A mysterious aura spread. The ancient demon arm, its surface shimmering with faint golden light, instantly drew everyone's attention.
"This is... the Left Arm of the Forbidden One?"
Lucy's pupils contracted. She was the first to name this new card.
Having experienced "luck of the draw" that morning using Mutou Yugi's deck, she remembered Exodia vividly.
"That's right." Chase nodded slightly, a flash of excitement deep in his eyes.
Although he was still far from collecting the whole set, and a single piece couldn't do much, he had still taken a step toward the legendary Exodia — the ultimate forbidden one.
Setting aside any special effects it might have, its infinite attack and defense power would far surpass even the God Cards!
"It's symmetrical with the arm you used before, right? Doesn't look that special."
Gray studied it for a moment, then suddenly had an idea. He clapped his hands and used Ice-Make magic to construct an identical arm.
"Seems like it would be pretty good for brawling with enemies."
He shook his ice-covered arms with interest, clenching his fists. "Decided! I'll call this move 'Demon God Crushing Fist'!"
Seeing this, Chase's mouth twitched. He wanted to say this move might be a bit too advanced for Gray right now.
If he remembered correctly, "Ice Devil Zero Crushing Fist" was a move Gray would learn after acquiring Ice Devil Slayer magic.
"So fast! You came up with that name way too fast!" Lucy was genuinely impressed by his efficiency.
"Sealed or not sealed, who cares! Hey, Left Arm, come fight me!"
Natsu was even more direct. He raised his fire fist, ready to throw down with the Left Arm.
In his eyes, anything Chase summoned was worth fighting.
"It's just an arm!" Lucy's complaint was practically instantaneous.
"Hey, hey, Mr. Left Arm. If I throw you into the river, can you catch me a fish?" Happy asked very politely.
Lucy: "...Is there any causal relationship there?!!"
"Hmm. I can faintly sense a powerful aura, different from other magical equipment."
Erza blinked her beautiful eyes. Pointing at the Left Arm, she looked at Chase. "Chase, can we take this apart to examine it?"
As someone skilled in Re-equip magic, she had seen Chase use this kind of "equipment" in battle and was somewhat curious.
If she could analyze its structure, maybe the weapons shop owner could craft similar equipment.
Come to think of it, her equipment was mostly swords and blades. She didn't have anything specifically for amplifying punch power.
"Erza, you said something terrifying so calmly..." Lucy hugged herself nervously.
After all, that was Exodia's arm!
"Ah? Sorry. I was being presumptuous."
Realizing her abruptness, Erza stood up and bowed to the Left Arm in apology.
In certain strange areas, she was always this rigorous and serious.
Of course, this was also part of the Fairy Queen's unique charm.
"Taking it apart isn't possible. But you can try equipping it."
Chase pointed to the slowly rotating magic circle at the end of the Left Arm. "Just put your left arm through this magic circle."
Although it was a card spirit, the "Forbidden One" pieces had no consciousness of their own. By themselves, they did more like equipment cards.
But they were still part of Exodia. The chains on them possessed extremely strong sealing power. Even with the deck master's permission, others would face considerable resistance to use them normally.
Chase kept this detail to himself, not explaining it.
"Me, me, me!" Lucy excitedly raised her hand.
Deep down, the newbie weakling always dreamed of showing off — especially in front of these monster comrades.
Following Chase's instructions, Lucy didn't hesitate. She reached her left arm through the magic circle and equipped the Left Arm of the Forbidden One.
"How does it feel?" Gray asked.
Lucy didn't answer.
The blush on the girl's face spoke louder than words.
So heavy! Way too heavy! Can't lift it at all...
Damn it! Even just a simple lifting motion would be fine!
Not wanting to embarrass herself in front of everyone, Lucy tried with all her might. She even abandoned her dignity, using both hands and feet, desperately tugging at the floating Left Arm.
The result? She successfully threw out her back.
"Pfft, haha! Gotcha!"
Seeing her like this, Chase — who didn't have a malicious bone in his body — finally couldn't help but laugh.
Holding her aching back, Lucy sat on the sofa, her cheeks puffed into round balls, shooting him an extremely resentful glare.
Chase, you big idiot!
"I mean, it's just an arm. Is it really that heavy?"
Gray casually walked over, glanced dismissively at the panting Lucy, and equipped the Left Arm. As he did, he remarked, "Celestial Spirit wizards' physiques really are— huh? HUH?!"
Feeling the sealing power on his left arm, as immovable as a mountain, his confident expression instantly changed. His features twisted with exertion.
Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.
His peripheral vision caught Natsu's lips moving nearby. Gray quickly let go and spoke first. "Ah, I suddenly remembered that the strong should appear last. So, fireball idiot, you go first!"
"Pfft. Just admit you can't do it instead of making excuses Lucy would use."
Natsu's prepared taunt wasn't interrupted. Instead, it came out in a way Gray found even more unbearable.
