The wind had stilled.
The snowflakes drifted like ash in the aftermath of battle, dancing around the towering monument of ice—Deliora, sealed forever by the final breath of a master.
Ur's magic still lingered in the air—sublimated, transcendent. Her final will had not faded, but diffused across the snow-covered ground, whispering like a lullaby to the land she gave her life to protect.
Escanor stood in silence, his body still aching, his soul heavier than before. Slowly, like a blooming sun through winter mist, Sunshine absorbed the remaining fragments of Ur's essence. The light around Escanor shimmered for a moment—warmer, steadier.
Something within him had changed.
But what exactly… that was a mystery for another time.
Nearby, Gray knelt wordlessly, his fist clenched in the snow.
Tears streamed down his cheeks, his lips trembling—not from the cold, but from the weight of powerlessness.
"Why...?"
Why wasn't I strong enough?
Why couldn't I help her?
Why did she have to die?
He had no answers. Only regret.
Only grief.
But beside him, Lyon had already risen, his eyes fixed on the frozen demon. There was no doubt in them—only resolve.
He stepped forward.
And in that silence, made a vow.
"I will surpass Ur."
Escanor walked toward Gray and extended a hand.
"She didn't hesitate—not once," he said. "Ur chose her end. Not because she had to, but because she believed in what it meant. This ice sculpture… it's not just a seal. It's a symbol. The value of her life."
He pulled Gray to his feet.
"You can mourn. You should. But don't drown in it. Let your tears become your reason to stand taller."
Gray stared at him, eyes red.
Then Escanor raised both hands and pressed his palms to Gray and Lyon's heads.
Light flowed from him into them—Ur's final teachings. Her memories. Her insights. Her legacy.
"She left this for you," Escanor whispered. "Don't waste it."
Lyon stepped back.
"Gray."
"Huh?"
"I'm leaving."
"What? Where?"
"To find my own path. To become stronger—my way."
Gray's voice cracked. "But… we just— Ur's gone, and now you—?!"
Lyon didn't turn back.
"My strength won't grow if I stay. This is something I have to do alone."
"Lyon… Lyon!"
The name echoed through the valley, unanswered.
Escanor placed a hand on Gray's shoulder. No words—just a slow shake of the head.
Gray's shoulders sank.
He was lost between sorrow and uncertainty.
Escanor turned to the towering statue, sighing.
"What do we even do with this thing? It's not like we can just leave a giant world-ending demon frozen in a random ghost town…"
WOOOOOSH—
A deep hum filled the air as a magical airship broke through the clouds overhead. Its gleaming hull glinted in the morning sun.
"Blue Pegasus…?" Escanor narrowed his eyes.
From the ship, a figure leapt.
"ESCANOR!!!!"
A small, furious blur of magical power slammed into the ground—Makarov, beard flailing, eyes wild.
"You idiot child! Are you hurt?! What the hell happened?! What—"
Escanor gave a tired smile.
"Grandpa. I'm fine."
The old man hugged him, trembling in relief.
Two others descended shortly after—a flamboyant man in seductive undergarments, and a compact figure striking awkward poses with every step.
"Oh no… not Ichiya…" Escanor muttered.
As Makarov scanned the area, his eyes landed on the frozen colossus.
"What in blazes is that?"
Escanor exhaled slowly.
And told him everything.
"…Absolute Zero," Makarov murmured, once the story ended. "I've only heard of it in legend. For one person to wield it…"
He bowed his head.
"If she were alive… she might've become one of the Ten Wizard Saints. A true loss for our world."
He looked at Gray.
"You're her student, aren't you?"
Gray nodded silently.
"You have nowhere to go, do you?"
"…No."
"Then come with us. Join Fairy Tail."
Gray hesitated.
"…Can I? Even though I'm weak? If I'd been stronger, maybe Ur—"
Makarov knelt.
"You're already far ahead of most kids your age. And you're not weak—you're just unfinished. That's why we exist."
Gray looked at Escanor instinctively.
Makarov noticed.
"…Don't compare yourself to that one." He jabbed a thumb at Escanor. "He's… not normal."
Escanor groaned. "Seriously?"
"Just accept it."
Gray smiled faintly. "Okay then. I'll join."
"Little Makarov," the Blue Pegasus chairman said, wiggling disturbingly. "Enough child-snatching. What about the ice demon?"
Makarov stroked his beard. "This place… it's finished. No townsfolk left, no ecosystem. We'll set a magical barrier—make sure no one enters."
"I'll spread my manly aroma," Ichiya declared. "Men will not approach."
Escanor visibly recoiled.
"Please don't."
With the barrier in place, the group returned to the airship.
As the town faded behind them, Gray and Escanor stood at the railing.
Deliora's icy body gleamed in the sun—glistening like a star.
"I'll complete what's left of your wish, Ur," Escanor whispered.
Gray closed his eyes, fists clenched.
"Master… I'll become stronger. I'll carry your name into the future."
And thus, the curtain closed on the frozen town.
But far beyond the horizon, other shadows began to stir.
And a new chapter was about to begin.