Thinking about the Seven Kin of Purgatory, Hades, and even the entire Heart of the Demon possibly launching an assault on Demisol Academy made Kira instantly lose his cool.
In a daze, a sense of déjà vu hit him like a wave. It took him a while to realize—oh man, this is just like the Chunin Exams in that other ninja world, right?
Was Konas about to bite the dust like the Third Old Man?
"It's too similar... way too similar..."
Hearing Kira's mumbling, Haiybelion spoke up. "Kira-san, what did you say is too similar?"
Even though Kira was the junior, they were both invitees to the academy, and right now, Kira was representing Fairy Tail. Plus, his strength was more than enough, so out of respect, Haiybelion calling him "sir" was totally fine. No way was he going to call him "little Kira" like Konas did—that'd be weird as heck!
"Nothing much. The examinees have mostly left, so let's catch up."
"Sounds good!"
Vampire magic didn't help with travel. Even as a Ten Wizard Saint, and looking the part like a vampire, Haiybelion was still just a regular guy—he couldn't fly, so walking it was.
Luckily, Kira had his flying carpet. The two hopped on and soared toward Demisol Academy.
"I had no idea you had a magic item like this, Kira-san! I've heard you're pretty skilled in this area—is this one of your creations too?"
On the carpet, Haiybelion leaned over to take in the view of Hams City below, asking Kira as they went.
"You got it—I made it myself!" Kira nodded with a grin, then added casually, "Hey, senior, wanna buy one? I figure someone like you deserves a ride like this for getting around."
Haiybelion: I thought he'd just give it away...
"I'm not that big a deal, and honestly, I prefer walking."
Since he put it that way, Kira didn't push. "Gotcha. Walking's way better for your health than sitting all day, huh? Oh, and drinking milk too! You into wellness stuff, senior?"
"When you get to my age, you just pick it up naturally."
Kira had a lightbulb moment: Right, yeah! It must be the age thing! That explains so much!
Old man Guran was just getting on in years—high blood pressure, the works—so he needed more rest and less walking.
Dean Konas was hitting that age too, basically a menopausal auntie with one foot in the grave. It was normal for her to have off days every month.
And Ultear? She must've just reached that point where she knew not to stick around a no-pay gig. Smart employee—take more vacation time, travel a bit, and hey, end up here by coincidence!
...
Meanwhile, Konas and Guran, who'd left ahead on an airship, gazed anxiously toward Demisol Academy in the distance.
Guran gripped his snake-headed staff, eyeing Konas's grim expression and furrowed brows. "Why not tell Kira-san? Wouldn't it be better with an extra hand?"
At the front of the airship, Konas leaned against the railing, her blue cape flapping wildly in the wind.
She reached up to tuck back two strands of pale golden hair whipping around her face. "Little Kira's strength is on par with a Ten Wizard Saint now, but our opponents could be the whole Heart of the Demon. This crisis is the academy's problem at its core—I can't drag a young guy like him into it."
Kira's guess was spot on—the Heart of the Demon had indeed invaded Demisol Magic Academy.
Just today, word came from the academy: Guards on night patrol spotted intruders. After a search, the teachers nabbed several wizards. Interrogation revealed they were from the dark guild, Heart of the Demon.
The captured ones boasted that the Heart of the Demon was about to launch a full-scale attack on Demisol Magic Academy.
Konas immediately rounded up Guran and Haiybelion, splitting into two teams: one to head to the academy for defense prep, the other to protect the examinees.
Before Guran could argue, Konas continued, "The academy's their target—I can't stay out of it. Punishing dark guilds is the council's duty, and as one of the Ten Wizard Saints, Haiybelion should pitch in too."
"But little Kira's just here repping Fairy Tail. He's not like us; he's got no reason to tangle with the Heart of the Demon."
If Kira knew all this, he'd be super grateful for Konas's concern, then turn around and whoop the enemies to pay her back.
Guran shook his head, not getting it. "Dealing with dark magic guilds is every legit guild's job. As a Fairy Tail member, he should join the fight!"
"We don't know how many from the Heart of the Demon are coming, or their plan. Hitting us right now during the exams means they know I'm away from the academy—they might target the students too!"
"Little Kira's not sitting it out—protecting the kids is a huge task!"
...
At the same time, deep in the forest valley where Demisol Magic Academy sat, four shadowy figures huddled. Once the attack order dropped, they'd launch a full assault on the magic school below.
What Konas and the others didn't know was that this op wasn't a total guild effort from the Heart of the Demon—just a few key players and a bunch of grunts.
"Hey, Ultear's taking forever! Why don't we just go ahead and attack?"
The speaker was a guy with wild, messy golden long hair, a ferocious grin, red eyes gleaming with arrogance and ego. His half-open shirt showed off his right arm and the guild mark tattooed on his right chest.
He was one of the Heart of the Demon's heavy hitters, a Seven Kin of Purgatory: the Flame God, Zancrow.
