Chapter 42 : Devil’s Island!!

Kyros returned to the guild dormitory, swiftly packed his belongings, and departed toward Magnolia train station. Upon arrival, he spotted a figure leaning against a pillar ahead.

"Finally! I've been waiting for ages," the person exclaimed upon seeing Kyros approach.

"Gray?"

It was indeed Gray, awaiting Kyros at the station.

"Why are you here?" Kyros inquired.

"Mira asked me to come. She mentioned Laxus keeping an eye on you, knowing you're not one to back down. With Makarov around, you two wouldn't brawl within the guild. But outside, there's no stopping you two," Gray explained.

"Of course, Laxus's arrogance is getting on my nerves," Kyros replied with a smile. He and Gray shared a close bond, often enjoying each other's company.

Ever since their confrontation six years ago, Laxus had grown reserved, harboring a simmering hostility, anticipating a rematch. His recent resurgence in arrogance hinted at newfound confidence in his strength. Mira's concern, sending Gray, warmed Kyros's heart.

However, he remained unfazed. No matter Laxus's strength, Kyros was confident he still outclassed him by far.

In Hargeon Port, Kyros and Gray arrived. This was the nearest sea route to Magnolia Town and the quickest path to Devil's Island.

After some inquiries, they learned Natsu and Lucy had been there earlier.

"Those two fools really went to Devil's Island," Gray grumbled. Now confirmed, their secret undertaking of the S-rank mission irked him.

"Let's follow them," Kyros suggested. Retrieving Natsu and Lucy was secondary; their main objective lay on Devil's Island.

"Agreed."

They inquired about ships bound for Galuna Island, only to face repeated refusals. The name "Devil's Island" repelled even the most audacious pirates, let alone ship captains.

Suddenly, a boatman asked, "Why head to Devil's Island?"

"We're wizards from Fairy Tail..."

"You two are Fairy Tail wizards too? To break the curse of Devil's Island?"

"Who are you, uncle?" Gray questioned.

"This morning, a pair of young wizards, a man and a woman, mentioned breaking Devil's Island's curse. I took them to Galuna Island."

Gray's annoyance surfaced. "Those two escaped. We're the real wizards here to solve this task."

"That's it, get on the boat, and I'll take you to Galuna Island," the captain instructed.

Kyros and Gray boarded the boat, which departed from the port and sailed towards the distant horizon.

As the port of Hargeon gradually faded from view, engulfed by the vast expanse of the sea, Kyros and Gray engaged in conversation. During moments of boredom, Kyros idly manipulated the seawater with his hand.

Despite inheriting the template of Kaido of the Beasts, Kyros had never consumed a Devil Fruit, rendering him impervious to the weakness associated with Devil Fruit users and seawater.

For experimental purposes, Kyros had ventured into the sea to confirm this.

Unexpectedly, evening descended upon them.

The captain announced, "Galuna Island lies ahead. I can't sail any closer; venturing nearer would incur a curse upon us."

"That's fine, you've done enough. Thank you, uncle," Kyros expressed gratitude.

Gray assumed a pose, channeling his modeling magic with both hands. "ICEMAKE · Floor!" he declared.

A frigid aura emanated from Gray's palms, freezing the surface of the sea and forming a path of ice leading towards the island.

Kyros and Gray leaped from the boat and slid gracefully across the ice towards the island.

Before long, they arrived at their destination.

"Is this Devil's Island? It appears no different from any other," Gray remarked, surveying the dense woods that covered the island, devoid of any demonic presence.

Kyros chuckled. "Appearances can be deceiving, Gray. There must be a reason it's called Devil's Island."

"Which way should we head now? I'm unsure where to find the village mentioned in the mission," Gray inquired.

"Let's try this direction," Kyros suggested, leading the way with Gray following closely behind.

After a short while, they reached a village. Encircled by massive logs to ward off wild beasts, the village gate bore the warning: 'No Entry.'

Gray stepped forward and called out, "Hello? Is anyone there?"

A guard stationed atop the gate promptly addressed Kyros and Gray, "Who are you?"

"We're wizards from the Fairy Tail guild. Have you seen a man, a woman, and a cat enter the village today? The man has cherry-red hair, and the woman is blonde," Kyros inquired.

Natsu, Lucy, and Happy exchanged alarmed glances upon hearing the familiar voice.

"No! It's Gray!"

"Wow! We've been spotted already?!"

"He must be here to take us back!"

Before the person above could respond, Natsu hastily interjected, "Shh~! Don't acknowledge that you've seen us! Just say that strangers aren't welcome here! Drive them away!"

"Why? Aren't you guys from a guild?"

"They're here to bring us back. If we leave, there won't be anyone to help you break the curse."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions shifted. They had suffered under the curse for so long, finally seeing hope in the form of these mages. Naturally, they couldn't allow them to leave so easily.

"No... No one's ever been here before. Strangers aren't welcome in our village. Please leave at once!"

Gray furrowed his brows. Natsu and the others should have arrived earlier; they shouldn't be here yet. Furthermore, it seemed like they were being intentionally pushed away.

A slight twitch formed at the corners of Kyros's mouth as he spoke, "Natsu, Lucy, Happy, I know you're inside. You'd better open the door for them, or I'll have to break it down."

"What—?!"

Natsu's expression turned grim.

"This is bad!! Kyros's here too!!"

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