A magic merchant infiltrating Fairy Tail

He found his two senior brothers and sisters, Leon and Ultear, and through Mavis and Zeref, he found Inbell. The four of them readily put aside their differences from the Grand Magic Games and formed an 'Advanced Ice Magic Research Group' to learn from each other and increase their own strength.

This was also influenced by the atmosphere at the time. After all, to prevent the dragons from attacking their territory, a large group of mages stayed in Crocus at King Thomas's request. They needed to find something to do, so under Kira's leadership, they began to discuss and study magic, a process similar to a salon in medieval Europe. It was during this time that Marcus received Agil's instruction.

It is no exaggeration to say that the magical exchange over those few short days raised the quality of magic among all the mages in Ishgar by a whole new level.

Gray was one of the beneficiaries.

Driven by the desire to become stronger quickly, he received advice from Kira, Mavis, and August, and decided to learn from other mages who use ice magic to see if they could apply their knowledge to other situations. In the end, he found that the effect was indeed quite good.

Gray's Ice-Shape Magic is characterized by 'stillness', while Leon's is 'movement'. Although they come from the same lineage, they are slightly different, so the two can be said to be the most complementary. Ultear's 'plants' are in between the two, belonging to the category of life and also classified as 'static', which can be considered as combining the strengths of both.

After learning from each other, the three finally comprehended the ice-shaping magic of 'combining movement and stillness' one day. They broke through their original magical concepts and were no longer limited by the concepts of 'movement' and 'stillness'. Instead, they achieved a state that could be both moving and still, sometimes moving and sometimes still, and neither moving nor still. As a result, the ice they created was more 'free'.

From then on, the three inheritors of the Uru lineage achieved a qualitative leap in the path of ice-shaping magic, and finally surpassed their master and mother.

Imber's magic is pure cold, and its characteristic is freezing. After he joined the exchange group, Gray and the other two simulated the properties of his magic and quickly created ice with the same properties as the 'Ice God Robe', which is the legendary ice from the Demon Realm that can freeze everything. This greatly enhanced the magical power of the three of them.

Unfortunately, the Ice-Shaping Magic was almost useless for Inbel to learn from. Instead, Gray's Ice Demon Slayer Magic was more helpful to him. While Gray and the other two were improving, Inbel also broke through his strength again by successfully freezing the 'ice that can freeze ice' that Gray simulated and created.

"Your ice-shaping magic is indeed very fast, but there's still room for improvement in the details. Look here! The body of this ice figure needs to be larger, and the legs need to be thinner, otherwise it won't look realistic enough..."

Mr3 carefully examined each of Gray's ice sculptures and then pointed out their shortcomings.

Gray looked at the spot Mr. 3 was pointing to and froze: "Seriously? Such a big body, yet such thin legs. I've never seen anyone with this kind of body in my life. You're saying this bizarre body shape, with its unbalanced weight distribution, is real? Are you wearing a funhouse mirror on your face?"

Mr3 sighed helplessly, patted Gray on the shoulder, and said mysteriously, "You don't understand. Many of the world's top experts have this kind of physique."

"You'll understand once you've spent a couple more years adventuring on the Grand Line. Forget about people with huge bodies and thin legs; this world has all sorts of weird people, like those with horns on their heads, wings on their backs, two joints on their arms, two joints on their legs, a third eye on their forehead, and so on."

"I'm the world's leading expert in wax figure sculpting, you can't go wrong with my advice!"

Chapter 858 Zoro: Mr. 1, I need your help with my training!

During his time in Crocus, in addition to the most important magical exchanges, Kira did another thing: he announced to the magical world the existence of a second magical source.

That was something the council was researching, and according to the timeline, it should have taken at least another year or two to reach a definitive conclusion and master the proper method of activation. However, with Ultear around, they had a shortcut.

After Kira brought this up, the mages of Fairy Tail took the lead and rushed to Ultear to line up and sign up. After enduring the pain and howling all night, they greatly shocked the mages of other guilds the next day!

The increase in strength after each person activates their second magic source varies. Some gain 30% more magic power, some 50%, and some 70%. This is determined by their individual physiques. But without a doubt, everyone becomes stronger than before, and their cultivation speed increases by leaps and bounds, several times faster than before they activated their second magic source.

This allowed Fairy Tail to rise further and further down the path of being the number one magic guild in Ishgard, while members of other guilds could only stand still and silently envy them. It wasn't that no one approached Ultear, asking her to help them unlock their own potential, but ultimately, such people were a minority.

The second magic source is essentially about making full use of the magic power that a mage cannot fully utilize within their body. Mages of Erza's and Jura's caliber have actually awakened it themselves without realizing it during their past training. However, those who are weaker or have poorer physical abilities simply cannot endure the pain of activating their second magic source. After all, not everyone is like the mages in 'Fairy Tail,' who have both cheat codes and love to play around.

