"What?!"
Makarov's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Kid, you're new here, but you've got too much nerve taking on that mission! No, you should pick a different one."
Kevin Carter declared confidently, "Master, I am sure I can complete this mission!"
Though his magic power was limited, his ability to channel Ulquiorra's strength was sufficient to handle such adversaries.
Makarov shook his head. "It's not about confidence; it's about strength."
"I have the strength to complete this mission!"
"You stubborn brat, why are you so pig-headed?!" Makarov slammed the table in frustration.
"What's going on? How did the newcomer upset the Master?"
"It seems the new guy wants to take on a mission, and the Master isn't agreeing."
"What kind of mission wouldn't the Master agree to?!"
"It's the mission to eliminate the Phantom Bandit Gang."
"What?!"
Everyone in the guild was shocked.
The Phantom Bandit Gang was a notorious group of mage bandits, engaging in robbery and heinous crimes. Their actions were so vile that even Dark Guilds shunned them.
Despite the Magic Council's efforts to capture them, the gang remained elusive, making them infamous. Comprised of thirteen mages, their size was comparable to a small guild.
Facing such a group solo required the prowess of an S-Class Mage. Even a top-tier elite like Natsu would need a partner. For average guild mages, at least five were necessary, and even then, the danger was significant.
That's why the mission remained unclaimed for days.
For Kevin, a new member, to take on such a mission was akin to suicide. Yet, he was undeterred.
"Master, I'm not being stubborn. I truly believe I can complete this task."
Kevin's determination was unwavering, and he aimed for the B-rank mission worth over 500,000 J. Even if he switched tasks, Makarov might still object.
"If you can prove you have the strength, I'll let you go," Makarov challenged, hoping to dissuade Kevin by testing him.
"How do I prove it?"
"I'll have you face someone in the guild. If you can defeat them, you can take on the mission."
"Alright!" Kevin agreed without hesitation.
Scanning the guild, Makarov wanted Erza for the duel, but she was away, so he settled for the next best option.
"Natsu!"
"Here!" Natsu, who had been eager to test his strength, jumped onto the table excitedly when called.
"The Master is sending Natsu to fight!"
"The new guy is in for it!" ... Kevin looked at Natsu, the protagonist of the Fairy Tail anime. Since entering the guild, Natsu's cherry-pink hair had caught his attention.
He didn't expect Makarov to pit him against Natsu. Despite often losing to Erza due to holding back, Natsu's potential was undoubtedly S-Class.
Kevin felt exhilarated. He wanted to test his strength against Natsu, the protagonist.
Cana quickly organized a betting pool, writing Kevin's and Natsu's names and announcing, "Place your bets! Place your bets!"
"New guy Kevin VS Natsu!"
"Bet on the new guy to win, 1 to 2! Bet on Natsu to win, 1 to 1!"
The guild members eagerly placed their bets.
"I'll bet on Natsu! 2000J!"
"I'll bet on Natsu! 3000J!" ... Most bets favored Natsu, making Cana nervous. Though individual bets were small, the sheer number meant a significant loss if Natsu won.
"Hey! Why are you all betting on Natsu? Bet on the new guy too! If he wins, you'll get double!"
Macao laughed, "Of course, we're betting on Natsu! Why risk it on the new guy?!"
Wakaba chimed in, "Exactly! Exactly!"
The gamble on Kevin seemed too risky, while Natsu was a safer bet.
"I'll bet on the new guy to win! 3000J!"
A purple-haired girl with glasses, Laki, chose to back Kevin.
Droy cautioned, "Hey! Laki, your opponent is Natsu!"
Laki adjusted her glasses, "It's fine! It's just a day's worth of food money. It's too sad for the new guy to have no support."
Kevin glanced at Laki. He remembered her from the anime as a background character who stayed loyal to Fairy Tail during tough times, showing her deep love for the guild.
Laki smiled warmly at Kevin.
"I'll also bet on the new guy to win!"
"Mira?!"
Mira placed her bet on Kevin, reasoning, "I think if the new guy dared to take on such a mission, his strength must be significant. He might even beat Natsu."
Hearing Mira, others reconsidered. While they didn't know Kevin well, his willingness to take on the mission suggested formidable strength.
More bets shifted to Kevin, though Natsu remained the favorite.
Soon, everyone gathered in the guild's spacious backyard, often used to settle personal disputes. Natsu and Gray, Mira, and Erza had all fought here countless times.
"Go Natsu! Show the new guy what you're made of!"
"Go new guy! My drinking money rides on you!"
The crowd cheered for both contenders.
"Hello, I'm Natsu. Please take care of me."
"I'm Kevin. Please take care of me."
Natsu asked curiously, "What kind of Magic do you use?"
Kevin replied, "I use Take Over Magic."
Natsu's eyes lit up. "Oh, oh! So it's Take Over Magic!"
In the Fairy Tail Guild, Mira and Elfman were known for their Take Over Magic, both very strong. Mira, especially, was a powerhouse, though she no longer used magic.
"Both sides, prepare!"
"Full Take Over! Ulquiorra Cifer!"
Kevin's body transformed. His black clothes became a white, high-collared, long-sleeved coat with a white kimono-style hakama, secured with a black sash. A Zanpakuto rested at his side, and he wore black socks and white shoes.
His skin paled, eyes turned green with tear-like markings, and a white horned helmet adorned his head.
Anyone familiar with Bleach would recognize Ulquiorra's attire.
As Ulquiorra's memories flooded Kevin's mind—from his birth to his final battle—Kevin felt a profound merging with Ulquiorra, as if they had become one.
Kevin completed his transformation, exuding a powerful aura that filled the air.