"Now, before we go," Kazuki announced a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, "let me check my system point. I believe it's time for us to greet our newest member."
Curiosity piqued, and Artoria and Gray exchanged puzzled glances. "Newest member?" Gray asked a hint of intrigue in his voice.
Kazuki grinned, summoning the system screen, and a transparent holographic pop-up appeared in the air. All the members of the mercenary band, including the summoned individuals, could see the screen. It displayed an array of achievements Kazuki had accumulated since his arrival in Mondstadt a few weeks ago, with a total point count reaching a couple tens of thousands.
...
[Helping a blind girl to meet her lover +10 points]
[Helping a bird-loving boy feed his pigeon +5 points]
...
[Meeting with the 'Librarian' +20 points]
[Meeting with the 'Darknight Hero' +25 points]
...
[Meeting with the 'Traveller' +100 points]
[Defeating hordes of Hilichurl +1250 points]
[Seriously injured an Abyss Mage +1000 points]
...
Artoria leaned closer to get a better look at the holographic display. "Impressive, Kazuki. It seems that our efforts have borne fruit."
Kazuki nodded, pride evident in his voice. "Yes, we've been diligently completing quests, helping the citizens, and defeating formidable foes. These system points are a testament to our team's accomplishments."
"Now, let's have a little quiz!" Kazuki announced, his tone playfully competitive. The rest of the team turned their attention to him, intrigued. Artoria's eyes beamed with curiosity while Gray rolled his eyes at his captain's sudden silliness. Souei remained silent, observing the interaction.
"What did we lack the most from our previous battles?" Kazuki asked, his gaze shifting between his teammates.
"More firepower, duh," Gray said, confident in his response. But before he could celebrate, Kazuki swiftly kicked his ass. "Firepower, my ass! You muscle-headed, striping pervert!"
Artoria chuckled at the playful banter, recognizing Kazuki's point. "I believe what we lacked the most was a supporting member. While Kazuki has proven to be an excellent leader and Souei can easily neutralize enemies, we could benefit from a dedicated support role."
"Ping pong! Good answer, Artoria-kun," Kazuki exclaimed, giving her a thumbs-up. He then turned to Souei. "What kind of support do you think we need the most, Souei-kun?"
Souei pondered for a moment before responding. "Someone who excels in defence would be good, but I believe what we need the most is a healer."
"Ping pong, ping pong, ping pong! 100 points for Souei-kun," Kazuki declared, applauding his answer.
While nursing his stinging butt, Grey muttered, "Ugh, such a cringe leader."
Kazuki turned to Gray with a mischievous grin. "Now, now, Gray-kun, let me tell you something. In this world, the water elemental power, or Hydro, has a strong tendency to give the power to support their allies."
Gray's interest was piqued. "What do you mean?"
Kazuki smiled warmly at Gray's question. "How about we summon your wife here?"
======
Grey gaze was lost in the distance as he reminisced about the life he had led after the final battle against Zeref. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves above, carrying a tinge of nostalgia.
His mind wandered back to when he finally found peace and happiness. After the battle, Gray and Juvia embraced their love fully and committed themselves to a life together. They had married and built a cosy home filled with laughter, warmth, and the pitter-patter of little feet.
Gray's heart swelled with pride as he remembered their children, who had inherited their parents' magical abilities and endearing quirks. He recalled the countless hours spent teaching them, watching them grow into strong and kind-hearted individuals. Life had been good to them, and they had cherished every moment together.
But fate had a way of testing their happiness. Gray's thoughts turned to the sorrowful day when Juvia had fallen ill, her once vibrant spirit subdued by the weight of her illness. Gray had stood by her side, his love and support unwavering as he cared for her through her pain.
And then, on that fateful day, Juvia had taken her last breath in Gray's arms, surrounded by their children and the memories they had created together. It was a moment that shattered Gray's world, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill.
For a year, Gray had mourned the loss of his beloved wife. He had visited her grave, reminiscing about their love and the life they had shared. Each visit brought a mixture of sadness and solace as he felt her presence linger in the gentle breeze and whispered memories.