"I can't wait to burn 'em all to ashes! Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo!!!"
A goat-headed guy in a black suit and sunglasses chimed in, "We weren't supposed to move today anyway. Got the heads-up last minute—her being late is normal."
"Hah? You think we had to jump the gun because of who?" Zancrow sneered. "It's 'cause your minions screwed up and leaked our plans!"
A bearded man spoke up gravely, "Starting early ain't bad. Heard this recruitment exam brought in Ten Wizard Saint Haiybelion and Fairy Tail's 'Sage' Kira. Can't wait to throw down with 'em!"
The second of the Seven Kin of Purgatory: Zudil, Azuma.
"Shut it!"
The leader, a middle-aged man, barked coldly, and the three went quiet fast. The youngest, Zancrow, broke out in a cold sweat, shrinking like a quail.
The man wore a white overcoat, had long black hair with a waist-length braid, and thick body hair creeping up to his cheeks from the sides. He was the Heart of the Demon's vice-guild master, Brainrot.
In the Heart of the Demon, Brainrot's power was second only to guild master Hades. That's why, aside from Hades, no one in the guild could rein him in.
With an extreme personality and a love for battle, he'd single-handedly wiped out Major Gra's Blue Dragon Battalion during the Kabria War, earning the title "The Great Wizard Who Leaves No Grass Unscathed Wherever He Goes."
He was commanding this assault on Demisol Academy.
"Collection time's passed. No waiting for Ultear—we attack now!"
The order given, the three perked up.
"This op has one goal: Retrieve those two ancient magic tomes hidden in Demisol Academy—'Arc of Embodiment' and 'Lightning God Slayer'!"
Brainrot slanted a glance at the trio. "You guys just wreak havoc in the academy. Finding the books? That's on me!"
"Wreak havoc? Right up my alley!" Zancrow's bravado returned as he threw his head back and laughed, striding forward. "This world has no room for the weak! Woo-hah-hah!"
Brainrot ordered the other two, "You go too!"
"I'm only into the strong ones!"
Azuma pressed a hand to a nearby tree, slowly merging into it until he vanished.
The goat-head adjusted his sunglasses. "Then leave the frontal assault to me!"
His magic, Human Subordination, let him enslave humans, trapping them in another dimension. In battle, he summoned them like Celestial Spirits to fight. He also had the most minions among the Seven Kin.
With that, he leaped out of the woods, clapped his hands, and countless armed shadows materialized.
Thud thud thud...
One by one, the soulless puppets, under Zudil's control, formed neat, disciplined ranks like trained soldiers, charging toward the magic academy at the valley's base.
With his three underlings off, Brainrot stepped out too, strolling from the forest toward the academy.Chapter 200: The Impending Crisis
The thought of the Seven Kin of Purgatory, Hades, or even the entire Grimoire Heart coming to attack Demisoul Academy sent a chill through Kira's spine. He couldn't stay calm.
In a daze, a sudden sense of déjà vu hit him. After racking his brain for a moment, it clicked—this was straight out of the Chunin Exams from that ninja manga next door! Was Konas about to meet the same fate as the Third Hokage?
"It's too similar… way too similar…" Kira muttered under his breath.
Hearing his murmurs, Hyberion spoke up. "What's too similar, Kira-san?"
Though Hyberion was younger, they were both invited guests of the academy. Kira was representing Fairy Tail, and his strength was undeniable, so Hyberion addressing him respectfully as "sir" made sense. He couldn't exactly call him "Little Kira" like Konas did—that'd be too weird!
"Nothing. The examinees are almost gone. Let's catch up," Kira replied.
"Sounds good!"
Vampire magic didn't help with travel, and even as one of the Ten Wizard Saints, Hyberion—despite his vampire-like appearance—was just a regular guy. He couldn't fly; he had to walk.
Luckily, Kira had his flying carpet. The two sat on it and soared toward Demisoul Academy.
"I didn't expect you to have such a magic item, Kira-san!" Hyberion said, gazing down at the scenery of Hams City below. "I've heard you're quite skilled in crafting. Did you make this yourself?"
"Yup, made it myself!" Kira nodded proudly, seizing the moment to pitch. "What do you think, senpai? Want to buy one? A guy like you should have a ride this stylish."
Hyberion: I thought he'd just give me one…
"I'm not exactly a big shot," Hyberion replied. "Besides, I prefer walking."
Kira didn't push. "Fair enough. Walking's better for your health than sitting all day. Oh, drinking milk helps too! Are you big on staying healthy, senpai?"
"When you get to my age, you figure it out," Hyberion said with a wry smile.
Kira had an epiphany. Of course! It's all about age! That explained everything! Old man Guran just needed a break because his age was catching up—high blood pressure and all that. Konas, the dean, was probably hitting menopause, so a few off days a month made sense. And Ultear? She was just old enough to know better than to stick around a company that doesn't pay well, taking a vacation and ending up here by chance!
