The train traveled at a steady pace as it passed through the green hills of the Kingdom of Fiore.
Sitting in a private first-class compartment, Erza leaned against Alex's shoulder.
They were heading toward the S-class mission assigned to them by the guild master.
"I notice you're a bit nervous, Erza. You don't have to worry so much about the mission."
Alex could feel Erza's concern; after all, she was clinging to his arm in a warm embrace.
"I can't help it, even though I know you've become more proficient with your magic, and I agreed to let you join me on this S-class mission."
Erza paused briefly, searching for the right words to convey her thoughts.
Before she could speak, Alex brought his free right hand to Erza's worried face, gently cupping her chin so she would look him in the eye.
"We're going to be fine, Erza. We've completed several missions over the past month. Have more confidence in both yourself and me."
Erza looked into Alex's eyes, seeing a steady confidence—the confidence of someone who possesses the strength to protect both himself and her.
The Alex who first arrived in the world of Fairy Tail without knowing any magic was very different from the Alex who now understood magic, especially one of the most powerful kinds.
Erza calmed down and wondered why she was suddenly acting this way; it wasn't like her to be so anxious.
Seeing that Erza had relaxed, Alex decided to talk about the mission.
"So, the mission you chose is to arrest a dark guild operating in a town called Oakhaven, near the Grey Mist Hills, right?"
Erza nodded. "The dark guild uses the mountain fog to hide inside the caves."
"The town submitted a request to find people who went missing a month ago. Apparently, a group of wizards took the job and arrived in town to investigate the cause of the disappearances," Erza explained, opening a map and pointing to a mountain range near their destination.
"Of the four wizards who went on the mission, only one returned to the town, heavily injured. Thanks to that survivor, we know there's a dark guild in the mountains coming down to the town and kidnapping people."
Erza had taken this S-class mission because she despised those who kidnapped others. As someone who had suffered a similar fate, she deeply understood their pain and anguish.
The moment she saw the request, she didn't think twice and decided this was the S-class mission they had to take on.
"Alex, once we face the dark guild, you must be careful. They are capable of anything," Erza said with concern.
"Alright, I'll be careful. You should watch yourself too. You know that with my magic, it's unlikely they can hurt me."
The two continued chatting for a while until they arrived at the town.
....
Back at the Fairy Tail guild, Makarov sat at the bar counter.
A young woman with white hair approached the guild master. "There's no need to worry about those two, Master."
"If you allowed them to take that mission, it's because you believe they can complete it."
Makarov never doubted his children's abilities, yet deep down, a faint sense of worry remained for Erza and Alex as they embarked on an S-class mission.
"Don't worry, Mira, I believe in them."
The atmosphere in Fairy Tail was as lively as ever, with people shouting over one another and fights breaking out here and there.
...
Erza and Alex arrived in town. The two avoided looking for the mayor so as not to draw attention, in case spies were watching for arriving wizards sent to handle the dark guild.
Leaving the train station, they found a place to stay for a few days to leave their luggage.
"So, what's the plan?" Alex asked.
Since this was his first time taking an S-class mission and fighting a dark guild, he was ready to follow Erza's lead.
"It's still early. We can head to the mountain to search for the dark guild's hideout. If we find it without alerting anyone, we can prepare better before attacking."
Erza paused.
"But if we happen to alert them, we'll be forced to face them head-on to prevent them from escaping."
Alex agreed with her.
"Sounds good to me. Let me move out right away then."
The two walked along the mountain path, the fog growing denser the higher they climbed.
Although the dark guild was hiding in the mountains, they didn't seem particularly clever, as a clear path remained visible as they advanced. At this rate, there was no doubt they would run into someone sooner or later.
As they kept walking, they failed to notice certain magic circles glowing behind them as they passed.
....
Inside a cavern on the mountain lay the base of the dark guild known as Dark Poison.
Although they lived in the mountains, they had managed to construct proper living quarters with the help of magic. Otherwise, no one in their right mind would live like a caveman.
In a large room, the few members of the guild were gathering.
"Does anyone know why the boss called us?" one of them asked.
"The last time he summoned us all at once was when those wizards came knocking on our door a few days ago," another member replied.
"You're right," said the leader of the dark guild, entering the room where everyone was assembled.
He walked over and sat at the head of the meeting table.
"The sensors leading up the mountains have been triggered."
The leader looked around at them.
"No ordinary person dares to venture into these mountains. That means we have more guests coming, just like those wizards from a few days ago."
The leader explained the reason for the meeting.
"You know what to do. No survivors. Man or woman, I don't want a repeat of last time's mistake when you let one person escape."
After those brief words, they stood up and headed toward the mountain path.
Though they were a dark guild, they weren't stupid enough to leave an open path straight to their hideout. Instead, that trail led directly into an established trap.
Unaware of what lay ahead, Erza and Alex were walking right into an ambush set by Dark Poison.
...….
Author's Note: Well, out of nowhere I felt like writing this novel again, and I'm also in the mood to start a new one.
For some reason, I always end up reading something related to JJK. I've only watched the first season, but after reading other fanfics, I kind of grew to like the series.
So I'm not sure if I should write something without knowing much about it—risking getting hate—or just leave it as a simple idea.