Prompt: Another discarded story idea. This time a Black Clover x Fairy Tail crossover.
—
The world had long been defined by four great continents, each home to its own civilizations, cultures, and magical traditions.
To the east was Ishgar, the most well-documented of them all, thriving under the rule of multiple kingdoms, with Fiore standing at its heart. Magic in Ishgar was mostly decentralized, practiced through guilds rather than governments, allowing a free-flowing exchange of power and talent across borders.
To the west, Alakitasia—a continent of conquest and empire—had once been dominated by the Alvarez Empire. Unlike Ishgar's independent guilds, Alvarez operated under a centralized magical military, enforcing its might through the feared Spriggan Twelve. Though Alvarez had since fallen from dominance, its remnants still held influence, waiting for the day they might rise again.
Far to the north stood Guiltina, shrouded in ancient magic and legend, isolated from the rest of the world. Little was known about its lands, save for the whispers of its deep magical roots, untouched by the wars and conflicts that plagued other continents.
To the southeast lay Tengoku Kai, a continent of mysticism and martial discipline, home to the nation of Hino, where magic and swordsmanship intertwined. Unlike Ishgar's guilds or Alvarez's military structure, Hino's warriors trained under a strict, hierarchical system, producing some of the most disciplined fighters in the world.
For centuries, this was the world as it was known. Four continents. Each with its own legacy, its own magic, its own story.
But beyond the farthest western ocean, there was another land. A place that had once been whispered of in old records but had since vanished from modern knowledge.
Quartalis Arcania.
A continent said to rival Ishgar in magical strength, yet with a vastly different structure. Unlike Ishgar's guilds, where magic belonged to the individual, and unlike Alvarez's militarized order, Quartalis was divided into four ruling kingdoms, where magic was ingrained into the very fabric of governance and life.
The Clover Kingdom, the most powerful of these nations, was ruled not by a monarch alone, but by its strongest mage—the Wizard King. Alongside it stood the Spade, Heart, and Diamond Kingdoms, each with its own rulers, magical orders, and histories.
But history is a fickle thing.
At some point, contact between Quartalis and the rest of the world had ceased. Trade routes were forgotten, diplomatic ties severed, and stories of its existence faded into obscurity. Some believed it had been a deliberate choice—that Quartalis had isolated itself for reasons unknown. Others suspected a calamity had befallen it, rendering the land inaccessible.
The truth remained a mystery.
And yet, despite its absence from modern affairs, Quartalis still existed. Its people still lived. Its kingdoms still thrived.
And soon, the world would remember them.
—
For most of Earthland's history, Fiore had been a nation of moderate influence—wealthy, prosperous, but never regarded as a true magical superpower. While its guilds were famous, they lacked the iron grip of Alvarez's empire, the enigmatic strength of Guiltina's ancient mages, or the disciplined warriors of Tengoku Kai. It was a nation where guilds held power, not the government, and where law and order often played second to the chaos of those who wielded magic.
Yet, in the span of only a few years, Fiore had utterly reshaped the world's perception of itself.
It had repelled Alvarez's invasion, sending the once-mighty empire into disarray.
It had survived and slain Acnologia, the Dragon King of the Apocalypse, a feat no other nation or continent could claim.
And most recently, it had completed the 100-Year Quest—a legendary trial so impossibly difficult that not even the greatest wizards in recorded history had been able to finish it.
At the heart of these victories was the Fairy Tail Guild, and by extension, Fiore itself.
Fairy Tail's rise had, by proxy, elevated Fiore's reputation in ways no single king or queen ever could. Hisui E. Fiore, the young and ambitious queen, recognized this shift. Where once Fiore had been dismissed as just another kingdom of the east, it was now seen as something more.
A nation capable of defying gods.
A nation capable of defying those cursed by the gods, and those who curse gods.
A nation worthy of being called the center of magical civilization.
And yet…
Not everyone agreed.
—
Fiore's newfound status did not go unchallenged. Even within Ishgar, not all agreed that Fiore was the continent's strongest representative. The country had always been a haven for guilds, but it was not the only land of powerful wizards. Other nations had long histories of magical prowess.
The Sacred Kingdom of Seven, home to the legendary Celestial Wizards, had always remained neutral—but their silence did not mean acceptance. The Pergrande Kingdom, a vast and militaristic nation that had historically suppressed magic, viewed Fiore's growing influence with increasing suspicion. Even within Fiore itself, rival guilds resented the favoritism placed upon Fairy Tail in global discussions.
