The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

The remains of a village lay scattered, barely recognizable through the thick, oppressive fog that blanketed the battlefield.

"It seems the so-called power of money cannot pierce the fog of life!"

The words reverberated as thick green miasma, yellow acid mist, and sticky pink vapor swirled menacingly, the three-colored fog making even the air feel heavy.

"Damn it! What kind of magic is this?!"

"Physical attacks don't work at all!"

"And his magic power… it's overwhelming, greater than the three of us combined!"

Rocky, Cana, and Elfman were in dire straits. Despite their combined efforts, they found themselves utterly restrained, unable to fight effectively. Worse still, the poisonous green miasma had already infiltrated their bodies, weakening their limbs and clouding their minds.

Elfman was the first to succumb. His beastly wrist magic dissipated as his magic power waned, and he collapsed to his knees, unconscious. Though his attacks had been ineffective, his role as a shield had been critical in keeping Rocky and Cana from taking serious damage.

But with Elfman out of the fight, the situation grew even more desperate.

Despite their seamless coordination, Rocky and Cana couldn't land a decisive blow on the misty figure of their opponent. Their attacks passed harmlessly through the shifting fog, leaving them exposed to the demon's relentless onslaught.

From within the fog, Ferg, the artistic and composed demon, watched them struggle. Yet his usually calm demeanor was now tinged with unease.

"Klaue's magic power has disappeared…" Ferg thought, his mind racing. "Could it be that another enemy has arrived? Are these three not the only wizards the boss warned us about?"

Deciding to finish the fight quickly, Ferg raised his hands, releasing another wave of miasma.

"You're finally showing yourself, huh?" Rocky growled through gritted teeth, panting heavily. His strength was failing, but his resolve remained steadfast.

"This guy's power… I don't think even Kira or Erza could handle him without trouble," he thought. "And this poison gas…"

Rocky glanced at Elfman, whose face was turning an alarming shade of blue. His breathing was shallow, his body limp.

Kana, standing beside Rocky, shared his worry. "We need to find Kira," she said urgently. "Only he can purify this poison gas!"

Without speaking, Rocky and Cana exchanged a determined look. They knew they had one chance—a final, desperate burst of power to escape and regroup.

From within the fog, Ferg chuckled darkly. "After all this poison gas, you can still stand? I must admit, I'm impressed."

Raising his hands again, Ferg unleashed a new wave of fog, this one pale yellow and carrying an acrid, biting scent.

"It seems you're not ordinary wizards," Ferg said coldly, his tone laced with mock pity. "But unfortunately for you, I have more important matters to attend to. So, I'll end this now."

As the yellow mist advanced, Rocky and Cana quickly realized its effect. The mist passed over the bodies of fallen wolves, and with a sickening hiss, their flesh began to melt. Even the snow beneath the mist dissolved into water, leaving blackened ground in its wake.

"It's acid!" Cana shouted, her voice filled with alarm. "That yellow mist is highly corrosive—don't let it touch you!"

Rocky clenched his fists. "This is insane… It's eating through snow like it's nothing!"

Ferg smirked, watching the pair struggle. "Still standing? Then let's try this!"

This time, Ferg unleashed a sticky pink mist, which slowly spread outward. Unlike the previous fogs, this one didn't dissipate in the wind. Instead, it clung to the air, creating a heavy, oppressive barrier around the battlefield.

"Now what?" Cana muttered, her voice tinged with despair. "This sticky fog… Even my hurricane card won't work against it!"

Rocky gritted his teeth. "Do you have any other cards left?"

"I do," Cana replied, "but none that can help in this situation…"

The sticky pink fog mixed with the yellow acid mist and green miasma, creating a deadly, multi-layered barrier. The trio was left with only a tiny circle of safe ground, their retreat cut off.

Just as the mist closed in, a sudden surge of water erupted from the distance, forming a massive vortex around the three wizards. The rushing water acted as a barrier, isolating them from the poisonous fog. The swirling current diluted the mist, dispersing it harmlessly into the snow.

"What just happened?!" Rocky exclaimed, staring in shock.

"Who's there?!" Ferg demanded, his composure faltering.

From the shadows emerged a small figure—a young girl with a strange, almost monstrous appearance. Her skin was tinged blue-green, her ears resembled bat wings, and her hands had transformed into sharp, claw-like appendages that dripped with water. Behind her swished a thick, fish-like tail.

The girl glared at Ferg with cold, calculating eyes. "What are you doing in my hometown?!"

Her voice, though young, carried an undeniable authority.

"Reception magic?" Rocky muttered, recognizing the transformation.

Cana nodded. "It's like Elfman's beast soul… But she's using something else entirely."

Ferg's eyes narrowed as he studied the girl. "You… You're from the Isisnu tribe."

The girl's expression darkened. "That's right. And you're one of those demons, aren't you?" She took a threatening step forward. "Do you want to fight me now, or will you run like a coward?"

Ferg hesitated. His instincts told him the girl was strong—too strong to face carelessly. "Another time," he said finally, his body dissolving into mist as he retreated into the distance.

The girl turned her attention to Rocky and Cana. Her sharp gaze softened slightly as she noticed the guild emblem on their arms.

"You're from Fairy Tail," she stated rather than asked.

"That's right!" Cana replied, relief evident in her voice. "Are you the client for this mission?"

The girl didn't answer directly. "Follow me," she said curtly, turning and walking away.

Rocky and Cana exchanged a glance. With no other options, they lifted the unconscious Elfman and followed the mysterious girl into the snowy ruins.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters

patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto