On the outskirts of Magnolia, atop a hill protruding from a dense forest.
In Chase's original world, this place should have been a barren plain—this was where he and Laxus had fought during the guild civil war.
"I see. Fairy Tail from another world, is it? I understand."
Future Ultear held a crystal ball in her hands. Seven years later, she appeared much more mature, with a deeper, more profound look in her eyes.
As a user of Arc of Time, her acceptance of the concept of "interdimensional travel" was far higher than Jellal's—and higher than the now-grown Meredy standing beside her.
Though she was equally unfamiliar with Chase as a Fairy Tail member, unlocking the Second Origin wasn't particularly complicated for her. It would also provide some additional security for investigating the strange magic at the Grand Magic Games, so she quickly agreed.
"Even so, isn't this way too many people?" Future Meredy frowned at the large crowd across from her, genuinely worried about Ultear's magic reserves.
That's right—aside from Mira, everyone was here: Natsu and Lucy training in the Card Space, and all the other comrades from the guild hall. Chase had called them all over.
Though it was a bit presumptuous, this simple, almost "cheat-like" power-up would allow Fairy Tail's overall combat strength to make a qualitative leap. Chase couldn't be bothered to worry about minor formalities.
Besides, Chase wouldn't be receiving Future Ultear's help for nothing. Since he was here, he certainly wouldn't let Ultear sacrifice all her time for a single crucial minute. In this world too, she deserved a better ending!
Of course, there was no way to say that out loud, which was why, in Meredy's eyes, Chase appeared somewhat "greedy."
Even Lucy and Gray felt a bit embarrassed about suddenly imposing so much on Future Ultear.
"Meredy, compared to uncovering the source of that evil magic and ensuring the kingdom's safety, my contribution here is nothing," Future Ultear said, shaking her head gently.
Hearing this, Future Meredy puffed out her cheeks and turned away. After a few seconds of silence, she ultimately said nothing more.
"As for the magic consumption, I can help restore your energy," Chase said, stepping forward and producing several support cards from his fingertips.
"Then I'll leave that to you."
Future Ultear didn't refuse. She looked at Chase and asked, "So you're going first, right?"
"Just so you know, because we're unlocking the body's latent potential ahead of time, opening the Second Origin comes with unimaginable pain. The effects vary from person to person—someone too strong might have already awakened it without even realizing."
"No problem." Chase nodded.
He was also curious whether the Second Origin would work on him as a "traveler."
"Then take off your clothes first," Future Ultear said expressionlessly.
This immediately put Mira and Erza, standing behind Chase, on high alert. It was only after they learned that guiding magic arrays needed to be inscribed on the body's surface that they slowly relaxed their guard.
Chase didn't hesitate. In front of his comrades, he removed his outer clothing, leaving only his boxer shorts.
Then Mira and Erza's hearts ached—the scars Chase wore as badges of honor were fully exposed under the sunlight, a striking and somewhat harrowing sight.
"What's going to happen next..."
Lucy and the others further back held their breath, their nerves stretched taut.
From her future counterpart's horrifying recollections, Lucy knew that the pain was like having your entire body torn apart—absolutely terrifying!
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, filled with fear and dread, Ultear quickly completed the guiding magic array. Crimson patterns now covered Chase's entire body.
"Ready?" Ultear asked.
"Let's begin." Chase remained calm.
He had already experienced the pain of his entire body being torn apart when summoning Slifer on Tenrou Island. He had even burned his own life force after that. What could something as minor as the Second Origin possibly do?
Just as he was thinking that, with a low hum, the crystal ball in Ultear's hands lit up with a magic array.
In an instant, the confident Chase's pupils contracted, revealing an expression of utter disbelief.
His entire body trembled uncontrollably!
Not because of the agonizing pain of his cells seemingly being shattered, but because as the Second Origin gradually opened, the chaotic magic power within him surged forth wildly, forming an independent domain—separate from the Card Space where Dark Magician and the others resided!
Though Chase couldn't yet determine what exactly this meant or what effects it would have, he had an incredibly real feeling.
That was—his innate cheat ability, "Duelist Soul," had evolved!
A completely unexpected gain!
"Impossible! Even someone as manly as Chase is—"
"Dammit! Just how painful is that?!"
"Maybe we should... skip it (voice trembling)!"
Seeing his trembling back and tightly clenched fists, Elfman, Gray, and the others all widened their eyes, naturally assuming it was the effect of opening the Second Origin.
If even they reacted this way, the timid Lucy, Wendy, and Levy were even worse off—they huddled together in fear, a strong urge to back out washing over them.
Cana secretly downed a barrel of booze.
Time quietly passed as the group waited uneasily.
Until a cool breeze swept through the mountain forest. Chase slowly opened his tightly shut eyes, the magic patterns on his body fading away.
"Chase, how do you feel?"
Mira and Erza rushed over to steady him as he stumbled.
"Incredible!" Chase gave them a reassuring smile.
After recovering his composure, he stood up and sincerely thanked Future Ultear: "Thank you."
"Don't mention it. That power was already hidden inside you. I just brought it out early," Ultear said, genuinely surprised.
Normally, after opening the Second Origin, a person would be incapacitated for at least three to five hours. She never expected this man to recover so quickly.
Whether in this world or any other, the people in Fairy Tail were truly all monsters, she thought to herself, recalling how Future Erza had faced the same process without flinching just two days ago.
The rest of the process went much more smoothly.
Everyone from Chase's Tenrou Island group—including Éclair—as well as Future Gajeel, Future Elfman, and all the others, lined up to open their Second Origins. Unsurprisingly, they all ended up sprawled on the ground, groaning.
Of course, Mira and Erza weren't included in that group. Whether they were simply toughing it out, neither of them showed much reaction throughout the entire process.
***
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