The Dimensional Workshop - Chapter 5

The Dimensional Workshop - Chapter 5

Erza did arrive eventually.

Apparently, my shop had opened up in the outskirts of Magnolia’s commercial district. For one, I didn’t even know that Magnolia had a commercial district. The whole place looked too small to have ‘districts’ in the anime. 

Then again, the source material wasn’t exactly the best when it came to fleshing out the world. What it excelled at was mapping out flesh instead. Erza Scarlet, the  

Then again, when Erza Scarlet looked like THAT, the fanservice was definitely appreciated.

“Please, accept my apologies in his stead. Gray has… an affliction.” She spoke, her body in a perfect ninety degree bow. 

“An affliction… that makes him strip?” I asked, trying to hide my mirth with little success. 

“As outlandish as it sounds, yes.” She spoke, while behind her, I saw that Gray had somehow already lost his shirt again. 

“As incredulous as that sounds, I can believe you.” I spoke, pointing at the stripper in question. She turned to see him, and for a second, the polite, well-spoken Erza transformed. Next thing I knew, Gray’s face was plastered to the floor, and his shirt and jacket were laid on his prone body.

Ah yes, Fairy Tail and violence, truly the best of friends.

“Again, you have my apologies. We’ve… not had the best of luck when it comes to curbing his eccentricities.” She spoke, as if her own ability to swap between personalities wasn’t an eccentricity in itself.

“Well, maybe I could help with that?” I offered. 

She gave me a deadpan stare, then looked back at Gray, who was only just beginning to recover from the assault on his head. Then back at me.

“I understand and appreciate your offer, but I wouldn’t wish him on the worst of my enemies.” She spoke.

I shook my head. “Oh, no. I don’t think I have the ability to change his… tendencies.” I spoke. I picked up a pen and quickly drew a rune on it. Now that my body itself could provide the mana, I didn’t need to use the table to impart basic runework on objects. I then placed the pen on my counter. 

“Try pulling this off.” I asked.

She gave me a hesitant look before giving the pen an experimental tug. It didn’t budge. She tugged again. Again, the pen didn’t budge. My point was proven, so I moved to stop her. Sadly, I was too late.

With a great yank, she pulled once more, and this time, the pen moved, taking a chunk of the counter with it. Erza stumbled back, and crashed into Grey, sending them both tumbling to the floor.

In my haste, I had forgotten that Fairy Tail were… not the brightest bunch of people.

I picked up the pen from the ground, still attached to the chunk of wood. I then looked at Erza, who was looking at me sheepishly. “This is the rune for ‘secure’. As long as it is active, it will clasp the item in question to whatever surface it is secured against.” I spoke. 

“To release it, all you have to do is speak the release phrase while holding it, which, in this case, is the word ‘unsecure’.” The chunk of wood fell to the floor, leaving only the pen in my fingers.

“Can you apply this to my clothes?” 

Grey was in my face faster than I could blink. Again, I was reminded that despite the augmentations I’d undergone, against an actual empowered person, I was extremely underwhelming. 

“That was going to be my offer, yes.” I spoke, as Erza walked up to me. 

“Runic magic. We have a few practitioners of its derivatives in our guild. Yet, I’ve never seen such magic be applied to objects. Does it need to be reapplied daily?” She asked.

I shook my head. “Nope. It absorbs mana from the world. It’s not complex enough to require constant upkeep.”

“How much would it cost?!” Gray asked, shaking me by the shoulders. Again, I was so glad my body was enhanced, because I was sure that had he done this to me a few days ago, he would have popped my spine.

“I’m… not actually sure. I’ve never met any other enhancer in my life.” I said, “What do you reckon would be a fair price?”

“I’d say ten thousand gems for his entire wardrobe.” Erza chimed in. “Although, I must say, I’ve never heard of an ‘enhancer’ myself. Is that your magic type?”

“No, it can’t be. I saw him use telekinesis earlier.” Gray spoke up, and Erza nodded.

