The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

Although Kira's magic was derived from Natsu's, there were fundamental differences between the two. The essence of Natsu's magic was burning, while the magic Kira created was centered on extreme high temperatures.

Under the astonished gazes of his companions, the flames Kira unleashed easily broke through Acnologia's indestructible dragon scales, leaving charred flesh beneath and even emitting a faint, tantalizing aroma of burnt meat.

A deafening roar erupted from Acnologia's throat, the sheer force of its sound waves enough to render Lucy and Cana momentarily dazed.

"It worked?"

"Is that… dragon-slaying magic?"

"When did Kira learn this?"

Even Acnologia appeared momentarily puzzled. Despite sensing no dragon seed within Kira, the attack bore all the hallmarks of dragon-slaying magic. Its effect was undeniable, and the sensation reminded Acnologia of its old adversary, Igneel.

Though the temperature was similar, Kira's flames carried a higher viscosity and precision. With a powerful shake, Acnologia flung off the flames still clinging to its massive frame.

Despite his lack of dragon lineage, this human had wielded dragon-slaying magic against it. For that, he had to die.

"I'm not afraid of you hitting me. I'm afraid of you not hitting me." Kira's thoughts swirled as he focused entirely on attracting Acnologia's attention.

The black dragon roared once more, unleashing a concentrated wave of light from its massive jaws. Though not as powerful as a full roar, the attack carried immense destructive power and was impossible to ignore.

"Be careful!" Gildarts yelled, springing forward and channeling his signature Crushing Magic to intercept the blast.

While Gildarts managed to nullify part of the attack, the remaining energy surged forward, its speed and force undiminished.

Kira acted instantly, raising his right hand and activating Word Magic: Distortion.

Space itself warped under his command, bending the trajectory of the dragon's breath and redirecting it toward a distant mountain. The redirected blast struck with devastating force, shattering rocks and triggering an avalanche.

"Well done!" Gildarts shouted, impressed, as he began gathering his magic for an ultimate attack, intending to create a window for the others to escape.

But Acnologia was not one to fall for the same tactic twice.

Sensing that Gildarts posed the greatest threat, the black dragon shifted its focus and charged straight at him with terrifying speed.

Despite its massive size, Acnologia moved with blinding agility, closing the distance to Gildarts in an instant. Its massive claws struck with the force of a meteor, hurling Gildarts into the air.

"Agh!"

Blood sprayed from his mouth as the impact shattered bones and ruptured internal organs. Gildarts spun helplessly before crashing into the snow, leaving a deep crater in his wake.

"Gildarts!!" cried multiple voices in unison.

The sight froze everyone in place. Even Kira, who had braced himself for the worst, hadn't anticipated this.

"How is he even alive?" Kira thought, rushing toward Gildarts. "In the original timeline, this attack left him critically injured but alive. Is he going to make it this time?"

Gildarts lay motionless, his body broken and battered. Kira cursed under his breath. "I positioned myself as a mage, so why do I always end up as a support class?"

Acnologia began gathering energy in its jaws again, the telltale sign of a full-blown dragon's roar.

Recognizing the danger, Kira shouted to the others, "Spread out! Don't come near us!"

But his words fell on deaf ears. The others, loyal to a fault, continued to run toward him and Gildarts.

"Are you all insane?!" Kira yelled, panic overtaking his usual calm demeanor. "Do you want to get vaporized? This is 400 years' worth of dragon rage condensed into one breath!"

Gildarts, unable to speak, gave Kira a pleading look that clearly said, Get out of here.

Kira ignored him. "Shut up. You're not dying here, old man."

He placed a hand on Gildarts's chest and muttered, "I'll borrow your magic."

Kira's Word Magic allowed him to tap into the abilities of others, even those far beyond his own expertise. Though Gildarts's Crushing Magic was a highly advanced technique, Kira's magic enabled him to analyze, transmit, and reconstruct it as his own.

The dragon's roar erupted from Acnologia's maw, a cataclysmic beam of energy that tore through the air, headed straight for them.

Kira raised his hand, his voice steady despite the chaos. "Smash!"

The magic he borrowed from Gildarts collided with the dragon's roar, the two forces clashing violently. Though Kira managed to redirect some of the energy, the attack was far from neutralized.

Erza quickly realized the only hope they had was to channel everything they had into a single, unified attack.

"Everyone, lend your magic to Natsu!" she commanded.

The others hesitated only briefly before pouring their magic into Natsu. Flames, ice, light, water, and other elements converged, forming a swirling vortex of energy around the Dragon Slayer.

Natsu, battered but determined, absorbed their magic, his body glowing with overwhelming power. Flames erupted from his hands, hotter and fiercer than anything he had summoned before.

"Dragon-Slaying Secret Art: Red Lotus Blade!!"

Natsu's empowered flames surged toward Acnologia's roar, the two attacks colliding in a blinding explosion of light and heat. The resulting shockwave sent snow and debris flying in every direction, triggering avalanches and landslides.

Though Natsu's attack managed to weaken the dragon's roar, it wasn't enough to completely nullify it.

"Damn it," Kira muttered, reaching into his coat. From within, he pulled a magic-sealing shield, crafted from energy-absorbing stones.

Planting the shield firmly in the ground, he braced himself against the remaining force of the attack.

The shield absorbed most of the energy, but the impact was still enough to send Kira and Gildarts sliding across the snow for nearly a hundred meters.

Panting heavily, Kira sat up and surveyed the aftermath. Acnologia still hovered in the sky, its massive wings stirring up snowstorms. Though wounded, the dragon showed no signs of retreating.

"Even with all that, it's still standing," Erza muttered, her voice tinged with despair.

Kira, still catching his breath, forced a grin. "Don't give up yet," he said. "You all still owe me money. If you die here, who's going to pay me back?"

Despite the dire situation, his words drew weak smiles from the group.

Far above, Acnologia let out another roar, signaling that the battle was far from over.

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