Jehfrit had always valued comfort above all.
In his past life, overwork had led to his untimely demise. Having been granted a second chance in this magical world, he had no intention of repeating that mistake.
If he were honest with himself, Deception Magic was the perfect fit for him. It didn't demand the grueling, often painful physical exertion that others like Natsu endured. Sure, Natsu's fists might smash through walls, his victories marked by explosions and sweat, but Jehfrit knew the cost—how much exhaustion and strain each punch carried.
And when it came to escaping danger? Deception Magic was a perfect ally. It allowed him to slip away with ease, leaving behind nothing but a shadow.
Over the years, even after joining the guild, his strength had stagnated. Oh, his magical reserves had grown, but it wasn't anything groundbreaking. He hadn't experienced any major breakthroughs on the magical path, and it was obvious by how long he'd been relying on the same old Teal 6.0. Weak foes? One shot, done. But against stronger ones, he'd learned to avoid them altogether.
Yet something changed after the battle on Galuna Island.
Teal's offensive power wasn't enough. It barely scratched the surface when facing formidable opponents, and Jehfrit knew he needed to adapt.
Then came the fight with the Ghosts, where his magic, despite its cunning, was completely ineffective against stronger foes. Worse, there was no escape. The realization hit him hard—he was afraid of dying.
That fear had slowly, over time, transformed into a hunger. A hunger to grow stronger. But not through brute force.
No.
Jehfrit's path to power was simple:
Thinking.
Deception Magic was an inheritance from his family, but it had never been known for producing particularly strong mages. Jehfrit was, in many ways, setting the bar for his entire lineage. There were no clear role models, no references to guide him. His journey had been one of trial and error, carving his own path step by step.
In his past life, he'd watched Bleach—and though Aizen's abilities resonated with him, Jehfrit knew he was no Aizen. He wasn't that powerful, nor did he have that kind of natural talent. Magic power and spiritual power were two very different things.
Deception Magic wasn't about illusions, it wasn't a trick.
It was simply deception.
A lie crafted with words, a manipulation of perceptions.
But could it become more? Could it transform into something real?
Jehfrit didn't believe so.
Deception, in its purest form, was just that—a trick. Words and emotions twisted to fulfill a goal, nothing more. It would never become reality.
Clang—Clang.
The train moved, its wheels grinding along the tracks, slicing through the vast, desolate land outside.
Jehfrit leaned back in his seat, inhaling deeply, trying to get more comfortable.
But then, a foul odor reached his nostrils. He turned to see the man sitting next to him attempting to inch as far away as possible.
Jehfrit flashed him a kind smile, and the man smiled back nervously, immediately offering, "I'll get off at the next stop."
"It's fine," Jehfrit replied, shaking his head. "No need."
The man hesitated, then spoke again. "You seem troubled, sir."
Jehfrit raised an eyebrow. "I'm thinking about scams."
"Scams?" the man blinked. "Did you get scammed, sir? My condolences."
Jehfrit waved his hand. "No, I've been scammed before."
The man's eyes widened. "I know the feeling. Last year, a scammer got me. He told me he was from my hometown, and I believed him. I really did." He sighed deeply, as if the memory still haunted him.
"He talked so fast, painting this picture of a big investment opportunity. I almost fell for it—almost. Thankfully, a colleague called, and I backed out. But then, a few months later, the guy shows up again, acting all rich, offering another opportunity."
The man laughed bitterly. "I was tempted. And, well… I was scammed."
Jehfrit nodded sympathetically as the man continued, his voice filled with frustration.
"They're clever, these scammers. All the while, you think you're making a good decision. And when it all falls apart, you're left wondering how it happened. The worst part? When I trusted him the most—he was the one who took me for a ride."
Jehfrit leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "What happened after?"
"I tried to convince myself that he hadn't run off, that I'd just need to wait a little longer for the payoff. It wasn't until half a year later that the truth hit me. The enforcement team tracked me down, and I realized I had been had. Only got a small portion of my money back."
The man sighed deeply. "If you meet a scammer, don't try to outsmart them. Get away, and don't look back."
"I'll be careful," Jehfrit said with a smile.
Whistle—
The train pulled into the station.
The man stood up. "I'm getting off now. Safe travels, sir."
"Safe travels to you as well," Jehfrit said, returning the gesture.
After the man left, Jehfrit sank back into his seat, the words echoing in his mind.
"So, after being scammed, that's when you trust them the most?" He shook his head and chuckled softly. "What a lesson to learn."
His time in Omelas had been quite fulfilling.
On his third-to-last day in the city, he visited the famous volcano, purchasing a piece of "The Eternal Burning Volcano's" rock. He thought Natsu would love it. The rest of the day was spent picking out thoughtful gifts for the guild members.
The second-to-last day, he ventured to his final destination: Omelas Mountain.
The view was breathtaking. Though Omelas Mountain itself wasn't remarkable, the mist-filled basin nearby created an ethereal atmosphere.
As the tourists wandered through the mist, something felt off. The air was thick with tension. Every footstep echoed, every breath felt heavier.
Jehfrit's hand reached out, but he couldn't grasp the mist. Still, it was there—filling the space, thick with uncertainty.
A smile spread across his face. The fog wasn't just fear; it was an opportunity.
The day he left Omelas.
On the return train, Jehfrit sat back with a sense of satisfaction.
Deception Magic—though once weak, once limited—was now something far more dangerous, far more potent.
Deception Magic had two applications: sensory deception and emotional manipulation.
But now, he had redefined it.
[Mirage Domain: Fog Valley, Hollow Mountain]
Stage one - Mirage Domain: deceiving the five senses.
Stage two - Fog Valley, Hollow Mountain : guiding emotions.
And today, he had unlocked the true potential of stage two—the one where everything changed.
Previously, neither phase caused direct harm.
Until now.
Deception Magic was no longer just a tool of tricks.
From this day, Deception Magic can alter reality.
Jehfrit smiled with quiet pride, the moment feeling almost surreal. He pushed his glasses up with his left ring finger, the smirk not leaving his face.
Deception Magic would never be the same.