Internet Magic in Fairy Tail (Re-upload)

Nate joined the guild on July 1st and first encountered Natsu, Happy, and Lucy on the evening of July 2nd.

In truth, he had arrived in this world earlier, in early June.

Now, it was early December, nearing the New Year.

During his first month, Nate was entirely on his own. Faced with the challenge of refining his "Internet Magic," he worked tirelessly, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. The "empty" Internet Magic was a unique concept he had brought from his world, and it required constant development.

The Kardia Cathedral became a lifesaver during those days. Its occasional distribution of free food helped Nate save money. Whenever he went to the church to pray, the kind-hearted sisters would gift him surprisingly delicious bread. To this day, Nate still didn't know which god the Kardia Cathedral's prayers honored.

Looking back now, half a year had flown by.

Nate, once a lonely visitor from another world, had gradually become part of this one. He had made countless friends in the guild, and the guild master, Makarov, treated him warmly.

In that time, Nate had also begun relationships with six girlfriends and was on the verge of welcoming a seventh. While he occasionally worried about his relationships causing guild drama, the time spent with them brought him undeniable joy.

His Internet Magic had flourished as well. From its first user, Mirajane, it had grown step by step to over a million users. Nate felt proud of his work—no line of code had been written in vain. Beyond providing him with a steady increase in magical power, seeing Internet Magic so widely embraced gave him an irreplaceable sense of accomplishment.

If, like Lucy, he were to keep a diary recording his daily life over the past six months, every page would undoubtedly be filled with happiness.

In short, the year X784 had been fulfilling for Nate. He had no complaints.

…

"Why the sudden daydreaming?" Mirajane's voice, laced with a touch of shyness, called out from behind the bar, breaking Nate's thoughts.

"Just realized I've been in the guild for nearly half a year," Nate replied with a small smile. He reached out and gently took her hand in his.

Mirajane's cheeks flushed as her beautiful eyes darted around the bar. The guild was nearing closing time, and with so few people around, no one noticed their interaction.

"By the way," Nate asked, curiosity piqued, "does the guild celebrate the New Year together?"

Mirajane smiled warmly. "We do, but it's not as lively as the Harvest Festival. Some members choose to celebrate at home with their families."

"For example, Wakaba-san," she continued. "He always spends it with Millgana Mine, his wife."

The mention of Wakaba made Nate think of his cheerful, plump wife, Millgana Mine. He had once encountered her while shopping with Mirajane (back in Chapter 107). Millgana was an enthusiastic and kindhearted woman, always eager to play matchmaker for young people.

Recalling Millgana's words of encouragement, Nate chuckled softly. After the New Year, would he be visiting Mirajane's family if things progressed between them?

"What's so funny? Your laugh is suspicious." Mirajane tilted her head, amusement shining in her eyes despite her confusion.

"Just remembered something interesting," Nate replied with a slight cough, already growing eager for the New Year. Even if the holiday brought another "challenge of women," he thought: So what? Bring it on.

Still, the New Year meant gifts. What should I buy on the commercial street?

"The town doesn't feel very festive yet," Nate noted, reflecting on his earlier observations. "The Harvest Festival had the entire city celebrating."

"Well, the Harvest Festival is a bigger deal because it attracts so many tourists," Mirajane explained. "The New Year is different. Besides, there are still 22 days to go."

You remember the exact days—are you looking forward to it too?

Nate caught on, his gaze locking onto Mirajane with a playful smile spreading across his face.

Mirajane's cheeks flushed again as she softly muttered, "Stop it. Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because you're adorable," Nate said sincerely. After a moment of reflection, he added, "To be honest, from the moment we first met, I thought you were incredibly cute. I even thought, Wouldn't it be great if I could marry her?"

Mirajane's face turned crimson, as though steam might rise from her head. Quickly pulling her hand back, she covered her face and murmured, "It's getting a little warm in here. Did someone turn on the heating magic?"

How can you be this adorable?

Nate couldn't suppress a chuckle. He decided not to tease her further and instead stayed with her until everyone else had left the guild. Together, they tidied up—rearranging chairs, cleaning floors, and making everything spotless.

When they were done, Nate walked Mirajane back to the women's dormitory before returning to his apartment, where he enjoyed a quiet dinner with Lucy, sharing a warm and peaceful evening.

…

The Next Day

Mavis posted a message in the "Fairy Tail Bonds of Love" guild chat, announcing she had something important to share. She requested that anyone who could come to the guild do so before noon.

…

Noon

The guild's first floor was bustling with activity. Nearly a hundred members had gathered, thanks to Mavis's summons.

Nate stood among them, observing the crowd surrounding the stage, where First Guild Master Mavis Vermillion stood.

"First Master, is there some important announcement to make?" Natsu shouted from the front row. "Is it a major S-rank mission for me? Give it to me—your newly minted S-rank mage!"

"We know you're an S-rank now, Natsu. You don't have to brag about it every day," Lucy quipped, rolling her eyes.

"Hahahaha! How about giving me one of those century-old quests too?" Natsu laughed proudly.

Everyone collectively facepalmed.

Gildarts patted Natsu's head. "Natsu, century quests are no joke. You're still far from ready for one of those."

"Ahem. Everyone, please quiet down," Mavis said softly but firmly. Her gaze swept over the crowd, pausing momentarily on Nate before continuing:

"The Third Guild Master recently attended the Ten Wizard Saints Conference and will soon undertake a classified mission. As such, he has entrusted me with the task of making this announcement."

The guild fell silent, all eyes on Mavis.

Nate had a hunch about what was coming, and sure enough, her next words confirmed it.

"The Third Master has decided to retire, feeling that he has grown too old for his duties. Going forward, the position of Fourth Guild Master will be entrusted to Nate."

Mavis smiled warmly. "I, as the First Master of Fairy Tail, fully approve of this decision."

She turned to Nate. "Fourth Master, please step onto the stage."

The guild erupted into a cacophony of shock and excitement.

"The Guild Master is retiring?!"

"Nate as the Fourth Guild Master? I have no objections!"

"I'm 100% on board with this!"

As the applause spread, the entire guild turned its focus on Nate.

Nate: "...Didn't see this coming."

With Makarov still at the Magic Council headquarters, there was no way to pass the responsibility to someone else.

This was it—he was really going to be Guild Master now.