Meteor Forest, First Engraving of the Amplification Array

Gildarts didn't back away, directly unleashing a magic crush against the incoming Ice Spear. Then he moved forward… Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! The two of them exchanged blows, grappling with each other. It seemed that Gray was being beaten up unilaterally, yet he showed no signs of backing down.

After a while, Gray finally stopped, panting for breath. He placed his hands on his knees and gasped before raising one hand to wave it dismissively: "Let's take a break. Just wait until I finish joining the guild."

Gildarts smirked confidently: "Even after you join the guild, it'll take you decades of practice to defeat me."

Cana couldn't help but facepalm at that. Bullying a kid and relishing in it.

Gray raised the corner of his mouth, then sneered: "Hmph. I have Brother Gaal to back me up with my secret weapon." Ignoring the stunned Gildarts, he walked over to Makarov and pointed to the right side of his chest: "Stamp it right here, Master."

Makarov nodded and pressed the Fairy Tail guild emblem onto Gray's right chest. He then sighed, "You really are full of energy. Alright. I'm delighted that you've become a member of Fairy Tail." Makarov then tossed the stamp in his hand into the air, his right fist raised high with his thumb and index finger extended: "To celebrate Gray's joining. And the reunion of Gildarts and Cana as father and daughter! Let's have a feast!!!" 

As soon as his words fell, the guild erupted into cheers. The immense noise almost blew the roof off.

Gray, feeling the atmosphere, couldn't help but smile. In this joyous vibe, Gray suddenly thought of something. He dashed over to pick up some clothes lying on the ground, then took out a card from his pocket, grinning at Gildarts before running into the crowd.

Everyone looked at Gray curiously and gathered around him. Gildarts had a foreboding feeling. Gray held the card in his palm: "Brother Gaal said to place it in the palm, and activate it with magic… Then…"

A projection suddenly appeared, casting an image in the air above Gray's hand. In the clear projection, Gildarts was crouching on the ground, his hands pressed to the floor, looking remorseful, while he mumbled repeatedly: "I'm not human… I've sinned… I'm not human… I've sinned…"

The scene fell into silence. Then… The entire guild burst out laughing: "Hahaha! Gildarts, what are you doing?! This is so lame! Who are you confessing to? I can't believe you have moments like this, Gildarts?! To celebrate Gildarts' sins! Cheers!!!" Even Cana couldn't help but laugh at the projection.

Gildarts felt utterly petrified, trembling as he raised a finger, pointing at the projection: "You… you scoundrel…!!! I told you Gaal was a black-hearted guy! Hey! Cana! Did you see that?! I told you that guy's heart is dark!! How dare he! When did he pull this off! I'm going to kill him!!!" Gildarts wore an expression of despair, his teeth itching in rage. That brat Gaal had outsmarted him. Gildarts then suddenly looked at Gray, his eyes glinting with menace: "I can't take care of Gaal. You think I can't deal with you?! You little brat. This thing must have been hidden away high and low, right?"

Gray swallowed hard, feeling a bit flustered: "Hey hey hey! Don't come over here! Master! Help me!!!" Gray turned and bolted towards Makarov while Gildarts relentlessly chased after him: "No one can help you! You better stop right there!!!"

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Half a month later.

Central Ishgar Continent.

Meteor Forest.

Named after a bird-type magical beast called Starlight Bird.

Starlight Birds are gregarious, often coming out to forage at night. As they activate their magic, their feathers shimmer brightly; combined with their swift flying speed, when they flock by at night, it resembles shooting stars crossing the sky, hence the name Starlight Birds.

Unlike the desolation in the northlands, this region is located in central Ishgar, with a pleasant climate and lush greenery. Many insects and harmless magical creatures flit about in the woods.

Gaal strolled through, feeling increasingly uplifted. He unknowingly found himself at the lake in the forest's center. Savoring the rich natural atmosphere, Gaal drew his Poké Balls from his waist. Six beams of red light shot forth. Gengar, Dragonite, Urshifu, Ninetales, Alolan Ninetales, and Greninja landed on the ground in sequence. 

These were the six Pokémon Gaal carried with him. The biggest difference between these Pokémon and those from the original Pokémon world is Gaal's alterations and their ability to Gigantamax. Gaal could impart Galar Particles at any time to initiate Gigantamax, just like with Alolan Ninetales. 

As the six Pokémon emerged, they sensed their surroundings and began to cheer happily. No one could refuse the essence of nature. Gaal clapped his hands and smiled, "Alright. Let's find some food; we will rest here today." This was also why Gaal often traveled by train. The magical world's Fairy Tail boasted a plethora of strange sights and creatures. 

Gaal hadn't finished exploring Ishgar in all these years. Not to mention other continents. Moreover, the map of this world was not particularly complete. Every nation appeared different, and many unusual sights or creatures were unheard of even within a single kingdom. Meteor Forest was one such place. One could only see it by coming to the area, listening to others recount their tales.

If they rode Dragonite, they might bypass it altogether. After all, with a sprawling expanse like Meteor Forest, at Dragonite's speed, it would take merely a second to fly by.

Upon hearing Gaal's instructions, the Pokémon joyfully cheered. Dragonite and Greninja rushed to the riverbank and jumped in. Dragonite's form hardly hindered its actions in the water; it immediately caught a silver fish and snapped it onto the shore, while Greninja skillfully manipulated the currents into a whirlpool, where several silver fish panicked and swam in circles, unable to escape. Urshifu calmly scanned the surrounding trees, heading into the forest to gather some wood. Ninetales and Alolan Ninetales lifted their noses to sniff, wandering into the woods together in search of ripe fruits. 

Gengar's eyes twinkled mischievously; it giggled, floated up into a tree, and vanished into the trunk. Suddenly, it shot out from the top branches, making a comical face at a small bird standing on a branch, its large red tongue and rolling eyes causing a few small birds to shriek before… Thud, thud— They fell rigidly to the ground.

Gaal stood by the lake and casually raised his hand. Nearby, the soil began to rise swiftly, forming the shape of tables and chairs. In just a moment, a large round table comfortable enough for Gaal and all his Pokémon to sit and have a meal took shape. Gaal then fashioned a recliner slightly farther from Dragonite and Greninja using Plant Magic. 

Taking out a fishing rod, he baited it and cast it into the lake. Gaal waited quietly; with a flip of his right hand, a piece of magic crystal appeared. The magic crystal came in many varieties; nearly anything could be transformed into a magic crystal as long as its elemental magic power was adequate. The one in Gaal's hand was purchased at a magic shop in the city that very morning. 

He still had quite a few more in his bag, all of various levels, crafted using the techniques from the Southern Continent. After all, Gildarts had entrusted him this once, so Gaal couldn't be negligent. 

As he studied the magic crystal in his palm, Gaal activated additional magic, engraving the Amplification Array onto it. The next second… Crack!

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