The Challenge of Ice and Fire

Late at night, Calvin stopped his work, stretched leisurely, and let out a heavy yawn, lazily muttering, "That's it for today... we have visitors."

As he walked towards the door, a knock sounded.

He opened the door and saw three figures in black cloaks with hoods standing outside. The night had obscured their faces, but Calvin recognized their identities through their magical power.

They were familiar individuals he had seen not long ago.

"Why are you here so late, you wanted criminals?" Calvin asked with a teasing smile.

"May we come in?"

"Come on in. You standing out here in those outfits is embarrassing."

The three entered without minding Calvin's tone. Inside, they removed their hoods, revealing the familiar faces of Jellal, Ultear, and Meredy.

"Is Crime Sorcière so idle? What do you need?" Calvin asked.

"We have a favor to ask. We met with Erza and the others yesterday, but I thought it necessary to seek your help as well," Jellal said, his tone natural.

Calvin showed an interested expression and was naturally curious about Jellal's relationship issues. He had noticed the strange feelings between Jellal and Erza.

"Oh? You met with Erza and the others? Where have they been? And why didn't you mention this last time? Why so secretive now?" Calvin asked a series of questions.

Ultear and Meredy couldn't help but laugh at his curiosity.

"We didn't know if you'd participate in the Grand Magic Games back then. Jellal didn't want to involve all of Fairy Tail. As for where Erza and the others went, you can ask them yourself. Jellal said he doesn't know," Meredy joked, teasing Jellal.

"Oh, so your favor is related to the Grand Magic Games?" Calvin asked, cutting to the chase.

"Yes, since the inception of the Grand Magic Games, we've sensed strange magical power each year. We hope you can help investigate. We suspect this power might be related to Zeref," Jellal said seriously.

Calvin immediately became severe, understanding that anything involving Zeref was significant.

Moreover, this was a seven-year-long ongoing operation.

"I understand. I'll investigate thoroughly," Calvin nodded, accepting the request.

"Thank you. As payment, let me help you develop your Second Origin," Ultear offered with a meaningful smile.

She didn't tell the others that she wanted to see Calvin's pained expression during the development of his Second Origin.

"Second Origin?" Calvin was puzzled.

"It's the unused reservoir of magical energy within us, recently researched and published. It's not surprising you haven't heard of it," Ultear explained.

Calvin showed a wry smile, pulling at the corner of his mouth. "You mean this is a recent discovery?"

"What's wrong?" Ultear asked, confused by Calvin's reaction.

"I noticed the so-called Second Origin before I became an S-Class wizard. I fully unlocked it to qualify for the trials," Calvin said, surprising Jellal and the others.

"I thought everyone knew this theory," Calvin said nonchalantly, satisfied with their reactions.

It was an indescribable feeling of vanity.

"Seems we have no reward worthy of your attention," Ultear shrugged, slightly disappointed.

"Forget the reward. Without Crime Sorcière, I'd still be suffering with the Seven Sins. I'll consider this investigation my repayment," Calvin said, waving it off.

After chatting, the three from Crime Sorcière left, and Calvin finally had his night of peace.

...

"Cal-vin!!"

Early the following day, Calvin was woken by a loud voice. If he listened closely, he could hear many people whispering around.

Upon waking, Calvin was a bit confused, but his keen senses quickly made him understand what was happening.

Ignoring the loud voice, he recognised the familiar magical powers outside—Natsu and Gray.

Two friends he hadn't seen in a long time.

Their eager expressions and the battle intent in their magic indicated they were here to challenge him.

Calvin felt a bit annoyed.

"What's this all about..." Calvin grumbled, not in a good mood. Anyone would be upset being bothered early in the morning.

Throwing on a cloak, Calvin walked out in slippers.

Outside, in the clearing, Natsu and Gray were ready, Happy cheering them on from the side, and Lucy looked embarrassed.

The area was filled with guild members, all eager to watch. Calvin wondered how they were all so energetic this early.

"What's the deal, guys?" Calvin yawned, speaking lazily.

Gray replied, "We're just upset about some things you did before..."

Natsu clenched his fist, flames sparking, and continued, "So we're here to beat you up!"

With that, they charged at him, one with a flaming fist and the other with ice swords, holding nothing back.

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"

"Ice-Make: Ice Devil's Sword!"

Calvin didn't move, but just as Natsu and Gray were about to hit him, light beams appeared on both sides of Calvin.

"Swords of Revealing Light!"

Several light swords materialised, emitting an invisible force that immobilised Natsu and Gray mid-air, their expressions frustrated.

"Seriously, guys, we haven't seen each other in so long, and you want to fight right away?" Calvin sighed.

"I've only not seen you for three months, you idiot! Who told you to go die on your own!" Natsu yelled angrily, cursing vehemently.

Hearing this, Calvin wasn't angry. Instead, he smiled warmly.

"You guys..."

He dispelled the Swords of Revealing Light, and Natsu and Gray quickly retreated, warily watching Calvin.

"Do you think I'd risk my life against Acnologia without a plan? I was prepared to be resurrected," Calvin explained, but Natsu and Gray attacked again before he could finish.

Gray shouted, "Normal attacks won't work. Use our big moves! He's Calvin; he won't die!"

With that, they simultaneously unleashed their ultimate moves.

"Ice-Make: Ice Blade Seven Slice Dance!"

"Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade!"

Perfectly synchronised, they used their ultimate moves without giving Calvin a chance to dodge.

Seeing the powerful attacks, Calvin's face darkened with anger. Being woken up and continuously provoked made his rage almost tangible.

"Arc of Embodiment: Susanoo!"

Two enormous magical arms extended from Calvin's body, grabbing Natsu and Gray and slamming them into the ground, creating a large crater.

The onlookers shuddered, feeling the impact.

Against the seemingly unbreakable giant hands, Natsu and Gray's ultimate moves only caused minor ripples.

"As expected, those two still aren't enough."

"But that was too easy. Calvin didn't even move."

The blue giant hadn't fully appeared, but the battle was over. The surrounding people murmured, feeling a hidden disappointment.

It seemed they wanted to see Calvin get a taste of his medicine, but Natsu and Gray were no match.

Calvin dismissed the incomplete magic, sighed, and walked between the two, speaking softly.

"As I said, I wouldn't risk my life against Acnologia without being prepared for resurrection."

"We know, but we're still upset," Gray stubbornly replied, lying in the crater.

"But you didn't need to fight me before getting used to your new bodies. It's embarrassing," Calvin chided.

He could tell they had recently unlocked their Second Origin but needed to adjust to the changes.

"Anyway, welcome back, Calvin," Natsu said with a cheerful smile, full of energy, no longer angry.

"Yeah." Calvin responded softly. This welcome is very much your style.