The next day, the sun was shining brightly, and the guild's temporary camp was unusually quiet.
Loki stood in the center of the guild camp with a confident smile on his face and his hands in his pockets, looking like he was on top of the world.
After the events of last night, he felt much lighter, as if a giant boulder that had been weighing on him for three years had finally been lifted.
Natsu walked over and curiously poked Loki's arm, then his face, with a confused expression.
"When we swapped bodies last time, I thought something felt off. Turns out you're not even human."
Gray, fully dressed, stood nearby with his arms crossed and said coolly, "I didn't notice at all. You hid it quite well."
Loki scratched his head and laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Actually, some others in the guild noticed. The Master and Riyao knew about my identity. The Master felt my magical fluctuations, and as for Riyao... his life perception is just insane. He knew the first day I joined the guild."
He paused, his tone becoming serious.
"Come to think of it, it was Master Bob who suggested I come to Fairy Tail, saying I should find Riyao to ease my pain. I've received a lot of care from him over the past three years. Riyao sent me potions every week; otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to hold on."
Lucy sighed, crossing her arms with a look of realization.
"I really couldn't tell Riyao was so reliable. Usually, he's either being mischievous or just snacking on sunflower seeds."
Happy flew over from the side to speak up for Riyao, waving his little paws.
"Riyao is very reliable in times of danger. But when it's safe, Riyao is the danger."
Natsu and Gray both shuddered, simultaneously recalling some memories they'd rather forget.
Lucy put her hands on her hips and added, "Back on Karna Island, he played the villain and beat Natsu up so badly. That demon-form Riyao was absolutely terrifying."
Natsu clenched his fists stubbornly and shouted defiantly.
"That's because I was caught off guard! If we go again, I'll definitely win! Where's Riyao? Come out and fight me!"
He looked around for Riyao, but there was no sign of him in the camp.
Lisanna was wiping glasses behind the bar. Hearing Natsu's shout, she said without looking up, "Brother-in-law is at the manor, repairing Ur's body."
Natsu's flames instantly died down as he muttered.
"Forget it, forget it. Maybe next time."
The memory of being beaten by Riyao on Karna Island until he questioned his life was still vivid; he didn't want to experience that again.
Loki reached into his pocket and pulled out four exquisite Invitation Vouchers, handing them to Lucy.
The vouchers were printed with the logo of a luxury resort, the gold-leaf lettering sparkling in the sunlight.
"Thanks for taking care of me all this time. These vouchers are for you guys; go have some fun. I just gave one to Erza too."
Lucy took the vouchers and counted them. Four. Exactly enough for Natsu, Gray, Happy, and herself. She looked at the words 'Kingdom's Number One Vacation Paradise' on the vouchers, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up.
Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps came from the camp entrance.
Erza had changed into casual vacation clothes, wearing a sun hat, sandals, and a pink swim ring around her waist, while pulling a mountain of luggage taller than herself.
The luggage was piled precariously, with a large strawberry cake box sitting right on top.
She stood before everyone, her expression as serious as if she were issuing a combat order.
"Why are you still dawdling? I won't wait for you."
Lucy and Gray's eyes widened as they shouted in unison.
"So fast!"
"When did you even pack your luggage?!"
...
When Riyao and Mirajane arrived at the guild's temporary camp, they realized everyone had already left for vacation.
Riyao stood before the empty camp, his mouth twitching.
He narrowed his eyes, the corners of his mouth curling into a dangerous arc.
Standing beside him, Mirajane saw Riyao's expression and knew someone was in for it.
Riyao took a deep breath, and the magic power within him began to surge, a powerful aura erupting from his body.
[Life Mimicry: Celestial Spirit]
"Mira, wait for me here for a moment."
Riyao winked at Mirajane, then turned into a streak of golden light and vanished on the spot.
Mirajane leaned against the bar, snacking on sunflower seeds while waiting for him to return, a helpless smile on her face.
She knew Riyao too well; this guy was definitely going to settle the score with Leo.
The Celestial Spirit World, Leo's Palace.
Leo was happily staying in his palace, sitting on a golden throne with his legs crossed and one hand propping up his chin, watching the beautiful Celestial Spirits dance.
The music was melodious, the dancing graceful, and the tables were laden with fruit and fine wine. He could finally enjoy his long-awaited life in the Celestial Spirit World.
"Ah, this is the life."
Leo sighed contentedly and took a sip of wine.
Just then, he felt a slight disturbance behind him, but before he could turn around, an arm suddenly tightened around his neck.
Riyao appeared silently behind Leo, his arm tightening, locking Leo firmly to the throne.
His tone was as gentle as if greeting an old friend, but the chill within that gentleness caused the temperature in the palace to drop by three degrees.
"Did you forget about this Healing Mage who took care of you for three years, kid?"
Leo's face turned red from being throttled. He quickly patted Riyao's arm, signaling that he was about to lose his breath.
"I remember! I remember! How could I forget!"
Riyao leaned down and whispered in his ear, his voice soft like a demon's murmur, every word carrying a bone-chilling smile.
"Oh? So you're prioritizing romance over friends? You gave Lucy Invitation Vouchers, but none for me?"
Leo froze, a cold sweat instantly breaking out.
He remembered that he really had forgotten to prepare vouchers for Riyao. At the time, he was so focused on thanking Lucy that he completely pushed Riyao to the back of his mind.
Riyao's arm tightened a bit more, his voice still gentle.
"Deep breaths. Dizziness is normal."
Leo reached into his pocket with trembling hands, frantically pulling out two Invitation Vouchers and holding them up to Riyao, his voice shaking.
"Here! I kept them! They're for you and Mira! I had them ready all along!"
Riyao finally released him in satisfaction. He took the vouchers, looked them over, and patted Leo on the shoulder, his tone instantly becoming bright and sunny as if nothing had happened.
"Oh, if you'd just brought them out earlier, this wouldn't have happened. Really, don't do this next time."
Having said that, he turned and left Leo's Palace with a smile, his steps as light as if he were going on a picnic.
Leo slumped back on his throne, gasping for air and rubbing his reddened neck, his face full of the expression of a survivor.
"Wait, how did that bastard Riyao know I lived here?"
From a corner of the palace, Virgo poked her head out from behind a pillar and raised her hand innocently.
"The Boss asked me, so I brought him here."
Leo looked at Virgo, his mouth opening and closing. He wanted to scold her but couldn't, and finally, he could only wave his hand weakly.
"I want to be alone."
Virgo shrugged and vanished into a streak of light.
...
Riyao returned to Mirajane's side, waving the two vouchers in his hand, grinning like a cat that had caught a fish.
"Mira, let's go! We're going on a trip!"
Mirajane looked at the vouchers, then at Riyao's triumphant expression, and shook her head helplessly, though her lips couldn't help but curve upward.
"You went to Leo to ask for vouchers?"
"He gave them to me voluntarily."
"He said he had them ready for us all along."
Riyao said with a straight face.
Mirajane burst out laughing and reached out to pinch Riyao's cheek.
"You threatened him, didn't you?"
With his face pinched, Riyao looked innocent.
"How is that possible? Am I that kind of person? I convince people with virtue, okay?"
"You are exactly that kind of person."
Riyao chuckled and took Mirajane's hand, leading her out.
"Let's go, let's go! Vacation time! It's rare for the old man to be away, so we don't have to listen to his nagging!"
Mirajane was pulled into a run by Riyao, the wind blowing her skirt and long hair. Looking at the smile on Riyao's profile, her heart felt warm.