Lucky draw Starting from Fairy tail

Flying high above the southern cliffs, Erza and I soared across the sky on my golden eagle mount, the wind whistling past our ears. According to the map, our third mission was titled "Bandit Camp Sweep – South Road Cliff" and promised a reward of 60,000 Jewels. We were getting closer to the location when the scenery below changed.

"There it is," I muttered, guiding the eagle lower. The village we landed near looked worse for wear—fields scorched, fences broken, and houses damaged. We dismounted near the village entrance, drawing sharp gazes from the remaining villagers.

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Their eyes were filled with suspicion, fear... and desperation.

"Fairy Tail mages," I announced, flashing the golden guild mark on my hand.

Instantly, a wave of relief washed over the people. Whispers spread. "Fairy Tail is here..."

Despite that, vigilance remained in their eyes. We were directed to the village chief's house, a modest structure near the center. The chief, a middle-aged man with hollow cheeks and missing legs, waited for us. He tried to rise from his seat but faltered, dropping to his knees instead.

"Please," he begged, tears welling up. "Save them. Save my daughter."

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I rushed forward and gently lifted him by the shoulders. "We'll save them. I promise."

Beside me, Erza's expression had hardened. Her gaze sharpened like drawn blade.

"Which direction did they go?" I asked.

He pointed eastward toward the cliffs. "They hide in the caves. Many... too many."

We nodded and jumped back onto the golden eagle, soaring toward the cliffside hideout.

"Erza," I said mid-flight, voice low. "Fairy Tail has a no-kill rule for humans. But if they threaten you or others... don't hesitate."

"Understood," she said calmly.

"Also," I added, "this is a rescue mission. Stealth comes first. I'll have the Spirit Fox cast an illusion to hide us while we evacuate the hostages. Then we bring the bandits to the council, or authorities."

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We reached the cliffs within minutes. Erza pointed at figures near a cave entrance. We landed quietly, far from the main camp, and approached on foot.

It took nearly ten minutes of cautious sneaking to reach the perimeter.

I summoned the Spirit Fox. It shimmered into view, its snowy white fur catching the light before vanishing again under its illusion spell.

The bandit guarding the cave was short and unarmed—but he carried a horn at his waist. A dangerous detail.

We moved quietly, using the illusion to pass unseen. Inside the cave, we slipped through winding passages until we stumbled upon a large chamber filled with rough-looking men and, beyond them, a cage.

Women. Children. Dozens of them.

I signaled the fox to strengthen the illusion. We moved closer.

Erza drew her sword. One precise stroke, and the cage bars snapped clean. The captives gasped.

"You're free now," Erza said, voice firm.

Tears burst from many of the women. The children stared at us in disbelief.

"Quietly," I whispered. "We need to sneak you out."

Roughly 30 adult women and 40 children followed as we led them out, careful to make no sound. Near the edge of the cave, I turned to Erza.

"Once I give the signal, let the illusion drop. after escorting the hostages."

But Erza shook her head. "No. I'll handle them. You protect the others."

Her eyes were colder than steel. Determined.

I gave a hesitant nod and moved away with the hostages. Before I left, I summoned all my summons nearby for extra protection and gave them strict orders to defend the rescued.

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I returned to Erza's side.

"Remove the illusion," she said.

I nodded to the Spirit Fox. The illusion shimmered and dropped.

The bandit guard at the entrance blinked in surprise, then panicked and blew the horn at his hip.

Shouts erupted. Bandits emerged one by one—some with swords, others holding enchanted tools.

Then their leader arrived.

A bald man with deep scars, built like a bear. His eyes locked onto us with venom.

"I hate magic guilds," he growled. "You'll be sold just like the others."

He charged.

Erza met him head-on, sword clashing against earth-coated fists. He blocked her blade—only for her to slam her fist into his gut.

"That's for being a criminal!" she yelled.

Another punch.

"That's for hurting others!"

A third.

"That's for kidnapping!"

And then a final, resounding strike.

"This is for trafficking innocent people!"

A sickening crack echoed. The bandit boss collapsed.

The other bandits froze in horror.

Erza turned her gaze toward them, and even I shivered.

They scattered.

"Not so fast," I muttered, summoning Salamanders and Wind Wolves. The beasts surrounded the fleeing bandits.

Erza didn't hesitate. She chased them down, striking with precise and brutal force. Though some were magic users, they were no match for her.

Soon, all were defeated. We tied them up and loaded them onto four large carriages. For the hostages, we used ten more carriages—comfort was essential for the rescued.

The only issue was driving this many carriages.

The Spirit Fox looked at me. A feeling pulsed through our link—he could control the horses with illusion.

"You're a lifesaver," I said, patting his head. He purred softly.

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We began our return.

After nearly 1 hour of travel, the village came into view. Children leapt from wagons and raced toward their families, tears streaming.

It was a moment of pure, heartfelt reunion.

The village chief approached, his daughter clinging to his side.

"Thank you," he whispered.

He offered Erza the reward money. She hesitated.

I leaned close and whispered something to her. Her eyes lit up.

She knelt before the chief's daughter and handed her the pouch.

"A gift," she said.

The chief shook his head. "We can't accept—"

"You already paid us," I interrupted. "This is from us, not Fairy Tail."

He nodded, tears in his eyes.

We left all the carriages behind including all the horses—except the one carrying the tied-up bandits. I hitched the cart to several wolves, and we rode hard for the city.

An hour and a half later, we arrived at the gates.

The guards stared until they saw the prisoners.

We explained everything. One ran off to fetch their captain.

When the captain returned, his eyes went wide.

"This guy's been wanted for years!"

He disappeared again, then came back with a large sack.

"100,000 Jewels. Bounty reward."

Erza and I exchanged glances, stunned.

"Split it?" I offered.

She smiled. "Split it."

We took the reward, thanked the captain, and turned toward our next mission.

Another step forward—Two more to go.