Natsu, Gray, and the others were among the first to approach Ultear and request a version update, so they were naturally among the first to reap the benefits.

With the activation of the second magical source, Gray's magical power has been increasing day by day. In addition, after exchanging ideas with Ultear and the other two about the characteristics and techniques of ice magic, his overall strength has soared to new heights, much like taking a flight.

Gray's Ice Shape magic has improved by leaps and bounds, and there are even signs that he may surpass Ultear. Although Ultear is still a mountain in his way and Lyon is his rival, it does not hinder his progress.

He can now use the massive magic 'Silver World,' which can freeze a mountain or even a city in an instant, at will, without consuming much magic power.

It was for this reason that, after making significant progress in his ice-shaping magic, Gray turned his attention to other things, namely ice sculpting.

As Gray and Mr. 3 exchanged sculpting techniques, a series of air-bursting sounds served as background music, enhancing the somber atmosphere at the crossroads.

Sanji and Mr. 2 jumped up at the same time, their bodies out of sync, and one of them raised one leg 150 degrees high and kicked each other hard.

"First meat shoot!!"

"The Transvestite Fist: Memories of That Summer!!"

Bang! !

With a muffled thud, the outcome of the battle was decided, and the ending was similar to the original story. Sanji was even better and successfully defeated Mr. 2.

……

On the streets not far away, the fighting was far more dangerous than what was happening ahead.

In the other battles, Chopper could basically beat them by playing around. Nami and Usopp had no problem taking on one-on-one fights. Sanji occasionally suffered a loss in one-on-one battles, but he still managed to defeat his enemies with his hard-earned strength. However, Zoro's situation was much more complicated.

Because his opponents are not the peace-loving cutie Lily, not the weakling Miss Twofinger, not the goofball Mr. 2, but Erza who "never shows mercy even to her comrades", Mr. 1 Daz Bonitz who "never misses a shot" and Tashigi who "is determined to arrest him".

Compared to the other three locations, the battlefield here is basically only filled with the clanging of swords.

At this moment, Erza, dressed in the Dark Armor, was as elegant as a noble lady, but when she fought, she was decisive and ruthless. When she moved, she was as swift as the wind, making her look like a female knight galloping across the battlefield. More than a dozen longswords hung on her left and right sides, arranged like wings. She also held two longswords in her hands, slashing through the air with a rapid and high-pitched sound.

clang!clang!clang!

The swords seemed to be pulled by invisible ropes, weaving into a sharp and tight net in the air, the sound of them cutting through the air was continuous, accompanied by the sound of metal clashing, which became a passionate battle symphony.

Swish!

A sword cleaved vertically from high above, causing the three figures to retreat simultaneously.

The blade pierced the ground cleanly and crisply, and the sharp, short metallic scraping sound instantly created more than a dozen cracks that spread outwards from the point of impact, continuing for four or five meters before stopping.

Only then did the three figures become clear: Zoro, Mr. 1, and Tashigi.

Erza did indeed fight three opponents single-handedly, just as she had predicted, and she fought with overwhelming force and unstoppable momentum. Even when Zoro and his two companions joined forces, they could not gain the upper hand against her.

Mr. 1's shirt had long been shredded and was nowhere to be found. His bare upper body revealed his strong muscles, and the character "壱" was clearly visible on his dark skin. However, his arms and fingers were bleeding slightly, and the sharp blade that had been transformed by the Devil Fruit was now full of nicks.

Without a doubt, his sword was broken by Erza in the battle just now—Erza is very careful with her attacks; she just doesn't hold back, but that doesn't mean she enjoys bloodshed…

Staring at Erza, who was simultaneously controlling over a dozen swords with her mind, Mr. 1 was filled with dread, cold sweat pouring down his bald head: "How did this woman do that?! My body is made of steel... Could it be that she has already mastered the power to cut through iron at such a young age?!"

Zoro, with his head tied up, was panting heavily. The Wado Ichimonji he was holding in his mouth was about to fall off, his arms were numb, and his teeth ached.

His condition was slightly better than Mr. 1's, but only slightly better. He was uninjured and his swords had no nicks. The reason for this difference was that Mr. 1's weapon was his own body, while Zoro's weapon was three swords.

"Not only can she instantly change armor and swords, but she can also control multiple weapons simultaneously, and she can command them with ease in battle... Could she also be a Devil Fruit user? What kind of bizarre fruit could have such power?!"

"No, according to them, it seems to be a power called magic."

Tashigi was probably in the best condition of the three, though she looked a bit disheveled. After hearing Mr. 1 and Zoro's questions, she couldn't help but explain the situation to them.

Having just personally experienced that fierce and relentless attack, Tashigi not only didn't lose her glasses, but she also didn't take off her coat. The only proof that she was also fighting was the way she was holding Yoru Shigure's hands.

