The sun was just cresting over Magnolia, waking the town up for a new day.
Ankh stepped out of the guild dormitory and stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh.
It had been a month since he joined the guild, and he'd finally settled into a rhythm.
With his Titan Gravity magic, the guild's standard missions were like a walk in the park—he could finish them effortlessly and rake in the rewards.
Just outside the door, Ankh proudly patted the lapel of his expensive fur coat and smiled.
"Finally saved up enough cash for this bad boy."
[Buying these flashy clothes is way less practical than just getting some food, you know.]
"You don't get it," Ankh muttered to the voice in his head. "The activation condition for my Super Magic: Terror is that I have to frighten my opponent. How am I supposed to scare anyone looking like a hobo in rags?"
Passersby on the street gave Ankh weird looks as he appeared to argue with thin air.
'That new kid from the rowdy guild is a weirdo,' they thought. 'But damn, is he handsome...'
When Ankh smirked slightly at his own thoughts, the pedestrians felt the world instantly brighten around them.
[Honestly, I think if you just covered your face, the success rate of Terror would skyrocket...]
Ankh massaged his temples, sighing helplessly.
"I've been wanting to wear a mask for ages, but..."
He had tried buying a ferocious demon mask before.
The result was tragic.
When he put it on, it just cover half of his face and it just made him look even more feminine and delicate.
Ankh looked like he'd swallowed a lemon.
Maybe building pure muscle was the only way.
He steeled himself and started walking down the street.
If his guess was right, today was going to be just as chaotic as yesterday.
"Ankh-sama! I love you!!"
"Look! It's Ankh! He's here!"
"Quick, get the interview! Next week's issue will sell out instantly!"
He hadn't taken ten steps before reporters and fangirls erupted from the alleyways, rooftops, and street corners.
They looked ravenous, ready to eat him alive.
Hearing the familiar buzzing, Ankh rolled his eyes.
He kicked his legs into high gear and vanished around the corner before they could grab him, leaving the stampede of fans chasing his afterimage.
....
Inside the Fairy Tail Guild
"Tsk tsk tsk."
Laxus was sitting at a table, watching the spectacle with a sneer as Ankh burst through the guild doors, panting for air.
"Got mobbed again?"
Ankh ripped his hat off and slammed it onto the table. "Obviously. Ever since I took that job, those gossip vultures have been camping outside my dorm every single day."
Laxus casually chewed on some candy, pouring salt in the wound. "Serves you right for getting greedy and taking that Sorcerer Weekly modeling gig."
"Hey, it was just two photoshoots," Ankh grumbled, feeling a bit guilty. "And it paid way more than regular monster hunting. Would you have said no?"
Two weeks ago, a request popped up for a male model for a fantasy column.
Ankh took it for a quick buck.
He never expected the client to love him so much they paid double—or for the magazine issue to become a massive hit.
Ankh had accidentally become an overnight superstar.
Scalpers were even selling old copies of his photos for their weight in gold.
"I just don't get it," Ankh complained, grabbing a drink from the counter. "Why do girls nowadays like guys who look so... pretty?"
Laxus raised an eyebrow.
"Are you insulting your own mother?"
Ankh: "..."
While they were chatting, Laxus suddenly frowned.
He stood up abruptly. "I've got a mission. I'm out."
Ankh blinked, watching Laxus power-walk toward the exit.
He glanced behind him and understood immediately.
Erza, Natsu, and the rest of the noisy crew had just walked in.
Laxus obviously didn't want to deal with them.
It was strange.
Ankh initially thought Laxus would be impossible to get along with, but he was actually pretty chill—at least with him.
With everyone else, he was still cold.
Maybe he just respected his strength?
"Ankh, good morning!"
The energetic Cana jumped in front of him with a grin.
"You're here early, Ankh," Erza added, waving from the door in her armor.
Ankh nodded to them.
Behind them, Natsu and Gray dragged themselves over to the table, looking covered in dust and completely wrecked.
"Ankh... those reporters blocking the boys' dorm every morning are a nightmare..." Gray groaned, face-planting onto the table.
Natsu, who usually disagreed with everything Gray said, nodded vigorously.
"Yeah! When are you gonna chase them away?"
Ankh took a sip of his drink. "I actually found a house out in town. Once I move out, the mob will follow me there."
Natsu perked up, his signature grin returning. "Awesome!"
Erza leaned on Natsu's head, looking at Ankh with concern.
"Will you be okay living alone outside the dorms?"
Ankh waved his hand dismissively.
He wasn't some weakling who needed a babysitter. If Lucy could do it in the original story, so could he.
Speaking of the original story...
"Hey Natsu," Ankh asked suddenly. "Do you have a cat?"
Natsu shoved Erza's arm off his head, looking confused.
"A cat? Why would I have a cat?"
Ankh shook his head.
'So Happy hasn't been born or joined the guild yet'.
That explained why the guild hall felt a little emptier than he remembered.
While Ankh was lost in thought, Master Makarov approached them.
"Ankh, have you seen Laxus?"
Ankh snapped back to reality. "He just left. Why?"
"There's a rather dangerous quest came in. Since Laxus is gone, you might be the only one who can handle it."
Makarov handed him a flyer. Ankh scanned it, his eyebrows going up.
"The village church is suspected to be haunted by... demons?"
Makarov nodded gravely. "We can't confirm they are actual demons, but witnesses say it's highly dangerous."
"This world is getting more interesting by the day," Ankh murmured, scratching his chin. "Demons, huh?"
Makarov tapped his wooden staff on the floor. "Just to be safe, I want you to investigate personally. Find out who—or what—is behind this."
"Understood. I'll head out now."
Ankh didn't waste time. He grabbed his gear and headed for the door.
Makarov watched his retreating back, deep in thought.
'Among the younger generation, we have two absolute monsters at the top—Ankh and Laxus—followed by Erza. Then there's Natsu and Gray showing promise...'
'It seems it's about time to start the S-Class Mage promotion exam.'