The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

"So, how much is a key?"

"Each key is 5 million J. But I'm giving you a 10% discount, so for four keys, the total is just 18 million J."

Lucy nearly fell out of her chair. "That's the discount price?! It's still ridiculously expensive!"

Then, attempting to soften Kira's heart, she flashed him a pleading smile. "Uh… can't you make it cheaper? You know I've run away from home, right? My funds are... limited."

Kira, ever the businessman, calmly sipped his tea. "Lucy, you're already getting a deal. These are Star Spirit Keys we're talking about! Do you think they grow on trees?"

The two were seated at a small reception table in Hope Cottage, each with a steaming cup of tea. Kira had sent Natsu and Happy off to the shop's play area, where they were amusing themselves with trinkets and magical gadgets.

"This price is already a bargain. Star Spirit Keys of this caliber are one-of-a-kind treasures! Honestly, even 10 million for all four would be a steal."

"But..." Lucy hesitated, embarrassed. "I… I don't even have that kind of money. Not even close."

Kira arched an eyebrow. "Didn't you just complete that mission for the Duke? It was worth 2 million J, wasn't it?"

Lucy's face turned crimson. "Well… actually, I didn't get paid for that mission."

Kira nearly choked on his tea. "Didn't get paid?!"

"Well, there were some complications, okay?" Lucy said defensively, rubbing the back of her neck.

Kira shook his head, exasperated. He leaned back in his chair, swirling his tea cup as he began his usual pitch:

"Lucy, let me put it this way. A Celestial Mage without powerful Star Spirit Keys is like a swordsman without a sword. You'll be at a constant disadvantage."

He leaned forward, gesturing dramatically. "Money doesn't leave you when you spend it—it just transforms into something more valuable. A Star Spirit Key isn't just a tool; it's a lifelong companion. How many friends can promise that kind of loyalty?"

Lucy blinked, captivated by his words despite herself.

Kira continued, his voice growing more persuasive. "Think about it: these four keys are a rare opportunity. If you own them, you'll become a stronger wizard, capable of taking on higher-paying missions. You'll earn back the money in no time—probably enough to buy a mansion in Magnolia!"

Kira's tone grew more passionate. "Imagine it, Lucy: a big house, elegant clothes, financial freedom, fame, and your dream life—all within your grasp. Doesn't that excite you?"

Kira was confident in his pitch. His ability to sway even the most stubborn customer was practically legendary.

Sure enough, Lucy's resolve wavered. She stared longingly at the keys, imagining the possibilities.

But no amount of determination could make money appear out of thin air. Lucy sighed. "I… I just don't have enough."

Seeing her genuine struggle, Kira softened. If the deal couldn't be closed today, he'd at least plant the seeds for tomorrow.

"If it's a question of funds, I might have a solution," Kira said thoughtfully. "Have you seen the mission board at the guild lately? Weekly Sorcerer is looking for female wizard models. They're paying well."

Lucy's eyes lit up. "Sorcerer? You mean that famous magazine? Are they really hiring models?"

Kira nodded. "That's right. And it's not just about the money. Modeling for Sorcerer could make you famous. With recognition, high-paying missions will come to you without effort."

Lucy clapped her hands together, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "This might actually work!"

Though she couldn't purchase the keys immediately, Lucy promised to buy them as soon as she earned enough. She even made Kira promise to hold onto them for her.

Before they left, Kira stopped Lucy with an unexpected comment: "By the way, you mentioned running away from home, didn't you?"

Lucy blinked, surprised. "Uh, yeah. Why?"

Kira handed her a folded newspaper. "I came across this earlier. It looks like Heartfilia's finances might be in trouble. You might want to check in on your family."

Lucy unfolded the newspaper hesitantly. Her heart sank as her eyes landed on the headline:

"Heartfilia Group Suspected of Acquisition Talks."

Her mind reeled. She had only been away for a short time—was her family really on the brink of bankruptcy?

"Take care," Kira said as Lucy left, her shoulders visibly weighed down by worry.

Natsu and Happy noticed Lucy's mood and, for once, refrained from teasing her.

Kira, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair with mixed emotions. On one hand, he regretted the lost sale. On the other, he knew it was only a matter of time. Lucy's determination to own those keys meant she'd return.

As he thought about the Sorcerer photoshoot, a sly grin spread across his face. "I wonder how that'll turn out," he muttered. "Will it go smoothly? Or will there be... unexpected chaos?"

Knowing Lucy and her knack for attracting trouble—especially with Natsu involved—he suspected the latter.

After they left, Kira turned his attention back to his studies.

In a world of magic, constant learning was essential. As the saying went, "Learning is like sailing against the current: if you don't advance, you fall behind." Kira understood this well.

His primary focus was magic. Specifically, ways to enhance his Word Magic by studying other types of magic.

Word Magic, after all, was only as versatile as the mage's knowledge. For example, if he wanted to activate a fire-related spell, it helped to understand the principles of fire magic. The same applied to healing spells, ice spells, and so on.

In Fairy Tail, magic often evolved beyond its original scope. For instance:

Natsu's Fire Dragon Slayer Magic started as simple fire-based attacks but later evolved to burn intangible concepts like souls or magic itself.

Gray's Ice-Make Magic extended to freezing space, time, and even spiritual energies.

These evolutions weren't arbitrary; they required a deep understanding of other magical principles.

Kira chuckled as he flipped through a book. "Magic here gets downright ridiculous sometimes. But hey, if Natsu can burn souls, maybe one day I can make my words come true."

Word Magic—the ability to bring spoken words to life.

It sounded overpowered, even by Fairy Tail standards. Kira could already imagine how the protagonists might find a way to counter him if he became a final boss. Perhaps they'd burn his name, freeze his voice, or sever his language entirely.

"Ridiculous," he muttered with a grin. "But then again, this is Fairy Tail. Anything's possible."

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