And beyond Ishgar, things were even worse.
The remnants of the Alvarez Empire were bitter. Their once-great dominion had been shattered, their emperor gone. While they had no means to retaliate, they refused to acknowledge Fiore as their superior.
The warriors of Tengoku Kai—particularly the elite samurai and ronin of Hino—had never considered Fiore their equal to begin with. Their magic was ancient, refined, and deeply ingrained in their culture. To them, Fiore's chaotic guild system was amateurish, a reckless way to handle magic.
And the Diabolos Guild of Guiltina? They didn't care for political games. They cared about power. If Fiore was claiming to be the greatest, they would have to prove it against the strongest Dragon Eaters alive.
But perhaps the greatest mystery—the true unknown—was Quartalis Arcania.
A continent that had existed in isolation for centuries.
A continent that, unlike all others, had its own Wizard King.
A continent where magic was so deeply embedded in the fabric of life that every citizen was born with the potential for power.
It had been centuries since any formal contact had been made with Clover, Spade, Heart, or Diamond. Their strength was a question mark. Their magic was an enigma.
And that uncertainty terrified the world's strongest factions.
If Fiore wanted to claim its place as Earthland's magical capital, it would have to do more than rely on Fairy Tail's legend.
It would have to face every major magical force in the world in open combat.
—
The World Magic Games were born out of necessity.
For Hisui E. Fiore, it was a declaration—a way to officially solidify her kingdom's supremacy and open diplomatic channels that had never before existed.
For the other continents, it was an opportunity—a way to test Fiore's strength and settle their disputes in an arena rather than a battlefield.
For the mages themselves, it was a challenge—a proving ground to determine who truly stood at the pinnacle of magic.
The tournament's rules were simple: eight teams would be invited.
Ishgar would field three teams—two from Fairy Tail, one from Sabertooth.
Alakitasia would send its strongest survivors from Alvarez.
Guiltina would be represented by the Dragon Eaters of Diabolos.
Tengoku Kai would send Hino's Ryuzen Seven.
The seventh team would be determined secretly by an undisclosed play-in tournament.
The eighth and final team would be reserved for Quartalis Arcania.
The moment invitations were sent, the world erupted into debate.
Some viewed it as a historic opportunity. Others saw it as a thinly veiled attempt at Fiore claiming dominance.
One thing was certain:
If Fiore wanted to be recognized as the true magical capital of Earthland…
They would have to fight for it.
—
The idea of the World Magic Games was met with both excitement and resistance.
To the people of Fiore, it was a declaration of their nation's dominance, a chance to prove that they were, without a doubt, the center of magical prowess in Earthland. Queen Hisui E. Fiore, ever the strategist, saw it as more than just a competition—it was a diplomatic maneuver, one that would cement her kingdom's influence across all continents.
But outside of Fiore, the proposal was not as warmly received.
Many in Ishgar believed that Fiore had grown arrogant. While it was true that Fairy Tail had achieved legendary feats—defeating Acnologia, halting Alvarez's invasion, and completing the 100-Year Quest—there were still many powerful guilds and nations with their own pride. The leaders of Bosco, Stella, and other Isgarian nations, infuriated after not being given a straight quota, were among the first to speak against Fiore's declaration, though all ultimately agreed to participate.
Tension arose when it became clear that the selection process for Ishgar's representatives was heavily biased toward Fiore. The three teams representing the continent were:
Fairy Tail, the current most famous guild in Earthland and victors of the century quest, were given two quotas, the single exception to field two teams.
Sabertooth, having contributed greatly to the wars with Alvarez and Tartaros as well as the 100-Year Quest, naturally also received a quota—one met with little argument.
While no one could deny these teams' strength, other guilds and nations felt snubbed. Lamia Scale, Mermaid Heel, Blue Pegasus, and others had expected at least one slot. But understanding the different scale of things, they would try their luck in the preliminary tournament.
Nations like Seven and Pergrande were oddly quiet, not causing a single disturbance.
And so, the vast majority seeing it as these two powers kneeling before another, sent a message: Fiore wasn't just hosting the tournament. They were ensuring that the right people represented Ishgar.
Time would tell if Fiore was the only power worth mentioning in Ishgar.