“A mix-bag then. A shame. Every unique magic has potential. This ‘Enhancement Magic’ sounds interesting. What can it do?” She asked.

Again, I was unaware what a ‘mix-bag’ was, but I could kind of piece together the context, especially considering every mage of note in Fairy Tail was a onetrick. Perhaps trying to master more than one type of magic was looked down upon in their world?

In which case it would be best if I didn’t reveal the extent of my versatility. The Essential Magia didn’t just give my body the ability to create and store mana, but also the ability to harness multiple intermediate-level magics.

A strong ability to be sure, but against mages of their caliber? It was lacklustre at best. 

“No, I’m telling you, he was able to control all my clothes at the same time. His telekinesis is good!” Grey spoke.

I nodded. “I learn fast. Always have. I’m just not much of a combat mage. I prefer business to war.” I answered, turning to face Erza. “As for what my magic can do. I can impart effects to any non-living item. Mostly I just use it to strengthen weapons.”

“Could you give me a demonstration? I’ll pay.” She asked, requipping a blade that I did not recognize. It had seen some wear and tear, but other than that, it looked very unremarkable. 

I took the blade gingerly, taking care to not cut myself on its well-maintained, if slightly chipped edge. “No need to pay me for this. Consider it a sample for continued business.” I spoke, as I placed it on my countertop, covering the gouged wood Erza had seen fit to add to my decor.

My fingers began to trace patterns over the metal, mana etching sigils that were familiar yet foreign. Repair, to make sure the edge returned no matter how long the blade saw battle. Reinforcement, to make sure the blade could hold up against the greatest of rigors. Cut, to give it the ability to hew through metal like a hot knife cuts through butter. 

Then, three more runes were drawn. Three that were not available to me prior to me gaining mana. Fleet, to add alacrity to its user. Rejuvenation, to allow the wielder to slowly heal as they held the blade. And finally, Omni, to boost every one of the user’s attributes. 

The moment they took hold, I felt it. I saw as the blade repaired itself. Every sign of wear and tear was gone, as I held its hilt, I could feel the boost. I felt lighter, faster, stronger, and by magnitudes at that.

I passed her the blade with a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I might have overdone it.” 

She felt it the moment she held the blade as well. The look she gave me told me that even if I were to not do anything else, I’d at least won her business. 

“That’s… ridiculous.” She breathed out. “It feels like my entire body has become stronger.”

“That’s because it has.” I chimed in. “One of the runes I added has the effect of giving all your attributes a boost. It isn’t unlimited though. Thirty minutes is the best you’ll get, then it’ll need to recharge overnight.”

“Thirty minutes is an eternity in a fight.” She spoke. “Are you sure you don’t want any payment for this?” 

I shook my head. “Consider this a gift, a way to make sure I have the esteemed business of the great Erza Scarlet in the future.”

“I will be taking payment for Gray’s clothes though.” I finished. “Speaking of. You should go get your clothes. I’ll even slap the same buff as Erza’s sword on your clothes at no extra charge.”

“I’ll be right back, then.” Gray spoke, running out of the store, leaving only Erza and me. 

“Well, while we wait for him. Would you like to buy something to eat?” I asked, gesturing towards the cafe tables. It was time for me to find out if the fandom was right about Erza’s sweet tooth after all.

“I’m not sure if it’s on your menu, but I would be grateful if you could serve me something strawberry flavored.” She requested sheepishly, giving me my answer.

“One strawberry cake coming up! Please take a seat while I prepare!”

LB

Makarov Dreyar was standing in front of my counter.

Well, he was standing under my counter. I swear, dude was the same height as Naruko. Yet, he had the presence of a guild leader down pat. Dude was terrifying to behold, even as he held that friendly smile on his face.

“Join my guild, child.” he spoke, and every sales pitch I had in mind just faded into nothingness. 

“Beg your pardon?” I blurted out. 

