Chapter 86: Lumen Histoire
"Gramps, it's just a chat. Did we really need to come all the way down here? Though I have to admit, I didn't know Fairy Tail had a place like this."
Dino followed Makarov toward the basement. In a hidden corner of the guild, the old master opened an inconspicuous door.
Beyond the threshold lay a descending staircase that spiraled down into darkness. They descended several floors, the air growing cooler with each step, and still the stairs continued downward.
Makarov glanced back at him. "You brat, I heard you dealt with the Magic Council's 'Etherion'?"
Dino blinked in surprise. "You know about that already?"
"Hmph! The entire Magic Council is in complete chaos right now. Fortunately, it seems the Etherion blast didn't cause any major damage, so they're less likely to come down hard on us."
"You really are a walking disaster, kid. Trouble follows you wherever you go. And now you've gone and survived a direct hit from Etherion, of all things."
Dino immediately protested. "Hey, hey! Gramps, is that any way to talk about your own guild member? We nearly died out there!"
"You think I don't know that?! Do you have any idea how worried I was when I heard?! If something had happened to you brats, I'd never forgive myself!"
Makarov's expression turned deadly serious. "But listen well, Dino—don't go spreading around that you survived the Council's Etherion. The last thing we need is more attention from those uptight bureaucrats."
"Relax, I know how to keep a low profile. Besides, I didn't exactly 'take' the hit—I just redirected it."
Makarov's eyebrow twitched. "Don't be so modest. I've never heard of anyone who could deflect Etherion. Anyway, we're here."
Dino followed Makarov into the deepest level of the Fairy Tail guild. Before them stood a massive metal door, its surface covered in intricate magical patterns that pulsed with faint light. Clearly, powerful protective enchantments had been layered over it. Something about the scene struck Dino as oddly familiar, though he couldn't quite place why.
Makarov turned to face him, his expression grave. "Listen carefully, brat. What you're about to see is Fairy Tail's greatest secret. Only you can know what's behind this door—you cannot tell anyone, not even those closest to you. Understood?"
Dino scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Um… I'm not exactly great at keeping secrets, you know. Maybe I shouldn't know about this at all?"
A vein bulged on Makarov's forehead. "You idiot! It's too late to back out now!"
"Squeak!" With both hands, Makarov pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside. Dino followed, curiosity outweighing his reluctance.
His eyes widened at what he saw. An enormous lacrima crystal stood in the center of the chamber, and within it was the body of a young girl, perfectly preserved as if frozen in time.
Seeing her face, recognition finally clicked into place. The scene had seemed familiar because he'd seen it in his visions of possible futures—the body of Fairy Tail's adorable First Master. The heart of a devastating super magic.
Makarov's voice was heavy with solemnity. "This is a secret known only to the Guild Masters of Fairy Tail. This girl is the original body of our First Master, Mavis Vermillion."
"She is also the source of a super magic called Lumen Histoire—infinite magic power. If this were to fall into the wrong hands, the consequences would be catastrophic."
"Every Guild Master of Fairy Tail has carried one mission: to protect Lumen Histoire—to protect the First Master's body from those who would misuse it."
"Recently, I've learned that someone has set their sights on Lumen Histoire. I'm getting old, and I don't know if I can hold out much longer—"
Dino immediately cut him off. "Stop right there, old man! Don't say another word!"
"What?!"
"I know what you're about to say, Gramps. But I won't accept it."
Makarov's face reddened. "You brat! How dare you refuse! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!"
"I'm not refusing—I'm just saying it's way too early for this conversation. You're still going strong, and you've got plenty of years left in you. Besides, shouldn't this go to Gildarts first, then me? That's how succession works, right?!"
"You know damn well what kind of person Gildarts is! Do you honestly think he'd settle down and run the guild?!"
Dino pictured Gildarts' wandering nature—the man could barely stay in one place for more than a few days. If he showed up once a year and stuck around for a week, that would be a miracle.
"Well… maybe someday he'll settle down? And even if not, you can pass it to me when you literally can't walk anymore. Not a moment before."
Makarov huffed, though Dino could see he was pleased with the response. "Hmph! Brat! I've got at least ten more good years in me!"
In truth, Makarov was simply preparing a contingency plan. Though the magical world seemed peaceful on the surface, he could sense the undercurrents of turmoil. The corruption within the Magic Council had put him on high alert. Just in case, he wanted Dino to know about Fairy Tail's greatest secret ahead of time.
"Gramps, do you have any leads on whoever's targeting Lumen Histoire?" Dino's tone shifted, becoming more serious. If he knew their location, he'd pay them a visit personally and remove the threat permanently. You couldn't guard against thieves forever—better to eliminate them outright.
Makarov shook his head. "They've been careful not to reveal themselves. I'll let you know the moment I learn anything."
Among everyone in the guild, Makarov trusted Dino's strength the most. The kid had survived humanity's ultimate weapon, Etherion—a few Dark Guilds would be nothing in comparison.
When Dino and Makarov returned to the guild hall, the old master's jaw dropped. Somehow, in the short time they'd been gone, everyone had started brawling again. The beautifully decorated guild hall had been transformed into a disaster zone, with smashed tables and broken chairs scattered everywhere.
Makarov's eyes actually welled up with tears. "You IDIOTS! There are reporters coming for an interview tomorrow! Couldn't you behave for just ONE day?!"
Dino smacked his fist into his palm, realization dawning. "Oh! So that's why the guild was decorated so nicely!"
"STOP THIS RIGHT NOW, YOU MORONS!" Makarov's body swelled into his giant form, and he grabbed multiple guild members in one massive hand like they were unruly puppies. Wails of protest filled the air.
"Now CLEAN THIS MESS UP!"