---
Meanwhile, aboard an airship heading toward Demisoul Academy, Konas and Guran gazed anxiously in the direction of the academy.
Guran, clutching his snake-headed staff, looked at Konas, whose face was grim and brows furrowed. "Why not tell Kira-san? Another pair of hands would help, no?"
Konas stood at the airship's bow, her blue cape billowing in the wind. She tucked a few strands of pale blonde hair behind her ear, blown loose by the breeze, and replied, "Kira's strength may rival a Wizard Saint, but the enemy could be the entirety of Grimoire Heart. This crisis is the academy's problem. It's not right to drag a young man like him into it."
Kira's hunch was spot-on—Grimoire Heart was indeed targeting Demisoul Magic Academy.
Earlier that day, the academy received word that guards patrolling the previous night had caught intruders. After a search, the faculty captured several wizards who, under interrogation, revealed they were from the dark guild Grimoire Heart.
The captives boasted that Grimoire Heart was planning a full-scale assault on the academy.
Konas had immediately rallied Guran and Hyberion, splitting their forces. One group would head to the academy to prepare defenses, while the other would protect the examinees.
Before Guran could argue, Konas continued, "The academy is their target. As dean, I can't stand by. Punishing dark guilds is the Magic Council's duty, and as a Wizard Saint, Hyberion has a role to play too."
"But Kira's only here representing Fairy Tail. He's not obligated to fight Grimoire Heart."
If Kira knew how much Konas was looking out for him, he'd probably thank her profusely—then turn around and thrash the enemy to repay her.
Guran shook his head, unconvinced. "Fighting dark guilds is every legal guild's responsibility. As a Fairy Tail member, he should join the fight!"
"We don't know how many Grimoire Heart will send or how they'll attack. They chose this moment to strike, knowing I'm away from the academy. They might even target the students taking the exam!"
"Kira's not slacking off—protecting the students is a crucial task too!"
---
At the same time, in a valley near Demisoul Magic Academy, four shadowy figures gathered deep in the forest. Once the order came, they'd launch a full-scale attack on the academy below.
What Konas and the others didn't know was that Grimoire Heart hadn't mobilized their entire force—just a few key members and a handful of grunts.
"Tch, Ultear's taking too damn long!" a man with wild, golden hair and a feral grin complained, his red eyes gleaming with arrogance. His half-open shirt revealed his right arm and the guild mark on his chest. This was Zancrow, one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory. "Why don't we just attack already? I'm itching to burn them all to ash! Heh heh heh!"
A figure with a goat-like head, dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, spoke up. "The plan wasn't to move today. Getting last-minute intel means it's normal for her to be late."
"Hah?" Zancrow sneered. "And whose fault is it we had to move early? Your useless minions blew our cover!"
Another man, sporting a beard, spoke in a low voice. "Moving early isn't a bad thing. I hear they've got Hyberion, one of the Ten Wizard Saints, and Fairy Tail's 'Sage' Kira overseeing the exam. I'm looking forward to crossing blades with them."
This was Azuma, another of the Seven Kin.
"Enough!" a commanding voice barked, silencing the trio instantly. Zancrow, the youngest, broke out in a cold sweat, shrinking like a scolded quail.
The man wore a white coat, his long black hair tied into a braid reaching his waist, his face covered in thick sideburns. This was Brunot, Grimoire Heart's vice-leader, second only to Hades in strength. No one in the guild could rein him in except the guild master himself.
A battle-hungry extremist, Brunot had single-handedly annihilated Colonel Gra's Azure Dragon Brigade during the Kabria War, earning the title "The Great Wizard Who Leaves No Blade of Grass in His Wake."
He was leading this assault on Demisoul Academy.
"We're past the rendezvous time. No more waiting for Ultear. We attack now!"
At his command, the three snapped to attention.
"Our goal is simple: retrieve the two ancient magic tomes hidden in Demisoul Academy—Memory Molding and Thunder God's Bane!"
Brunot shot them a sidelong glance. "Your job is to wreak havoc in the academy. Leave finding the books to me."
"Wreak havoc? That's my style!" Zancrow's confidence surged back as he laughed maniacally, striding forward. "This world doesn't need weaklings! Hahaha!"
Brunot turned to the others. "Go!"
"I'm only interested in the strong," Azuma said, pressing a hand to a nearby tree. He melded into it, vanishing completely.
The goat-headed man adjusted his sunglasses. "Guess I'll handle the frontal assault."
His magic, Human Subordination, allowed him to enslave humans, trapping them in a pocket dimension and summoning them to fight like Celestial Spirits. He had the most underlings among the Seven Kin.
With a light leap, he darted out of the forest, clapping his hands. Countless armed figures materialized out of thin air.
Step, step, step…
Under Zudir's control, soulless puppets marched in disciplined formation, charging toward the academy at the valley's base.
As his three subordinates set off, Brunot stepped out of the forest, heading toward the academy with purpose.
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