“Gray isn’t stripping anymore. Erza hasn’t hit anyone in the head for three hours straight. Natsu has been staring at his plate ever since he had that pizza you sent back. Kid. I’ll literally buy this entire shop if it means you’ll join my guild!” He spoke, a look of absolute peace was on his face. So peaceful, in fact, it brought to my mind images of buddha himself.

I could explain.

Erza had passed out after having the cake. Not in a joke sense, but in actuality. I hadn’t even noticed that she passed out until Gray came back with his clothes. 

And when she was woken up, she moaned.

Not in the ‘oh this is great!’ way, but in the ‘I just had the most intense orgasm of my life’ way. 

Suffice it to say, I would never be able to look at her the same way again. I didn’t even know she was capable of making that noise, and by the terrified look on Grey’s face, neither did he.

I’d then quickly finished Gray’s order. It was only when I was getting paid that I realized that I had an easy way to make sure I got more patronage from Fairy Tail. 

I packed them a lot of baked goodies, as well as a second Strawberry cake for Erza, which she accepted with the same expression a teen would make while buying his first condoms. Completely out of place, but somehow understandable.

What I didn’t expect was the effect they would have.

“I’m not much of a mage, Mister Dreyar.” I replied with a dismissal, only to have Makarov shake his head.

“We have a solid script user and a rune magic user trying to understand the runes you put on Gray’s clothes and Erza’s training sword.” He spoke. “They are both experts in their field, and yet they had no doubts when they said that they couldn’t recreate your runes, and if I am to be honest, I don’t think anyone else can.”

“Are you trying to imply that my magic is a lost magic?” I asked.

He shook his head. “I couldn’t tell. What I can tell you is that I’ve never seen a self-sustaining magic with such versatility in my life.”

I gave him a flat look. “Dude, I don’t know what to tell you. I’m literally just a shopkeeper.”

“And you will stay a shopkeeper. Don’t worry!” He spoke, that horrible salesman smile was still on his face. “All I’m asking is that you keep sending those baked goodies to the guild, and maybe prioritize requests for gear enhancement from our guild members.”

“So, not an exclusivity contract. Will I have to show up at the guild hall?” I asked.

“Only for parties, and that too if you feel up to it.” He spoke. “There’s really no downside to it.”

“Oh I can think of a few downsides.” I spoke, looking him straight in the eyes. “For one, the wizarding council does not look very kindly on the fact that your guild’s members cause a ridiculous amount of collateral damage.”

“Eh, to hell with those stiff old worrywarts.” Makarov retorted, waving a hand. “They’ll never admit it, but they owe us more than enough to ever try and get rid of us.”

I could admit that was true. Fairy Tail was too strong right now. Based on Erza’s armor and Gray’s outfit, I could surmise that we were somewhere after the start of the story but before Tenrou island. 

“But what happens when Fairy Tail ceases to be as strong as it currently is?” I asked. “The wizard council may be a bunch of idiots with more power than sense, but they remember, and one day, they will take action.”

“And the day they do, I'll remind them why Fairy Tail is not to be messed with.” Makarov spoke, not a shred of doubt in his eyes. Yet therein lay the issue. For the better part of a decade, he would simply not be there.

Yet, another intrusive thought entered my head. I couldn’t stop them from leaving. They needed to be in their primes for what came after Tenrou. Yet, could I help those they left behind?

Returning to a guild that was stronger than ever. Would that not make canon more painless? I wouldn’t even have to do all that much. A loan here and there. A scouting report to help them pick up mages with potential young. Maybe a few invasive surgeries…

Okay, maybe not the easiest thing to do, but with enough time, I could swing it.

“You run a hard bargain.” I spoke. “Your terms are mostly agreeable, but I will join on one caveat.”

“Name it, son, and I’ll make it happen.” Makarov shot back, a victorious gleam on his face.

“No one from the guild must know that I’m a member of the guild.” I spoke, giving him a smile. “I don’t want this shop to become the unofficial hangout for your guild.”

He laughed at that. “Easily done, my boy! Plus, that works out for me. Mira would hate it if her clientele was stolen from her.” 

