Chapter 207: Operation Replace the King

Chapter 207: Chapter 207: Operation Replace the KingNatsu was thrilled upon arriving in Edolas for the first time, immediately searching the crowd for his parallel self.

In Edolas, Natsu's counterpart, Natsu Dragion, was timid and fearful. When Earth Land's Natsu found him, the poor guy was so scared he kept repeating, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

"Why are you apologizing? I'm Natsu Dragneel from Earth Land! What's your name?" Natsu greeted him with his usual friendly tone.

Edolas Natsu, visibly terrified, squatted down, stammering, "S-s-sorry, I'm so sorry..."

Edolas Lucy shook her head in exasperation. "The only time our Natsu isn't timid is when he's on any kind of transportation." S~eaʀᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Complete opposites, huh?" Happy blinked in surprise. Seeing a Natsu who wasn't afraid of vehicles was... new.

Lucy Ashley, the Edolas Lucy, laughed. "Alright, let's all head inside the guild. Welcome back, Mira, Elfman. And I guess Lisanna stayed in your world?"

"That's where she truly belongs now," Miraj nodded softly. Though it was a sad farewell, knowing it wasn't forever made it easier to bear. If they ever wanted to see Lisanna again, they could always ask Nate for help.

With that, the group entered the guild. Both sides were equally fascinated by the other, chatting enthusiastically and quickly getting along.

Lucy Ashley casually threw an arm around Nate's shoulder and pulled him aside. "So, about our deal—remember that?"

"Did you sell all the rings?" Nate asked, amused. They were getting along like two peas in a pod.

Lucy Ashley shook her head. "Not yet—still got about two thousand left, but in another three or four days, they'll all be sold."

"When you finish, I'll bring you to Earth Land as promised."

"Deal!" Lucy Ashley grinned, then lowered her voice, asking, "So, what brings you here this time?"

Nate chuckled internally at her secretive tone but answered honestly, "I'm here to replace your king."

"Huh?"

"For the details, I'll let Mystogan explain."

After a moment, Nate turned to Mystogan. "I need to meet someone first. Can you bring everyone to the royal capital? We'll meet up there."

"Understood," Mystogan replied, trusting Nate's judgment without further questions.

Having made the necessary arrangements, Nate activated his teleportation magic and disappeared.

...

Ur had a Flying Thunder God mark left by Nate on her, as did all his other girlfriends. This allowed Nate to appear by their side instantly if they ever faced danger.

At that moment, in a room within a hotel in the royal capital of Edolas, Ur was sitting cross-legged, meditating with her sword, Sode no Shirayuki, resting across her knees as she focused on harmonizing her spiritual energy with the blade.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes and swiftly gripped her sword, swinging it toward the intruder she sensed behind her. The blade emanated a cold magic powerful enough to freeze any uninvited guest into an ice block.

Nate had just arrived and was met with a sword swing coming straight for him.

"Is that how you greet me after all this time?" he asked with a grin.

"Nate! Sorry about that... thought it was some reckless thief," Ur said, both surprised and delighted. Then, feeling slightly embarrassed, she added, "The city's been plagued by thieves lately."

With a mischievous smile, she sheathed Sode no Shirayuki and, standing on tiptoe, kissed Nate on the cheek.

"Forgive me now?" she asked playfully.

"That's not enough," Nate replied with a grin, pulling her close and pressing a kiss on her lips. After half a month apart, Ur missed him too and returned the kiss eagerly. As the kiss deepened, they found themselves moving to the bed, shedding clothes until there was nothing left between them.

Before they knew it, the morning had slipped into midday.

Lying contentedly in Nate's arms, Ur smiled with satisfaction, basking in the cozy warmth of the sun shining through the curtains. The room was filled with the quiet intimacy of shared affection.

As he gently traced his fingers along her back, Nate asked, "So, how are those rings selling?"

"About a thousand have been sold so far..." Ur replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. Sales weren't exactly her strong suit. Then, with a sudden burst of playfulness, she added, "Oh, and since I'm still technically your teacher, it's about time I properly taught you Ice-Make Magic!"

That's some clumsy topic-shifting, Nate thought, smirking as he patted her. "You haven't been my teacher for a long time."

Blushing furiously, Ur shot him an exasperated look—considering how passionate he'd just been, only now did he say that?

"So, what brings you here this time?" she asked.

"Can't I just come see you?" he replied teasingly.

"I don't buy that for a second," she said, pinching his cheeks with a pout. "After all, we've been chatting every night."

With a playful grin, Nate began explaining his real purpose while lazily caressing her. After hearing him out, Ur looked slightly puzzled.

"Taking on the king I understand," she mused, "but why are you so focused on expanding the Magic Net here?"

She'd seen the Deep Web's magic reserves herself. For a time, she had to rely on those reserves just to operate in the outside world.

"So... all the magic in this world comes from the Earth Land itself," she said thoughtfully. "And it's drying up. It won't be long before the floating islands in the sky begin to fall. And... the people here don't have any magic in them at all."

This was the part that didn't make sense to her.

Nate explained, "Magic is an infinite resource—at least it is in Earth Land. The more people who access it, the greater the yield."

"Ah... I get it," Ur replied, a look of admiration lighting up her eyes. Nate's Internet Magic was like a power only a god could wield.

Just then, Nate's ring flashed with a message from Mystogan.

Mystogan: "Natsu just got us to the royal capital. We're at the King's Square now."

Perhaps not wanting any confusion, Mystogan added, "It's the Natsu from this world, by the way."

"Time to move. Want to join us?" Nate asked, getting up and reaching for his clothes.

"Do you really need my help for this?" Ur replied, getting up as well, before taking his clothes from him with a mischievous smile. "Let me help you get dressed."

"You really do know how to spoil me," he said with a chuckle.

Rolling her eyes, Ur helped him put on his clothes with the gentle grace of a loving wife. Once Nate was dressed, she finished dressing herself.

After sending her back to the Deep Web dimension, Nate teleported to the King's Square to meet up with Mystogan and the others.

Everyone had already been briefed on the situation, and there was no need for long explanations. With the team they had, it was clear they'd be charging straight in.

Before long...

'Boom!'

An explosion erupted in the royal palace, shaking the entire city.