Chapter-20: Phantom Part 2

"HOW? HOW CAN HE HAVE BEATEN GAJEEL? HOW CAN HE HAVE THAT MUCH POWER?" Jose's voice echoed with anger and disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the outcome of the battle.

But even in the face of this setback, Jose's resolve remained unyielding. "No matter, I will crush him myself when the time comes," he declared, his voice dripping with determination. "I still have the four Element 4 at my disposal."

With a steely gaze and clenched fists, Jose reaffirmed his commitment to his cause, his determination to bring Fairy Tail to its knees stronger than ever. Though Natsu's victory may have shaken him, it only served to fuel his determination to see his plans through to the end.

With Erza

Erza stood resolute, her Aurora Empress armor gleaming with an ethereal aura as she faced off against Aria, his frustration boiling over into disbelief.

"Inconceivable! There is no way Gajeel lost!" Aria's voice echoed across the battlefield, his anger tangible in the charged atmosphere.

Erza's response was cool and composed. "Well, he did. Get over it!" she retorted, her voice carrying the weight of unwavering determination.

In response to Aria's fury, he conjured a barrage of airspaces with a swift motion of his hand. Each explosive blast surged towards Erza with formidable force, but she remained unfazed, her movements a dance of grace amidst the chaos.

Summoning her Astral Saber, Erza channeled the celestial magic within her, the blade glowing with otherworldly energy. With a resolute cry, she unleashed Stellar Burst, the radiant shockwave cascading forth with dazzling brilliance.

"Stellar Burst!" Her voice echoed across the battlefield, the celestial energy engulfing Aria in a blinding display of power.

Aria, caught off guard by Erza's overwhelming strength, found himself struggling to keep pace. With each strike, his defenses weakened under the onslaught of Erza's relentless assault.

Erza's resolve remained unshaken as she closed the distance between them in an instant. With lightning speed, she delivered a powerful kick that sent Aria crashing into the wall.

Aria of the Element 4-Full Power - Power Level- 35.000

Erza Dragneel- Aurora Empress Armor -Base Form Full Power -50.000

"I'm really not interested in a boring fight," Erza declared, her voice laced with confidence.

Aria, stunned by Erza's speed and strength, attempted to retaliate, but before he could muster a response, Erza appeared before him in a blur of motion. With a swift strike from her left hand followed by a precise slash from her sword in her right, she delivered a devastating blow that left Aria reeling.

As Aria staggered under the weight of Erza's assault, his resolve faltered, realizing he was outmatched by her overwhelming power.

Erza stood tall, her gaze unwavering as she prepared to finish the battle, her determination shining brighter than ever.

With Seilah

Seilah stood amidst the aftermath of her battle, her opponent defeated before they could even raise a defense.

"How boring," she remarked with a hint of disappointment, her voice laced with indifference as she surveyed the scene.

With an air of nonchalance, she reclined on a nearby seat, resting her chin in her palms as she turned her attention to the distant battlefield where Natsu and Gajeel clashed.

"Hmm, tonight I want to cuddle with my darling," she mused softly, a faint smile playing on her lips as she anticipated the comforts awaiting her after the day's events.

With Lucy

As Lucy gracefully leaped over the fiery blasts hurled her way, she retaliated with a swift barrage of celestial arrows aimed at Totomaru.

"So, chivalry is dead to you, eh? Attacking a girl like this... tsk, tsk, tsk," she remarked, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and disdain.

"SHUT YOUR TRAP, YOU INSOLENT BITCH!" Totomaru spat back, his anger boiling over as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of Lucy's relentless assault.

As Lucy gracefully evaded the wave of blue fire sent her way, she couldn't help but smirk at Totomaru's futile attempts to strike her.

"You are quite slow, you know? Are you really an S-class?" she taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Totomaru's face twisted into a scowl as he seethed with frustration. "Oh, you... If it wasn't for the contract, I would have killed you by now, bitch!" he spat back, his rage barely contained.

