Chapter 3: Guild Master
Nate's transmigration occurred a month ago. He arrived in the city of Magnolia, home to the Fairy Tail guild. After receiving the Internet Magic from the beginner's package, Nate spent his time doing odd jobs while researching the magic.
Fortunately, thanks to the occasional free food distribution at the Kardia Cathedral, he managed to save up enough to rent an apartment. Now that the rent was paid, he had less than 10,000J left in his pocket.
He could be considered the poorest transmigrator.
However, things were already looking up. By joining Fairy Tail as a mage, he could now take on jobs and earn money.
…
At noon, Nate walked into the guild and was immediately greeted by its lively, noisy atmosphere. It felt more like a rowdy tavern than a mages' guild.
The guild hall was spacious, large enough to fit four or five basketball courts. A large crowd had gathered around the bar, all clamoring at Mirajane.
"Hey, Mirajane, let me try it for a bit."
"Let me try that ring too!"
"Come on, Mirajane, it's too much for one person to keep all to herself."
"This magic called the Internet looks really interesting!"
Faced with the crowd's demands, Mirajane could only smile awkwardly.
"This is Nate's ring. Without his permission, I can't let you use it."
"I have to return the ring to him when he arrives. If you want to try it, you'll have to ask Nate."
The crowd didn't give up, and someone curiously asked:
"Hasn't the newcomer arrived yet? I really want to meet him."
Nate stepped toward the bar, speaking as he approached, "Once the ring is infused with magic for the first time, it binds to the user. No one else can use it. It recognizes the magic power, and everyone's magic power is unique."
"You're finally here, Nate." Mirajane stood up and greeted him warmly.
"You don't have to return the ring, it's a gift for you. Consider it a thank-you for treating me to a meal."
"Really?" Mirajane's eyes sparkled.
Now that Nate had arrived, the crowd immediately surrounded him.
"Hello, newcomer, my name is Macao."
"I'm Levy McGarden, welcome to Fairy Tail, Nate."
"I'm Cana. Hey, newcomer, do you have more of those rings? Could you give me one too? Don't play favorites—I'll treat you to a drink~"
The closest one was a bold woman holding a bottle of alcohol, even in the middle of the day, clearly intrigued by the ring.
Nate recognized many familiar names, but most were minor characters he didn't know well. Still, since they were all members of the guild, it meant they were mages. And as long as they wore a ring and used the Internet, they would enhance his magic power.
They were all high-quality "crops."
"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Nate, the newcomer. As a token of my introduction, I'd like to give each of you a magic ring as a gift."
In response to everyone's enthusiasm, Nate took out a cloth bag and began distributing the rings one by one. Those who received the rings thanked him happily and quickly wandered off to explore the Internet.
In no time, more than half of the 98 rings were gone.
Once the crowd dispersed, Mirajane approached with a plate of food.
"Nate, you probably haven't eaten yet. This is for you."
Not being shy, Nate thanked her and sat at the bar to enjoy the meal.
"You've given away so many magic rings... now you really won't have money for food." Mirajane looked at him helplessly.
"Why are you worrying for me?" Nate chuckled. "Are you regretting offering to treat me?"
"Don't worry. As long as you come to the guild, I'll treat you to a meal."
Mirajane smiled sweetly, then noticed that Nate had pushed the remaining rings toward her and asked curiously:
"What's this for?"
"If anyone else wants one later, could you hand them out for me?"
The guild had hundreds of members, but not all were present today. There were still 20 or 30 rings left. Nate simply entrusted the rest to Mirajane, leaving it to the hostess to distribute them.
"You're giving them all away?" Mirajane was a bit stunned, not understanding Nate's actions.
"I believe the greatest feature of the Internet is sharing."
"Sharing?"
Nate replied while enjoying his meal, "Yes, sharing."
"For example, if I want to find a book on 'photography' or 'scanning magic,' I'd need to visit a library and search through the categories, which is quite troublesome."
"So, I'm planning to add a 'Library' feature to the Internet. This will allow everyone to freely upload books, whether magic texts or adventure novels."
"In the future, anyone with a ring can quickly search and find whatever content they want, anytime, anywhere."
"Knowledge doesn't diminish through sharing. On the contrary, it sparks more wisdom through exchange."
Mirajane listened with bright eyes, a sense of admiration rising within her.
Sharing knowledge, benefiting the public. So that's why he needed more people to join the Internet?