Not long after that, his well-being worsened daily until he was surrounded by his children on his deathbed. But as he finally closed his life, a sudden warmth enveloped Gray's soul. It was a sensation he couldn't quite explain, as if his heart was being tugged by an unseen force. And at that moment, as his eyes closed for what he thought would be the last time, Gray was summoned by Kazuki's system.
Gray found himself in a completely different world as he opened his eyes. The familiar faces of his comrades surrounded him, their expressions a mix of surprise and relief. Kazuki stood before him, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Gray, welcome to our mercenary band," Kazuki said, his voice filled with excitement and compassion. "I've summoned you to join us on new adventures, to continue fighting alongside your new friends."
Gray's eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't comprehend how he had been brought back from the brink of death and transported to this unfamiliar realm. But deep down, he felt a glimmer of hope and purpose reignite within him.
Looking around at the team that had become his family, Gray found a newfound determination. He knew that Juvia would want him to embrace this second chance at life, to fight for a better future alongside his comrades.
With a resolute smile, Gray stepped forward, ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited him in this new world. He carried the memories of his love for Juvia, the strength of their bond fueling his resolve.
As he joined his new companions, Gray knew his journey with them would be a tribute to the love and happiness he had shared with Juvia. Together, they would create new memories, forge unbreakable bonds, and honour the legacy of those they had loved and lost.
=====
Kazuki's playful kick landed squarely on Gray's backside, eliciting a yelp of surprise and a mix of annoyance and amusement on Gray's face.
"Enough with the reminiscing already!" Kazuki said with fake annoyance
"Who is reminiscing, you bastard!" Gray retorted, but a smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. It was a familiar banter between them, a testament to their camaraderie and the bond they had formed through their shared adventures.
"Ugh... I think I've awakened something in you that shouldn't have been awakened." Kazuki's eyes showed a disgusted look.
"I am not awakening anything!" Gray protested, though his smirk betrayed his amusement.
"Alright, enough jokes," Kazuki said, shifting his focus to the task at hand. "Let me begin the summoning."
"System, summon Juvia Lockser, or should I say Juvia Fullbuster from Fairy Tail!"
[Confirm the summon of Juvia Fullbuster from Fairy Tail would cost the host 15,000 points]
"Confirm" As Kazuki confirmed, a surge of energy filled the air, and a beam of light descended from above, materializing into the figure of the former Juvia Lockser, the water mage from Fairy Tail. Her azure hair flowed gracefully as she stood before Gray.
Gray's eyes widened in disbelief and joy as he took in the sight of his beloved wife. "Juvia... it's really you?"
Juvia's expression softened, radiating love and warmth as she locked eyes with Gray. "Yes, Gray-sama. It is I, your Juvia." She stepped forward, her voice filled with affection.
Gray rushed toward Juvia, overwhelmed with emotions, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. Tears welled up in his eyes as he held her, cherishing his beloved wife's warmth and familiar presence.
The rest of the mercenary band watched in awe, touched by the powerful reunion between Gray and Juvia. Wearing a satisfied smile, Kazuki took a step back, giving them the space they needed.
After a few moments, Gray and Juvia slowly pulled apart, their hands still intertwined. Gray gazed into Juvia's eyes, gratitude filling his voice. "Thank you, Kazuki. I never thought I would see her again."
"You deserve this reunion, Gray. Cherish the time you have together." Kazuki nodded, a sense of fulfilment in his eyes.
With their hearts renewed and strengthened by the power of love and the unbreakable bonds they shared, the mercenary band continued their journey, now accompanied by the presence of Juvia Fullbuster. Together, they faced the challenges that awaited them, knowing their unity and love would guide them.
"Although I hate interrupting your heartwarming reunion, we must be prepared for battle. We have company," Souei stated, readying his short swords with a serious expression.
"Apologies, Juvia, we'll have to postpone your introduction to your new family," Kazuki said, shifting to the approaching enemies. "Fullbuster idiotic couple, show them the power of your love!"
Gray's voice, filled with annoyance, reverberated through the canyon. "Shut up, you annoying captain!"