“Then let’s seal the deal.” I answered. 

“Just tell me where you want your guild mark and we’ll be done here.” Makarov replied.

I ended up choosing to get it on my left pectoral, in purple. For some reason, it just felt right.

LB

My shop became the unofficial hangout for the guild.

It all started with Erza. Then she dragged Natsu and Grey along. Then Lucy showed up. Slowly, one by one, they all started to trickle in.

They were well-behaved too, till three days in, when the one group I was not expecting to see showed up for the first time.

“Huh, this place is almost passable.” Laxus Dreyar commented, walking into the shop. The anime definitely did not do him justice. The man was massive. Even with my enhanced height, he stood at least half a head taller than me. 

Behind him were the thunder god tribe, and honestly, the only thing more cringey than the name of their group was the way they dressed. There was ‘trying too hard’ and then there was… whatever the fuck they were doing.

“Hello! Please take a seat, I’ll be with you momentarily.” I spoke. Naruko, who was visiting, just stared at Laxus. He was definitely the tallest man she had ever seen. That, plus he shared the same spikey hair as hers, even though her hair was done up in twintails.

Laxus, for all his intimidation, seemingly found it interesting that Naruko didn’t fear him. As I collected their orders, they both kept staring at each other. That was until Naruko decided to walk over to him, a cheerful smile on her face.

“Hello! I’m Naruko!” She proclaimed with the sort of cheer only a child could muster. “What’s your name, mister?”

Of all the things he was expecting, this was definitely not one of Laxus’ predictions. His intimidating frown broke for a second as he tried to understand why the kid had walked up to him. 

“I’m Laxus Dreyar.” He spoke, matter-of-factly. He was trying to act nonchalant, but I knew well enough that such a tactic was useless in front of Naruko.

“You look very strong, brother Laxus!” She chimed in with an angelic smile, and I realized I was discovering Laxus’s weakness in real time. 

Meanwhile, Fried chimed in from the side. “Laxus is the strongest! He’s our leader for a reason!” 

Naruko turned to look at Fried, she looked at his hair, then his outfit, before a wide smile split her face. “Wow! You look so cool…”

“Fried! I’m Fried, and these are my companions, Evergreen and Bickslow!” he spoke, completely dropping the tough guy act. Even the other two members of the team had smiles on their faces as they moved forward to introduce themselves. Just as I expected.

No tough guy act survived first contact with Naruko’s cuteness!

“Can I ask you four to look over Naruko while I get your orders?” I asked, and the speed at which they agreed actually surprised me. Even Laxus gave me a confused nod of acceptance. 

Maybe the thunder god tribe wasn’t as bad as the anime painted them to be?

I went behind the counter to prepare their orders. I’d barely been there a few minutes when I heard the door open, and heard the words I’d hoped never to hear in my shop.

“Laxus! Fight me!” I heard Natsu yell. And before I could even react, he was already launching himself at Laxus, flames licking at his arms.

My blood froze in my veins as I realized that Naruko was sitting on the table, right in front of Laxus. 

My hand went up, the mana in my body coursed, and a shield formed between Laxus’s table and Natsu. Laxus moved faster, and to my surprise, put himself between Natsu and Naruko. 

It was all unnecessary, as Kakashi moved faster than everyone else.

Kakashi’s fist met Natsu’s face mid-leap. He moved so fast that all I saw was a shower of blood and teeth, and Natsu’s insensate body crashing against my barrier. He didn’t even stop there, as he kicked Natsu’s face again, and I heard the sound of bones crunching.

“Kakashi! Stop!’” I yelled, forming another barrier around him. This one I poured the majority of my mana into, because I could feel it, and so could everyone else.

Kakashi was going to kill Natsu.

The killing intent felt physical, and it was uncontrolled. It was very unlike Kakashi, but this wasn’t the Kakashi from canon. This was a Kakashi who had bonded with his teacher’s daughter at a young age. This wasn’t the teacher I knew. No, this was the elder brother, and he was out for blood.

