Chapter 9: The Curse of Karna Island

"Who are you?"

The guard's voice was gruff as he eyed Kira and his companions approaching the village gates.

Kira stepped forward confidently. "We're wizards from Fairy Tail, here to complete the mission you sent to the guild."

The first guard turned to his companion, his brow furrowed. "Is this true?"

The second guard nodded after a moment. "It seems they mentioned someone from a magic guild would come."

"Show us your guild emblems," the first guard demanded.

This was a standard protocol for most missions, so Kira and his group weren't fazed. Each of them revealed their respective guild emblems without hesitation.

Kira shrugged off his coat to reveal the black Fairy Tail emblem engraved on his left arm. Though he wasn't a fan of tattoos, he had long come to terms with this world's customs. The guild emblem wasn't just a symbol of identity—it carried a deeper meaning, representing bonds, loyalty, and pride.

There was also another reason Kira didn't mind having the emblem. He vaguely recalled that the Fairy Tail mark was imbued with the magic of Mavis, the guild's first master. Though the exact effects eluded him, he was certain it functioned as a magical buff. Who wouldn't want a little extra help?

Once the guards verified their credentials, the gates creaked open, and they were led into the village to meet its chief.

The village was primitive, its residents dressed in rudimentary attire that resembled tribal wear. Among them, only the chief stood out, cloaked in a garment made from animal fur that gave him a faint air of authority.

The chief was a short, elderly man with long, pointed ears. He leaned heavily on a scepter adorned with a crescent moon at the top. Upon seeing Kira and his group, his face lit up with a warm, albeit weary, smile.

"At last, you've arrived," the old man said, his voice trembling slightly. "We've been waiting for you, esteemed wizards."

Kira and his companions gathered around as the chief began explaining the situation.

"As you can see," the chief said, gesturing to the villagers, "everyone on this island—humans and animals alike—has been cursed. No creature has been spared."

Gray frowned. "Why do you call it a curse? Have you considered the possibility that it might be some kind of disease?"

The chief sighed. "We've consulted dozens of doctors over the years. Their verdict was unanimous—they've never encountered anything like this before. Moreover, our condition is tied to the magic of the moon."

"The moon?" Kana asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," the chief continued. "This island has always been blessed by moonlight. Its brilliance made our home beautiful and vibrant. But a few years ago, the moon turned purple, and its light became unnatural."

"Purple light?" Rocky mused. "Could that be some form of light magic?"

The chief nodded grimly. "When the purple moon rises, our appearances change. We transform into hideous demons."

Gray's expression hardened. "Demons?"

"Indeed," the chief said. "During the day, we revert to our human forms. However..."

"However?" Kana prompted, her voice laced with concern.

"Some among us fail to change back. Worse still, they lose their minds entirely, becoming demons both in body and soul. In the end, we have no choice but to kill them, even though they are our kin."

Kana flinched. "You've been killing your own people? That's... harsh."

"There's no other option," the chief said, his voice cracking. "If we leave them unchecked, they'll slaughter the rest of us. Even imprisonment isn't viable. The afflicted destroy the very walls of their cells. One of them was... my own son."

The chief's voice broke as he recounted his tragedy. Tears welled in his eyes, and he trembled with the weight of his grief. Nearby villagers stepped forward to comfort him, their sorrow evident.

"Please," the chief begged, clasping his hands together. "You must save us. If this curse continues, we'll all lose our souls to the demons."

The air grew heavy with emotion.

"There's only one solution," the chief declared, his voice filled with desperation. "Destroy the moon!"

"Destroy the moon?!" Gray exclaimed, his jaw dropping.

Rocky echoed his disbelief. "That's absurd! How could anyone destroy the moon?"

Kana crossed her arms, her tone incredulous. "That's impossible!"

While Gray and the others reeled from the chief's request, Kira remained unfazed. He had to stifle a laugh. After all, he already knew the truth. But maintaining his composure as an S-class wizard was crucial, so he opted to stay quiet for now. Instead, he took charge.

"We'll need to investigate further," Kira said, leading his companions into the forest under the guise of gathering clues.

As they walked, the group discussed the situation.

"Destroying the moon is out of the question," Gray said firmly.

Rocky nodded, his tone more analytical. "I think this is magic—a specific type of spell that only affects the island's inhabitants and animals."

Kana furrowed her brow. "Magic? Could it be something like Mira's Take Over magic?"

"Impossible," Rocky replied. "Take Over magic requires talent and a specific connection to the creature being taken over. There aren't enough demons here for every villager to have a connection. This must be another kind of magic entirely."

Kana rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "The purple moonlight... Could it be light magic? Have you ever heard of a similar type of spell, Rocky?"

Rocky shook his head. "Never."

"What's your take, Kira?" Kana asked, turning to him.

Kira couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as their eyes fell on him. He sighed dramatically for effect. "This is the difference between you and an S-class wizard. Didn't any of you bother gathering intel before the mission?"

Gray blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I did some research," Kira said, smoothly transitioning into an improvised explanation. "This island has a long history. Long ago, it was known as Moon Island because it could harness moonlight and condense it into a powerful force. However, it was also called Devil's Island because its inhabitants were demons, not humans."

The group stopped in their tracks, stunned.

"Are you saying," Gray began, "that these villagers were always demons?"

"Exactly," Kira confirmed.

Kana frowned. "But we saw humans back in the village."

"According to records, these demons have the ability to transform into human form during the day. At night, they revert to their true appearances."

Rocky scratched his head. "If that's true, why would they lie and claim to be cursed by the moon?"

"Something must have affected their memories," Kira explained. "It's likely that their transformation back into demons, coupled with the appearance of the purple moon, confused their perceptions."

"You're saying the purple moonlight affects their memories?" Kana asked.

Kira nodded. "There are two possibilities. Either a virus is causing this, or magic is altering the moonlight itself, turning it purple and affecting the villagers' minds. Considering the situation, I'd bet on the latter."

The group fell silent, absorbing his reasoning.

Inwardly, Kira grinned. Genius. That explanation wrapped everything up perfectly.

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