...
Shin realized that he now held the absolute reins of Fairy Tail's fate. The entire situation had spiraled completely out of their control and directly into his hands.
If he didn't actively steer this ship, things could easily become incredibly boring—or unnecessarily chaotic.
"Since we are all on the same page now, I am officially a member of Fairy Tail," Shin declared, his tone suddenly shifting. "First Master, I expect great things from you. Also, about that Vice-Guild Master position... I changed my mind. I'll take it."
Makarov blinked, utterly confused by the sudden reversal. "You just refused it five minutes ago. Why the sudden change of heart?"
Shin offered a sharp, dangerous smirk. "Because I just realized that living without a goal is completely meaningless. If I am going to be stuck in this era, I might as well have some fun with it."
He locked eyes with Mavis, the playful demeanor vanishing. "First Master, I know exactly where Zeref is right now."
Mavis gasped, her spectral form flickering. She took a step forward, desperate to hear more, but Shin held up a hand.
"I know you want to see him immediately," Shin said, his voice dropping to a teasing drawl. "But I have changed my mind about that, too. I am incredibly bored right now. So, we are going to play a game first."
Makarov and Mavis completely froze. A sudden, suffocating chill filled the dark cavern.
Just moments ago, Shin had felt like a weary, sympathetic old man trapped in a young body. Now, that facade had melted away, revealing something far more capricious, chaotic, and terrifyingly alien.
To Makarov, a sudden shift in personality wasn't completely unnatural for immensely powerful mages—they all had their quirks. But Mavis felt true panic. She had just firmly decided to reunite with Zeref and fix their tragic past, and now this omnipotent stranger was dangling her fate in front of her like a toy.
Mavis took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. She knew she couldn't fight him.
"I understand," Mavis said slowly, her voice steady but laced with caution. "You possess power beyond our comprehension, and you are simply looking for a way to pass the time. If you want to play a game, Fairy Tail will play along. But you must promise me one thing."
She looked Shin dead in the eye. "If any member of Fairy Tail dies during your game, you must resurrect them. If you agree to that, we will follow your lead. I believe a powerhouse of your absolute caliber wouldn't go back on their word."
Shin clicked his tongue, a sharp laugh escaping. "Is that a threat, or are you just setting boundaries? Either way, fine. Deal. I take care of my guild."
Shin spread his arms wide, his Rinnegan glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Here is the game," Shin announced. "I am going to become the King of this country. As long as no one resists, I won't spill a single drop of blood. You all will be my loyal subjects. And once I take the throne, I am going to pick a fight with Zeref."
Makarov's jaw practically hit the floor. Become the King of Fiore?? Did this man even understand the sheer military might of the Magic Council, the rune knights, and the Ten Wizard Saints?
But then Makarov remembered that Shin had literally shattered space itself and performed a flawless resurrection. To a man who defied the laws of life and death, conquering a kingdom was probably just a weekend hobby.
"Who... who exactly are you?" Makarov stammered, the weight of the situation finally crushing his nerves. "Are you a human? Or are you truly a God?"
Faced with the barrage of frantic questions, Shin's smile remained perfectly intact.
"Since you are so desperate to know, I will tell you," Shin replied smoothly. "I am not a God."
Makarov and Mavis simultaneously let out a massive sigh of relief. If he was still human, then perhaps he still operated within the boundaries of mortal logic.
But Shin's next words instantly suffocated that relief.
"I am not a God, but even the strongest God in this world is no match for me," Shin stated, his voice devoid of any warmth. "The most terrifying, omnipotent entities in your universe are nothing more than pathetic toys in my eyes. I do not belong to this world, and I am not bound by its rules."
Shin leaned in close, his smile completely vanishing into a void of pure, chilling apathy.
"Understand? Good. Never ask about my past again." Shin's voice cut like a blade.
The sheer, freezing malice radiating from Shin's aura made both Guild Masters involuntarily step back. It wasn't just magic pressure—it was the absolute dominance of an apex predator looking down at insects.
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