Chapter 18 : Is It Bad to Live?

Soon, the waiter began serving the dishes, and Kyros wasted no time in diving into the meal alongside Natsu. Plates and bowls arrived one after another, filled with steaming delicacies.

As Kyros and Natsu continued to eat, the other diners in the restaurant couldn't help but stare in amazement at the sight of them devouring their meals.

Observing Kyros's slender frame, onlookers couldn't fathom where all the food was disappearing.

Ever since integrating the Kaido template, Kyros had developed an insatiable appetite. Each time his strength surged, so did his hunger, as if food were directly converted into power.

Natsu, being a Dragon Slayer, naturally possessed a voracious appetite. Transforming a human physique into that of a dragon required substantial sustenance.

The meal stretched from afternoon into evening, leaving the restaurant owner sweating profusely as he approached Kyros and Natsu. "Two... two esteemed guests... you've managed to devour everything in our humble establishment... unfortunately, there's nothing left for you..."

The owner was torn between concern for the guests' financial situation and disbelief at their seemingly inhuman capacity for consumption.

"Well... I suppose it's time to depart. I'm already 80% satiated," Kyros remarked, patting her barely swollen stomach.

Turning to Natsu and Happy, she inquired, "Are you both satisfied?"

Natsu, his belly significantly distended, nodded contentedly. "I'm stuffed! Hiccup~!"

"Happy" also struggled a bit to finish his meal but ultimately found himself just as satiated as Kyros.

With the bill settled, the restaurant owner breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, they hadn't ordered the entire inventory, or he'd surely be in tears.

"Bang!"

Kyros hoisted her mace onto her shoulder, a determined expression on her face. "We've eaten our fill; it's time to move on."

Natsu and Happy exchanged puzzled glances. They had just finished their meal, and the sky outside had darkened. Kyros's demeanor suggested that something was afoot.

"What's the plan?" Natsu inquired.

"We're going after it!"

*****

Meanwhile, a ship had recently departed from the port, carrying a host of elegantly dressed young women.

Among them was Lucy, seated in the cabin.

"Swish!"

Lucy waved away the glass of wine before her, her thoughts elsewhere.

She glared at the man standing before him, her tone sharp with accusation. "What do you think you're doing? There are sleeping pills in the wine!"

"Haha, you caught on," the man replied casually, seemingly unconcerned about being discovered drugging Lucy.

"I've made it clear for you. I want to join Fairy Tail, not be your possession!" Lucy declared firmly, her resolve unyielding.

"You, my dear, are quite a handful. But you won't have to endure once you're asleep," the man retorted with a smirk.

"Huh?" Lucy was puzzled by his words.

Suddenly, with a swift motion, the curtain behind Lucy was drawn aside, revealing several burly men who seized her arms, rendering her immobile.

"Ah! Just as expected of Mister Salamander!"

"It's been ages since we've come across such a valuable catch."

Lucy's expression turned to one of alarm. "What is this? Who are you people?!"

Without warning, Lucy's chin was gripped by the Salamander, his expression dark. "Welcome aboard my slave ship. Better behave until we reach Bosco, little girl."

"Bosco?! But Fairy Tail..."

"Hahaha! Didn't I tell you? This is a slave ship, and you're all commodities for sale."

"Hey hey hey! Mister Salamander anticipated that a charmed woman would come knocking at his door."

"This one looks particularly valuable. She'll fetch a high price."

Lucy listened with disbelief and despair. Was this the Fairy Tail guild she had longed to join? Magic abuse, deceit, human trafficking...

"The most despicable wizard..." she muttered bitterly.

"Boom!!!"

The cabin door burst open, and a figure came hurtling in, screaming in panic.

"Thud!"

The figure crashed to the floor, unconscious.

"What's going on?!" The occupants of the cabin were startled by the sudden intrusion.

Then, footsteps echoed through the cabin.

Suddenly, a silhouette emerged at the cabin door—a strikingly handsome young man.

His long, jet-black hair was pulled back neatly, adorned in a white shirt paired with black trousers.

He stood there, wielding a hefty and imposing mace, his gaze fixed upon them.

"Who are you?!" Salamander bellowed at Kyros.

"It's you?!"

Lucy immediately recognized Kyros.

Partly due to his remarkable looks, but also because of that formidable mace.

"Run! They're human traffickers!"

Upon hearing Lucy's warning, Salamander's expression twisted. "You recognize someone? Take him down!"

Responding swiftly to Salamander's command, several individuals charged at Kyros with weapons drawn.

However, in the blink of an eye...

"Bang bang bang!!"

"Whoa ahh!"

"Ahhhh!"

The assailants who dared to confront Kyros were swiftly incapacitated, one after another.

"Truly, the world offers so much, why choose death over life?" *

****

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