"So we're really doing this?" Ultear questioned Jellal as they walked away from Magnolia.
"Yes," He nodded.
"I don't like this…" Meredy shook her head nervously, "There's too much we don't know here."
"I agree," Jellal nodded again, "But the reward outweighs the risk."
"How so?" Ultear questioned, tilting her head at the blue haired man, "We know next to nothing about these people, or who their master is. For all we know, it could be a trap; they could even be clinically insane. Did you hear how they were talking about this 'master' of theirs?"
"It almost sounded like they were in a cult or something," Meredy pitched in.
"I'm aware," Jellal continued walking forward, "Which is all the more reason for us to get close to them. If it turns out that this is a cult or gang of some sort, we'll be able to take them off guard as we gain their trust. Helping weaken the forces of the slave trade is just a bonus."
He stopped, staring up at the starry sky before continuing.
"Who knows," He sighed, "Maybe this master of theirs really is trying to do good with this goal of his. Besides, you heard Ezio; he told me my life's story without batting an eye. Maybe they are just amateurs or wanna-be vigilantes. They're very well informed regardless."
"Fair point," Ultear sighed, "Not gonna lie, it spooks me that they know the truth of the Tower of Heaven. The only person aware of how I possessed you was Master Hades himself. As far as I knew, he never shared that information."
"Then he either did, or Ezio and Tyrfina have a powerful seer of some kind on their side," Jellal said.
"A seer?" Meredy cocked her head as the trio stopped in a dense grove of trees to make camp, "Aren't those just a myth?"
"By my experience," Jellal said somberly, "In this world of magic, nothing can truly be considered myth or fantasy."
"And that's the motto that will keep us alive," Ultear smiled, "So…was it just me, or was that Ezio guy kinda hot?"
"Ultear!" Meredy blushed, while Jellal just shook his head, a small smile forming on his face.
Ymir walked out of Porlyusica's hut, following the creature that had supposedly rescued her.
It had beckoned her to follow it, which she had, mostly because she didn't have anywhere else to go. She had no idea where she was, so what else was she going to do?
It's not like she knew much about the world in general; no one had bothered giving her an education worth anything.
Ever since she was enslaved, she was told to fight and move heavy things. She was told to do as she was ordered, no questions asked.
So it was almost by instinct that she followed the creature, the dragon, that had beckoned to her. It never even occurred to her that she could ask where they were going.
The dragon led her further into the forest. Silence permeated the air as they walked. Ymir just looked down, following the creature as it walked. She didn't even notice how it would look back at her occasionally.
A large pond came into view, and soon after, Ymir could hear small roars and squeaks. Prompted by the noise, she looked up to see the three smaller dragons from earlier. They reminded her of excited puppies as they ran over, circling her legs and feet when they caught up.
The green eyed one rubbed against her legs like a cat before smiling at her.
She couldn't help the small smile that graced her own face, or the little chuckle she gave off.
A low rumble caught the attention of both Ymir and the three small dragons. The bigger dragon growled and rumbled at the three little ones, who excitedly dashed off back to the pond.
The green eyed one motioned towards Ymir with its tail and snout before running after the other two.
Confused and a little intrigued, she followed the four dragons, who led her to a pile of…fish. It was a small pile of freshly caught fish. Some were still twitching.
The three little ones started eating the fish raw, swallowing them whole.
The larger dragon stepped in front of Ymir, using its large tail to clear away some dead leaves and brush. With a snap of its claws, a bundle of flames appeared in the little clearing. A fish floated from the pile, hovering above the flames as it cooked.
Ymir watched in slight amazement and fear. She was amazed at the things these…dragons seemed to be able to do, but she was still confused.
Her emotions felt…muddled, muted. As they have been for a while. But being here, with these creatures…she didn't know how to feel.
She looked at the three little dragons as they ate and wrestled with one another. She couldn't help but be reminded of her own daughters as she looked at them.
My daughters…Ymir looked to the evening sky. Even the thought of her daughters could bring her out of this renewed numbness she felt. Not anymore.
She sighed heavily, consequently taking in the scent of smoked fish. She looked back toward the flames, coming face to face with a cooked fish held out to her from a black and red talon.