"Contract?" Lucy's curiosity was piqued, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"We know who you are, Heartfilia. Your daddy will pay us lots of money after we're done destroying your guild and taking you back to him. We'll take everything your family has," Totomaru revealed, his voice laced with malice as he laid bare his sinister intentions.

,,That bastard ….'' she says cursing her father.

Totomaru's revelation about her father's involvement ignited a fierce anger within Lucy, her fists clenched at her sides as she cursed her father under her breath. However, she quickly composed herself, refusing to let her emotions cloud her judgment.

"So, you're just a hired thug, then?" Lucy's voice remained steady, her resolve unshaken despite the gravity of the situation. "You think you can intimidate me with empty threats? You have no idea what I'm capable of."

With a fluid motion, Lucy summoned her celestial spirits, her key radiating with a brilliant light as Leo and Taurus materialized before her.

"Evening, Lucy!" Leo greeted with a flirtatious grin, only to receive an arrow in his backside for his trouble.

"Miss Lucy, your beau—!" Taurus began, but Lucy's stern look silenced him before he could finish.

"Don't start that nonsense now. We have a fight to win," Lucy admonished, her tone firm as she directed her spirits towards Totomaru.

With a shared nod, Leo and Taurus charged forward, their determination evident as they closed in on Totomaru. Despite Totomaru's attempt to fend them off with a wave of fire, Leo and Taurus pressed on, their resolve unyielding.

Taurus delivered a powerful strike, catching Totomaru off guard and sending him hurtling through the air, where Leo awaited with his own attack. With a swift motion, Leo unleashed his celestial power, striking Totomaru directly in the face.

Totomaru staggered but quickly regained his footing, his determination unwavering. With a roar, he retaliated, unleashing a massive blast of fire that forced Taurus back into the spirit realm.

"So you have some power after all," Leo remarked, his tone laced with admiration as he prepared to face Totomaru alone.

"I earned my place as S-class!" Totomaru declared, his voice filled with confidence as he squared off against Leo in hand-to-hand combat.

Their exchange was fierce and relentless, each blow landing with precision as they danced across the battlefield. But in a sudden twist, Totomaru revealed his katana, catching Leo off guard and impaling him with a swift strike.

Leo's form flickered momentarily before dissipating, returning to the spirit realm as Totomaru stood victorious, his triumph evident in the fiery glint of his eyes.

Totomaru's blade sliced through the air with deadly speed, aimed directly at Lucy's heart. However, Lucy remained calm and composed, her confidence unwavering as she awaited Totomaru's attack. With a deft motion, she drew her own sword, MoonFall, its radiant silver blade shimmering with magical energy.

As Totomaru closed in, Lucy effortlessly intercepted his strike with MoonFall, the clash of their swords echoing across the battlefield. Totomaru's surprise was palpable, evident in his bewildered expression. He had underestimated Lucy's prowess in close combat.

"What?" Totomaru exclaimed, his disbelief apparent. He had not expected Lucy to possess such skill with a blade.

"Lunar Slash!" Lucy's voice rang out with authority as she unleashed a swift and precise slash with her sword. A crescent-shaped trail of energy erupted from MoonFall, striking Totomaru and gravely injuring him. The force of the attack sent Totomaru hurtling through the air, his body crashing to the ground with a resounding thud.

As Totomaru struggled to regain his footing, Lucy wasted no time in closing the distance between them. With a graceful movement, she teleported to his location, her resolve unwavering.

"Moonlit Symphony!" Lucy's voice echoed with power as she performed a complex sword dance, her movements fluid and precise. With each slash and stab, she weaved together a mesmerizing display of skill and power, her blade glinting in the moonlight as it cut through the air with deadly precision.

Totomaru, unable to defend himself against Lucy's onslaught, could only watch helplessly as the onslaught continued. With a final flourish, Lucy delivered a decisive blow, her sword striking true and ending the battle in a dazzling display of strength and mastery.

