Time flew by.
In the blink of an eye, nine months had passed.
It was now October, X765.
The Kingdom of Fiore, located in the warm western region of Ishgar, was the complete opposite of the Kingdom of Iceberg in the freezing east. So even in October, Fiore remained pleasantly warm.
However, despite the warm weather, the citizens of the port city Hargeon were bundled up in thick cotton coats.
Why? Because Hargeon was currently being battered by a freak blizzard.
The usually bustling port was completely covered in ice and snow.
Meanwhile, a colossal octopus-like magical beast, over a hundred meters tall, lay frozen solid on the docks, dead.
"So cold."
"As expected, was it the 'Frost Couple' from the Fairy Tail guild again?"
Beneath the giant frozen octopus, a shivering Magic Council member asked the captain of the Anti-Magical Beast Special Unit, staring up at the mountain-sized ice sculpture.
"Yes, Councilor, that is correct."
"This is already the fiftieth freezing incident this year."
"That 'Ice Wizard' couple from Fairy Tail is incredibly efficient."
"Whether dealing with magical beasts or Dark Guild wizards, they finish the job instantly."
"Every time our Council team arrives, we find a massive ice sculpture like this. We've even had to establish a dedicated 'Melting Squad' just to deal with them."
The captain replied honestly.
"Is that so?"
"By the way, has anyone actually seen this couple?"
The Councilor thought for a moment and asked.
"Uhh."
"Because the 'Frost Couple' works too efficiently—almost always one-shotting their targets—no one has clearly seen their faces."
"However, while thawing out some Dark Guild wizards they froze, we heard some rumors from the survivors."
"They say the husband is ten feet tall, with horns on his head, blue skin, and fangs—terrifying like an evil demon! And the wife isn't much better."
The captain recalled the rumors and explained.
"..."
The Councilor fell silent for a moment, then shook his head. "Are they even human? They sound like magical beasts themselves!"
"There are indeed rumors that the 'Frost Couple' are actually transformed magical beasts."
"Anyway, the rumors are wild and varied."
"But one thing is certain: their strength is overwhelmingly powerful."
The captain concluded.
"..."
The Councilor, who had been initially interested in the "Frost Couple," gradually lost interest after hearing the captain's description.
---
Meanwhile.
Magnolia Town.
"Harvest Festival?!"
Ide and Ur—the couple rumored to be terrifying monsters—were currently enjoying the festival inside the guild.
"That's right!"
"October 15th is the most important holiday in Magnolia, a festival to celebrate the year's harvest."
"Of course, as the only resident Wizard Guild in town, Fairy Tail celebrates alongside the townsfolk."
"According to tradition, we'll be holding a Fantasia Parade."
Makarov sat on the bar counter, explaining the Harvest Festival to Ide and Ur.
"Eh?"
"Sounds interesting."
"It's quite similar to the Ice Crystal Festival in the Kingdom of Iceberg."
Hearing about the Harvest Festival, Ide smiled.
"Indeed."
Ur stood beside him, nodding gently.
"Anyway, when the day comes, just enjoy yourselves!"
Makarov crossed his arms and said.
"Looking forward to it."
Ide smiled and nodded.
---
And so.
October 15th, the day of the Harvest Festival.
As one of the few days Fairy Tail opened its doors to the public, the townspeople were free to visit the guild.
At the same time, a grand event was taking place inside the guild.
"Miss Fairy Tail... Male Version?"
Ide stared at the flyer in his hand, lost in thought.
"That's right."
"Every year at the Harvest Festival, the guild holds some fun competitions."
"Last year was the Miss Fairy Tail beauty pageant. This year, it's the Mr. Fairy Tail handsome contest."
"Next year might be arm wrestling, dodgeball, or just a straight-up brawl."
Wakaba, puffing on his cigar, explained to Ide.
"No."
"I mean, is there really a need for this competition?"
"Isn't the champion already decided? Me."
Ide interrupted Wakaba, speaking with utter seriousness.
"Eh?"
Wakaba froze. He admitted Ide was handsome, but such shamelessness was rare.
"What do you mean 'already decided,' Ide?"
"I can't pretend I didn't hear that."
Gildarts appeared beside Ide out of nowhere, his voice low.
"Hah?"
"If we're talking purely about looks, you're not as good as me, Gildarts, right?"
Ide looked at Gildarts' scruffy appearance and spoke with supreme confidence.
"Exactly."
"So as long as I beat your face into a pulp before the competition starts, the winner will naturally be me."
Gildarts didn't argue. He clenched his fist and spoke confidently.
"You say that like you can actually beat me."
As Ide spoke, he cracked his knuckles loudly.
"Cut the crap!"
"Let's fight and see!"
Gildarts charged straight at Ide.
BOOM!
The next second, violent magic power erupted between them. They started dueling right there in the guild hall as if no one else existed, sending tables and chairs flying.
"Ide! Gildarts!"
"Stop fighting!"
"My guild hall!!"
Makarov watched his furniture getting smashed in the crossfire and wept tears of pain.
---
Meanwhile.
Because Ide and Gildarts had started their own private brawl, the Mr. Fairy Tail contest lost its two top contenders.
"Does this mean... I can win by default?"
Macao, the third seed, grinned. He could practically see the championship trophy waving at him.
"Dream on!"
"How could I let you win?"
Just as Macao was about to pop the champagne, Ur—dressed in a sharp suit with her hair styled neatly—walked onto the stage. She gave a charming wink to the audience and judges below.
Yes, the dashing and heroic Ur was a killer for both men and women.