Chapter 22: Mission Ended

The platinum cloak fluttered in the wind, making a rustling sound.

Kira stared at the cards in the air, unsure whether to be prouder of his magical props or the dramatic name he had bestowed upon them.

The magic power floating in the atmosphere coalesced toward the brilliant white light at the card's center. The energy continued to condense, compressing beyond what the naked eye could see, intensifying to an almost unbearable level.

"What's with this chaotic magic?"

"And the concentration of this magic power... it's incredible!"

"Just one card can produce such immense attack power?"

"Is this the strength of an S-class wizard?"

Gray, Rocky, and Cana were visibly astonished. The villagers, however, were even more awestruck.

"Unbelievable! That magician might actually destroy the moon!"

"We're counting on you to lift the curse on this island!"

Suddenly, the wind stopped. The swirling magic power came to a halt, and the dense energy absorbed into the card ceased compressing.

It was as if the storm had found its eye. Then, with a ferocious roar, the magic energy unleashed itself like a flood bursting through a dam. The accumulated power surged outward in a beam of light, condensing into an intense cannon shot. The light erupted from the card, hurtling toward the purple moon above.

The beam's sheer force seemed as though it could shatter the heavens themselves.

Boom!

The light cannon struck its target with impeccable precision.

Crackling!

The illusionary purple moon above fractured, breaking apart like shattered glass to reveal the real, luminous white moon behind it.

The sky, once shrouded in a haunting hue, was now clear, radiating the gentle brilliance of the unblemished moonlight.

The villagers and Kira's companions stood frozen in shock, their eyes fixed on the now-pristine sky.

"What's going on?" one villager muttered, confusion etched across his face.

Then, like a dam breaking, memories came rushing back to the villagers.

"I remember now! We're... we're demons, aren't we?"

Their initial confusion gave way to relief.

"Hey, that means Bobo isn't dead, either!"

Bobo, the son of the village chief, had been thought dead after being accused of becoming a demon and subsequently "killed." The realization that he was alive brought unrestrained joy.

Amid the chaotic flood of emotions, a singular thought united the villagers: It's great to be back to normal!

Let's celebrate!

The villagers' jubilation erupted into a full-fledged party. For an entire day and two nights, Karna Island reveled in joy. Bobo's return from an outlying island fueled the celebrations further, and the festivities reached their peak.

Kira and his companions joined in, eating and drinking to their hearts' content. For them, it was a well-earned respite after the battles they had endured.

Rocky and Cana had escaped with only minor injuries. Gray, though seriously injured, recovered quickly thanks to his youth and resilience. And Kira, of course, remained completely unscathed.

By the end of the festivities, they were not just rested—they were reinvigorated.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, the villagers presented Kira's team with the mission rewards: 7 million J and a rare golden Celestial Spirit Key.

Amid heartfelt laughter and farewells, Kira and his companions set sail from Karna Island.

Onboard the sailboat...

"I never thought they were demons," Gray said thoughtfully, gazing at the retreating island. "But they're good people."

"Yeah," Kira agreed, his hands busy counting their payment. "7 million J, not a penny less, plus the golden Protoss Key. Hospitable folks! If all clients were like them, missions would be perfect."

"Hey," Cana interjected. "That 70,000 J you promised me better be in there."

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Kira feigned ignorance.

"You profiteer! You'd better not be holding out on us!" Cana scowled.

"Gray! Back me up here!"

Gray hesitated. "Actually... about the money..."

"Spit it out!"

"Uh... never mind."

The argument escalated until Kira, grumbling, finally handed over 70,000 J to each of them, including Gray.

As Kira leaned back with a smug grin, he tallied their mission results in his mind:

Mission Reward: 7 million J + Protoss Key—collected.

Moon Drop Resolution: Gray and Leon reconciled—completed.

Fun Game: Deliora illusion prank—successful.

Material Collection: Moon energy and demon factor—secured.

Card Sales: Needs improvement...

"Damn it," Kira muttered. "This mission would've been perfect if only Cana had bought those cards."

As if sensing his frustration, Cana took another sip of her wine and frowned.

Meanwhile, in a bustling tavern within Guilian Castle, Erza Scarlet sat among her cart of luggage, resting after a mission. The noise and chaos of the tavern felt stifling.

Suddenly, a gruff voice cut through the din.

"Where's my wine?!"

Erza turned to see a group of rough-looking men gathered around a table. The speaker, a burly man with three long beards on either side of his face, looked furious.

The bearded man growled at the trembling waiter. "What's taking so long?!"

Another man chuckled, trying to calm him down. "Relax, Hu Zi. No need to blow a fuse."

The bearded man ignored him, lifting his glass just as the wine flew through the air to fill it. The display of magic startled the nearby patrons.

Erza frowned. Magic used to intimidate civilians? Disgraceful.

The bearded man continued his rant, "We've found Lalabai's location, but the seal's a nightmare. How the hell are we supposed to break it?"

"Idiot!" hissed a companion. "Lower your voice!"

Despite the admonition, the bearded man grumbled loudly.

Erza's brow furrowed. Lalabai... Eligore... Why do those names sound familiar?

The men soon left the tavern, their conversation lingering in Erza's mind.

Back at the Fairy Tail guild...

BANG!

The doors flew open as Kira burst in.

"We're back!" he announced.

The lively guild greeted them with excitement.

"Ohhh! They're back!"

"How was the S-rank mission? Tough?"

"Yeah right! They're too strong for that!"

Kira smirked, soaking in the attention.

Gray, Rocky, and Cana exchanged knowing looks, each silently promising to milk the moment for all it was worth.

An S-rank mission? That's nothing to us.

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