The following morning dawned gently.
The sunlight pierced through the forest canopy in golden stripes, warming the clearing and slowly dissipating the night's chill. The birdsong echoed among the branches, and the fresh breeze carried with it the damp scent of the earth mixed with the already extinguished ashes of the campfire.
Natsu remained seated in the same spot; he hadn't slept at all during the night.
After recovering the energy spent in the [Subjective Reality], a process that took him a few hours, he began to reflect on how he could become stronger quickly. His predecessor was notably limited in terms of knowledge; even his future version, which had inherited memories through the skill and gained a deeper understanding of his own magic, still carried this deficiency.
Determined to correct this, he chose to wish for knowledge. Within the [Subjective Reality], he formulated the wish to acquire the "Basic Knowledge of Magic" from that entire world, in its totality.
The cost in magical energy was minimal, almost insignificant.
After assimilating all this knowledge and understanding the workings of magic much more deeply than before, he advanced to the "Intermediate Knowledge of Magic" and, finally, to the "Advanced Knowledge of Magic."
This, however, did not mean that he had learned all the magics of the world in an instant—far from it. What he had truly achieved was an understanding of the fundamentals of magic, why it existed in that world, and how its principles interconnected.
In other words, all the knowledge he acquired that night pertained to studies and theories about magic, but did not include any specific spells.
It would not be a mistake to consider him one of the people who had studied the most about magic in the entire world.
For example, each type of magic possessed its own set of inviolable rules, known as taboos. Breaking one of these taboos could lead to severe consequences, and each violation resulted in a different effect on the user's body. Some taboos caused incurable diseases; others simply led to death.
Another example was the use of magic itself. To employ a spell, a mage needed to draw upon the Magical Power contained in their body, the essential energy source for every practitioner. This power was formed by particles of Ethernano, and each mage possessed an internal container that determined the limits of the amount of energy they could store.
When this container emptied, the Ethernano present in the atmosphere was slowly absorbed by the body, gradually restoring the Magical Power until it reached the normal level.
However, recent studies had revealed the existence of a second compartment of dormant magical energy, inaccessible by common biological means: the so-called Second Origin.
If a mage managed to unlock this Second Origin, they would receive an enormous increase in their magical power reserve.
He already knew this concept through the manga and also from the memories of his "future self," who would awaken it shortly before the Magic Games, a few months from now. The difference was that now he knew exactly how to awaken this power in a natural way... and much more efficiently.
Taking advantage of this knowledge, he had obviously awakened his Second Origin the previous night, which tripled his magical power.
How did he do it?
Simple.
By perfectly understanding the mechanics behind the process, all he needed to do was use the [Subjective Reality] to materialize a pill that he knew from a story in his past life, an item capable of unlocking the Dantian.
Upon being brought into that world, the pill was converted in a way compatible with the local magical laws, allowing him to use it for the same purpose. The result was perfect: it helped him awaken his Second Origin naturally, without pain, resistance, or side effects.
With his Magical Power now absurdly more immense, for the remainder of the night until dawn, he allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction.
Still, he knew he was far from being able to face Acnologia or Zeref on equal footing. What he still lacked was raw quantity of magical power, something he intended to amplify through the [Stellar Transformation]. With the resources provided by his [Subjective Reality], this would not be an obstacle.
Even without relying exclusively on that strategy, he was aware that he could reach the level of Zeref's Strongest Demon in a few months, thanks to the effects of the Yin-Yang Pill. Although this pill had awakened his Etherious side and granted him access to the Curse Power, he still needed training to master this force.
Technically, the pill had merely balanced his demonic and draconic sides, transforming him into a kind of hybrid between both, thereby unleashing his true potential and granting him a new existence, independent and unbound from Zeref. However, it did not confer upon him the absolute power of the E.N.D. from Zeref's book.
It would be much easier if he had reached that level that day...
Natsu sighed deeply, pressing his temples with his fingertips.
It was then that he heard a soft murmur in his lap. It belonged to Juvia, who had used his legs as a pillow all night. Her blue hair was spread like a cascade over his legs, soft to the touch and reflecting the morning light. Her face remained serene, as if she had found peace in a rare dream.
For a moment, Natsu simply watched her in silence, without haste.
He wasn't exactly the type of guy who dwelled on "cute" scenes, but he had to admit: the sight was nice to see.
Juvia stirred slowly, her breathing changing rhythm. Her long lashes trembled, and gradually, her blue eyes opened, confused by the brightness. When she realized the position she was in, her body stiffened immediately.
"...!!"
Juvia's face turned red in the blink of an eye. She sat up too quickly, almost tripping over herself, and clutched the skirt of her dress as if she wanted to hide inside it.
"N-Natsu-san...! Juvia was... in Natsu-san's lap... all night?!" Her voice came out in a trembling whisper, a mix of shame and disbelief.
Natsu, on the other hand, simply stretched his arms as if he had woken up from a casual nap. He yawned unceremoniously, adjusted his scarf, and replied in a lazy, almost playful tone:
"Yeah. You passed out quickly. Good thing you don't snore..."