Ymir slowly accepted the fish I held out for her.
"Thank you," She whispered as she began eating. I can tell something's bothering her, but since I don't have a solid way to communicate, I can't do much here…
She probably doesn't know how to read or write…Oh, wait a minute, Luxion!
With a mere thought, I summoned him to my side.
Ymir's eyes widened, but other than that, she didn't give off much of a reaction at Luxion's appearance.
"Good evening master," he spoke in Draconic before noticing Ymir, "Oh? Who might this person be? They're…human. Or something else…" He must be scanning her. Can he tell she's not a normal human?
"This is Ymir," I nodded, "A human with…special abilities."
"Hello, Ymir," Luxion addressed her in English, "My name is Luxion."
"Hello," Ymir bowed her head, not quite sure what to do.
Hm. A dragon and a robot orb. She must be a little confused.
"Get comfortable Luxion," I told him, "We've got some explaining to do."
"So…this isn't earth?" Ymir questioned, looking overwhelmed at the prospect.
"Not the one you're familiar with, no," Luxion clarified, "It is as I said before. My master rescued you when you were stabbed in the heart by bringing you to this world, which is known as Earthland."
"But…my master…" Ymir looked torn and conflicted. She drew her legs to her chest, sitting down with her head in her hands.
Her master? Oh. How could I forget? In the Attack on Titan canon, she had fallen in love with the man who enslaved her. It was twisted, but that was the reason she thrust herself in his defense when that spear was thrown.
She must still have lingering feelings for him…
Luxion, I spoke to him through my thoughts, Speak to her as I speak to you.
As you wish, I heard him in my head. He will be my mouthpiece. I should've just done this from the beginning.
"Ymir," Luxion spoke for me, but I was shocked to find that it was my actual voice he was using. It was deep, regal, and soft at the same time. His audio tech seemed to be evolving too, "My name is Kilgara," I bowed my head slightly, spreading my wings minutely, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
She lifted her head ever so slightly. With her attention focused on me, I continued, "Your master, who you loved, didn't care for you."
She tensed at my words, whether in surprise or at the bluntness of my tone, I'm not sure. I wasn't exactly being sympathetic.
"It seems you already know it," I said as I sat in front of her, looking into her eyes, which were tearing up, "You know how he used you. What he treated you as."
I brought my tail around, using it to lift her head away from her hands.
"While you don't have to move on right now," I blew air from my nostrils, "You must let him go. He isn't here, and he can't get to you anymore. We, however, are here."
Luxion hovered near my head, while Alva jumped onto Ymir's lap. Thorn plopped down at her feet, while Saphira sat on her left side. The three of them mewled and smiled at her with their toothless grins.
"We are here," I repeated.
Because I knew how hard it would be for her to move on naturally, I began invoking a spell, one I never knew I'd need.
A rumble escaped my throat as I released the spell. A notification also appeared in the corner of my HUD, though I ignored it for now.
"Here, in this world, you are free to do what you will," I made sure to emphasize my next words, "You're not a god. You are not a monster. You're a person."
Ymir's eyes began tearing up, as she closed them and nodded her head. Her body unconsciously leaned against mine. Alva nudged her, and almost as if on instinct, Ymir pulled her closer, hugging her tight.
A few minutes went by as I continued directing my magic. During that time, Ymir and Alva ended up falling asleep.
When I let the spell fade, I maneuvered them against me in an effort to get them more comfortable. With the sun setting and the sky dimming, Thorn and Saphira soon followed in their own drowsiness, their eyes drifting to a close.
"Luxion," I turned toward him after everyone had fallen asleep, "How long have you been able to replicate my voice?"
"Quite a while, Master," He answered, "You asked me to put together a complete analysis of your biology; this includes your vocal cords and processes."
"Fair enough…" I got to thinking…the implications of that kind of technology…
"Return to the ARK, for now," I instructed him, "I'll have more to discuss with you once you've completed our latest projects."
"Acknowledged," Luxion vanished not a moment later.
Meanwhile, I pulled up that notification I got earlier.
Skill acquired through continuous use!
You now have access to the Holy Magic skill tree.
