Internet Magic in Fairy Tail

Nate wasn’t particularly interested in getting involved in unnecessary troubles. The dark guild Eisenwald's plan to use “Lullaby” to attack the Guild Masters' Alliance during their regular meeting seemed absurd. After all, these were guild masters—what could a mere dark guild possibly achieve? It was like ants trying to attack a pride of lions.

Nate couldn't understand where Eisenwald got their confidence. Their plan was so foolish it seemed like their brains were scrambled.

Thus, Nate decided to let the internet handle the problem. The ever-helpful "netizens" might be able to solve Erza’s concerns. If not, he could always have “Voldemort” step in.

"Ask the internet?" Erza paused, remembering how two days ago she’d asked Voldemort about the R-System and still hadn’t received a response. Now Nate was suggesting she try again, but she was skeptical about whether it would work.

"It doesn’t cost anything to try," Nate smiled. "You have to believe in the resourceful netizens."

"Alright, I’ll give it a try…" Erza opened the internet and started drafting a post. Over the past two days, while recovering in bed, she had grown quite fond of browsing the internet and was already well-versed in how to post.

In no time, her message was ready. But just as she was about to hit "Post," Nate stopped her.

"Wait."

"What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it’s fine, but when posting online, it's better to have a catchy title. It helps draw people in... uh, I mean, get more attention. The more people see it, the more likely you'll find someone helpful."

Erza's original title was a bit plain. Nate, half-sitting on the bed next to her, leaned over and typed a new one for her:

“Shocking! A Dark Guild Did ‘This’... ”

Click. Post.

Erza blinked in surprise. She had to admit, even she would want to click on a title like that.

"What did the dark guild do? What’s the shocking part?"

"You’re a genius, Nate!" Erza looked at him with sincere admiration. She had learned something new—she’d definitely use this trick next time.

Nate couldn’t help but laugh awkwardly. If it weren’t Erza, he’d think she was being sarcastic.

"Just keep an eye on the replies…"

…

In a desolate forest...

The trees were withered, their leaves fallen, and colorful mushrooms sprouted beneath their decaying trunks. Deep within the eerie woods, a hidden path led to a shadowy old castle.

This was the home of the dark guild, Eisenwald.

A young man, wearing a dark gray cloak and scarf, walked along the path until he reached the guild’s front gate.

A silver-haired man, carrying a large scythe, emerged from the door.

"You're back, Kageyama."

The silver-haired man’s voice was cold. "Do you have it?"

"I’ve got it, Erigor." The man named Kageyama extended his right hand from under his cloak, revealing a skull-shaped, withered flute.

"This is the 'Lullaby' you requested."

"Well done, Kageyama!" Erigor took the flute, grinning wickedly. "This is our chance. With this, we can finally take revenge on the cursed Guild Masters' Alliance!"

He clenched the flute tightly, veins bulging on the back of his hand.

"But that's not all," Kageyama continued. "On my way back, I encountered some mages from the Phantom Lord guild..."

Kageyama then opened his left hand to reveal a silver ring.

"What’s this?" Erigor frowned. "Phantom Lord mages?"

"Yes. While on the train, I overheard them talking about a new magic called the 'internet,' and this ring is the key to accessing it."

Kageyama nodded, explaining how he’d beaten up those Phantom Lord members and stolen the ring after forcing them to reveal its purpose.

"The ring binds to the first person who channels their magic into it. This is a ring that hasn’t been used yet."

"They said the internet is a place for exchanging information. I thought it might be useful, so I brought it back."

"Information exchange? The internet?"

Erigor narrowed his eyes in curiosity, taking the ring from Kageyama’s hand. Magic rings were common; they were usually used by support mages.

Out of curiosity, Erigor placed the ring on his right index finger. After infusing it with magic, a translucent interface appeared before him.

"Text without magic energy?" Erigor was slightly startled. "A nickname?"

Interesting. He wondered what Phantom Lord’s leader was up to.

Shinigami.

Erigor typed the name and entered the forum.

Among the various posts, one caught his eye. It mentioned "dark guild," and curiosity got the better of him.

Kageyama explained, "You just click on the text with your finger, that’s how the Phantom Lord guys were using it."

Following Kageyama’s instructions, Erigor clicked the post, which read:

…

I overheard some members of the dark guild Eisenwald in a tavern, and they mentioned something called 'Lullaby.'

They seemed to be plotting something.

Does anyone know what it is?

Apparently, it's sealed, and they’re trying to break the seal.

Please, if anyone knows anything about Lullaby, let me know.

I’ll give 200 points as a reward.

…

The poster’s username was "Knight."

Whether it was the shocking title or the promise of points, the post had gathered many replies.

Erigor's face darkened as he stared at Kageyama.

"Did you get caught?"

"I... I apologize, Erigor!" Kageyama was startled, unable to recall when or how he had been exposed.

Erigor’s gaze softened. "No matter, we’ve already got what we came for. It seems this 'internet' is where legal guild mages exchange information."

Using nicknames, they wouldn’t know each other’s real identities.

This could... be useful.

Erigor realized he could blend in, and no one would know who he was.

He scrolled further down the replies, and his expression grew darker.

…

Eisenwald? Isn’t that the small guild that got kicked out by the Guild Masters' Alliance six years ago?

Now they’re a dark guild? Still doing assassination jobs?

The Magic Council banned assassination work. They were expelled for repeatedly defying orders. They deserved it.

Didn’t Eisenwald’s top mage go by the name ‘Shinigami’ Erigor?

Yeah, that guy. What a joke, calling himself the Shinigami. He just did too many assassinations.

Is he still doing that?

I heard he’s now a lapdog for the Oración Seis.

Small guilds will always be small. Without the Guild Masters' Alliance, they’re doomed to a dog's fate—unlike us at Phantom Lord, Phantom Lord is number one!

…

"Er-Erigor?" Kageyama was drenched in cold sweat as he saw the murderous look in Erigor’s eyes.

Erigor was fuming. These worthless mages from the legal guilds dared to look down on him?

He couldn't stand it.

Rage overtook his rational mind.

Shinigami: “Who are you to judge Erigor’s power? If he were in Phantom Lord, he’d be one of their S-Class mages!”

It didn’t take long for more replies to flood in.

…

Is he really? [picking nose emoji

S-Class? He probably wouldn’t even beat me. He’s just famous for assassinations. [sneering emoji]

Why are you so mad? Are you a Shinigami fanboy? [shocked emoji]

Maybe it’s Erigor himself! LOL [laughing emoji]

…

The mockery and emojis enraged Erigor even more.

He wanted nothing more than to reach through the internet and cut down every last one of them.

His fury made him lose control.

Shinigami: “Just wait!!”

Shinigami: “Lullaby is already in my hands! My revenge will begin soon!”

Shinigami: “You fools will never understand the power of the cursed song!”

Shinigami: “Watch closely as I, the Shinigami, Erigor, slaughter you all! I’ll start with those pathetic guild masters!”

He had exposed himself!

The replies stopped abruptly.

Moments later, "Knight" posted:

!!!