As Laxus launched his aggressive assault, Gray and the others watched with growing concern. Yet Jehfrit remained calm and composed.
Natsu tilted his head slightly, a vague but unmistakable sense of unease prickling at him. Though blurry, his instincts were spot-on.
Jehfrit stood silently, observing the pitiable figure before him—
Though Laxus appeared to charge forward with ferocity, it was as if he were retreating in terror. He couldn't face the truth, much like someone refusing to believe that an ugly monster might not harbor malicious intent.
"That's enough, Laxus," Jehfrit said with a smile, activating his magic.
In his second-stage mastery, Jehfrit could silently plant magical seeds within a person's body. When triggered, these seeds would instantly manipulate their emotions—reducing even the strongest opponents to submission.
Everyone in the guild, including Laxus, had long since been "seeded" by him.
Hmm… Well... perhaps phrasing it that way made it sound worse than intended?
Regardless.
A wave of fear washed over Laxus almost instantaneously, robbing him of most of his consciousness.
"I'm not afraid of anything!"
Laxus clenched his teeth, his entire body trembling. Every muscle, every pore, every hair on his skin contracted painfully inward—quivering uncontrollably!
Step by agonizing step, he forced himself forward.
What about sadness, then?
In an instant, tears streamed down Laxus's face. It felt as though someone had seized his heart and yanked it upward, choking off his throat. His nose burned as if doused in lemon juice.
He gritted his teeth, his lightning fading entirely, yet he continued to stagger toward Jehfrit.
"Laxus…" Gray reached out, but ultimately didn't intervene.
"Truly impressive, Laxus," Jehfrit muttered approvingly. This man's willpower was monstrous.
Helplessness.
Depression.
Regret.
The emotions assaulted him relentlessly.
By the time Laxus reached Jehfrit, he was little more than a quivering lump of flesh—but sheer determination kept him upright.
One eye shut tight, the other half-open, he moved like a slug—his feet dragging uselessly across the ground until he stood less than half a meter away from Jehfrit.
With monumental effort, he raised his hand, trembling violently as he formed a fist.
"You've lost, Laxus," Jehfrit declared.
Laxus swung feebly, utterly powerless. Unable to maintain his balance, he collapsed forward.
Jehfrit caught him with his left arm, letting Laxus's chin rest against his shoulder.
"This time, you're the one lying on the ground, Laxus," Jehfrit said softly. "So put aside your ridiculous arrogance and return to the path of hard training."
"Even masters must keep the heart of a student."
"There's still so much for you to learn—from the Master and beyond."
"Next time, I—" Laxus began, but his voice trailed off as his eyes closed, succumbing to unconsciousness.
Jehfrit released him, allowing Laxus to slump lifelessly to the ground.
"We won…" Gray exhaled deeply, stepping back to sit heavily on a fallen pillar.
*THUD*
Natsu flopped backward, already snoring loudly.
"Levy!" Gajeel rushed over to check on her inside the now-dissolving magical array.
As the petrification lifted, Levy emerged in tears—she'd heard everything that transpired.
"Thank you, Gajeel… thank you all…" she sobbed.
Gajeel sighed in relief, saying nothing as he turned to look at Jehfrit. Now he understood why Natsu and Gray held such wariness toward this man—he'd defeated the mighty Laxus so effortlessly. Thankfully, Jehfrit seemed more mischievous than malicious; imagining him as an enemy sent shivers down Gajeel's spine.
"Well then," Jehfrit clapped his hands together. "That concludes Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage Selection Trial!"
"Huh?" Gray stared blankly.
Jehfrit grinned. "Now we can reveal the truth. All of this—the battles, the chaos—it was planned and executed with the Master's approval, involving Laxus, the Thunder God Tribe, Mystogan, and me. This was this year's S-Class Mage Selection Trial."
Gray opened his mouth to speak but found no words came out.
*Cough cough.* Makarov cleared his throat, glancing at the unconscious Laxus beside him, then at Jehfrit. A proud smile spread across his wrinkled face.
"An old fool risking his life, and a reckless brat doing whatever he pleases!" A sharp voice rang out as an elderly woman in fiery red robes approached.
"Madam Porlyusica…" Jehfrit chuckled nervously.
"Hmph, stop grinning like an idiot," Porlyusica snapped. "Pick this old man up."
"Yes, ma'am." Jehfrit nodded, hoisting Makarov onto his back and trailing sheepishly after Porlyusica.
---
Park Plaza
Mystogan knelt on one knee, leaning heavily on the remnants of his staff.
Erza sheathed her sword. "It's over on Laxus's side. Looks like Jehfrit won."
"And on our side, you emerged victorious," Mystogan replied.
*BZZT*
The magical barrier dissipated, freeing Bisca and Cana from their petrified states.
"Mystogan, is there anything you want to say?" Erza asked.
He paused thoughtfully. "I just… wanted to make sure everyone was okay. But they haven't changed."
"Their hearts are still set on protecting their comrades."
"Their resolve remains strong."
"Fairy Tail will continue moving forward."
"It will always be a warm, safe place."
"Why are you saying these things?" Erza frowned.
Mystogan glanced up at her, smiling faintly. "I have no regrets, Erza. What a thrilling battle it was."
With that, he rose unsteadily and limped away.
Erza furrowed her brow, sensing something final in his words—as if he intended to leave permanently.
He hadn't explained why, and she respected his decision not to. Concern was one thing, but respect mattered too.
While the Harvest Festival skirmish provided entertainment for the town, it also caused significant property damage—a headache for Makarov.
His heart may have healed, but financial woes replaced it.
Interrogations from the Magic Council, demands for compensation from the mayor, relentless probing by journalists, and mounting pressure from all sides weighed heavily on him.
"Tsk tsk." Jehfrit shook his head, addressing the mummy-like Laxus beside him. "This is what being Fairy Tail's Guild Master entails, Laxus. Better start interning."
Laxus remained silent, turning to leave without another word.
---
Soon afterward, reparations were settled, and Makarov finally managed a small smile. The justification for the trial placated everyone.
Though many suspected the situation wasn't quite as simple as presented, no one pressed further.
In summary—
A potential civil war threatening to tear Fairy Tail apart had been transformed into a controlled competition.
Much credit went to Jehfrit.
But he paid little mind to such trivial matters.
Instead, he focused on the upcoming "All-Member Recovery Celebration Party"—an idea he'd proposed.
After a few days of rest and recuperation, spirits would lift, and it was time to celebrate!
Everyone eagerly anticipated the event.
Jehfrit adjusted his glasses with a knowing smile.
It was time to reel in his plans.