Chapter 128: [Zeref’s Dark Magic Tavern], Update!

Chapter 128: Chapter 128: [Zeref's Dark Magic Tavern], Update!After sending Lucy off, Nate finally had some time to organize his recent gains.

He sat at his desk and opened the programming tool provided by the Magic Net.

First, he reviewed the results of the [Magic Arena] guild tournament.

"Once the official version is released, the daily magic energy generated will surpass what was earned from internet fees before," Nate mused. "Games really are the best way to farm."

He couldn't help but praise how effective games were.

Nate then made some updates to the [Magic Arena] client, such as shutting down the competition servers and adding new battle expressions.

With that done, he began working on the [Dark Web].

If he wanted to be lazy, he could have simply copied and pasted the forum code from the Magic Net, but that wouldn't give it the right "feel."

Since it was the [Dark Web], it needed a specific aesthetic. It couldn't just be a regular forum; that would be too mundane.

It needed to feel like home to the dark guild members—inviting, like a place where they truly belonged.

Thus, Nate decided to create a virtual space: a "dark guild tavern," accessed through the deep web.

He named it [Zeref's Dark Magic Tavern].

The name seemed a bit long, but details like that didn't really matter.

With the idea in mind, Nate closed his eyes and entered the deep web.

He used a significant amount of his reserved magic power to create a new map: a lone island surrounded by mist, permanently shrouded in eternal night. Sёarᴄh the ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

He then constructed [Zeref's Dark Magic Tavern] on the island. Despite the name, it wasn't a typical tavern but a cold, eerie, damp castle with a gloomy color scheme.

Nate spent the next few hours refining the details.

Under a blood moon, Nate floated above the castle, admiring his handiwork.

"I might be better suited as a 3D game designer than a programmer," Nate joked to himself.

His consciousness returned to the real world.

"Next, I need to create a 'portal' so the dark guild members can enter the tavern," Nate thought, considering his options.

The [Magic Arena] needed a client because it included many additional features like rankings and divisions. However, [Zeref's Dark Magic Tavern] was just an entry point, so it didn't need to be as complicated.

"A small icon should do the trick."

A moment later, Nate had the portal ready—a castle icon shrouded in darkness. With a click of the icon, users could transport their consciousness to [Zeref's Dark Magic Tavern].

Done!

"Should I have someone test it?"

After a brief thought, Nate opened his friends list and found the Witch of Pain's ID.

Sigma Male: [Zeref's Dark Magic Tavern]

Sigma Male: "Dear, could you click the image and help me test something?"

After sending the message, Nate didn't worry about it for the time being. He glanced out the window—it was already late.

At that moment, a private message popped up.

Sunny Doll: "Nate-sama, Juvia is already at the house in the suburbs."

Sunny Doll: "Bunny girl selfie.jpg!"

Sunny Doll: "It's Juvia's first time wearing such a daring outfit, shy.jpg."

In the photo, Juvia had obediently dressed as a bunny girl. Unlike Erza's black stockings bunny girl outfit, Juvia's was more playful and cute.

A white, tight-fitting bodysuit accentuated Juvia's figure, highlighting her alluring curves. The short-cut design showcased her long legs, emphasizing her charming silhouette.

"What an adorable little bunny!" Nate thought, pleased.

Sigma Male: "You look amazing!!"

With a thought, Nate used Flying Thunder God and teleported to the mansion in the suburbs.

...

The next day, around 9 a.m., Nate arrived at the guild, refreshed after a night of extreme enjoyment.

Now that the tournament was over, everyone had returned to their daily routine of rebuilding the guild. The construction site was busy once again.

As soon as Nate appeared, many greeted him.

"Morning, Nate."

"Morning."

"Nate, I can't access the game."

"I've closed the tournament servers. Once the official version is released later, you'll be able to start ranked matches."

"Oh nice! The idea of dueling mages from across the continent is exciting!" one mage said.

Wakaba was thrilled. "I'm quitting card games. From now on, I'm going all-in on ranked matches. I'll be the first to reach 'King' rank!"

Macao, standing nearby with his arms crossed, scoffed. "There's no way you'll be the first."

"You won't know unless I try!"

"Because I'm going to be the first King!"

"Neither of you guys has any work to do, huh?" Nate thought, holding back his laughter. "How much did you guys make last month? Wakaba, is your wife going to beat you again?"

Magic guild members really were a bunch of slackers.

Looking up, Nate spotted the main guild building.

Makarov had transformed into a giant, hammering nails into place with one hand while holding a beam in the other.

"Master," Nate called.

"Nate, is that you?"

Makarov looked down, watching as Nate casually grabbed some tools, flew up to the beams, and began hammering alongside him.

The old man chuckled. "You're not really cut out for this kind of work. You don't have to force yourself."

"I'm part of the guild, too. I can't just slack off all the time."

Nate laughed sheepishly. It was clear he couldn't hide his laziness from the old man.

With that, Nate hammered a nail into the wooden beam.

Makarov shook his head and continued working while chatting with Nate.

"So, did you finish testing your [Magic Arena]?"

"Yes, thanks to the guild's help," Nate nodded. "I'll distribute the rewards during the lunch break and teach everyone the recipe for the magic recovery potion."

He decided not to limit it to just the top ten winners; anyone who wanted to learn would have the chance. After all, he felt a bit bad for Laxus.

Laxus had been unfairly eliminated by one of Nate's card tricks, dropping out in the top 32. And Mystogan had been kicked out of the top 16 due to a map bug.

As S-class mages, these two were undeniably among the top three strongest in the guild. They really needed this potion.

"Your generosity won't go unnoticed," Makarov said with a warm smile. Nate was a good kid, despite his laziness and penchant for slacking off. He still had a strong sense of belonging to the guild.

A magic recovery potion was a groundbreaking creation. Most people would guard such knowledge jealously, not share it with others.

"Oh, by the way, the Magic Council has finished sentencing Jellal. He's been stripped of his title as one of the Ten Wizard Saints and sentenced to life imprisonment."

Makarov then asked, "Did the council ask for your input on a recommendation?"

"What input?"

"Recommending a new member for the Ten Wizard Saints."

"I get to recommend someone? Oh right, I'm a Wizard Saint!"

Without a second thought, Nate blurted, "How about Erza?"

"Erza?" Makarov paused to think. "If the council gives our guild three Wizard Saints... they might not want to allow that."

"Then..."

Nate thought for a moment before recommending Ultear instead.

"You can recommend anyone you want, but the council still has to vote on it," Makarov said with a chuckle. Then, shifting the conversation, he asked, "By the way, when's the official version of the game coming out?"

Nate's expression changed slightly. "The old man wants to play too, huh?"

"Let's release it now."

Setting down his hammer, Nate opened the Magic Net's admin panel and began writing a patch note.

[Magic Net Alpha 0.6 Version Patch Notes]