—
In Alakitasia, the wounds of their past defeat still festered. The once-mighty Alvarez Empire had crumbled after their failed conquest of Ishgar, and while its remnants had reorganized, they were no longer the unquestioned rulers of the west.
Even so, Alvarez remained a force to be reckoned with. Their representatives were drawn from the remnants of the Spriggan Twelve, bolstered by newer, ambitious warriors eager to restore their empire's former glory. Their leader, Ajeel Ramal, was a powerful Sand Mage once overshadowed by stronger Spriggans. Now, with the likes of August and Irene gone, he had seized command.
His team would be composed of familiar faces, old allies, and friends, none of whom were eager to let Fiore claim the title of "strongest kingdom" unchallenged.
To them, this was more than just a tournament. It was a chance to reclaim their honor.
Well, at least to most of them.
—
Meanwhile, in Guiltina, the guild Diabolos accepted the invitation with a dangerous glint in their eyes.
They were Dragon Eaters, a guild whose entire existence revolved around consuming dragon flesh to gain power. Their members were warriors who had devoured the remains of dragons both ancient and new, evolving into something far beyond normal mages.
Led by the Dark Dragon Slayer Knights, a quartet not to be messed with, their presence in the tournament would be unsettling to many.
Ishgar's Dragon Slayers vs Guiltina's Dragon Hunters. This would truly be a delightful matchup.
The friction between the three guilds was inevitable.
The moment Suzaku heard Natsu Dragneel was participating, he had one response:
"A chance to cross blades with a Dragon King Candidate? How delightful."
—
From Tengoku Kai, the warriors of Hino sent their finest: the Ryuzen Seven.
A legendary group of seven elite mages, each as strong as an entire army, they operated under a strict code of discipline, swearing allegiance to their lord, the Shogun, Ryuya Ryudo. In Hino, magic—or rather yojutsu—was not simply power—it was art, duty, and honor.
Among them stood Yosuga Mushugotake, the Blade of the Eastern Iron, and supposedly the Strongest Guy Around.
Erza Scarlet had become widely recognized as the greatest swordsman in the world; it was time to test the theory, against a people who saw magic as the extension of the blade, not the other way around.
Their entry into the tournament was not just a matter of national pride—it was a test.
Would the world's strongest fighters be able to withstand the might of Tengoku Kai's warriors?
Or would the Ryuzen Seven prove that disciplined, well-honed strength was superior to raw power?
—
The seventh team, still unannounced, would be decided by an undisclosed tournament. Rumors swirled about its participants. Some claimed that long-forgotten guilds were rising to claim the spot. Others whispered of outlaw mages, remnants of Tartaros or Grimoire Heart, seeking redemption or revenge.
Most thought the final spot would fall to Stella, Seven, or Pergrande.
Whoever they were, they would have to be exceptional to stand among the world's best.
—
And finally, there was the last invitation.
The one sent to Quartalis Arcania.
The reactions varied. Some scoffed at the idea of an "unknown continent" being included, dismissing it as a desperate attempt to add mystery to the event. Others, particularly those with deeper knowledge of history, felt uneasy.
For centuries, Quartalis had been absent from Earthland's affairs.
Now, it was returning.
But with what kind of strength?
No one knew the extent of the power that resided in Clover, Spade, Heart, or Diamond. No one knew what their magic was like, how their warriors fought, or what kind of monsters lurked within their borders.
And that was what made them terrifying.
Fiore had extended an invitation.
Now, they would wait for an answer.
Or so many had thought.
Hisui E. Fiore doesn't like to leave things up to chance. Especially those that concern her nation's prosperity.
—
The throne room of Mercurius Palace was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, the stained-glass windows casting fractured patterns across the polished marble floor. Though the chamber remained vast and opulent, today it felt almost suffocating.
Queen Hisui E. Fiore sat upon her throne, her posture composed yet taut with anticipation.
She had summoned them—Fiore's strongest warriors, the ones whose deeds had shaped the very world they stood upon. But even now, as the grand doors at the end of the hall creaked open, she could not predict how this conversation would unfold.
A gust of warm air swept in as Team Natsu entered.
At the front, Natsu Dragneel strode in with his usual careless gait, hands resting behind his head as he grinned like this was just another casual meeting. Lucy Heartfilia followed beside him, her expression caught between curiosity and wariness, already trying to piece together why they had been summoned. Behind them, Gray Fullbuster walked with an easy but perceptive glance around the room, while Erza Scarlet moved with the disciplined grace of a knight ready for duty.