"A truly great dream."
"I've been working on the library module all night, but I've run into some problems." Nate sighed. "In my vision, ring holders should be able to use the Internet's built-in scanning function to scan books page by page and then upload them to the network."
"You don't know scanning magic?" Mirajane smiled gently. "There should be a book on scanning magic in the guild's library on the second floor."
"Can I go up there?"
"Nope, only S-Class mages can access the second floor. You're still a newcomer, Nate."
Mirajane covered her mouth and giggled. "But I'll help you look for it. Just wait here."
With that, she turned and headed upstairs.
Nate watched her disappear up the stairs, then casually glanced at the bulletin board nearby. The board was covered with various job requests, and any mage wanting to take on a task could simply tear off a request slip.
There was also a bulletin board on the second floor with far fewer requests, but all of them were S-Class missions.
"I need to start making money. Is there a job here that can make me a quick fortune?"
Nate stood and walked over to the bulletin board.
The requests varied greatly: clearing out Yetis from a mountain, repelling a group of robbers, searching for lost important documents, escorting a merchant caravan to its destination... All sorts of tasks.
The jobs in a mage guild were like those of a "jack-of-all-trades" office.
The rewards ranged from 50,000J to 200,000J.
Not quite enough...
Nate was looking for a large payday that would set him up for years.
"I remember there's an S-Class request that's especially easy."
"It involves going to a cursed island, breaking the curse, and restoring the villagers to normal."
"If I remember correctly, the reward is 7 million J, plus a Zodiac Key as a bonus."
Nate stroked his chin in thought. He remembered the storyline from *Fairy Tail.* Although he'd forgotten some details, he still recalled the main plot.
This S-Class mission was particularly simple—all he had to do was destroy the "moon."
With his Tremor Magic, it would be no more than a single punch.
One punch, and he'd earn 7 million J!
"Too bad it's an S-Class mission. I can't take it." Nate frowned, contemplating whether he should ask Mirajane to pull some strings for him. But knowing her, she'd definitely refuse. A newcomer taking on an S-Class mission? That's a death wish—Mirajane would surely think so and stop him.
"Ah, ah... you're the newcomer, Nate?"
Suddenly, a voice called out behind him, followed by a fake cough.
Nate turned and looked down.
He saw a short old man greeting him with a wave.
"Hey there, newcomer. I'm Makarov, the Guild Master."
Makarov Dreyar, one of the Ten Wizard Saints.
"Good afternoon, Master." Nate naturally recognized him.
"I've already heard about you from Mirajane this morning."
Makarov appeared kind and benevolent. "Your Internet Magic is fascinating. It's a completely new form of magic. Did you create it yourself? It's an absolute stroke of genius."
He didn't hold back on the praise. When he saw Mirajane's demonstration this morning, even he was astonished. He immediately realized how innovative and revolutionary this magic was.
A genius! A true mage prodigy!
"Connecting people regardless of distance, allowing communication even between different countries and cities. The name 'Internet' is brilliant."
Makarov was full of admiration.
"Thank you for the kind words, Master. I'm just standing on the shoulders of giants," Nate said humbly.
The Internet Magic had been given to him by the system. All he did was set up a forum and create three mini-games within its basic framework.
"No need to be modest."
Makarov smiled. "I heard from Mirajane that you're a bit short on money. Since your magic doesn't have much combat potential, it might be hard for you to complete tasks."
Hearing this, Nate's heart stirred, and he immediately said, "Master, actually, I've acquired another magic."
"Oh? You have a second magic?" Makarov was taken aback. So young, and not only had Nate created an incredible new magic, but he had also mastered a second one?
Nate nodded. "I think I can handle an S-Class mission. Could I be promoted to S-Class soon?"
Makarov doubted his ears. A newcomer who had just joined the guild was already thinking about becoming S-Class?
"It's good to be ambitious, but S-Class missions aren't a joke. One mistake in judgment, and it could cost you your life." Makarov warned gravely. He didn't want to see such a talented mage meet an early demise.
In fact, he was even willing to secretly fund Nate, giving him enough money to live comfortably so he could continue studying Internet Magic.
"What's your second magic?"
"Earthquakes."
Nate demonstrated on the spot. With a light punch of his right fist, the air shattered like a mirror, and in an instant, the ground shook violently.
Makarov lost his footing and fell on his backside, staring in shock.
The newcomer wasn't just a genius—he was a monster!