As the dust settled, Lucy stood victorious, her chest heaving with exertion but her spirit unbroken. With a satisfied smile, she sheathed MoonFall, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with unwavering resolve.

"Nice fight, Lucy!" a voice exclaimed suddenly, causing Lucy to tense. Without hesitation, she unsheathed MoonFall and swiftly brought it to the throat of the speaker.

"Natsu? You scared me!" she whined, a mixture of relief and annoyance evident in her voice.

"Haha, well, point for reacting so quickly," Natsu chuckled, unfazed by Lucy's defensive stance. He reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

Lucy couldn't help but smile lightly at Natsu's antics, finding solace in his familiar presence. However, her thoughts soon turned somber as she remembered Totomaru's words about her father.

"Natsu... did you hear what he said? About my father?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly with uncertainty.

Natsu's expression softened, his gaze filled with understanding. "Yes," he responded simply, his tone gentle yet resolute.

Lucy's mind raced with worry and doubt as she contemplated the implications of Totomaru's revelation. "What am I supposed to do? I caused so much trouble... Should I le—" she began, but Natsu interrupted her, bringing her head to rest against his chest.

"Don't worry about it," Natsu reassured her, his voice steady and reassuring. "They kept me with my crazy family history, they'll keep you. And about your father? Well, we'll pay him a visit after to talk about how he will... behave from this point on," he finished, his words carrying a quiet determination.

With Natsu's comforting presence by her side, Lucy felt a newfound sense of strength and resolve. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she hugged him tightly.

"No problem, doll," Natsu replied, his tone warm and reassuring as he returned the embrace.

With Gray

"Your friends lost... you're the last member of the Element 4," Gray stated solemnly, his gaze fixed on Juvia.

Juvia sighed softly, her demeanor reflecting a mix of sadness and resignation. "Only Gajeel is my friend. No one else wants Juvia around. Juvia brings the rain," she replied, her voice tinged with melancholy.

Gray's expression softened as he listened to Juvia's words. "You don't have to be alone, Juvia. Fairy Tail is a family, I'll put in a good word" he said gently, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Juvia looked up at Gray, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But... Can Juvia really join Fairy Tail? Even after everything she's done?" she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Gray offered her a small smile, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Of course you can, Juvia. Everyone deserves a second chance, and I know Fairy Tail would welcome you with open arms," he reassured her.

As Gray's words sank in, Juvia felt a glimmer of hope ignite within her. For the first time in a long while, she dared to imagine a future where she wasn't alone, where she could belong to something greater than herself.

The rain above them began to taper off, the clouds parting to reveal a clear, blue sky overhead. Juvia looked up in wonder, her heart swelling with newfound determination.

"Thank you, Gray," she whispered, a small smile playing at her lips. "I'll... I'll try to join Fairy Tail."

With Gray's encouragement and support, Juvia took her first steps towards a brighter future, leaving behind the storm clouds of her past as she embraced the promise of a new beginning.

With Jose

Jose's eyes narrowed, his expression twisted into a scowl of frustration and anger. The defeat of his Element 4 members weighed heavily on him, each loss a blow to his pride and authority.

"How... how could they have been defeated?" he muttered through clenched teeth, his voice laced with disbelief. "This... this cannot be happening."

As he surveyed the aftermath of the battles, his mind raced with thoughts of retribution and vengeance. His plans had been thrown into disarray, his carefully laid schemes unraveled by the unexpected resilience of his opponents.

With a sharp intake of breath, Jose clenched his fists, his resolve hardening with each passing moment. "No matter. I will crush them myself if I have to," he vowed, his voice dripping with venomous determination.

Suddenly, Natsu emerged from a tornado of black feathers, his presence interrupting Jose's brooding thoughts.

"A pity you won't have a chance," Natsu taunted, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Jose's eyes widened in disbelief at the audacity of Natsu's challenge. "Silver-Eye, you think you can defeat ME? I am a wizard Saint!" he retorted, his voice filled with indignation.

