Chapter 125: Brain's Dark Web, Voldemort's Dark Web

[Sky Island]

The first match of the semi-finals ended in the blink of an eye.

"Elfman used Full-Body Take Over: Beast Soul, but unfortunately..." Mirajane, serving as the temporary commentator, struggled to find the right words to describe the match. The difference in magic power was too vast, and the outcome was clear from the start.

The result was displayed on the screen:

[Winner]: Nate!

At the same time, the shattered duel stage quickly restored itself.

Returning to the contestants' area, Nate noticed he had received a private message from a familiar contact.

"A message from Voldemort?" Nate paused, then remembered, "Oh, it's from Brain, the leader of the Oración Seis."

Voldemort had only one friend on his account, and that was Brain. Previously, after being attacked by Racer, Nate had diverted their attention by providing them with information about Nirvana. He wondered if the Oración Seis had managed to locate it yet.

Makarov's voice rang out loudly, announcing the next match.

"The second match of the semi-finals: Erza vs. Juvia!"

The two familiar opponents were promptly teleported to the battlefield.

"Erza-sama, this is the third time we've fought!" Juvia said seriously. "For Nate-sama, Juvia will not lose!"

Erza felt a bit uneasy. This time was different from their previous encounters.

The first time was when she and Nate went on an S-Class mission to Galuna Island. The second time was during their battle with Phantom Lord. Both times, Juvia had mistaken her for a "rival in love."

Back then, Erza could confidently explain herself. But now... after realizing, "Nate definitely likes me," she couldn't so easily dismiss Juvia's emotions anymore.

"Uh... please, let's have a good match!" Erza said, choosing not to clarify things further.

"Requip: Sea Empress Armor!"

In a flash of golden light, Erza donned a light green armor and wielded a green ice sword.

Watching the match, Mirajane provided commentary.

"Erza's Sea Empress Armor enhances her resistance to water and can even nullify water magic attacks. This puts Juvia's water magic at a significant disadvantage."

"That's the brilliance of Erza. No matter the opponent, she can always adapt with the perfect armor."

"As expected from our guild's Fairy Queen," Mirajane added with a smile, having known Erza since childhood.

Back on the duel stage, Juvia was surrounded by swirling water, her magic power radiating from her body. She heard Mirajane's commentary.

"Even so, Juvia will not lose!" she declared.

...

While everyone was engrossed in the duel between Erza and Juvia, Nate was replying to the private message from Brain.

Within the game world created by the Deep Net, Nate didn't even need to type—he could respond simply through thought.

Voldemort: "Dark Web?"

Leader: "That's right! There's no room for us Dark Mages on the regular Magic Net!"

Leader: "I've been studying the Magic Net and, using my 'Archive' magic, I've created an internet for the dark world—the 'Dark Web'! But it's still in its early stages. I'd like to invite you to join me in developing it further. What do you say?"

Nate was initially surprised to hear the term "Dark Web." After all, even he couldn't fully control the Magic Net. How could an outsider develop something like the Dark Web? It seemed impossible.

However, Brain's explanation made it clearer.

Using Archive magic as the foundation for creating the Dark Web… it wasn't quite what Nate had imagined.

To Nate, the Dark Web referred to the hidden corners of the internet, inaccessible by conventional means—a forbidden zone of sorts. Brain's "Dark Web," on the other hand, was a mere imitation of the Magic Net.

Nate chuckled.

Voldemort: "I expected something grand from the leader of the Oración Seis. But that mess you've made—does it even deserve to be called a Dark Web?"

Leader: "You're not surprised, are you? You entered the Magic Net long before me, didn't you?"

It seemed Brain had misunderstood something. Regardless, he had given Nate an idea. The development of the Magic Net shouldn't only benefit legitimate guilds. If he nurtured the dark side too, the network could grow even stronger.

Rather than let Brain create a flawed Dark Web, Nate decided it was time to build one himself.

That way, the Magic Net could be divided into three layers:

1. Surface Net, accessible to everyone.

2. Dark Web, accessible through special means, perfect for dark guilds.

3. Deep Net, the true core of the Magic Internet.

With this plan in mind, Nate responded again.

Voldemort: "I've already tested your so-called Dark Web. It's useless."

Leader: "As expected! You've already tried it!"

Voldemort: "The creator of the Magic Net is a true genius. This magic has surpassed the realm of magic itself—it belongs to the domain of gods."

Nate shamelessly praised himself.

In this world, gods existed. For example, there was Ankhseram, the God of Life and Death, who cursed Zeref when he researched the R-System for resurrection. It was also why Nate had stopped Ultear from attempting to revive her mother, Ur, through the R-System—the wrath of Ankhseram was real.

Voldemort: "But even magic at the level of the gods has flaws. I've already found a loophole and created the true Dark Web."

Leader: "What do you mean?"

Voldemort: "Have you heard of the cuckoo bird? Cuckoos don't build their own nests; they take over those of other birds, like magpies."

Since the term "cuckoo's nest" didn't exist in this world, Nate had to explain it.

Leader: "Are you saying… you've hidden your Dark Web within the Magic Net itself?"

Voldemort: "You catch on quickly."

Leader: "That's brilliant! What a genius idea!"

Brain's response was exactly what Nate expected.

Leader: "So, what's the loophole? Where is this Dark Web of yours?"

Voldemort: "Why would I tell you?"

Leader: "..."

Leader: "Alright, what's the price?"

Voldemort: "You and the Oración Seis went to the Worth Woodsea, right? Have you found Nirvana yet?"

Leader: "Are you interested in Nirvana too?"

Voldemort: "The super magic that reverses light and darkness? I'm just curious."

There was a pause, as if Brain was considering something. After about ten minutes, a new message came through.

Leader: "Fine. We'll inform you when we find it."

Leader: "I'm intrigued by you as well. I'll be waiting."

Nate smiled, thinking it might be time to send out his Worms of Time.