Chapter 37 : Laxus

"My magic power increased again. Is this what it feels like to profit?"

It felt amazing to level up while doing practically nothing. This upgrade had come a few days earlier than Knight expected, all thanks to the surge in Internet users.

Looking at the lively forum, Knight couldn't help but feel satisfied.

"At this rate, it won't be long before I can become a Saint Ten."

The title of Saint Ten was awarded by the Magic Council, a rank reserved for wizards whose power far exceeded that of ordinary S-Class wizards. But only ten people could hold the title at any given time. To join, someone had to be replaced.

"Eh, it's just a title anyway. The weakest and strongest among the Saint Ten are on completely different levels."

With that thought, Knight focused on more immediate goals. He had a system task to complete.

He tidied up his things and left home, heading to a magic shop instead of the guild. There, he bought some magic tools to modify the ring he had been working on. The items cost him 200,000 J.

Back at his apartment, Knight spent over half an hour tinkering with the ring, applying the soul magic he had learned from the books. His goal was to make the ring absorb a trace of the user's soul, marking it as a unique identifier.

"Done!"

But the system didn't prompt a task completion. Knight frowned and checked the task description again.

[Task: Develop a new Internet login system based on the magic ring that ordinary people can use.]

"So the modification doesn't count?" he mused, realizing he'd have to test the ring on an ordinary person. He packed the modified ring away and headed for the guild.

When Knight arrived, Erza was in the middle of her usual scolding.

"You're all getting addicted to the Internet and not working hard! This can't go on!" she said, hands on her hips. "Kana, are you seriously drinking from the barrel in broad daylight? And Wakaba, your cigarette butt is about to fall!"

The scolded guild members looked paralyzed, their expressions stiff.

Erza sighed, "You're all hopeless." Then she caught sight of Knight.

"Nate!"

Knight froze. "Hey, Erza. Glad to see you're all healed up."

"Thanks to you, I was stuck in the infirmary for a week!" she retorted, though her burning gaze quickly shifted to something else. "I want a rematch!"

"Seriously?" Knight groaned. "Where's the trust between people?"

Erza smirked. "Just kidding. I won't go back on my promise. But why were you about to run when you saw me?"

Knight sighed in relief. He took a seat at the bar with her. With no bartender in sight, Erza fetched a bottle of wine and poured a glass for both of them.

"Thanks again for last time," she said, to which Knight responded with a simple, "You're welcome."

Just as they began to relax, a wave of sleepiness hit the guild. Knight's eyes sharpened as a figure stepped through the door.

Mistergang.

As soon as the masked figure entered, everyone began to fall asleep, collapsing onto tables and chairs. Even Makarov, who was sitting upstairs, began nodding off.

Erza struggled to stay conscious, but eventually, she slumped over, the wine glass slipping from her hand. Knight caught her, gently laying her back into her seat. He turned his gaze toward the mysterious figure by the door, recognizing him instantly.

"You must be Mistergang," Knight called out. The masked figure paused, slightly turning his head but not fully engaging.

Knight continued, "I'm Nate, a newcomer. Here, take this magic ring. It'll let you accept commissions online, no need to hypnotize the guild every time."

Mistergang hesitated for a moment but then asked Knight to throw the ring. Catching it effortlessly, he offered a polite "Thank you" before leaving.

As soon as he exited, the sleep magic lifted. Erza stirred in her chair, groaning as she rubbed her temples.

"Sorry you had to see that," she muttered. "That was Mistgang... Every time he comes back, he puts everyone to sleep. Only the guild master knows what he really looks like."

"No," came a low chuckle from the second floor. "I know who he is, too."

Knight wasn't surprised. He'd sensed the presence of someone else before entering the guild.

Looking up, he saw Laxus, another one of the guild's S-Class wizards, leaning against the railing.

"You stayed awake through Mistgang's magic?" Laxus mused, impressed. "You're strong. Why not join my Thunder God Tribe?"

Knight chuckled. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm not the type who likes working too hard."

Laxus raised an eyebrow, lightning flickering in his hair. "I heard you beat Erza. How about we fight and you show me your strength?"

Knight sighed. "Here we go again..."

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