The maid cafe job only lasted seven days. Once the novelty of the new restaurant wore off, the customer traffic significantly decreased, and the existing staff were perfectly capable of handling the workload.
After completing the mission, when Statiw and Mirajane appeared in the guild again, things were exactly as Lisanna had predicted. After Mirajane personally witnessed Statiw use his Pict Magic to create two detailed female constructs, the matter of her having been Erza's maid for a day was completely forgotten. Her daily routine then became closely following Statiw, seemingly never leaving his side.
Just like that, under Mirajane's close watch, more than two months passed.
Statiw finally fully integrated the theoretical knowledge of Chakra into his magical framework. At the same time, his magic circle underwent subtle data adjustments, and a new ring of energy data was added to its outer perimeter. When he materialized constructs based on figures from his unique knowledge, detailed energy pathways had already been incorporated into their design, theoretically allowing them to use specialized techniques.
However, these materialized constructs still had their own inherent limitations. For example, the brawler construct Statiw often used was, by its very design, a close-quarters combatant; he could not simply add long-range spellcasting abilities to it, as each construct was a specific projection based on a core concept.
Similarly, after detailed questioning and testing by Mirajane, she learned that everything was indeed as Statiw had said: these figures he could create were not something he could arbitrarily alter; they were bound by the rules of his unique magic and the original 'concept' he based them on.
Mirajane's problem was resolved, but Statiw's troubles were far from over.
Lisanna learned from her sister that Statiw's power had grown significantly since becoming an A-Class Mage and that the constructs he created now possessed more defined and potent abilities. She then told this news to Natsu and Happy.
Natsu, who had always been resentful and unconvinced about losing their previous duel, completely latched onto Statiw this time. No matter if Statiw was eating, walking around town, or trying to relax, Natsu and Happy would both follow him, clamoring for a rematch, this time with a strict condition: Statiw couldn't use the same indirect method as before.
Finally, being pestered by Natsu to the point of unbearable annoyance, Statiw had no choice but to agree to his demand. Just like that, the two once again arrived at the open space in front of the guild.
"Statiw, you can't use that tricky method this time!" Happy shouted loudly from the sidelines as Statiw and Natsu arrived at the center of the dueling ground.
"Don't worry, I won't use indirect methods this time," Statiw replied with a serious expression.
"Ah ha, that's great! This way we can have a good, straightforward fight!" Natsu was overjoyed and uncontrollably excited upon hearing Statiw's assurance.
At the same time, the onlookers standing on the sidelines, who had been hesitating about who to bet on, suddenly heard that Statiw had actually agreed to Natsu's condition. Their minds instantly snapped to a conclusion, and they all began placing bets on Natsu to win.
After all, although Statiw had won against Natsu last time, the way he had won made everyone feel that in a direct, head-on fight, Statiw was still no match for Natsu's raw power and endurance. And that was likely true; even if Statiw materialized his strongest combat construct for a straight fight, it would be a difficult battle.
The reason was simple: Statiw had only recently been promoted to an A-Class Mage. The constructs he created, while powerful, had limits to their energy reserves and duration. Natsu, on the other hand, was famously tough, relentless, and could fight for a long time, drawing strength from the fire he consumed and his own immense stamina. Defeating him before a construct's energy was depleted was a very difficult task.
Since he already knew the probability of winning a pure brawl was not high, Statiw naturally would not choose that path. After a brief consideration, he waved his hand. In a flash of light, a woman with long black hair and captivating red eyes appeared in front of him—one of the two figures Mirajane had seen before.
"Huh?" Natsu, who was eagerly rubbing his hands together, noticed that Statiw had materialized not the green-clad brawler, but the woman. He immediately looked puzzled. "Statiw, didn't you say that guy from last time was the strongest fighter you could make? Why didn't you bring him out?"
Statiw smiled calmly and replied, "Indeed, he is currently the strongest in direct combat that I can materialize. However, each construct excels in a different area. So, which one to use depends entirely on the situation."
Upon hearing Statiw's words, those who had bet on Natsu winning suddenly felt a pang of unease. Especially Lisanna, remembering what Mirajane had told her about the varied abilities of Statiw's constructs, she immediately became worried.
Sure enough, just as Lisanna feared, Natsu, with flames swirling around his fists, immediately charged straight at Statiw. However, under Statiw's control, the black-haired woman merely raised two fingers to her chest in a subtle seal. The single-minded Natsu, mid-charge, suddenly stumbled, his eyes glazing over before he crumpled to the ground, falling into a deep, magical sleep.
"Natsu——!" Although they had felt uneasy, those who had bet on Natsu winning never expected him to lose so quickly and so inexplicably. They couldn't help but shout, "Wake up, Natsu! Stop sleeping...!"
"Alright, stop shouting!" The immense noise was grating on Statiw. He explained loudly to them, "Natsu was put under a powerful hypnotic suggestion. You won't be able to wake him up by just shouting."
No sooner had Statiw finished speaking than Happy flew right up to his face. "Statiw, that's too sneaky! Didn't we agree to a face-to-face fight?"
Statiw immediately retorted, "What are you talking about? It was completely face-to-face! I waited until Natsu charged right at me before I acted. He saw it coming."
"But, isn't a face-to-face fight supposed to be like when Natsu and Gray brawl, with punches and kicks?" Happy completely disagreed, shaking his head. "No, using hypnosis magic to defeat Natsu is cheating!"
Just as Statiw and Happy were arguing, Gray suddenly stepped forward from the crowd, a competitive glint in his eyes. "Statiw," he said with a serious expression, "after watching that, I want to fight you next..."