Magic Council Headquarters
In the heart of the Council, atop a vast circular platform glowing with blue runes, several robed figures sat in solemn assembly. Their expressions were grim.
"Even if the Iron Forest guild has been destroyed, it changes little," one elder said coldly. "The deeper problem remains unresolved. Though Kael wiped out many dark guilds years ago…"
"They've multiplied again—like stars in the night sky," another muttered.
"It seems," a third voice added, "that we'll need a full-scale cleansing operation this time."
"Do you mean another campaign like before?"
"Exactly. We can't allow anyone to wield Zeref's magic again. If that happens, the consequences would be catastrophic."
An elderly councilor, Yamaji, slammed his cane against the floor. "A dangerous spell like that should have been under strict supervision. How could it have been taken out so easily? This failure lies with the Council itself!"
Another nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The staff responsible must answer for this negligence."
Across the glowing chamber, a blue-haired young man leaned back in his chair, his tone smooth but sharp. "Well, let's not forget—our supposed troublemakers from Fairy Tail actually saved our necks this time."
His smile deepened. "Just a handful of them destroyed an entire dark guild. Kael personally dealt with Erigor, while Erza, Natsu, and Gray defeated the demon born from the Cursed Flute. Quite the feat, wouldn't you say?"
One of the women present—a disguised Ultear—smiled faintly, nodding her agreement. "Fairy Tail's strength truly is remarkable."
"That's a fact," another councilor said gruffly. "If those guild masters had been killed during the conference, we wouldn't be sitting here discussing politics—we'd be attending funerals. Some of us might have lost our heads as well!"
The blue-haired youth chuckled softly. "Careful, councilor. Are you admitting guilt already?"
The older man scowled. "Jellal, are you trying to pin this on us?"
"You've got some nerve. Fairy Tail's reckless behavior created just as many problems!"
"Then perhaps," Jellal said with calm defiance, "we should all be a little more honest. The Council does bear some responsibility, don't you think?"
His words hung in the air, sharp as blades. Several faces stiffened.
The meeting adjourned soon after.
In a quiet corridor, Ultear and Jellal dropped their disguises.
"So," Ultear said softly, "you met Kael. What did you think of him?"
Jellal's expression turned thoughtful. "His strength… is incredible. When I stood before him, the sheer pressure from his magic alone was enough to make me sweat. He's not someone to underestimate."
"I see…" Ultear murmured, lowering her gaze, her mind turning with silent calculation.
The news of Iron Forest's failed assault on the Guild Masters' Conference spread quickly throughout Fiore. The Council, eager to hide its mistakes, suppressed many of the details—but that didn't stop the public from buzzing with speculation.
Every member of Iron Forest had been captured, including Erigor. Kael had refused to kill him, choosing instead to hand him over to the authorities, where he now awaited the harshest of sentences.
Meanwhile, life in Fairy Tail had returned to its chaotic normal.
"Mom," Lucy murmured as she sealed her latest letter home. "This time, I really did something amazing! You don't need to worry—I'm doing great here! Fairy Tail is the best guild ever!"
Stretching with a yawn, she smiled to herself, already planning to relax and do a little shopping.
"Lucy! Lucy!" a familiar voice called from outside.
She leaned out the window and saw two figures below. "Kana! Kael! Good morning!"
"Morning! You forgot, didn't you?" Kana shouted, waving energetically with one arm while the other clung possessively to Kael's. "Natsu and Erza are having their duel today—get down here, quick!"
"Wait, that's today?!" Lucy gasped. "I'll be right there!"
As she hurried to grab her things, Kana muttered under her breath, still fuming. "Honestly, Gray's the worst—he was wandering around half-naked again! Tried to visit you too, Lucy. Lucky I caught him."
Kael gave an awkward chuckle, remembering how Kana had literally punched Gray through the guild doors before dragging him along to fetch Lucy.
At the Guild Entrance
"Let's go, Natsu! You got this!"
"Yeah! Show her what you've got!"
A circle of excited guildmates surrounded the training yard where Natsu and Erza stood face-to-face. The air practically vibrated with anticipation.
"Perfect timing," Kael said as he, Kana, and Lucy arrived. Both combatants were still staring each other down, and the fight hadn't started yet.
"They're really going through with it?" Lucy asked in disbelief as she squeezed through the crowd. "I thought Natsu was just joking!"
"Of course it's real!" Elfman said, folding his arms proudly. "A man's challenge must always be taken seriously!"
"Erza's a woman, Elfman," Lisanna giggled.
"Here they go," Kael said quietly.
"I'm winning today, Erza!" Natsu shouted, flames already flickering around his fists.
"I'll give it my all too," Erza replied calmly. "It's been a while since I tested my limits."
Light burst from her body. "Requip—Armor of the Flame Emperor!"
Her form gleamed in black and orange, the heat from her armor distorting the air.
"What's that armor?" Lucy asked, wide-eyed.
"It's fire-resistant," Kana explained. "Cuts the power of flame magic in half. Natsu's gonna have to be careful."
"Perfect!" Natsu grinned, his excitement blazing brighter than his flames. "Now I can go all out!"
Makarov appeared suddenly at the sidelines. "Begin!"
Natsu lunged first—a straight punch aimed at Erza's face. She sidestepped, her blade flashing in response. Natsu ducked under the strike and kicked upward, flames erupting around his foot. Erza blocked with a gauntleted arm, the impact shaking the ground.
The two clashed in a flurry of blows—pure close combat, fire and steel meeting in explosive bursts.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu inhaled and unleashed a torrent of flame.
Erza darted aside, weaving through the blaze before charging straight toward him with blinding speed.
Gray, standing guard nearby, raised his hand. "Ice-Make: Barrier!"
A circular wall of ice shimmered around the spectators, shielding them from the waves of heat.
"Wow!" Lucy gasped, eyes sparkling. "They're incredible!"
The crowd cheered wildly, completely entranced by the duel—so much so that no one noticed Kael had quietly slipped away.
At the City Gates
There, kneeling respectfully on the cobblestones, was a frog-like creature in a cloak.
"Lord Kael," it croaked, bowing deeply. "Good morning. I bring word from the Magic Council—Erza Scarlet is to be placed under arrest."
Kael's expression darkened, his golden eyes narrowing. "That won't be necessary. I'll go with you myself. There's something I need to discuss with those councilors."
"B-but, sir, the order—"
"No 'buts.' We're leaving. Now."
He raised his hand. A radiant golden magic circle unfurled beneath them, light swirling upward.
In the blink of an eye, Kael and the messenger vanished from the city gates—headed straight for the Magic Council itself.