Natsu couldn't help but chuckle at Jose's bravado. "So what? Still just a human being, nothing compared to me," he declared, his confidence unshakable in the face of Jose's title.

Jose's fists tightened as he glared at Natsu, his rage simmering just beneath the surface. "You arrogant fool. You may have bested my minions, but you will not defeat me. I am Jose Porla, the leader of Phantom Lord, and I will not be taken down by the likes of you!"

Natsu's grin only widened at Jose's defiance. "Phantom Lord, Fairy Tail... It doesn't matter. In the end, strength is all that counts," he remarked, his tone confident and unwavering.

Jose scoffed at Natsu's words. "Strength alone is nothing without discipline and strategy. You may have raw power, but you lack the intellect to wield it effectively," he countered, his voice dripping with contempt.

Natsu's rebuttal reverberated through the air, his voice tinged with a mixture of amusement and superiority. "Lack of intellect? HAHA, oh you pitiful mortal being," he chuckled condescendingly, his fiery gaze piercing through Jose's facade. "You can't even comprehend the fact that you stand before a Higher being. It is you who lacks intellect."

Jose's eyes narrowed with suspicion, his gaze piercing through Natsu as if searching for any hint of deception. "Higher being?" he repeated, his voice tinged with incredulity. "What nonsense is this, Dragon Slayer? Do you truly believe yourself to be something more than human?"

Natsu's response was unyielding. "Have you forgotten my name? The Silver-Eyed Devil?" he retorted, his tone carrying a weight of authority. "This entire continent already questions if I am human, which I am not."

Jose's skepticism wavered slightly, his expression shifting as he processed Natsu's words. "The Silver-Eyed Devil..." he mused, his tone betraying a grudging acknowledgment. "Indeed, your moniker precedes you. But titles alone do not bestow divinity upon a mortal."

Natsu's cryptic smile widened as he delved deeper into his revelation. "Oh, it's not just a title," he explained, his eyes gleaming with hidden knowledge. "I am a demon, exactly what everyone thinks. But not just any demon—I am special even among them. On top of that, I was granted draconic power by the King of all Dragons."

Jose's suspicion deepened, his gaze intensifying as he processed Natsu's startling admission. "A demon?" he echoed, his voice laced with disbelief and intrigue. "And the King of all Dragons granted you power? This... this changes everything."

Jose's suspicion lingered, his gaze sharpening as he posed his next question. "Are you one of Zeref's demons, then?" he inquired, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension.

Natsu's declaration seemed to resonate with a weighty significance, his words carrying an air of undeniable authority. "Oh, Zeref wishes he could recreate my power," he retorted confidently, his fiery gaze locking with Jose's. "I am something even he can't control, not even fully understand. Created to kill unkillable beings, my very existence dictates that I will stand before gods and win."

Despite Natsu's confident words, Jose's skepticism remained steadfast. His gaze hardened as he regarded the Dragon Slayer before him, unwilling to accept the notion that someone he deemed a mere brat could possess such formidable power.

"You expect me to believe that a mere brat like you surpasses even Zeref?" Jose scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your arrogance knows no bounds, Silver-Eye. But I will not be swayed by your empty boasts."

Natsu's aura started to manifest, matching the intensity of Jose's. The air around them seemed to pulsate with raw energy, charged with the promise of an imminent clash between two forces.

The air around them seemed to pulsate with raw energy, charged with the promise of an imminent clash between two titanic forces.

,,Do you see this brat? This is power!'' shouted Jose.

Natsu, unbothered by Jose's display, started to laugh.

Jose Porla - Full Power - 120,000 Power Level

"You think this is funny? After I'm done with you, I'm gonna hunt those bitches of yours and butcher them myself!" Jose said in anger. Instantly, Natsu's aura started to rise rapidly, easily surpassing Jose.

Natsu Dragneel - Base From Suppressed - 500,000 Power Level

"What? Impossible! This brat should not have more power than me!" Jose shouted, his panic evident.