Trailing behind was Wendy Marvell, far smaller than her companions but no less capable, with Carla floating just beside her, arms crossed in quiet skepticism. Happy flapped excitedly beside Natsu, tail flicking as he took in the grand setting.
They were a force to be reckoned with.
But today, they would not be called upon for battle.
Hisui exhaled softly before standing, her voice steady as she addressed them.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice."
Erza nodded respectfully. "It is always an honor to be summoned, Your Majesty."
The queen's emerald gaze swept across them before she continued, "I assume you are all aware of the upcoming World Magic Games."
Gray arched a brow. "You mean the huge international tournament that's got every guild buzzing?"
"Yeah, I thought we were already set to compete," Natsu added, tilting his head.
Lucy nodded. "Fairy Tail has two teams, and Sabertooth is joining in too. This is shaping up to be the biggest tournament we've ever seen."
Hisui's expression turned measured. "It will be. But the tournament will not be complete without one final addition—Quartalis Arcania."
The name alone was enough to shift the atmosphere.
Wendy's fingers tightened against the hem of her dress. "The lost continent…"
Erza's eyes narrowed slightly. "You wish to extend an invitation?"
Hisui nodded. "Yes. Quartalis has remained distant from the rest of the world for centuries. Their strength is untested, their magic unknown. But if we are to prove that Fiore is the center of magical civilization, we must ensure their participation."
Lucy hesitated. "And… they'll just accept an invitation from us?"
Hisui's lips pressed into a thin line. "That is the challenge. We know next to nothing about their political climate or their stance on outsiders. This is why I will not simply send a letter—I will be traveling there myself to extend the invitation in person."
Silence.
Then—
"Wait, wait, hold on." Gray's voice cut through the air. "You're planning to personally sail to some unknown continent—where no one knows what kind of magic they have—and just ask them to join a tournament?"
"That's crazy!" Wendy blurted, her voice unusually sharp with concern.
Lucy put a hand to her temple. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, that's way too dangerous."
"It is dangerous," Hisui admitted. "Which is why I have summoned you all here. I need an escort. A team strong enough to handle anything we might encounter on the way."
Erza straightened, fully understanding the weight of the request. "You wish for us to accompany you on this journey."
Hisui nodded. "Yes. You are not just Fiore's strongest warriors—you are its most renowned. You have forged bonds with rulers, gods, and even dragons. If anyone can make a diplomatic mission to Quartalis a success, it is you."
Natsu rubbed his nose, a smirk tugging at his lips. "So you want us to help make friends with a whole new country? Heh, sounds fun."
Lucy sighed. "Of course you'd say that."
Gray crossed his arms. "Even if we say yes, how do we even get there? Quartalis isn't on any map."
At this, Hisui turned her gaze toward a figure standing at the edge of the chamber—hidden within the golden hues of the setting sun.
A low chuckle echoed through the air.
Then, stepping forward with unshakable poise, Selene, the Moon Dragon Goddess, emerged from the shadows.
Her long, golden hair shimmered under the light, cascading in waves down her back, and her salmonish eyes held the unreadable amusement of a being who had seen far too much of the world. Even here, surrounded by some of the most powerful mortals in Earthland, she carried herself like an untouchable goddess.
Lucy stiffened. "S-Selene?!"
Wendy took an instinctive step back, gripping Carla's paw. "What is she doing here?"
Selene merely smiled. "Oh, little humans, always so wary of me. Do not be so tense." She flicked her wrist, and in an instant, a rough map of silver moon light hovered in the air before them. The glowing lines traced an unfamiliar landmass—a continent untouched by modern civilization.
"Behold," she murmured, voice like silk. "The lost continent you seek."
Hisui remained composed. "You claim to know the way."
Selene gave her a sideways glance, smirking. "I do. Not only have I been to other worlds, but all across this one as well. Naturally I know that way… and before you ask—no, I will not be accompanying you."
"Nor shall I send you directly there." She added after a beat.
Natsu frowned. "Why not?"
"Because I have no interest in such petty mortal affairs, especially after you Isgharians have acted so boldly and arrogant" she answered smoothly, tapping a finger against the map. "I will provide the path, as a final conveyance of gratitude for setting me free from my fate as a dragon. What happens after that is your concern."
"How generous of you," Gray muttered.
Selene only chuckled, waving a hand. The map's silver glow pulsed once before solidifying into parchment, floating gently down into Hisui's awaiting hands.
