"Do you really trust them that much? Are they truly that reliable?" The God of Truth asked, probing.
"Even though everyone can be unreliable sometimes—and they do cause plenty of destruction—at their core, they're all kind and dependable people. Especially at times like this… there's no doubt in my mind they'll come through," Noel replied firmly.
"And what about you? Hiding here alone—slacking off—is that really appropriate?" The God of Truth asked with a sly smile.
"I'm not slacking off. I'm restoring my magic. In my current condition, if I rushed out to fight, I'd only drag everyone down. I'm not the type to ignore my own limits," Noel shot back.
"Hah, what a sharp-tongued little brat. I like you. Really, from the very first moment I saw you, I've liked you more and more. You're fascinating." The God of Truth laughed in a disturbingly twisted way.
The laughter sent chills down Noel's spine. Was this person really a god? He felt more like a demon than a deity.
"I've told you before—I don't want someone like you fixating on me," Noel said with deep disgust.
"Fine, fine. This time I'll be merciful and lend you a hand. You'd better be grateful."
"I refuse."
"Why? You've no reason to refuse. If you accept my help, you'll be able to save everyone. Don't you want to protect them all from harm?" The God of Truth pressed, his voice dripping with temptation.
"I'm not someone who needs charity. Everything I want—I'll win back with my own hands!" Noel roared.
"Very well. But I'm sure you'll change your mind. For now, just accept the gift." With that, the God of Truth vanished into shadow.
"…What a detestable bastard," Noel muttered with a sigh.
But that guy clearly had him figured out. For a moment, Noel had almost given in to the temptation. There was no way he believed that god would offer anything without demanding a price.
And yet… a miracle had occurred. Moments ago, more than half his magic had been drained. But now—his reserves were full and brimming.
Too strange. Why? No doubt it was the "gift" of that twisted god. A petty handout, meant to buy him. Surely some scheme was hidden in it.
But that was a problem for another time. For now, with his magic restored, it was time to fight. Everyone else was doing their best—he couldn't be the exception.
Descending to the first floor, Noel found Mirajane sitting blankly in the guild hall. Her head hung low, as if in penance. Her spirit was broken, her eyes dull and lifeless.
"Noel… where are you going?" Mira asked quietly.
"My magic's recovered. Of course I'm going to fight. Everyone else is out there—I can't be the only one who doesn't." Noel answered naturally.
"You've recovered so quickly? Unlike me… I'll only slow everyone down. If I disguised myself as Lucy… maybe if they handed me over, the fighting would stop." Mira's voice carried guilt.
"You really think that? Lucy isn't a commodity—she's Lucy of Fairy Tail. Our comrade."
"And besides, they were the ones who started this war. We will never yield. This is about our dignity." Noel's teeth clenched. "Even if it's Phantom, they'll pay the price."
"So don't worry. Everything will pass," Noel said gently.
"…Mm." Mira slowly lifted her head, a faint spark returning to her eyes.
"I want to fight," Mira said, her voice resolute.
"No. Absolutely not. Their target is Lucy. If you go out looking like that, you'll draw all their fire—you'll be the one they focus on." Noel said, worried.
"I'm not afraid." Mira refused to back down.
"This isn't about fear. The truth is you can't fight now. Staying here in the guild is the greatest help you can give us."
"If you really feel guilty, then be the receptionist. Serve everyone well." Noel waved a hand, then dashed outside. Cheers erupted from the guild's front lines, though he didn't yet know why.
"We did it!"
"The cannon's destroyed!"
"Fantastic!"
Looking up, Noel saw smoke billowing from Phantom's walking guild cannon. It seemed Jupiter was disabled. Relief washed over him—another shot, and he might not have survived.
"Well done." Cana allowed herself a faint smile, her eyes fixed on the distant scene.
"Jupiter can't fire anymore!"
"Serves you right for underestimating Natsu!" the guild roared in joy.
"Now's the time to counterattack! Crush the enemy in one stroke!" Cana shouted, rallying the others.
"Fate of Thunder!"
"Rapid Fire!"
"Lightning!"
With Phantom's artillery destroyed, Fairy Tail's morale surged. Just moments ago they had been on the defensive—but now the tide was turning.
"Noel? Why are you out here? Weren't you resting?" Cana asked, surprised to see him emerge from the guild.
"My magic's fully restored. I'm fine now."
Cana didn't question further. Having such a powerful ally back in the fight was a huge relief. This war was suddenly looking a lot more winnable.
"Master… Jupiter's been destroyed from the inside!" a Phantom mage reported breathlessly, stumbling into the control room.
"Those damn brats…" Jose growled through gritted teeth.
"Switch modes!" he barked, slamming his hand down on the console.
The entire Phantom guild began to shake violently.
"It's standing up!?"
"What's happening!?"
"What now!?"
The massive fortress, which had been hunched low to the ground, suddenly rose up. Six gleaming metal legs extended outward, clawing into the earth.
"What the hell is that!?"
"No way…"
The sight left everyone gaping, speechless.
"This… this is…"
"A… a giant!"
Even Loke stared at the towering magical construct, at a loss for words.
"It's enormous…"
"They mean to crush the guild beneath it! What do we do!?"
Panic spread like wildfire. In front of such a colossal machine, all their efforts seemed futile.
"Listen up! Natsu will definitely stop that giant!" Cana shouted, trying to steady the guild's morale.
"…Wait. Isn't Natsu… really bad with vehicles?" Noel reminded her.
"…Ah!" Cana froze, the realization hitting her.
"How are things holding up here? If you can manage, I'll head out to support Natsu," Noel offered.
"We'll hold. Don't worry." Cana nodded firmly. "We'll defend this place no matter what."
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