At that moment, his hands were trembling slightly. Anyone who uses a sword knows that this is a common occurrence after prolonged and forceful swinging during training.

Tashigi was unharmed not because Erza showed her mercy, but because Mr. 1 and Zoro took on more of Erza's attacks.

"Wow, that's amazing, Miss Erza..." Looking at Erza's beautiful and cool appearance, pointing her sword horizontally, Tashigi's face flashed with deep longing.

Erza smiled faintly upon hearing this, and was indeed not being modest: "It's alright, as long as you're willing to work hard, you can become stronger too!"

It means stronger, not as strong as me. Erza can tell the difference.

However, Tashigi didn't understand the meaning behind it. Instead, she was greatly encouraged, as if she had strengthened her belief in something, and her whole body instantly became radiant.

For a moment, Zoro's mind went blank, as if he saw Kuina's phantom behind Tashigi...

"No, no... I'm seeing things again! Damn it! That guy always talks with that same face, it keeps making me lose focus!!"

Zoro shook his head sharply and turned his gaze back to Erza and Mr. 1. Before this, he had never thought he would meet an opponent like Erza—her swordsmanship was superb, but her fighting style was so strange, and she could constantly change weapons and armor during the battle. You couldn't find a similar swordsman in the entire ocean, and this girl was a woman.

However, no matter how strong the opponent is, Zoro will not give up easily. He promised Luffy that he would not lose again before defeating Mihawk, and he absolutely cannot stop here!

Then, he turned his gaze to Mr. 1, who was not far away.

The ultimate goal is clear: to cut through iron. Therefore, the key to this battle is not the woman named Erza, but the man codenamed Mr. 1.

But this process is flexible.

Although Zoro is single-minded, he understands very well that one must take things one step at a time, and one must eat one bite at a time, so one must also deal with one opponent at a time.

Back in the East China Sea, the reason he stubbornly sought out Hawkeye despite knowing he was no match for him was not only to risk his life for his ideals, but also to determine the extent of the gap between himself and Hawkeye. Now he knows, and is temporarily satisfied. All that's left is to keep striving to become stronger in that direction.

He has no sense of direction, but he's not an idiot. Therefore, he is very clear that his current combat power is not as high as Erza's. With his current swordsmanship, even if he fights to the death, he may not be able to defeat someone who has countless sets of armor and weapons and can switch between them at any time.

Therefore, before I can truly face her, I need to learn at least two fighting styles: cutting iron and aerial slashing!

Yes...that's right, that's it!

He would never admit that he only approached Mr. 1 because he didn't want to fight a woman!

"As for now, I need to start my breakthrough from cutting iron!!" With this thought in mind, Zoro's gaze toward Mr. 1 became serious.

I feel a little bad saying this now, but... let it be a stepping stone for me to become stronger!

Chapter 859 Mr1: This woman... why did she use me to teach them the technique of cutting iron?

The arid desert, the scorching heat, and the water gushing up from the oasis created convection currents above the rain-soaked ground, whipping up a gentle, hot breeze.

The hot wind swept quickly across the rain-soaked ground, weaving freely between the town's tall buildings and houses. It brought heat to the people on the streets, while leaving itself enveloped in a bit of coolness, like a thief with no moral bottom line.

The moment the gust of wind swept across the street, the four swordsmen moved simultaneously: Erza, Zoro, Mr. 1, and Tashigi, each wielding their swords and charging forward.

clang--!

The Black Feather Sword and the Sandai Kitetsu clashed...

clang--!!

A spark ignited between the rain and snow in the quiet night...

clang--!!!

The sword of utter desolation, the hand chop, and the script of the Way converge at a single point...

clang……

Four people, ten swords, their figures shifting and intertwining to create a unique kind of romance belonging to swordsmen.

Erza abandoned her stationary sword-wielding fighting style and opted for close combat. She used both hands, with the Ghostly Sword in her right hand attacking with wide, sweeping, and whistling winds, almost unstoppable; while the Black Feather Sword in her left hand attacked with lightning speed and tricky angles, always launching attacks from unexpected places.

She launched the first attack, her Ghostly Sword slashing down fiercely, its target being Mr. 1, the strongest of the three.

"Damn it!!" Mr. 1 was horrified and immediately raised his left arm to turn it into a blade to defend himself, but the result was not as expected. With a 'thud', the broad blade cut a long wound on his left arm without any resistance.

"hateful!!"

As pain struck, Mr. 1 cursed under his breath and immediately prepared to retaliate. However, he caught a glimpse of silver out of the corner of his eye and immediately kicked out at that spot without hesitation. His right leg transformed into a sharpened blade, steadily blocking Zoro's 'Tiger Hunt' attack.

"You're nowhere near as good as that woman!"

Mr1 scoffed mercilessly, but his heart sank because he was injured. This was the first time he had been wounded by a swordsman since he ate the Quick-Cut Fruit.