Magic Council.
The ten council members were in session.
The Tower of Paradise incident had become their top priority – a rather serious and severe matter.
They debated whether to dispatch the army or follow Siegrain's suggestion – using the super destructive magic weapon Etherion for long-range devastation.
After some discussion...
Five votes opposed using Etherion, rejecting Siegrain's proposal.
The chairman announced, "In summary, the proposal to use Etherion will not be adopted."
"Wait, do you really understand the consequences?!" Siegrain panicked.
"No need to say more, Siegrain," the chairman said, "The situation isn't that dire yet."
"Hmph, not dire?" Siegrain sneered twice, "You have no idea who my brother Jellal is trying to resurrect!"
Council member Yajima furrowed his brow at Siegrain thoughtfully.
"Siegrain, is there something you're not telling us?" another councilor asked with concern.
"I've been hiding it, fearing unrest, originally planning to bear everything myself, but..." Siegrain gritted his teeth, "Jellal... he's trying to resurrect Zeref!"
"What?!"
The councilors were shocked.
One councilor gasped, "Zeref? The legendary black mage?!"
"Yes," Siegrain ground out, "So even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance, or even one in a hundred thousand, I absolutely cannot allow this to happen!"
"No one should tamper with such forbidden existence!"
Siegrain declared resolutely.
"Even if it's my own brother!"
"...," the council fell silent.
"I agree," one councilor raised his hand.
"So do I."
"Agreed."
The other councilors voiced their agreement.
"I abstain." Yajima gave Siegrain a deep look.
"With eight votes in favor and one abstention, therefore—" the chairman announced, "The proposal to use Etherion is approved!"
"Everyone, hurry and prepare."
The councilors quickly dispersed to coordinate with various departments.
Yajima kept staring at Siegrain.
"Mr. Yajima, is something wrong?" Siegrain's face was full of sorrow – the target of potential annihilation was his brother, and he had proposed this decision!
"Are you sure about this?" Yajima spoke earnestly, "Decisions that make everything irretrievable shouldn't be made lightly. Sometimes, perhaps there are other paths."
"Zeref must never be resurrected!" Siegrain stated firmly, "This is the most basic responsibility every mage, as a council member, should recognize!"
"I have no proof, Siegrain," Yajima said, "I'm old now, without much influence. I only have one vote. In the face of overwhelming consensus, I can only abstain."
Yajima sighed, "Siegrain, sometimes, a wrong decision can't be repaid even with a lifetime of pain."
He looked seriously at Siegrain, then at a beautiful female councilor nearby, asking, "Are you both truly prepared for this?"
Ultear gave a faint smile and didn't answer.
"I'll bear all the consequences!" Siegrain declared sincerely.
"Alas—" Yajima sighed deeply, turned around, and left. His voice echoed through the empty corridor like deflated air.
"I'm very old; it's time to retire. Fortunately, Makarov's children are all reliable."
*Tap*
*Tap*
*Tap*
Jehfrit walked leisurely on the damp road.
Turning a corner, he saw two beauties lying on the ground, breathing heavily – Lucy and Juvia.
Jehfrit didn't disturb them.
Their enemy – a man Jehfrit had met before, pale-skinned with samurai-like long hair, was lying far away, though now bald – his luscious straight hair nowhere to be seen, leaving only a shiny bald head.
Presumably, they defeated him together?
If so...
That woman came too?
What a pity.
If they met as enemies, he wouldn't show mercy.
"We won, Lucy!"
"Thank goodness, you're back to normal, Juvia!"
The two well-built girls hugged each other excitedly.
The scene was beautiful.
*Snap* Jehfrit's quick eyes captured a photo.
"Ouch—ouch—ouch."
When Juvia accidentally touched Lucy's thigh, she screamed immediately.
Lucy had been whipped hard by Queen Juvia earlier.
"Sorry, Lucy," Juvia quickly apologized.
"It's okay," Lucy shook her head, "Let's go find them."
The two supported each other and left.
Behind them.
The bald man gradually regained consciousness.
Can't move...
His whole body felt like it was falling apart.
But he must stand up!
He absolutely couldn't be defeated here!
He—
Udaru Das!
He was supposed to become captain!
He was supposed to restore the Triforce Squad's reputation!
He would never be ridiculed again!
That damn woman – Ikuto, after becoming captain, never took assassination missions.
As a result, not only did his income plummet, but he was also mocked as a coward!
He wasn't!
He was a singer of hell!
The guild master promised that if he completed this mission and killed Ikuto, the credit would be his alone, and he'd become captain now!
With autonomous mission selection rights!
Udaru Das tremblingly raised his hand, holding a pill which he popped into his mouth.
"Lucy," Jehfrit suddenly appeared beside Lucy and Juvia.
"Jehfrit!" Lucy exclaimed happily.
"As I said, don't let your guard down until the battle is over," Jehfrit scolded slightly.
"What?" Lucy froze, but Juvia snapped back, quickly helping Lucy turn around.
"How could it be? He was already defeated!" Lucy exclaimed in shock.
"Do you want to die? Fighting in such a state!" Juvia said.
"A dark mage walks on the edge of death's scythe!" Udaru Das sneered, "Another strong one? Can't sense your magic, but they seem to trust you!"
"If you attack them, it'll definitely be interesting!"
"Jehfrit!" Lucy and Juvia paled.
If Jehfrit got controlled, it wouldn't just spell trouble for them; likely Natsu, Gray, and even Erza would be in trouble!
"Be careful, he has magic that can turn people into puppets!" Lucy quickly warned.
"Is that so? What a coincidence, I have similar magic." Jehfrit smiled.
"Hahaha, then let's compare!"
Udaru Das laughed loudly, hugging his guitar, ready to play when suddenly he knelt!
"I'm sorry!"
"Huh?" This sudden twist stunned the tense Lucy and Juvia.
"Playing this broken guitar and disturbing everyone's ears is sorry!"
Udaru Das knelt on both knees, prostrated himself, deeply repenting.
"Attacking such beautiful ladies is crime!"
"Sorry for someone like me to still be alive!"