Ur's Departure

Gaal's time magic is based on the innate abilities and hidden attributes that come with the Arceus template. Therefore, using it doesn't come with many restrictions and doesn't involve great costs. Once he simply repaired the town to a satisfactory state, Gaal raised his wand and pointed it. Whoosh! He vanished from the spot.

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Two days later.

In the depths of the northern snow-capped mountains on the Ishgar continent, the cold climate meant that blustery winds and icy snow prevailed year-round. Yet, deep within the mountains, there was a small cabin emitting a wisp of smoke. Inside the wooden house, thick snow coated the eaves, but the scene inside was one of warmth. An orange flame burned brightly in the stove, yet no wood was being used.

The large dining table seemed a little crowded. A simple wooden stand supported an iron pot, beneath which was also a flame that burned without wood, continuously heating the pot above. Inside the pot, fresh vegetables and meat from the Ice Magic Goat boiled away, resembling a simple hot pot. The delicious aroma filled the entire room.

Gray and Lyon sat on one side, swallowing repeatedly as they eyed the meat slices and vegetables bubbling in the pot while also glancing at the clock on the wall to check if it was time yet. Gengar sat upright in a chair directly opposite Gray and Lyon, the corners of his mouth twitching, clearly unable to contain his anticipation to dig in.

Ur sat across from Gaal. Compared to the delicious food in the pot, Ur was more amazed by Gaal's magic. "It's truly incredible," she remarked. "Wood that doesn't fear fire." 

Ur raised a hand and touched the wooden stand supporting the iron pot, feeling the high temperature of the orange flame while also sensing that this wooden stand contained no magical power. But this stand had grown from the wooden dining table as Gaal wielded his magic. Wood that fears fire being transformed into a flame-resistant stand is indeed the charm of magic.

Gaal smiled and said, "I always love to delve into strange things." 

"It's just some useless magic," he added. 

Ur shook her head and replied, "How can it be useless? It's quite impressive. Speaking of which, the Fiore Kingdom isn't nearby. How did you end up here?" 

After all, matters concerning Deliora were typically not of the Magic Council's concern. Gaal looked up at the time, glancing at the hopeful expressions of Gengar, Gray, and Lyon before declaring it was time to eat. He then turned to Ur and explained, "How should I put it... There's a little girl in the guild seeking her family. But that bastard father of hers hasn't returned." 

"That poor girl has started drowning her sorrows in alcohol. She's only eight years old and has already become a little drunkard. How can things go on like this?" 

Ur's eyes widened as she seemingly connected the dots. "Is she that guy's child? I can't believe it." 

"That wild guy actually has a child... Wait! He doesn't still not know, does he?" 

Gaal shrugged helplessly, and Ur's mouth twitched as she couldn't help but retort, "That really is a bastard. He does such things yet is so irresponsible." 

"However, I have no leads. The last time I saw Gildarts was a year ago. That bastard even wanted me to partner with him for a mission, but I turned him down." 

Gaal nodded, picking up a piece of Ice Magic Goat meat and dipping it in some seasoning before placing it in his mouth. "That guy is just like that, it's in his nature. Thankfully, the northern region is sparsely populated; if there are any powerful wizards around, I'm sure we'll hear news soon. No rush to find him; that guy will pop up by himself."

Ur's expression turned strange as she looked at Gaal and said, "Powerful... I estimate that for quite some time, the legend of you, the wizard who defeated Deliora alone, will be remembered on the continent of Ishgar."

Gaal paused momentarily, the corner of his mouth twitching. "It's nothing. I'm used to it." 

"By the way, are you interested in joining Fairy Tail? Your strength is so formidable; it seems like such a waste to stay living in the mountains." 

Ur's gaze darkened, and she sighed. "I don't plan on joining any guild anymore. If it's not absolutely necessary, I don't even want to participate in wizard battles." 

"What does it matter how strong the magic is? If you want to protect something, you might be powerless." 

Looking at Gray and Lyon, who were currently competing with Gengar, stuffing their mouths full, she added, "If I can teach those two well, I would be completely satisfied. However, your guild is quite strange. Do you just pull people in?" 

Gaal nodded and replied, "I see; you've suffered a blow, haven't you? Is it alright to talk about it?" 

Gaal knew the reason Ur had become this way was due to a series of misunderstandings stemming from her daughter's death. But he couldn't simply say, 'I've seen the storyline; your daughter isn't dead,' and could only guide Ur to speak about it. 

Ur, unaware of Gaal's inner thoughts, glanced at him without hiding anything. She spoke of her daughter's death and the purpose of her remaining life, which is to educate future wizards capable of propelling the world forward. 

Upon hearing this, even Gaal couldn't help but admire Ur's ideals. In a way, she had succeeded. Although Gray's power wasn't significant early on, he became one of the main forces later on, participating in critical battles that led to their victories.

After listening to Ur's story, Gaal pretended to ponder for a moment before asking her for a drop of blood. 

Ur looked slightly surprised but didn't say anything, instead extending her hand onto the table. Gray and Lyon had just heard about Ur's ideals and were staring at her with adoration while also curious about what Gaal intended to do. 

Gaal took out his wand and pointed it at Ur's fingertip. A drop of blood floated out. Gaal observed this drop of blood, a hint of cursed energy appearing at the tip of his wand, which he infused into the droplet. 

Meanwhile, in the eastern part of the Ishgar continent, hidden within the most powerful dark guild 'Heart of Evil,' Ultear, who closely resembles Ur with long hair, was practicing the lost magic 'Arc of Time.' Suddenly, her heart surged painfully, a sharp agony radiating through her body, but this pain vanished almost instantly.

Ultear's expression was puzzled as she clutched her chest and gasped, "What's going on?! Is something wrong with my body? Or is it... the magic?" 

Could it be the side effects of 'Arc of Time'? It shouldn't be... Such a minor practice shouldn't harm her body. 

Ultear couldn't figure out the reason, not daring to speak about it out loud, and was merely more cautious during her practice. 

Back in the little cabin high in the northern mountains of Ishgar, Gaal slowly opened his eyes, looking at Ur. "Are you certain you saw your daughter's corpse, right?" 

It seemed to be a question. Ur faltered; she wasn't unintelligent. Hearing Gaal speak such incomprehensible words, an impossible thought entered her mind. 

Ur suddenly stood up, staring at Gaal incredulously, her voice trembling, "I saw her with my own eyes... Is it possible..." 

Gaal nodded and replied, "What I just used was a curse magic. I targeted your bloodline. I can feel that the curse indeed did go out, and the location is probably in the east of the continent. If you don't have a second daughter..." 

At this point, Gaal stopped. There was no need to say more. Ur was already beyond thought. 

What Gaal said echoed repeatedly in her mind, tears streaming down her face as she muttered, "She's not dead... She's not dead..." 

Large teardrops fell onto the table; her cries were silent, yet Ur revealed a smile. 

Ur lifted her tear-streaked face towards the eastern window, her voice more resolute than ever, "I'm going to find her!!!"

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