"The journey will not be easy," Selene continued. "The seas are treacherous, and the land beyond is even more so. If you proceed, know this—Quartalis will not welcome you with open arms."
Erza met her gaze head-on. "That is a risk we are willing to take."
Hisui held the map tightly. "Then it is decided. We set sail for Quartalis at dawn."
Lucy sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Guess we're doing this."
Gray exhaled sharply. "No turning back now."
Wendy swallowed her nerves and nodded. "Alright. Let's go."
Natsu grinned, fire flickering around his fists. "Tch, about time we had a real adventure!"
Selene smirked once more before turning away, her form dissolving into shimmering light.
The room remained still, the weight of the mission sinking in.
Hisui took a steady breath.
Tomorrow, the journey would begin.
—
The morning air was crisp, tinged with the scent of salt and the distant cry of gulls. The docks of Hargeon bustled with early workers hauling cargo, their voices blending with the rhythmic crash of waves against the pier. But among the usual trade and travel, one particular ship stood apart from the rest.
Sleek and reinforced with enchanted wood, the royal vessel bore Fiore's emblem—a crest of golden lilies against a deep blue banner. A seasoned crew moved swiftly across the deck, making final preparations for an unprecedented voyage.
Standing at the dock's edge, Lucy adjusted the strap of her bag, gazing up at the sheer scale of the ship. "I still can't believe we're doing this."
"You say that like it's the craziest thing we've ever done," Gray muttered beside her, arms crossed.
"Well, maybe not the craziest, but it's definitely up there!" Lucy shot back.
Meanwhile, Natsu was already halfway up the gangplank, looking far too excited for what was supposed to be a diplomatic mission. "C'mon, we're gonna meet a whole new continent! Who knows what kind of strong guys are waiting for us over there?!"
Erza, stepping onto the deck with disciplined ease, shot him a sharp look. "This is a diplomatic mission, not a battle tournament."
"Doesn't mean it won't turn into one," Happy chimed in, flapping just above Natsu's head.
A sigh came from behind them. "Heaven help us if it does."
Queen Hisui, flanked by two royal guards, made her way up the gangplank with measured steps. Unlike the others, she had no luxury of treating this as just another adventure—this mission carried the weight of Fiore's future.
But before they could depart, they had one final meeting to attend.
A shimmer of silver light coalesced at the far end of the dock, and with the grace of a falling petal, Selene materialized before them.
Her golden hair cascaded like silk, flowing with the morning breeze, and her piercing salmon eyes regarded them with an almost feline amusement.
"You are punctual," she mused, her voice laced with something between approval and mild boredom. "Good. Perhaps you are not entirely hopeless."
Hisui, ever composed, nodded toward the dragon goddess. "We are ready."
Selene hummed, lifting a hand.
In an instant, a silver map unfolded in the air before them—marked with an unfamiliar route, one that stretched far beyond Earthland's known territories. The path twisted through uncharted waters, skirting the edges of the world itself.
"This is the only route that will take you to Quartalis," Selene stated. "Any other path will lead you to ruin—storms that tear ships apart, currents that pull you into the abyss. Follow this, and you might reach your destination intact."
Lucy swallowed. "Might?"
Selene smirked. "I make no guarantees."
Natsu grinned, unfazed. "Heh, sounds like fun!"
Hisui, however, studied the map intently. "What are these markings?" She gestured toward several points along the route, each marked with cryptic symbols.
"Obstacles," Selene answered vaguely. "Some… less predictable than others."
Erza's expression hardened. "So we should expect trouble."
"Naturally. But if you were incapable of handling such things, I would not have bothered showing you the way."
With that, Selene lowered her hand, and the map solidified into parchment once more, gently floating into Hisui's waiting grasp.
The goddess regarded them all one final time before turning away, her voice like the whisper of the tide.
"Your fate is your own now."
And with that, she was gone.
—
The first few days at sea passed without much trouble. The ship cut smoothly through the waves, guided by expert sailors who had spent their lives navigating Earthland's vast oceans. The crew worked with disciplined efficiency, while Team Natsu... well, they found ways to keep themselves entertained.
Natsu had challenged every sailor on board to an arm-wrestling match (and lost half of them, mostly because they kept rocking the ship). Lucy spent her time recording their journey in her journal, occasionally glancing up at the horizon, where the world seemed to stretch endlessly. Gray, ever practical, had taken to helping the crew with the more labor-intensive tasks—his ice magic proving useful for keeping their supplies cool in the sun's relentless heat.
