"So the world's greatest power is the World Government... but they don't rule the entire world?" I asked.
"Yes," Professor Clover replied quickly. "To my knowledge, no empire has ever achieved such a feat."
"And instead of magic, there are powers called Devil Fruits and Haki?"
"Yes... magic is only found in stories these days," Clover answered immediately.
"And there's no mention of my name in any of the records?"
"N-Not that I know of..." he was tensed, sweat starting to flow on his forehead.
I smiled faintly.
"Then... let the sea hear me for the second time."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"Any objections to me claiming this island as my territory?" I asked, releasing a wave of my magic.
The room was crushed under the pressure. The very air trembled. The scholars struggled to breathe, vision fading into black.
"You wanted to know what magic is?" I said, standing tall as I reabsorbed the overwhelming aura.
"This... is the magic of the Black Arts."
Scholars fell back into their chairs, panting like they'd run a marathon. Saul leaned heavily against a pillar, also gasping for breath.
I took a step forward.
"So... any objections?"
The scholars turned to one another, then slowly to Clover. With great effort, he stood.
"N-No objections... After all, you saved us... But—C-Can we still continue our studies here?" he asked, voice weak and unsure.
Their eyes all turned to me with hope and hesitation.
"Yes, you may. I, in fact, like scholars."
I turned to Serena. "Serena, go teach them more about magic."
"Understood, Lord Zeref!" he said with a grin, turning over to the scholars and launching into an energetic explanation of the basics of magic.
I glanced to the side as a glowing notification appeared before me.
[CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HOST FOR CONQUERING A NEW TERRITORY]
[REWARD: NEW TERRITORY GIFT PACKAGE]
[SINCE THIS IS THE HOST'S FIRST TERRITORY, REWARD IS MULTIPLIED 100-FOLD]
[WOULD YOU LIKE TO OPEN THE GIFT PACKAGE?]
"Yes."
[ THE HOST RECEIVES: TENROU ISLAND ]
{ A sacred land nourished by the Great Tenrou Tree, which possesses near-infinite magic and offers divine protection to its residents. }
[ THE HOST RECEIVES: THE RACE OF EXCEEDS ]
{ A race of cat-like beings possessing the magic Aera }
[ THE HOST RECEIVES: THOUSAND RUNE KNIGHTS ]
{ A group of knights specializing in rune magic }
[ THE HOST RECEIVES THE MAGE JELLAL FERNANDES ]
[ THE HOST RECEIVES THE MAGE MYSTOGAN ]
[ THE HOST RECEIVES TEN CRUISER BATTLESHIPS ]
{Magical aerial ships capable of carrying 1,000 mages each.}
[ THE HOST CAN RECEIVE THESE ANYTIME ]
As God Serena eagerly taught the scholars, I stood and called out:
"God Serena."
"Yes, Lord Zeref?"
"Let's go."
Despite some of the scholars' disappointment at being pulled away from a magic lecture, they followed. We stepped outside the library, where Grandeeney was tending to the recently healed. Their expressions radiated hope and gratitude.
I walked to the base of the Tree of Knowledge. All eyes were on me.
"You wanted to see magic?" I said, smirking.
The ground rumbled.
The Tree of Knowledge surged upward, growing taller, more immense. All across the island, trees burst from the earth. The ruined town transformed into a lush, primeval forest. The island expanded fivefold. Magic overflowed from the heart of the Tenrou Tree, sublimating the land.
Surrounding trees absorbed the power, evolving into magic trees. A natural barrier formed—pure and holy.
Then, I summoned them.
Thousands of Exceeds appeared in the sky, wings fluttering.
"This shall be your new home," I declared, pointing to the forest.
"Yes, Lord Zeref!" they chorused in perfect unison before flying off to explore their new home.
I turned to the scholars, who stood frozen in disbelief.
"From this moment forward, this island shall be known as Tenrou. A land of knowledge, magic, and the home of the Black Wizard Zeref."