"You should not have threatened my wives, mortal," said Natsu in a demonic voice as his power continued to rise, covering the sky in a storm of lightning and causing the earth to tremble as if the very planet was shaking.

Natsu Dragneel - Base From Less Suppressed - 1,000,000 Power Level and rising by 10,000 each second

"I told you what I am, and like the foolish mortal you are, you still challenged me... you threatened my wives… you don't believe what I told you? Fine, then I will show you," he said in the same demonic voice.

His silver aura exploded toward the sky, resembling a massive beam of energy that tore through the stormy clouds, revealing portals to the void of space or perhaps manifestations of Natsu's darkness magic. Where there were no voids or thunder, there were stars made of silver light, the water of the sea rose as if gravity itself disappeared.

Natsu Dragneel - Base - 25,000,000 Power Level - Full power?

"Tell me… do you believe it now?" Natsu asked Jose, who was on the ground, barely clinging to consciousness, barely clinging to sanity.

The scene was nothing short of apocalyptic as Natsu's power surged to unprecedented heights, eclipsing even the most formidable of foes. Jose could only stare in awe and terror as the very fabric of reality seemed to warp and tremble under the weight of Natsu's overwhelming might.

"I... I don't understand..." Jose murmured weakly, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos unleashed by Natsu's power.

Natsu's eyes blazed with an otherworldly light as he towered over Jose, his presence commanding and omnipotent.

"Understand this, mortal," he declared, his voice echoing like thunder across the battlefield. "I am not bound by the limitations of your world. I am beyond mortal comprehension, beyond mortal constraints."

With a flick of his hand, Natsu sent a shockwave of energy rippling through the air, sending Jose tumbling backward with a force that seemed to defy gravity itself. The ground shook beneath them as cracks spiderwebbed outward, a testament to the sheer magnitude of Natsu's power.

Jose could only nod weakly in response, his once indomitable spirit shattered by the sheer magnitude of Natsu's power. In that moment, he knew with a chilling certainty that he stood before not just a man, but a force of nature , a god-like being.

With the others

As the rest of the guild struggled to regain their footing amidst the chaos, Cana voiced the collective confusion and concern that gripped them all. "WHAT IS HAPPENING?" she exclaimed, her voice echoing through the tumultuous air.

Gray, always quick to analyze the situation, offered a succinct explanation as he arrived with Juvia in tow. "Jose pissed Natsu real bad," he explained, his tone tinged with a mixture of apprehension and awe.

Cana, still trying to make sense of the overwhelming power surging around them, couldn't help but express her bewilderment. "I can't even feel the magic, just a feeling of… absolute power," she remarked, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

Macao, ever the perceptive one, finished her thought with a nod of agreement. "Absolute power indeed," he confirmed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Meanwhile, Juvia, who had fallen to the ground amidst the earthquakes, found herself grappling with the enormity of the situation. "Is this what a god is like?" she questioned, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and wonder.

Gajeel, joining the group with a grunt of effort, offered his insight into the source of the overwhelming power they were witnessing. "This is the power of a Dragon King, well, a portion of it," he explained, his tone grim yet matter-of-fact.

As Cana prepared to engage in battle, Gray intervened, recognizing that the fight was over and that Natsu had spared their enemy. "The fight is over," he declared, his voice firm. "Natsu spared him, so there's no point in fighting him."

Erza, Seilah, and Lucy arrived, their presence commanding and unruffled by the chaos surrounding them. Cana couldn't help but voice her astonishment. "Did you guys know of Natsu's power?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Lucy confirmed their knowledge but admitted that feeling it firsthand was a different experience altogether. "Yes, we knew, but this is the first time we've actually felt it," she explained, her voice tinged with awe.

Erza and Seilah stood together, their expressions solemn as they assessed the situation. "He is pissed alright, even if he's not using it all," Seilah remarked, her tone grave.

Cana and Mira exchanged incredulous glances, stunned by the revelation that there was even more power lurking beneath the surface. "There is more?" they asked simultaneously, their voices filled with disbelief.