Juvia covered her face with her hands, her fingers trembling slightly. The shame seemed to take over every fiber of her body, but at the same time, there was something soft in her eyes, hidden between her fingers.
Natsu raised an eyebrow, observing her exaggerated reaction, and then let out a short laugh.
"Relax. It's not like it's a big deal."
He stood up, stretching his body, and added with the naturalness that only he could have:
"But, since you slept in my lap... next time, I want to sleep in yours. Fair, right?"
The words fell like a bomb in Juvia's chest. She froze, her eyes wide, and the redness on her face intensified to the point of almost reaching her ears.
"J-Juvia... Juvia...!" The words choked in her throat, and all she managed was to turn sideways, pressing her own hands against her chest.
Whether it was shame, shyness, or something in between, only she could answer.
Natsu, indifferent, simply picked up the skewers from the previous night and began cleaning them with a relaxed air, as if he had said something completely normal.
Silence hung over the clearing, broken only by the soft sound of leaves being stirred by the morning breeze.
Juvia still remained with her back to Natsu, unable to face him directly. Her face was on fire, as if all the heat in her body had risen to her cheeks. Her trembling fingers clutched the fabric of her dress tightly, in a desperate attempt to contain the flood of feelings overwhelming her. His words about lying in her lap echoed in her mind nonstop, each repetition making her heart beat faster. It was something simple, perhaps even innocent, but for Juvia... it was like a ray of sunshine piercing through the clouds of the storm that always accompanied her.
She couldn't quite explain it, but being by Natsu's side made the world seem different. All the sadness, hurt, and anguish she had carried in silence since they returned from Tenrou Island seemed to have been swallowed by a wave of emotions so strong they barely fit in her chest. Butterflies fluttered their wings in her stomach, leaving her restless but also strangely happy.
The memories of yesterday and today mingled in her mind like raindrops sliding down glass. And, inevitably, the dream from that night returned to her thoughts. Gray had appeared to torment her as in so many nightmares in recent days, but to her surprise, it was Natsu who showed up to defend her. Just recalling the scene made Juvia's heart race again.
What did that mean?
Was it just a passing fantasy... or was she really starting to love Natsu-sama?
She had no answers. But she knew one thing: after that dream, she had managed to sleep deeply, without the shadow of loneliness accompanying her. It was the first night of peaceful sleep since they returned from Tenrou Island. And that, for her, was more precious than she could confess out loud.
She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. When she finally turned around, her eyes were still shy, but her expression was no longer just one of shame. There was a sweetness she couldn't hide.
"...Juvia can... can prepare the water for Natsu-san to wash his face, if you want." She said softly, but with firmness, as if seeking a reason to stay by his side without her own voice betraying her.
Natsu looked up from the skewers he was cleaning and gave a slight nod.
"Good idea. I'll take advantage of it."
She used her magic to form a small crystalline sphere of water that hovered in the air. The liquid reflected the golden morning, and the glow danced in her eyes as she offered it.
Natsu plunged his hands into the fresh water without ceremony, splashing some on his face and running it through his hair. He let out a satisfied sigh.
"Ah, much better."
Juvia watched him in silence, her chest tight with a strange mix of joy and nervousness. She had never noticed so many details about him: the way the scarf fell over his shoulders, how the water droplets trickled down his neck until they disappeared under his shirt, how he always seemed to move forward even after losing his best friend who died defending him...
He was truly amazing!
When he finished, he tossed the water aside and stood up, brushing the dust from his pants.
"Ready. Shall we get going? If we stay here, we'll just waste time."
"...Yes." Juvia replied, her voice soft, almost hesitant.
They gathered the little they had used and set off along the road that opened toward the north. The sun rose slowly, illuminating the path with golden stripes that escaped through the tree canopies.
The sound of birds accompanied their walk, and the fresh morning air was a relief after the cold night.
Natsu walked ahead, with firm and carefree steps. Juvia followed beside him, but a little closer than the night before. It was as if each step by his side gave strength to what was blooming in her chest.
She thought about how, before, her emotions had been tied to another person. How she believed her life revolved only around that feeling. But now... now it was different. By Natsu's side, there was room for something new. Something that wasn't dependency or despair, but a growing warmth, soft and constant.
"...Natsu-san." She called him, her voice almost swallowed by the wind.
"Hm?" He turned slightly, arching an eyebrow.
"Juvia... Juvia is happy to be able to go on this mission with you." She said, unable to look him in the eye, her gaze fixed on the leaf-covered ground.
Natsu blinked once, surprised, but soon opened a lazy smile.
"Really? Well... I don't mind having company either. It's less boring that way."
Her heart raced.
For him, it was a simple, almost casual response. For Juvia, it was enough to warm every corner of her soul.
The two continued their journey.
The winding road seemed endless, but there was something comforting in that monotony: the sound of leaves being crushed underfoot, the sunlight filtered through the tree canopies, the air smelling of wood and ancient dust.
