Caesar settled down in Fairy Tail. Although the attic was not too big, it was more than enough to be used as a bedroom.
In the following days, Caesar also began to exercise regularly.
One hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, one hundred squats, and a ten-kilometer long-distance run.
Even after completing all this, Caesar started learning swordsmanship and receiving training in magic.
Basically, everyone in the Fairy Tail guild only saw Caesar eating in the guild during meal times. At other times, he was nowhere to be found.
Only Gray occasionally went to look for Caesar and knew the place where Caesar often trained—a spot no one else could find.
Spring passed and autumn came, and a year went by in a flash.
It was a pity that Caesar didn't become bald, but he had become stronger.
And during this year, Caesar also understood the refresh rules of the free single draw in the ordinary card pool.
Yes, you guessed it right—one free draw per year.
What a scam.
With a towel around his neck, Caesar wiped the sweat from his face while checking his current status.
Name: Caesar
Rating: 1
Physique: 5+ (64)
Strength: 7+ (68)
Agility: 7+ (72)
Skill: Take Over Magic
Equipment: Wado Ichimonji
Card slots: Satan, Inuyasha, Iruka (kunai), Edward, Sonic the Hedgehog (safety pants)
In a year, Caesar's basic attributes had improved a lot, but compared with the blessings from cards, the progress was still slow.
However, Caesar didn't mind.
A year of training not only made his body stronger but, more importantly, gave him greater control over it.
That was critical.
For example, in the past, when Caesar used the Inuyasha card, it took about 0.8 seconds for his body to respond to his thoughts.
Now, that delay was reduced to 0.1 seconds. Whether attacking, defending, or moving, he was more agile, and his combat efficiency had increased by at least 30 percent.
Additionally, his swordsmanship and magic power reserves had improved significantly. He would never collapse again after just one use of Wind Scar.
Looking up at the sun and touching his stomach, Caesar exhaled.
"It's about time. Let's get lunch."
After saying that, he ran down the path back to the guild.
As soon as he opened the door and stepped inside, Caesar saw a girl with crimson hair, wearing small armor and an eyepatch, stamping the guild seal at the counter.
"Erza?"
Caesar blurted out, and instantly realized his mistake.
Why did he say that? Shouldn't he—wait, they should know each other. After all, they came from the same village.
But that wasn't right either.
He shouldn't have called her name so directly.
Caesar winced. He had thought he was fully in control of this body, but the subconscious memories still influenced him.
Erza suddenly heard someone call her and immediately looked toward the guild entrance.
"You are... Xisa?!"
Erza looked at the black-haired, golden-eyed young man standing at the gate, dazed for a moment before speaking in disbelief.
Caesar was also stunned. He had been here for more than a year and only now learned the name of this body's original owner.
But the name—Caesar—sounded so tragic.
Before he could speak, Erza ran up to him excitedly.
"You're alive! I thought you were gone after the attack! How did you survive? It's so good to see you again... Even though the village..."
Erza's eyes teared up, her emotions getting the better of her.
Seeing this, everyone in the guild turned their attention to the scene, sensing a juicy drama unfolding.
Gray and Kana peeked from the side, eager to see what would happen.
"Uh…" Caesar scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.
"I'm sorry. I don't remember anything from before I woke up. I just said your name subconsciously. Were we close?"
Hearing that, Erza froze, then showed a hint of sadness and sighed.
The crowd groaned in disappointment. Just when things were getting good.
They turned their eyes toward Gray, who probably knew Caesar best.
Gray sighed under their pressure and stood up.
"Well, Caesar, since Erza knows you, maybe you two should eat together. If she tells you about your past, maybe you'll remember something."
"Good idea," Caesar nodded. "Let's eat and talk. The guild's food is pretty good."
"Alright," Erza said with a soft smile. "Your name is Caesar now?"
"Yeah. I couldn't remember my old one, so I picked a new name for myself."
The two walked to the center table as everyone quickly made space, pretending not to eavesdrop while clearly listening in.
Caesar knew even if they moved to a corner, a crowd would still follow, so he didn't bother hiding.
He and Erza sat across from each other. Gray sat next to Caesar, and Kana slid in beside Erza.
Soon, food and drinks were served. Caesar and Erza dug in while talking.
Erza told Caesar about the original owner of the body—Xisa.
His parents were farmers. Not rich, but hardworking, and they lived decently.
They were better off than Erza and the other orphans from the village.
Caesar—Xisa—was kind and often helped Erza, who was always grateful for his kindness.
When the village was attacked, Xisa's parents died protecting him and organizing resistance.
Xisa himself was thrown into a dry well and left for dead.
Erza had wanted to help, but what could a powerless little girl do?
She too had been captured.
After hearing the story, Gray and Kana sighed, and the others in the guild looked at Caesar with pity.
Caesar listened in silence, feeling an anger stir deep within. He let out a long breath.
He had to visit the Tower of Paradise.
If he didn't resolve this, he'd never gain full control of this body.
Only by confronting that place could Caesar truly take ownership of his future.