Fairy Tail: Saint Seiya Magic Unleashed

Chapter 23: Moen's First Journey Away From Home

After arranging things for Laki,

Moen didn't linger at the guild.

Instead, he made his way to Magnolia Station,

ready to catch a train to a nearby town for his next mission.

In the world of Eislanden, trains existed—

even cars, though both were driven by magic-powered technology.

Magic was so convenient that it had skewed the path of scientific development entirely.

"Magitek Cars" were considered luxury magic tools—

rare, expensive, and definitely not something for the average person.

So when it came to travel, most people relied on either trains or carriages.

It created a strange and often jarring contrast.

Other magical devices like "Windchant Glasses" or "Sound Jar Players"

were also pricey enchanted tools.

The trains in Eislanden reminded Moen

of those old-fashioned green steam trains from Earth.

Slightly more refined, though—

each booth had a table in the middle, and seats faced each other.

"Not bad. Pretty comfy, actually."

Moen muttered as he sat by the window,

watching the scenery blur past.

This was his first time ever riding a train in this world—

and his first time truly leaving Magnolia City.

His previous excursions into the outskirts or Eastern Forest

didn't count.

Those places were still within Fairy Tail's sphere of influence.

With his twelfth birthday fast approaching

and his strength already acknowledged,

Makarov had finally allowed him to take on a mission beyond the guild's immediate area.

Before this, Makarov had always forbidden younger members

from accepting tasks too far away.

It wasn't just for Moen—

every child in the guild was bound by the same rule.

It wasn't about restricting them—it was about keeping them safe.

And it also protected Fairy Tail's reputation.

Clients trusted Fairy Tail with their requests

because of the guild's strength and track record.

If they sent a seven- or eight-year-old to handle a serious task,

even if the kid was strong,

no one would take it seriously.

That's why the guild members always left

the easier, nearby tasks for the kids—

so they could practice and learn the ropes.

Before long, the train arrived in Onibas,

a city Moen only vaguely knew about—

mostly because it was famous for its large theater.

Lots of renowned troupes came to perform here,

so the train station was surprisingly bustling.

After disembarking, Moen followed the address on the request

and arrived at a lavish villa.

Well—calling it a villa didn't quite cut it.

It was practically a private estate.

A vast courtyard,

neatly trimmed ornamental trees,

a long stone path leading to a grand main building—

its creamy white exterior lined with gilded borders.

The whole place screamed one word:

Luxury.

A well-dressed butler led Moen into the mansion,

where he was finally brought before the client himself.

"Good afternoon. I'm Moen from Fairy Tail."

"You must be Mr. Denor, the one who issued this request?"

The parlor they were in was—how to put it...

Over-the-top opulent.

Gaudy, even. But no doubt expensive.

As for Mr. Denor,

he was a round man, with a prosperous-looking face,

draped in a noble-style robe,

wine glass in hand.

He looked rich.

And from the house alone, it was obvious:

he was.

Plus, this mission had a hefty reward,

one that only someone truly wealthy could afford.

But the moment Denor saw Moen,

his face twisted into a frown.

"What's this? So young—just a child!"

"What is Fairy Tail thinking? Are they mocking me?!"

"Didn't I pay a premium for this request?!"

Denor's voice rose with irritation,

his eyes full of doubt and disdain.

To him, Moen looked far too young

to be a reliable wizard—let alone a capable one.

But Moen remained calm.

He met Denor's eyes and said:

"Mr. Denor, please rest assured."

"Fairy Tail is a professional guild with a reputation to uphold."

"Since I was sent, I will resolve your problem."

"We do not gamble with our guild's name."

Though his face was youthful,

there was an unmistakable confidence in his tone—

the kind that came from true strength.

"...I'll trust you. For now."

Denor grumbled under his breath

and begrudgingly nodded.

Or rather,

he chose to trust Fairy Tail.

As Moen had said,

Fairy Tail's reputation was rock-solid.

It was the top-ranked guild in all of Fiore—

boasting one of the highest mission completion rates.

Sure, things tended to get a little… messy.

But that usually happened after the mission was done.

Don't ask how much damage they caused—just ask if they completed the job.

"Your request mentioned a magical beast called a Horned Lizard, correct?"

Now that Denor had reluctantly accepted him,

Moen got down to business—

beginning the official confirmation of the mission details.

This meeting wasn't just a casual chat—

it was essentially a contract confirmation.

The client had every right to reject a mage

they didn't feel confident in,

and the mage needed to clarify the mission's details

to avoid disputes or confusion later on.

"That's right. What I need are the horns of the Horned Lizards—at least twenty."

"If you can bring me more, I'll pay extra."

Moen's calm, professional demeanor

put Denor a little more at ease.

After all, Fairy Tail wouldn't be so reckless

as to send a child to their death.

This wasn't some delivery or scavenger hunt—

this was a monster subjugation request.

"Alright. I have no further questions."

Moen gave a slight nod,

and with that, the mission briefing was complete.

This was it.

His first real journey far from home.

The Horned Lizards only lived in the depths of the Vas Forest Sea,

which was not exactly close.

After confirming the extra payment terms

for any horns collected beyond the minimum,

Moen left the estate and returned to the train station.

This time, he rode all the way to the line's final stop: Clover.

Clover…

He remembered this place.

It was where the Guild Master Council held their regular meetings—

Makarov Grandpa had come here many times.

The Vas Forest Sea was located just north of Clover,

but from this point on…

no more trains.

So Moen rented a horse-drawn carriage,

which took him partway toward the forest.

But once they reached the outer edge of the wilderness,

the coachman flat-out refused to go any farther.

Not that Moen could blame him.

The Vas Forest Sea was a dense, ancient woodland,

filled with wild beasts and magical creatures.

Most people wouldn't dare set foot inside.

Without decent strength, you'd be lucky to come back out alive.