Thankfully, he was able to reign it in as soon as he realized my barrier was not going to give way without effort. He then looked at Natsu. His teeth were missing, his jaw was broken, and he lay there, his face covered in blood. 

I took some solace in the fact that Naruko couldn’t see it, hidden behind Laxus’ hulking frame. 

“Kakashi, leave, now.” I spoke, letting down the barrier. He was gone within a blink of an eye. And as my other barrier went down, I finally allowed myself to breathe.

Erza stood at the door, Grey standing next to her. A horrified look on their face. I could explain, but I was in no mental state to do so.

They’d come into my shop, picked a fight, and jeopardised the safety of someone who meant the world to me. 

I picked up a potion from behind the counter and threw it at Erza. “make him swallow that. It’ll heal him enough that he won’t have to drink his meals from a straw.” I spoke, looking at Natsu in disgust.

“I don’t want this piece of filth anywhere near my shop ever again.” I spoke, watching as Erza and Grey helped him up. She started to speak, but I raised a hand. 

“Leave now before I extend the same ban to you as well.” I spoke, and met her steely gaze with my own emotionless one. She stood there for a second, unwilling to look away as Grey tried his level best to shove the potion down Natsu’s throat.

Loyalty to her teammate. It was admirable, but not when it came at the cost of the safety of my adoptive little sister.

“I thought I made myself clear.” I repeated. And after another tense second, she finally capitulated. 

“As for you lot.” I spoke, turning back to face the thunder god tribe, “You’re never going to pay for anything you eat here, ever.”

I didn’t wait for their response as I walked back to my counter. My headspace was a mess. I knew I was going to get two visits later tonight. 

And I hoped to god they’d both leave in one piece.

LB

Makarov was furious.

“A broken jaw, six missing teeth, concussive damage to the brain. What were you thinking?” He hissed. 

I stared at him dispassionately. This was the problem with Fairy Tail. It was all well and good to create chaos, to harm others, to leave them broken, as long as it satisfied their basic, primal urges.

A guild of idiots who wouldn’t know control if it hit them in the face with a crowbar.

“I was thinking he got off light.” I replied, not letting aggression take over. It would solve nothing.

“Got off light? He could have died there! He’s your guildmate!” Makarov all but yelled, but I was having none of it. 

“When I joined the guild, I specifically stipulated that I didn’t want this place to turn into a hangout for the guild. Did I not?” I asked.

“You know well enough that I don’t control what those kids do! I didn’t tell them ‘hey, you can go hang out in this shop!” he reasoned.

“That is the exact reason I didn’t want them to hang out here.” I responded. “I do not tolerate fights in the shop.”

“What’s the worst that could happen? I’d have paid you for the repairs. I’d have made Natsu repair the shop with his own hands if you asked for it!” He spoke.

“You do know that property damage is the least of my worries here, right?” I spoke.

“Then what? Why did you have your guard dog beat Natsu so badly?” he asked.

“Two reasons.” I spoke, raising two fingers. “One, they started a fight in my shop.”

“And second, and more importantly, he endangered someone very, very important to me.” I finished, and that caught him flat-footed. “I assume Erza failed to mention that bit?”

“Natsu… he would never.” Makarov tried to justify, but I knew as well as he did that once the battle high took over, Natsu did not care for collateral, and he was not the only one in the guild that operated that way.

“You mentioned earlier that you don’t control what the kids do.” I spoke, leaning in. Sure, he was once a wizard saint. Sure, he was much stronger than me. It didn’t matter. He was in my shop, and as unlikely as it was for him to get violent, I had my assurance.

Hostile Intruder detected

Activate power nullification?

Y/N

Note: Within the confines of the shop, all shop items and the owner are considered ‘invincible items’

The only reason I hadn’t activated it when Natsu had attacked was because I had Kakashi as an assurance. Now that I understood magic, I also understood what this security measure entailed. 

The destruction of the enemy’s magic. It would kill Makarov, it could have killed Natsu far quicker than even Kakashi could.