Erza nodded solemnly, acknowledging the truth of Seilah's words. "Well, he is not using his Devil Trigger or his swords. That is just his base power," she confirmed, her tone betraying a hint of reverence.

As the guild processed this revelation, a familiar voice interrupted their thoughts. "Hmm, yes, this is quite the show," remarked someone from their left.

"M-master Makarov!" the guild erupted in unison, their voices filled with a mixture of relief and joy.

The old master chuckled, amused by their reaction. "Oh, my dear children, did you miss me?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Makarov's demeanor remained remarkably composed amidst the chaos, his expression one of calm assurance as he regarded the astonished faces of his guild members.

"Indeed, I did not anticipate missing such a spectacle," Makarov replied with a hint of amusement, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom accumulated over many years.

Cana couldn't help but voice her incredulity. "Master Makarov, you knew about Natsu's power?" she asked, her tone a mixture of surprise and admiration.

Makarov nodded sagely, his eyes twinkling with a knowing glint. "Yes, my dear Cana. There is much you don't know about Natsu," he explained, his voice tinged with paternal pride.

Mira, still grappling with the magnitude of Natsu's power, voiced her concern. "We knew Natsu is a demon, but I never expected he would have this level of power. I don't think I even believed this level existed. Can Natsu control such immense power?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly with apprehension.

Makarov's expression softened with understanding as he addressed Mira's concerns. "Natsu's potential has always been extraordinary," he began, his tone gentle yet firm. "He can control his power with no problem. You kids know how he is about power, control, honor, and the like. Not having control of his own power is something Natsu would refuse to allow."

As the power subsided, Natsu manifested alongside them. ''Thanks for the encouraging vote, Gramps. Isn't it a bit early to get out of the infirmary?'' he asked with concern.

Makarov chuckled softly at Natsu's remark, a hint of pride shining in his eyes. "Nonsense, Natsu. I've weathered worse storms than this," he replied, his voice carrying a reassuring tone.

Natsu grinned, his usual cocky demeanor returning. "Well, if you say so, old man," he quipped, though a flicker of concern still lingered in his eyes.

Erza and Seilah quickly enveloped him in hugs and affectionate kisses. "Natsu, darling, what made you release your power? You know he probably felt this, right?" Erza asked, peering into his eyes.

"Well," Natsu began, stealing a kiss from Erza, "he knows I'm active anyway, so no use hiding, love," he finished, planting a kiss on Seilah as well.

Erza smiled softly, her gaze warm with affection. "You never fail to surprise us, Natsu," she remarked fondly.

Seilah chuckled playfully, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Indeed, darling. Your power is as dazzling as ever," she teased, returning his kiss with equal fervor.

Natsu grinned, his spirits lifted by their familiar banter. "What can I say? Just keeping things interesting," he replied, amusement coloring his voice.

Makarov watched the exchange with a knowing twinkle in his eyes, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. "Ah, young love," he mused nostalgically. "Never fails to brighten even the darkest of days."

Natsu turned to address the rest of the guild, his tone playful yet confident. "And as for what this would mean for the rest of you," he began, "you can say you have the favor of an extremely powerful being that likes you troublemakers, or more like trouble finders," he said with a hint of amusement.

The guild members chuckled at Natsu's words, their spirits lifted by the reassurance of having such a powerful ally among them.

Cana grinned mischievously. "Well, I guess that means we can cause even more trouble now," she remarked, her tone playful as she nudged Gray.

Gray chuckled, his usual stoic demeanor softening in the warmth of the moment. "Sounds like a plan to me," he replied, a twinkle of mischief dancing in his eyes.

Lucy laughed, her voice filled with delight. "I suppose having a friend like Natsu means there's never a dull moment," she commented, her gaze flicking over to Natsu with fondness.

Makarov nodded in agreement, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, Natsu's presence certainly keeps things interesting around here," he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.

With a shared sense of camaraderie and excitement, the Fairy Tail guild members continued on their way, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with newfound confidence and determination.