"So powerful… he actually blocked it…"
"We're saved…"
"What just happened just now?" members of the guild exclaimed in shock.
"Recently, I discovered a new application of alchemy. You can imbue alchemical creations with special properties. That's how I barely managed to block it."
Noel spoke between ragged breaths.
The barrier he had just conjured had nearly drained every last drop of his magic. Now, even standing was difficult for him. Still—he'd managed to hold it back.
"You have no chance of winning."
From the control chamber, Jose's face darkened.
"Hand over Lucy Heartfilia. Immediately." Jose threatened coldly.
"You'll only take her after stepping over our corpses!" Erza roared.
"What kind of sick joke is that?!"
"What guild would ever hand over their comrade to the enemy?!"
"We will never compromise!"
…
"What?"
"Jupiter… they're going to fire it again?"
A short while later, Noel collapsed outright, no longer able to hold on. He had never looked this miserable before.
Erza quickly caught him, though his head clunked against her armor.
"So hard…" Noel couldn't help but mutter a complaint.
Suddenly, the sky darkened as if an army had appeared.
"Specter Troops. Everyone be careful! Don't let them touch you, or they'll drain your life energy!" Noel warned.
"Fairy Tail, prepare to die! The choices before you are only two: perish beneath my soldiers, or be obliterated by Jupiter." Jose declared arrogantly.
"No matter what happens, our answer will never change! We will not surrender! The ones who'll be crushed here will be you!" Natsu roared furiously.
Jose was clearly enraged, his eyes bulging in fury.
"Then I'll let you taste an even greater Jupiter! Fifteen minutes until the loading is complete—enjoy every moment of your fear until then!"
"Happy!"
As soon as Natsu shouted, he and Happy flew off into the sky.
"Elfman, let's break inside too!" Gray said.
"Right!"
"Loke and I will hold the defense here." Cana declared, tarot cards glowing in her hand. Loki nodded firmly.
"Then I'll go help too." Erza switched into her Heaven's Wheel Armor and rushed off as well.
Noel, meanwhile, was helped back into the guild for a short rest. But as he watched everyone fighting with all they had while he sat idle, an indescribable bitterness filled his heart.
Why was he so weak? Why couldn't he even protect his own comrades?
Right now, Noel felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. He wanted to do everything—yet he could do nothing.
Perhaps Mond had been right all along… Only by gaining true strength could one protect those around them. Without power, everything was nothing but empty talk.
Why hadn't he understood this sooner? Why did he only realize it now, when it was too late? He had been too complacent all this time.
"…It seems you're troubled, child."
Noel thought he heard Mond's voice.
But Mond was long dead. It couldn't be him. It had to be that twisted god again. As much as Noel hated to admit it, the wretched being always seemed to have some method in hand.
"So, here you are again…" Noel looked at the God of Truth standing before him, his eyes filled with faint hostility.
"I saw how troubled you were, so I came to help. And yet you don't even feel moved? How heartbreaking… Truly, I, a god, am wounded." The God of Truth clutched his chest in mock anguish.
"My problems are none of your concern. And what could you possibly do to help? How boring." Noel scoffed.
"You don't believe me? I could grant you immense power—if only you'd strike a deal with me."
"I will never make a deal with you. Disappear from my sight and stop showing up before me." Noel snapped.
"Such coldness from a child… What am I to say about you?" The god gave a theatrical sigh, feigning distress.
"Will you just leave already?" Noel's patience was gone.
"You can't do anything to me. And I am a god. You should be kneeling before me."
Suddenly, Noel felt a crushing weight pressing down on his body. His knees buckled, and he was forced to the floor.
"What are you doing…" Noel glared up at him with hatred.
"Just a joke. Amusing, isn't it?" The God of Truth smirked playfully.
"Can't you leave my life alone?! Every critical moment, you show up to torment me! What, do you enjoy seeing me weak?!" Noel roared in fury.
"If all you wanted was to see me like this, then you've won. You've had your laugh. Now get lost!"
"How unpleasant… but still entertaining. You're just as you were when you were young." The god said softly.
"The more I watch you, the more fascinated I become… to the point I cannot stop myself. I've never met an alchemist as interesting as you."
"Do you even understand who you're refusing? You're rejecting the offer of a god. Following my way would be the best solution!"
"I don't want it. Your so-called 'best solution' is nothing more than turning me into your puppet. I'd rather choose freedom." Noel said with disdain.
"A mere child, and yet you see things so clearly. I underestimated you… what a pity."
"Looks like you're destined to fail. How pathetic. Why can't you just become stronger? If you did, you'd be able to protect your guild." The God of Truth sneered.
"You're far too weak. If you accepted me, you'd gain true strength. Don't you long for it?" he tempted further.
"Whether I'm strong or not doesn't matter. What matters is gaining strength through my own effort. I will never accept your help." Noel spat.
"You call yourself a god, but everything you do reeks of heresy and corruption. Stop pestering me."
"Hahaha!" The God of Truth suddenly burst into laughter. "Then how about this—I propose a deal with no downside at all."
"I refuse. I will never make a deal with you." Noel rejected him before even hearing the details.
He had no intention of ever tying himself to such a twisted being. In alchemy, everything came at a price. The greater the power granted, the heavier the cost to be paid—and it was never bearable.
Besides… he had his comrades. He had his guild master. Fairy Tail would be fine.
"What a simple, innocent child… Wonderful…" The God of Truth's eyes roved over Noel, his gaze only growing fonder.
"Well then, perhaps I'll take my leave. But your guild is in for grave trouble. Are you truly not worried?"
"What's there to worry about? I believe in everyone. Together, they'll protect the guild." Noel answered with firm conviction.