“Your lack of control is the very crux of this issue.” I continued. “I get it that Fairy Tail is nothing but free-spirited, but basic decency is not an impediment. It’s a necessity, one that you have sorely failed to impart unto your wards.”

“So, your boy endangered my sister, and my friend took matters into his own hands. In my shop, my word is law, just like your word is law in your guild.” I finished. “If you want to expel me for this, then do so. Don’t waste your time expecting an apology from me.”

There was silence after my proclamation as Makarov drank in my words. It was - in essence - what the world had been telling him all throughout his career. The only difference was that this time? There were consequences too.

“I won’t expel you. But I want to speak to your ‘friend’.” he spoke, his face grim. “He hurt Natsu, I am duty-bound to punish him.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. It was a dry laugh, there was absolutely no mirth there, but it still confused Makarov.

“You’re lucky that I stopped him when I did.” I spoke, my words measured, my eyes betraying no mirth. “Else it’s unlikely you’d have a guild once he was done with you.”

“There isn’t a force on Earthland that is capable of that.” Makarov boasted, he would have added more, if not for the fact that he finally noticed the kunai pointed at the side of his throat.

Kakashi could have taken his head off at any time during that conversation. After all, he’d been there all along.

“Trust me, sir. When motivated, I’ve gotten rid of organisations far more tenacious than yours.” he spoke, no emotion in his voice. “No matter how good you are, no one can block a blade when they are asleep.”

It was a reminder that, for all their bluster, Fairy Tail was a build of brawlers. Of kids who were so jacked up on their own hype that they truly believed their actions would never have consequences. It was their luck that the enemies they faced fought them head on, instead of taking the easy way out.

Kakashi was not above slitting throats on pillows. And if push came to shove, there was very little that Fairy Tail could do against the illusions of the Sharingan.

It would, in all honesty, be like asking kids armed with swords they could barely lift to take on a seasoned warrior with a stick. Unfair. 

Makarov seemed to realize this, but he was the guild master of Fairy Tail. If he capitulated under pressure, then who else would stand for his kids?

“You didn’t need to go so far.” He spoke, his voice was understanding, but chiding. If only he used the same tone to talk to his kids, maybe things would not have turned out so drastically. 

“If Ryan hadn’t stopped me, you would have never found his body.” Kakashi spoke, still emotionless, still eerie beyond measure. “So, I’d recommend you get your kids under control. They can only fuck up so many times until they do something that will blow up in their faces.”

“Consider this a lesson, Guild master.” I spoke, “Natsu’s ban still stands, but I’ll give you more potions so that he may heal faster.”

“Am I supposed to be grateful for that?” He asked, and this time, it was Kakashi who responded.

“No. You’re supposed to feel grateful that he’s still alive.” He spoke, giving Makarov a pat on the back. “Your intentions are good, but for god’s sake, fix your shit, else someone else will fix it for you.”

And with that, he disappeared. He was still within the shop, I could tell, but that was for my benefit, lest Makarov escalate further. Of course, Makarov was not that kind of guy, but there was no way for Kakashi to know that.

From his eyes, this was the teacher of the boy who’d put Naruko in harm’s way. The only reason he was still breathing was because I asked for it.

“Now, take these and leave.” I spoke, passing him a crate of six potions. “Give Natsu only one. It’ll be enough to fix him by tomorrow. Keep the rest in case someone else in the guild is in dire condition.” 

That was my olive branch, and as Makarov accepted them, I knew that he understood my intentions.

All I could do was hope he acted on them as well. It did not matter to me either way. If he didn’t fix Fairy Tail, I would.

After all, I wasn’t going to be returning till he and his kids left for Tenrou island.

LB

I may have finished this slightly faster than anticipated. I wanted to set up the expectations for the FT part of the crossover, as well as set realistic expectations as to how the MC would deal with a world of idiots.

As always, join the discord for more shenanigans. Link is https://discord.com/invite/AP8nG65RmA