Erza, meanwhile, had assumed a supervisory role, ensuring that their royal guest remained safe and undisturbed.
Hisui, for her part, spent much of her time in quiet contemplation. She was a queen, a ruler who carried the burden of an entire kingdom's future—and yet, at sea, she was simply another traveler, one who had ventured into the unknown for the sake of something greater.
The journey was not without its moments of beauty. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the ocean transformed into a canvas of molten gold and violet. The sky stretched endlessly above them, unmarred by the lights of civilization. For a brief moment, all the tensions of their mission faded into quiet awe.
"Y'know," Natsu murmured, leaning against the railing, "stuff like this makes me glad we took this job."
Lucy, standing beside him, smiled softly. "Yeah. It's kinda surreal, isn't it?"
Even Gray, ever the cynic, admitted, "Not the worst way to spend a trip."
Erza nodded. "Enjoy this peace while it lasts. We don't know what lies ahead."
And as if fate itself had been waiting for those words—
A sudden howl of wind tore through the sails, sending a shudder through the ship. The calm seas turned violent in an instant. Waves surged, crashing against the hull with an almost unnatural force. The sky darkened, storm clouds swirling from nothingness.
The crew sprang into action, voices raised as they fought to stabilize the ship.
"What the hell?!" Gray braced himself as the deck tilted beneath them.
Hisui's eyes snapped toward the horizon. "This wasn't in the forecast!"
Lucy's grip tightened around the railing. "No way—this is just like—"
A shadow loomed beneath the waves.
Then, from the depths of the ocean, it rose.
A massive, serpentine figure—its body adorned with glimmering blue scales, eyes glowing like twin lanterns in the darkness. It did not roar. It did not thrash. It simply watched.
Judging.
Testing.
"D-Dragon?!" Wendy gasped. "It's guarding the way forward!"
Erza's sword gleamed as she stepped forward. "Then we'll have to prove ourselves worthy!"
Natsu's grin was wild, fire already flickering in his palms. "Now this is what I call a welcome party!"
As the storm raged around them, the crew braced themselves for battle—
They were all left frozen stiff as the dragon suddenly dived and disappeared, leaving as quickly as it had come.
The fairies blinked blankly and exchanged looks.
Natsu was about to rage and dive in after the serpentine behemoth, but one withering glare from Erza made him stay put.
He sighed in defeat as they carried on forward.
—
The storm had passed, but the sea had yet to calm. The crew worked tirelessly to repair the sails and clear the deck of scattered debris. The sky, now free of the storm's wrath, stretched wide above them, streaked with the first hints of dawn. The air smelled of salt and lingering tension.
And yet, despite everything, they had made it.
Before them, the distant silhouette of Quartalis Arcania finally came into view.
It was unlike anything they had seen before. Jagged cliffs framed the coastline, rising like the fangs of some ancient beast. Towering forests stretched beyond them, their emerald canopy thick and unbroken. Rivers of pure magic glowed faintly even from afar, carving paths through the landscape like veins of stardust.
And at the very heart of it all—a city stood atop a vast plateau, a kingdom built upon power itself.
Clover.
"It's real," Lucy murmured, eyes wide. "I mean, I knew it was, but seeing it…"
"It's insane," Gray muttered. "Never thought there was another continent just hiding out here."
Hisui, standing at the bow, exhaled softly. "So this is the great Clover Kingdom."
"Aye, but looks like they're not too happy to see us," Happy pointed out.
From the shore, figures had begun to gather. Cloaked figures, armored knights, and… magic users. A lot of them. Their presence was impossible to ignore, even from a distance. They had been expected. And they were not about to receive a warm welcome.
"Should we prepare for battle?" Erza asked, scanning their potential opponents.
Hisui shook her head. "No. We came as envoys, not invaders."
"Yeah, but they look like they're about to throw us back into the ocean," Natsu said, cracking his knuckles.
"Let's not jump straight to fighting," Lucy warned, though her grip on her keys tightened.
Still, as they drew closer, the magic pressure from the shore intensified. Then, as the ship reached the shallows—
A single figure stepped forward.
She moved with the practiced elegance of royalty, yet there was something in her presence that spoke of power, not just authority. Her silver hair gleamed beneath the morning sun, cascading over finely crafted battle dress in deep violet and black. Her gaze, sharp and unyielding, fixed itself upon the arriving ship with an intensity that made even the seasoned warriors on board stiffen.