"Bastard! Explain yourself! What do you mean by 'excuses a weakling would use'?!" Gray was furious.
Poor Lucy silently shed tears. She felt deeply offended...
"Hmph. Watch from the sidelines, Gray. Witness the gap in our strength!"
Natsu rolled up his sleeves, pushed past Gray, and strutted proudly toward the Left Arm.
Then — he successfully proved the cruel fact that he was no different from Gray.
Even with his Fire Dragon flames boosting him, the Left Arm didn't budge!
"Haha! You talked a big game, but you can't do it either, upward-tilted eyes."
"Damn downward-tilted eyes! You couldn't lift it either!"
"At least I have self-awareness. Unlike some idiot who slaps his face to look fat."
"You wanna fight, bastard?!"
"Bring it! Who's afraid of who?!"
After a few exchanges, Natsu and Gray were forehead to forehead.
Just as they were about to start their daily brawl, Erza's casual voice came through.
"Not bad. This weight is just right for practicing on you two who want to fight in someone else's home."
SWOOSH~
A fist wind gusted, messing up Natsu and Gray's hair and calming their restless hearts.
"E-Erza, you misunderstand! We were just exchanging feelings. We're getting along just fine!"
"Aye~!"
They instantly embraced. Natsu even turned into Happy Number Two.
"Equipping it so easily? As expected of Erza!"
Watching Erza freely swinging the Left Arm with ease, Lucy sighed. "In every sense..."
Not just her — even Chase looked surprised.
It was no surprise that someone as strong as Erza could use the Left Arm. But she made it look far too easy!
The confusion came and went quickly. Beneath the gaps in Erza's armor, he caught a glimpse of subtly tensed muscles and flowing magic power.
Seems the Fairy Queen's idol burden was considerable too...
Realizing the truth, Chase smiled and shook his head.
With that thought, he snapped his fingers and recalled the Left Arm.
In a one-on-one situation, exposing Erza's front might be fun. But in front of Natsu and Gray, he should maintain the Fairy Queen's fierce image.
"Since we're all here, let me introduce another new partner."
Under Lucy and the others' puzzled gazes, Chase pulled out another new card. "Seven-star card monster — Dragon Destruction Swordsman."
He had already completed the contract with the Dragon Destruction Swordsman while receiving treatment at the guild. He just hadn't had time to get to know him better.
"Ahaha! Here I am, in all my glory!"
A magic circle lit up. The Dragon Destruction Swordsman walked out with bold, arrogant strides.
His shining armor, uniquely shaped dragon-tooth greatsword, and naturally intimidating aura — all exuded an aura of strength.
Or did they?
"Hm? Cute girls with amazing bodies? TWO of them?!"
The moment he saw Lucy and Erza, the Dragon Destruction Swordsman couldn't help but gasp.
Even with his helmet on, two pink hearts could clearly be seen popping out from inside.
"Ah, aha... What is this strangely familiar feeling..." Lucy instinctively stepped back.
"Hello, Dragon Buster Destruction Sword." Erza remained unaffected as she greeted him.
Chase's mouth twitched. He quickly raised his hand to cover his face. He didn't expect this kind of Dragon Buster Destruction Sword. He had been perfectly normal when they signed the contract!
"Aye~ Chase, could it be because you're male?"
Happy floated by, pointing at the Dragon Destruction Swordsman, who had started hitting on Lucy and Erza.
"Wow! He looks really strong!"
Natsu immediately perked up. He raised his fire fist and charged. "Hey, ragged swordsman! Fight me!"
The Dragon Buster Destruction Sword simply sidestepped and lightly flicked the hilt of his sword, knocking Natsu unconscious. Unable to fight.
"Huh? Instant defeat?!" Lucy was shocked.
Erza had clearly seen more. Her eyes narrowed, her expression becoming very serious. This guy was strong.
Chase wasn't particularly surprised. In fact, he felt a bit amused.
Never mind that Natsu was already weak as a chicken from the civil war. A Dragon Slayer who could use dragonification challenging the Dragon Destruction Swordsman? That was practically a perfect job match!
The Dragon Buster Destruction Sword completely ignored Natsu. He turned his attention back to Lucy and Erza. "So, ladies, do you need boyfriends?"
"Moo! I want to ask that too!"
Golden light flashed. Taurus, the pervy bull with heart-shaped eyes, appeared out of nowhere. His nostrils gushed steam. "And Lucy and Erza's bodies are truly amazing!!"
"Oh ho? Someone who shares my refined taste?"
"Of course, moo! My standards for beautiful women are very strict!"
"Haha! You're not bad. What's your name? I acknowledge you!"
"Taurus, the Zodiac spirit, brother!"
"I'm Dragon Buster Destruction Sword, brother!"
In just over ten seconds, the two perverts had built a deep friendship. They shook hands, regretting not having met sooner.
Lucy: "..."
Chase: "..."
Igneel inside Natsu, woken up by the commotion: "..."
***
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