The next day, Alex and Erza went to the guild; normally, they would have needed to rest after all the "exercise" they did during the night.
However, thanks to Alex's magic, he removed all the fatigue they had accumulated the moment they woke up, giving them full energy to start the day. Today, the two of them were going on a mission to kickstart Alex's career as a Fairy Tail wizard.
"Alex, your fatigue erasing magic could be great for a certain group of people. If you can remove illnesses and ailments, you'd make a lot of money."
Erza's comment piqued Alex's interest. "Really? What group of people would pay that much to be cured?"
"In theory, I could cure someone by making the illness disappear, but I haven't tried it yet," Alex added.
Erza continued walking beside him. "I'm talking about the nobles. They have plenty of money, and I bet they'd pay you very well to serve as their private doctor."
Alex understood. This world is governed by nobles; in the Kingdom of Fiore, there is a certain tiny King a fan of magic and wizards who would organize the Grand Magic Games in a few years... if he hadn't already.
"I'll talk to the Guild Master about what you said, Erza. If he has a way to contact any of them, I might give it a try."
....
Once at the guild, Alex and Erza looked for suitable missions, following Mirajane and Erza's advice. Alex decided on a request to hunt a magical beast near a town not far from Magnolia. The mission involved dealing with a Giant Boar inhabiting the forest surrounding the town of Kunugi.
It was a C-Class mission. It was considered a magical beast due to its massive size and skin as tough as steel; ordinary people could do nothing but run from such creatures. He took the mission flyer and went to the counter where Mirajane was waiting.
"We'll take this one, Mira. Sign it out for me," Alex said, handing her the flyer.
Mirajane took it and saw it was a simple C-Class mission. Hunting a giant boar shouldn't be difficult for Alex, especially with Erza accompanying him.
"Alright, I'll register this mission under your name, Alex. If you fail, you'll have to pay a fine of 30% of the mission's value."
Alex saw that the reward was 150,000 Jewels, meaning the fine would be about 45,000 Jewels...
"Understood. I'll complete the mission properly."
"You don't have to be so serious, Alex. If I tell you a well known secret, it's that most members cause a lot of trouble while completing missions."
Mirajane looked toward the rowdy guild hall. Hearing her comment, the members looked down, slightly embarrassed at being exposed.
"Those problems are settled by paying for damages to third parties or local infrastructure. So don't worry about a 30% fine; sometimes the Master has to fix the disasters caused by Natsu, Gray, or Erza."
Alex looked at Erza. She turned away, ignoring Mirajane's remark.
"Fufufufu," Mirajane giggled. "Erza is a very strong wizard, but sometimes she ignores her surroundings and attacks her target, damaging the entire area."
Alex looked back at Erza; her face was as red as a tomato. "I see. I'll try to make sure Erza doesn't cause any more trouble."
"Hey!!! What do you mean 'cause trouble'?" Erza grabbed him by the collar and demanded an answer right in his face.
Alex could only give in to Erza's intensity. Afterward, they both set off for the town of Kunugi.
Cana watched them leave. "Will those two be okay?" she asked aloud. Macao, sitting across from her, replied, "They'll probably be fine. Erza is with Alex, so there's no need to worry about their safety."
"If you have to worry about something, it's what kind of disaster they'll leave behind while doing the mission," Wakaba added.
"A man always resolves problems wherever he is, no matter the mess he makes! That is a man's resolve!" Elfman began his "manly" speech.
Mirajane just sighed at her younger brother's intensity and prayed that Alex and Erza wouldn't cause any trouble.
....
After an hour's train ride, the two arrived in the town of Kunugi, north of Magnolia. They headed to the town hall to report to the Mayor. Upon reaching the reception desk, Erza spoke.
"Pardon the intrusion. We are members of Fairy Tail." Erza showed the guild's crest and told Alex to show his. "I am Erza Scarlet, and this is Alex Weiss. We are here for the Giant Boar hunt mission."
The secretary nodded and verified the information. Seeing they were the ones responsible for the request, she led them to the Mayor. "This way, please. I will take you to see the Mayor in his study; he will give you the details."
They entered the interior of the building. On the second level, they entered a large room that screamed "rich man" everywhere you looked. Alex marveled at the expensive furniture, the costly flooring, and the upholstered walls. No matter what world you are in, politicians always seem to have money and a pleasant workplace.
"Mr. Mayor, these are the Fairy Tail wizards who accepted the mission to hunt the Giant Boar."
At the desk was a middle-ñ aged man who looked like someone with authority. "Thank you for bringing them to my office, Miss Elena. Please, bring some tea for our guests."
The secretary, Elena, left the office. The Mayor invited them to take a seat. When he heard Erza's name, he looked relieved. "So, Titania herself came from Fairy Tail. I feel much better now. The Giant Boar hasn't caused serious trouble yet, but it's not good to have it roaming the outskirts of the town."
Elena returned with tea and served the three of them before bowing and retreating.
"Don't worry, Mr. Mayor. We won't take long to finish the mission," Erza assured him.
After asking for more information on where the beast was last seen, Erza and Alex left the town hall and headed toward the boar's location. On the outskirts of town, they followed the tracks left by the beast: broken branches, footprints, and droppings along the path.
As they reached the boar's usual area, Erza asked, "How are you feeling, Alex? Ready for your first hunt?"
"To be honest, Erza, I don't think this boar is much of a challenge for me. But I chose an easy mission so you could stay relaxed."
Erza saw Alex full of confidence; after all, his magic was ridiculous. Anyone with that kind of power would feel like a Wizard King. "It's good to be confident, Alex, but don't get overconfident. The last time I did, a tragedy occurred." Erza still carried the weight of what happened at Alex's village.
Sensing her depression, he stroked her head and said softly, "It wasn't your fault, Erza. The Master already told you the village withheld important information. You have to move forward. After we finish this, let's stay in town for a day to clear our heads."
Erza agreed. She had to keep moving and live with the guilt, and Alex was her path to redemption.
They continued walking until they encountered the Giant Boar. The beast was no joke—3 meters tall and 6 meters long. Its eyes were blood-red, and its skin was covered in small bristles that looked like needles. Its meter long tusks looked like they were made of steel.
"Ronk ronk ronk."
The boar began to grunt upon seeing two humans in its territory. The magical power in its body was palpable; though not immense, it was enough that ordinary people couldn't stand against it.
Erza retreated to a safe distance so as not to get in Alex's way. This was his first fight as a Fairy Tail wizard.