Holy Magic LVL 25, 0%
Holy magic is, in essence, a type of Spirit Magic. It's a magic linked to hope and protection; these two feelings amplify the magic, making it ideal for Healers, Paladins, Clerics, etc. Contrary to popular belief, holy magic isn't only obtainable by making a pact with a deity, though its use by many celestials and other such organizations, along with the effect the emotion of hope has, have led many to believe otherwise.
This magic utilizes a form of divine power that can be used to heal, damage, or inspire others. Advanced Practitioners have been known to perform 'miracles.'
Notice!
Due to your divine nature, this skill starts at an Apprentice level of mastery.
It's about time. I've been practicing this magic for a year now. The spell I used on Ymir was one that helps heal the mind. Not the brain, the mind. Her brain is a part of her body, which I have no doubt is just fine due to her regeneration capabilities. Apparently there's a difference between your brain and…your mind.
Wait. The mind…
What did that book on magic say again? Something about the mind, body, spirit…
I looked back at Ymir, using Observe this time.
Ymir Fritz
Race: Human
Age: 23
Level: 194
HP: 20,000
MP: 10 [Fractured]
SP: 200,000
Her MP increased! A result from the spell I cast? So I'm right. The spell I cast only affects minds.
This means magic utilizes every aspect of a person. The body is a conduit, the spirit is the powersource, and the mind is the connection between those two things!
But then that would mean…intelligence isn't just defined by the biological composition of the brain, or the quantity or quality of the spirit. The mind is at play too. Magic is about utilizing all three aspects.
Body. Spirit. Mind. I know how magic works in a person. But what does all this have to do with the true nature of magic?
It's nature…Zeref and Hades talked about The One Magic, or the Primordial Magic. All magic originates from whatever that is…Hades thought it was darkness. While Layla Heartfilia claimed it came from love…
Keeping both perspectives in mind, how would those theories tie in with one's spirit? When all is said and done about the mind and body, magic is mostly spiritual in nature…
Emotion. It all comes back to emotion. In the Fairy Tail universe, the 'power of friendship' is a universal and overused plot device of sorts. But what if, in this reality I'm living in, it holds more relevance than I ever gave it credit for.
At this thought, I remembered a moment in the original Anime of Fairy Tail. A quote by Minerva.
"So your power comes from feelings…"
And then another from Makarov.
"...Magic is alive! Its purpose is ever evolving…"
Logically speaking, then…
The true nature of magic is…that it's alive?
Magic is in and of itself a living entity.
Magic is energy; living things and non-living objects utilize that energy through Spirit, Body, and Mind (all of which are things that a living being has). Non-living things, such as lacrima, are able to utilize it due to a presence of body and spirit, and that 'spirit' gives them a limited intelligence.
So…everything is alive, in a roundabout sense. And it's all because of their connection through magic, and those that utilize emotion (via the mind) are seemingly able to enhance that connection, because magic as a living being becomes in tune with its user.
That explains why some Lost Magics have adverse or unpredictable effects. Wow, this is complicated.
Because it's alive and has its own…shall we say 'chaotic' intelligence, magic can become susceptible to the emotions of the one wielding it.
So magic is alive. Life is always evolving to its environment, magic does the same. Magic is alive and ever growing. In that case, it doesn't have any one set nature! You can't group living things into one set category. Everything and everyone is too unique and different to do that!
Objective Complete!
You have completed an objective from the quest:
"Become the Grand Archwizard!"
Reward:
Legendary Racial Feature - Mana Glands
Mana Glands
You have a special organ, or glands, in your body that produces arcane energy. This gives your MP regeneration and capacity a natural boost, and allows you to refill your magic reserves in areas or worlds that are otherwise 'magicless.' As another consequence, every cell in your body is now potent with arcane energy, subsequently improving bodily functions.
Remaining Objectives for the quest:
Become the Grand Archwizard!
Objectives:
Discover the true nature of magic (Complete)
Perform 7 mighty feats of magic (1/7)
Defeat the top ten strongest wizards in Earthland (0/10)
Rewards:
1,000,000 XP
Legendary Racial Feature: Mana Glands (Awarded)
?
?
Wow! Talk about revelatory shower thoughts! It feels good to finally make progress on one of my 'big quests.' So the true nature of magic is…that it doesn't have one?
