceful tranquility.
***
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