"Arlen! Help! Arlen!"
While wandering the forest in search of giant beasts, Arlen suddenly heard someone calling his name. The voice sounded familiar. Turning around, he saw Macao and Wakaba sprinting toward him at full speed—
With five or six blue giant wolves chasing right behind them.
"…Did you two raid a wolf den or something? Why are there so many?" Arlen said dryly.
"It's not my fault! This is all Wakaba's doing—I just got dragged into it!" Macao shouted.
Arlen clicked his tongue, slowly drawing Alaya-vijnana. The blade shifted from icy blue to radiant gold as a magic circle formed beneath his feet.
"I'll count to three. Split to both sides."
"Three… two… one—jump. Wind Scar!"
Macao and Wakaba leapt left and right with everything they had.
The wolves, losing their targets, continued charging forward—
And Arlen swung his blade upward.
Three massive golden slashes, like blazing windstorms, tore forward, devouring everything in their path. Trees, rocks—everything was obliterated, leaving behind deep trenches and scorched earth.
Silence.
When the dust settled, Macao and Wakaba stood frozen, staring at the devastation.
Gulp.
"Incredible… what terrifying power…" Macao muttered.
"That's insane… he wiped them all out in one move…" Wakaba added, equally stunned.
They had always known Arlen was strong—
But this?
This was overwhelming.
"Sorry… I overdid it. Didn't even leave any bodies behind," Arlen said, sheathing his sword with a hint of apology.
"Ah—no, no, it's fine!" they both waved frantically.
Without Arlen, they'd still be running for their lives.
"Thanks, kid. Seriously… you're ridiculously strong," Macao said, lightly punching Arlen's chest.
"Too bad time's almost up," Wakaba sighed, taking a puff from his pipe. "Looks like the S-Class spot is between you and Laxus."
"You'll have another chance next time," Arlen said, patting his shoulder.
In truth, their strength was already enough for S-Class in most guilds—
But Fairy Tail was different.
"Let's head back," Macao said.
Arlen nodded—then suddenly paused.
He felt it.
Someone watching him.
He turned sharply.
In the forest behind him, a flicker of golden hair vanished in an instant.
He was certain—
Someone had been there.
"…You two go ahead. I have something to take care of."
"Alright. Be careful."
Macao and Wakaba left without suspicion, their bickering fading into the distance.
Once they were gone, Arlen turned and pursued the figure.
"This is… the First Master's grave."
Following the golden figure, Arlen arrived beneath the massive Tenrou Tree. Within its trunk stood a gravestone:
The Grave of the First Master, Mavis Vermillion.
"Looking for me?"
A cheerful, clear voice sounded above him.
Arlen looked up.
A small, delicate girl sat on a tree branch, swinging her fair legs.
She had long, wavy golden hair, emerald-green eyes, and tiny wings on her head. Barefoot, cloaked, and exquisitely beautiful—
Like a fairy.
Her magic… unfathomable, Arlen thought, his pupils shrinking slightly.
Even as a thought projection, her power felt vast.
His sword hadn't reacted—meaning she wasn't a soul, but a Thought Projection.
In this world, souls existed, though unseen. Thought Projections were a form of soul magic—splitting part of one's soul to create a manifestation. Maintaining one required immense magic power.
"You're… the First Master?" Arlen asked.
"I am," the girl smiled, waving. "Mavis Vermillion, First Master of Fairy Tail."
"Arlen Viviamilio," he replied with a formal bow.
Mavis blinked in surprise at the shared surname.
"You're impressive," she said, swinging her legs lightly. "Such magic at your age… Fairy Tail's future is bright. The Third Master has done well."
"I still have a long way to go," Arlen replied calmly.
Confident, but grounded.
"You're quite strict with yourself," Mavis giggled. "Oh right—how is Ultear?"
"She's doing well. Her Arc of Time has improved a lot… ever since she learned it, the guild doesn't even need repair costs anymore."
Mavis burst into laughter.
"Fairy Tail really hasn't changed, has it?"
Loud, chaotic, destructive—
Yet deeply united.
They continued chatting, Arlen updating her on the guild. Mavis listened happily, sometimes like a curious child, other times like a wise elder.
Then—
"Wait, you're still in the middle of the S-Class exam, right?" Mavis suddenly said. "You should go! Don't miss it."
"…Right."
Arlen turned to leave, then paused.
"…Would you like to come with me? Back to the guild."
Mavis froze for a moment.
Then smiled brightly.
"Sure. I'd love to see it again."
With that, she lightly leapt down from the tree—
And followed Arlen toward the shore.
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