Hours later, when the sun was already high, they stopped to rest near a stream. Natsu crouched down and plunged his hands into the cold water, washing his face with relish. Juvia watched, her eyes shining with that distracted way only she had when looking at someone she loved.
"Come on, it's good," he said, looking over his shoulder. "You can refresh yourself."
She hesitated. "Juvia prefers warm water."
"It's just wetting your hands, you won't melt."
The teasing made Juvia puff out her cheeks, but she approached anyway. When she knelt beside him, Natsu's arm brushed lightly against hers. The touch was quick, but enough to make her heart race.
"See? It didn't even hurt," he commented, amused.
"Juvia... didn't say it hurt."
"But it looked like it."
She stared at him, trying to look angry, but ended up smiling.
After that break, they continued at a leisurely pace.
Natsu talked about old missions, about Erza, Gray, and Happy; Juvia listened to everything attentively. She began to notice that when Natsu spoke of his friends, there was a hidden melancholy amid the courage.
Gradually, the path opened up. The forest scent gave way to that of damp grass, and further ahead, the distant aroma of fresh bread and smoke entered Natsu's keen nose; signs of civilization.
"There's a town nearby," Natsu murmured, adjusting his scarf and observing the horizon.
The sun was already beginning to set when they spotted the first rooftops. Stone and wooden houses emerged amid the hills, with small chimneys spewing smoke and windows lit with the orange glow of dusk.
Juvia stopped for a moment, her blue eyes reflecting the landscape. "It's beautiful..."
"Yeah," Natsu agreed, scratching the back of his neck: "At least we can have a place to rest and eat better. Although my barbecue is good, nothing beats decent food...."
She let out a shy giggle. "Juvia can prepare something, if you want."
"Relax, we'll find a tavern. I'll pay."
The simple response, said in a natural tone, made her heart beat faster. It was silly, but every word of his sounded more intimate than it should.
They crossed the city gate shortly after, blending into the small flow of people returning from work. Twilight painted the sky in orange tones, and the air began to cool.
Juvia observed everything with curiosity: the sound of voices, the clinking of coins, the laughter of children running between the stalls. It was a stark contrast to the serenity of the forest.
"There." Natsu pointed to a wooden tavern with a worn sign that read 'Blue Dragon House'. "It smells like good food."
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and noisy. The smell of grilled meat and beer mixed with the sound of conversations and laughter. They found a table near the window and sat down.
Natsu tossed his coat over the backrest and sighed, relaxing his shoulders. "Finally."
Juvia, on the other hand, seemed restless. She watched him discreetly, her fingers playing with the water glass while trying to disguise her smile.
He noticed.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Ah—! N-nothing!" She turned her face quickly, her cheeks flushed.
Natsu let out a short laugh, leaning his elbow on the table. "You're terrible at lying."
"Juvia is not lying!"
"You are."
The waiter arrived before she could respond, and Natsu placed the order for both, direct and without ceremony.
While they waited, silence returned.
When the food arrived, Natsu attacked without restraint, and Juvia, between contained laughs, tried to keep up with him. At some point, his scarf ended up falling on the table, and she picked it up instinctively, adjusting it carefully before handing it back.
"You like that scarf so much, don't you?"
"Yeah." He wiped his mouth and replied without thinking much. "It was an important gift."
The way he said it made Juvia lower her eyes. There was no sadness in his voice, but a kind of memory she didn't know if she had permission to touch.
After the meal, they left the tavern and walked down the street lit by lanterns. The night air was fresh and scented with burning wood.
"Let's find an inn," Natsu said, stretching his arms.
Juvia nodded, but her mind was distant. The city seemed more alive at night, laughter echoing, hurried footsteps, mingled voices. And yet, all she perceived was his presence by her side, constant, warm, familiar.
When they found a modest guesthouse, Natsu handled everything with the owner. One room for both, after all, they were pretending to be a couple of travelers to pay less.
Juvia turned red again.
"O-one room only?"
"It's the cheapest," he replied naturally, taking the key. "Relax, I'll sleep on the floor."
She clutched her dress with her hands, her heart beating fast.
Inside the room, the dim light of the candles cast soft shadows on the walls. Natsu took off his Shoes and sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his tired eyes.
Juvia watched him in silence.
"Good night, Natsu-san."
He opened one eye, sleepy, and replied with a small smile.
"Good night, Juvia."
She lay down, the sound of his breathing mingling with the distant rustle of the city.
And, for the second night in a row, Juvia slept in peace.
__________________
(A/N: Did you enjoy the chapter? Then you should know that over on my Patreon you can read up to 10 chapters ahead for just 5 dollars! And yes—for that price, you also get full access to all of my content. That's right: cheaper than a snack… and with way more drama, action, and guaranteed emotional damage.
The link is right below. See you there!
My Patreon: patreon.com/Adam_Kadmon
Thank you so much for your support — you make all of this worthwhile.)