In the lush forest, sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, casting specks of starlight on the ground. The air carried the fresh scent of grass and earth, while the sounds of chirping insects and birds filled the summer atmosphere.
On a patch of open ground deliberately cleared, two boys stood facing each other, separated by a few meters.
Around the clearing, tall trees formed a circle. Beneath the shade, one boy, two girls, and a dog sat in a row, watching the duel between the two boys.
Among the two facing each other, one had black hair slicked back in a mature style, with a playful lock of hair falling across his forehead. His features were handsome, and he wore a black martial artist's outfit, giving him a neat and capable appearance.
The other had spiky hair of cherry-pink color, a black-and-white checkered scarf wrapped around his neck. He wore a bright red long-sleeved shirt and mustard-yellow shorts.
"Moen, I'm really strong! Don't underestimate me!"
The pink-haired boy shouted, taking a stance full of fighting spirit. His expression was wild and brimming with battle intent. Sparks of flame flickered around his body—he was clearly a battle maniac.
"Bring it on, Natsu! Let's see whether your Dragon Slayer Magic is stronger, or my Celestial Spirit Magic is superior!"
The black-haired boy, Moen, replied. As he spoke, he assumed a rather strange pose.
His legs bent slightly, spread in a battle stance. His right hand tucked at his waist while his left hand extended forward and upward—like a rearing stallion.
"Ahhhhhh!"
Natsu roared with passion, unleashing the magic power within his body. Flames ignited on his fist, burning fiercely yet not harming him at all. Dangerous flames obeyed his command as if they were tame.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Natsu charged forward, swinging his flame-wreathed fist. Like a ferocious young fire dragon pouncing, his attack carried a frightening momentum. Though still like a juvenile dragon, the force was undeniable.
Moen, however, showed no fear in the face of Natsu's strike. His hands moved rapidly in mysterious motions, as though sketching a strange diagram.
Magic power surged with his movements, revolving like the constellations in the heavens.
"Pegasus Meteor Fist!"
A star map formed under his hands, flashing with radiant light. Moen punched forward, unleashing countless phantom fists.
The barrage of fists resembled thousands of galloping horses, their force utterly overwhelming the young dragon's fiery assault. The blazing light of Natsu's flames was completely drowned out.
Boom!
Natsu was blasted away like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily to the ground. He lay motionless, the flames on his body fading out. His punch hadn't even touched Moen—he had been knocked flying before he could land a hit.
There was nothing Natsu could do—he couldn't even see Moen's punches clearly, much less block them. The difference in their strength was obvious!
"My punch carries twenty years—cough, I mean twelve years—of training. Not just anyone can withstand it. Natsu, you've still got a long way to go."
Moen drew back his fist and wagged his finger, making a sharp critique of Natsu's abilities.
At this level, he wasn't even worthy of being called an "opponent."
So this was the so-called Dragon Slayer Magic, created to slay dragons? In Moen's eyes, it was nothing compared to the force of his fists!
Moen was actually a transmigrator from another world, once from Earth, China. He had been reborn in this world called Earthland only twelve years ago and he had not even reached his twelfth birthday yet.
Unlike the Earth he once knew, Earthland was a world brimming with magic. Magic had become a part of everyday life. Not only were there magic shops where people could buy and sell magic, but guilds also thrived across the continent, offering work to wizards.
Moen had grown up in the Fairy Tail Guild, and was now a wizard apprentice.
Of course, because his magic was of a rather unusual nature, after mastering the basics of magical meditation, Moen had essentially been self-taught. His magic was unique—completely his own.
As for Natsu, he was a newcomer who had just joined Fairy Tail a few days ago. A user of the legendary Dragon Slayer Magic, he often muttered nonsense, even claiming that his father was a dragon who suddenly disappeared!
Moen didn't believe it at all. Didn't dragons and humans have reproductive isolation?
Even if they didn't, aside from the influence of Dragon Slayer Magic, Natsu showed no physical traits of a dragon.
If Natsu were truly half-dragon, a "dragonkin," he should at least display some draconic characteristics.
Moen only felt pity for this boy who might have some mental issues.
That was why Moen hadn't refused Natsu's request for a duel. He simply treated it as humoring a child with an overactive imagination.
