Internet Magic in Fairy Tail (Re-upload)

The magic train clattered along, departing Magnolia Station and heading southwest along the tracks.

Outside the window, the scenery gradually shifted from the bustling city to a more desolate landscape. The trees along the tracks were bare, their leaves having fallen—a stark contrast to Nate's last two trips during the lushness of summer and autumn.

Inside the train car, the initially quiet atmosphere grew lively. The entire car was filled with Fairy Tail members, and wherever Fairy Tail went, it was impossible for things to stay subdued.

It wasn't that they had paid a hefty sum to book the entire train car. Rather, the other passengers, upon seeing Fairy Tail members, instinctively relocated to other cars. Nate couldn't decide if this was a benefit of their reputation or a downside.

Let's call it a benefit for now.

…

"The Scarlet Empress… that woman is strange," Gildarts said, continuing his discussion about Irene. "The first time I faced her, it didn't feel like she was there to spar at all."

"Isn't the Magic Arena specifically for sparring?" Erza asked, intrigued.

"She didn't seem interested in her opponent. She was more focused on the map itself—almost like she was just strolling through the arena," Gildarts recalled.

Mirajane tilted her head. "Maybe she just likes being in the game?"

"That's exactly how it felt," Gildarts agreed with a nod.

"Spending all her time in the game?"

Erza pondered for a moment but couldn't make sense of Irene's motives. Thus, with nothing better to do, the group embarked on a long discussion about Irene's reasons for being in the game.

Mirajane, ever the schemer, suggested, "Maybe in real life, she has limited mobility—stuck in bed—and the game gives her a sense of freedom."

Gildarts interjected, "That woman has incredibly strong magic."

"Maybe she's researching magic," Erza speculated, "like how Laxus and the others use the Magic Arena to study how Dragon Slayer mages' magic can fuse together."

This single topic kept the group chatting throughout the journey. By the end, even Laxus and Gildarts were drawn into the discussion, each offering their own theories.

Nate, however, felt exasperated. Wait, aren't we supposed to be heading to the S-Class Promotion Exam? As examiners, shouldn't we be discussing something relevant to the exam?

For instance, who is most likely to pass this year? Now that's what examiners should be talking about!

…

"Why not just ask her directly?" Nate finally suggested.

Erza, ever the action-taker, immediately attempted to queue for a match against Irene. Unfortunately, by the time the train reached Hargeon, she still hadn't managed to get a match.

When the group disembarked at Hargeon Station, it was already past 1 p.m. Without wasting time, they headed straight to the port.

There, a sailing ship bearing a massive Fairy Tail emblem on its sails was waiting for them. The guild's flag flew proudly atop the mast.

According to Makarov, the ship belonged to the guild but was rarely used and often rented out to shipping companies. Once everyone boarded, the ship raised its sails and slowly left the port.

…

On the deck, Makarov stood at the bow and cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention.

"We are expected to arrive at Fairy Tail's sacred ground, Tenrou Island, by dusk. The first exam will take place tonight.

"As for the exam rules, you should already know the basics. Now, let me give you some additional details."

Just as Makarov finished speaking, Mavis's figure suddenly appeared above them, startling everyone except Nate.

"Who are you?!" Natsu yelled.

"I am Mavis, the first master of Fairy Tail. Hello, my dear Fairy Tail children."

Barefoot, Mavis floated lightly in midair, her presence ethereal and serene.

The group was even more astounded.

"She's the First Master?" Juvia asked in disbelief.

"Master Mavis?" Lucy echoed, her eyes wide.

"Lucy, it's nice to see you again," Mavis greeted warmly. "For this year's S-Class Promotion Exam, I will explain the rules for the first stage.

"Makarov."

The little old man produced a small wooden box with a circular opening at the top, just big enough for a hand to reach through.

Mavis continued, "Inside this box are 16 identical white spheres. Each of you will draw one and keep it safe. Once the exam begins, you must find your partner and combine the two spheres. This will break the seal, and the items inside will guide you to the second stage."

The examinees exchanged glances.

Gray raised his hand. "What if someone loses their sphere?"

"Gray," Mavis said with a smile, "that would mean disqualification."

"What if someone steals it?" Gajeel asked with a smirk.

Mavis responded with a mysterious smile but said nothing.

Freed whispered to his partner, "The biggest challenge in the first stage isn't meeting up but protecting your sphere before you meet them."

While most were focused on the exam rules, Mest felt uneasy. The First Master of Fairy Tail is still alive?!

Tracing Fairy Tail's history back, the guild was founded in X686… which meant the woman before him was over a hundred years old.

On closer inspection, Mest noticed that Mavis's state wasn't normal—she was a ghost. Should I report this to the Magic Council?

Mest glanced at Nate, who already knew Mest was a spy sent by the Council but hadn't told anyone else in the guild. After some thought, Mest decided to observe for now.

…

"Alright, that's all for the additional rules. I look forward to seeing your performance!" Mavis said cheerfully. She landed beside Makarov and took the box from him, smiling as she addressed the examinees.

"Let's start the draw."

One by one, the 16 examinees reached into the box and drew a white sphere. Natsu immediately tried to open his, but the sphere was sealed. Forcing it open would destroy the contents inside.

By dusk, the ship reached the shores of Tenrou Island.

Standing before the examinees, Nate smiled.

"Well then, I'll send you up now. I'll use a teleportation circle to transport you to random locations on the island…"

Cana gave him a look that clearly said, Cut me some slack, please!

Nate pretended not to notice. Rules were rules, even for his girlfriend.

With a clap of his hands, sixteen golden magic circles appeared beneath the examinees.

"Good luck," Nate said as the magic activated.

The sixteen examinees, along with three cats, were instantly teleported to the island.

In a flash, the ship's deck was empty except for a few remaining people.

"You examiners should head up as well," Makarov instructed.

With a nod, Nate activated Flying Thunder God, and in the next moment, he and the other five examiners disappeared from the deck.

…

On Tenrou Island, beneath the Tenrou Tree, a golden light flashed as Nate appeared. He looked up at the dusky sky, pondering, What's for dinner?

With nothing urgent to do, Nate sat cross-legged under the tree and opened the programming tool built into the Magic Net.

Might as well code while I wait.

With the Magic Net's user base now exceeding a million, it was time to implement better forum segmentation.

As he worked, the sky darkened without him noticing. Suddenly, he paused as a powerful surge of magic burst from within him, breaking through a limit.

Opening his status panel immediately, Nate saw:

[Magic Power: ★★★★★★★★]

Eight stars!