And then, she spoke.
"You are entering the sovereign land of the Clover Kingdom."
Her voice carried across the water—clear, commanding.
"State your purpose, or turn back. We do not entertain uninvited guests."
Natsu tensed. "She's got some attitude, huh?"
Hisui, however, stepped forward, raising her voice with practiced diplomacy. "I am Queen Hisui E. Fiore, ruler of Fiore and representative of Ishgar. We come in peace to establish diplomatic ties with Quartalis Arcania."
The woman's expression remained unreadable.
"Peace," she echoed. "A word that is meaningless without proof."
"She's testing us," Erza murmured. "They won't simply take our word for it."
Lucy watched as the gathered warriors shifted into battle stances. "They're not seriously going to—"
Before she could finish, magic erupted.
The first blast of water magic surged toward the ship, roaring like a tidal wave.
Natsu met it head-on with a roar of his own, flames exploding to life as he countered. Steam billowed into the sky, the sheer force shaking the air.
Gray was already moving, ice magic coiling around his arms as he blocked a second incoming attack. "So much for peaceful introductions!"
"Defend, but do not escalate!" Hisui ordered.
The battle was brief, a whirlwind of clashes that sent shockwaves rippling through the shallows. Yet despite the fierce exchange, something became immediately clear.
The woman in command never attacked.
She simply watched.
And when the moment was right, she ended the fight with a single move.
With a flick of her wrist, a massive surge of water rose from the ocean itself. The sheer force disarmed everyone at once—Natsu's flames sputtered, Gray's ice shattered, Erza found herself pushed back despite her armor's weight. Lucy barely managed to brace herself as a wall of pressure forced them all to a halt.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then, the woman lowered her hand. The water fell away. She had made her point.
"As I said," she murmured, stepping forward once more, "words alone are meaningless here."
And then—
She smiled.
"But I suppose that was sufficient proof."
She curtsied slightly. "Allow me to formally introduce myself. Nozel Silva. Queen Monarch of the Clover Kingdom."
Team Natsu and Hisui stiffened in unison, going wide-eyed.
—
Before they could even begin to recover, another voice rang out.
"Haha! Noelle, you really like making people work for it, huh?"
The tension shifted in an instant.
From the air itself, a figure dropped from above, landing effortlessly beside the woman. Short, broad-shouldered, his black cloak bearing a symbol they did not recognize. A wide grin stretched across his face, eyes sharp and full of life.
He radiated no magic or oppressive aura like Noelle had, but something else.
It was a strange presence. A not quite eerie presence. An unshakable and palpable presence.
He didn't give them a chance to comprehend what it was as he introduced himself swiftly.
"The name's Asta," he declared, planting a hand on his hip. "Wizard King of Clover Kingdom."
Silence.
Then—
"WHAT?!"
Lucy nearly dropped her keys. "He's what?!"
Even Natsu seemed taken aback. "Wait, he's their top guy? He's not even that big!"
Asta barked a laugh. "You don't gotta be big to be the best!"
Noelle sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Asta…"
He grinned at her. "What? I thought I should make sure they knew who was in charge!"
"I'm in charge… and you should have let me handle it."
"But where's the fun in that?"
Hisui, regaining her composure, took a step forward. "Wizard King Asta, Queen Noelle… I thank you for your time."
Asta waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah, formal stuff later. You guys came all this way, right? Guess that means we should probably sit down and talk like proper leaders!"
Noelle sighed again but nodded. "Agreed."
As if on cue, the assembled warriors of Clover lowered their weapons.
The battle was over.
And the real negotiations had just begun.
—
As they followed Asta and Noelle into the heart of Clover Kingdom, Lucy nudged Natsu.
"You totally see it, right?" she whispered.
Natsu blinked. "See what?"
She gestured subtly at the way Asta and Noelle walked side by side—the way their shoulders brushed, the way she subtly rolled her eyes at his antics yet never strayed too far.
Natsu shrugged. "Dunno what you're getting at."
Lucy sighed. "You're impossible."
He just grinned. "So are you."
She faltered, turning away with the faintest hint of pink in her cheeks.
And as the delegation of Fiore stepped deeper into this new world, the fate of two nations hung in the balance—
With Queen Noelle and Wizard King Asta leading the way.