Besides, Moen was curious to see the power of Natsu's Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. This magic was rare and in a way, it was the only real evidence connecting Natsu to dragons.
At the same time, his system triggered a quest due to Natsu's challenge. And the reward was far too tempting to refuse. So, with a smile, Moen had sent flying Natsu's mage dream.
[Quest: "Provocation of the Fire Dragon"]
Quest Details:
A newcomer has arrived in the guild—"Fire Dragon" Natsu, an S-Class Mage. He is immensely powerful and holds a key role in the world's plot. But he should never have provoked you, one of Fairy Tail's veteran members!
Defeat him! Show him who is truly the strongest in Fairy Tail!
Progress: Completed.
Reward: Random Bronze Cloth.
Would you like to claim your reward?
The quest description was rather vague, but Moen was already used to that.
In truth, Natsu wasn't an S-Class Mage, nor did he have the nickname "Fire Dragon," nor had he really provoked Moen. And Moen himself was far from Fairy Tail's strongest—after all, he had only been in this world for less than twelve years, and had only studied magic for a few. Naturally, he couldn't compare to the old veterans.
In Fairy Tail, S-Class Mage was the highest honor a wizard could achieve within the guild. It was a title that signified true recognition of strength—not something handed out casually.
Moen's system, called the [Saint Seiya System], would occasionally issue him tasks. Once completed, these tasks granted rewards, all of which were related to "Saint Seiya"—sometimes items, sometimes skills, and sometimes even Cloths.
For example, the Pegasus Meteor Fist was a skill Moen obtained from his novice gift pack. It was also the only "magic" he could use.
Although Moen clearly possessed excellent magical power, he was completely unable to use any other spells—only this one move. This was also why he had been self-studying all along.
It was obvious: the only "magic" Moen could wield came from the [Saint Seiya System]. But to him, this didn't matter. After all, this was Saint Seiya! This was the Pegasus Meteor Fist!
Moen had not yet comprehended the power of the Cosmos, but fortunately, the abilities he gained had been "localized." His Pegasus Meteor Fist could be driven by magical energy.
Though it lacked the terrifying god-slaying power Moen remembered, it wasn't weak either. That was normal—after all, even Seiya's so-called god-slaying Pegasus Meteor Fist only reached that level after countless battles and countless punches.
And most likely, one had to awaken the Cosmos in order to fully unleash the true might of the Pegasus Meteor Fist. Using localized magical energy still fell a little short.
Moen's path as a mage had not become easier just because he received the [Saint Seiya System]. On the contrary, he had to work even harder. At his current stage, he still relied entirely on his own magic to drive his fists in battle—purely hand-to-hand combat.
[Would you like to claim your quest reward?]
The [Saint Seiya System] popped up its prompt again, completely ignoring Moen's internal complaints.
Naturally, Moen decisively chose "Claim." Abstract or not, the rewards were undeniably attractive.
To think that simply defeating Natsu could earn him a "Bronze Cloth." As absurd as the task was… please, give him more just like this!
But wait… would the "Bronze Cloth" also be localized?
Buzz!
A flash of light burst out, so dazzling that Moen almost couldn't keep his eyes open. Within the radiance, a suit of armor appeared, forming into the shape of a horse, glowing faintly with a bronze-colored light.
The Bronze Cloth of the Little Horse!
Could it be…?!
Moen's heart leapt with excitement. Wasn't this perfect? His novice gift pack had given him the Pegasus Meteor Fist, and now his first Bronze Cloth should surely be the Pegasus Bronze Cloth!
As the light faded, the Cloth's true form was revealed. Indeed, it took the shape of a horse, even with a pair of tiny wings.
Each Cloth had two forms: the regular form, representing the symbol of its constellation (such as the winged horse before him), and the released form, which became battle armor.
So upon seeing this "winged horse" constellation form, Moen felt certain. This had to be Pegasus!
[Congratulations, Equuleus Bronze Cloth unlocked!]
Staring at the message displayed by the [Saint Seiya System], and then at the Bronze Cloth before him, Moen froze. His smile instantly vanished.
What the hell?!
Equuleus?
What kind of nonsense was that?!