I must say, I feel like Po when he discovered the truth of the Dragon Scroll.
And then this reward; I'm an arcane dragon through and through! Let's see what it did to my stats.
Name: Kilgara
Age: 1 year
Race: Arcane Royal Dragon
Rank: Wyrmling
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Level: 432
Class: Warlock LVL 75/100, 45%
HP: 19,620 [Regens 6,540 per minute]
MP: 67,200 [Regens 9,180 per minute]
SP: 26,160 [Regens 6,540 per minute]
STR: 746
END: 654
DEX: 334
INT: 612
WIS: 612
CHA: 220
LUK: 290
Points: 1,305
Wait a minute! Not only did my MP and its regeneration go up by six thousand, my HP, SP, and their regen rate went up too!?
No wonder this is a legendary racial feature!
I love it! And being able to produce my own arcane energy…I wonder if it's different from the ethernano my body naturally draws in.
I was about to dismiss the numerous notifications in my HUD, before noticing my points.
1,305. That's a lot!
Should I save them for a rainy day? Or should I use them? I could use them to upstat, or purchase more perks and features from my skill trees…
I could bring my LUK up to 1,495! Imagine the kind of Gacha I'd get from my LUK being that high! Not to mention how many things would naturally go my way!
But then again…some of these skills and perks in the skill trees were tempting…
I need to give it more thought. LUK is a stat whose influence is purely based on chance. Even having a high LUK doesn't guarantee everything goes your way. It would increase my chances of having good things happen, for sure.
But logically, it's more effective to practice and prepare, rather than leave things to chance, no matter how good your odds get. And where's the fun in life if everything is just handed to me?
More to think about later.
I looked back at Ymir and Alva. Ymir was still leaning against my side, while hugging Alva close. Thorn and Saphira were breathing deeply next to her.
I sighed. I don't have the heart to wake them. I wrapped my tail around the four of them, spreading a wing over their heads to block the wind.
Not exactly how I thought this day would go, but it works. Hopefully it doesn't rain.
Three days have passed. I brought Ymir into the ARK, as I had nowhere else to take her. She was adjusting the best she could, and the Night Furys and I spend quite a bit of time with her.
She didn't seem as surprised as I thought she'd be when I had Luxion teleport us, and when Zana and the others greeted her, even bowing seeing how she had earned my favor, her eyes only widened at the scaly appearance of the Scaleborns.
She was currently talking with Ezio, who I instructed to help her out while I was working.
Maybe I should get a butler of some sorts for situations like that. Ezio can be charming when he wants to be, but he's still an assassin and I've got him working on other things.
I'll worry about that later. Right now I'm working on another project: creating more "minions" for the ARK base. The Book of Minion is so OP!
Mages
Students of the arcane. These Mook ranked academics excel in studying magic, enchantments, and arcane energies through tireless research. They specialize in utilitarian magic. They are novices in combat.
I looked over the fifty new 'recruits' I created. We were in the central courtyard of the ARK base, which was still under construction. These mages are the first Mook class minions I've created. They spawned as Scaleborns with a relatively even mix of male and female, similar to Zana and her riders. They were garbed in cloaks, and all of them were carrying various bags and pouches filled with books and other mundane materials used for sorcery.
Next to them, stood a group of ten Scaleborns, another Elite class of minion.
Sorcerers
Sorcerers use their brilliant minds for the crafting of magnificent spells. They have basic knowledge on all types of magic, though their specializations depend on the items and sacrifices used to create them. They are adept utilitarian mages, though they truly excel in combative arcane arts.
The sorcerers were behind the Scaleborn who was to be their leader, who would answer to me. This ritual was not cheap.
Archmage
A powerful spell caster, crafter, and brilliant mind who represents the pinnacle of magical power. Completely unsurpassed in magical combat, summoning, and spell based utilities. They spend most of their time studying and practicing their arcane arts.
Satisfied with their creation, I looked over the rest of the new recruits. I had performed three more rituals, effectively drying up my supply of elven items. It was worth it though.
Soldiers
The stock of a military force, soldiers conduct battle against many forms of opposition. They consist of many types, such as swordsmen, archers, pikemen, etc. for an efficient handling of army warfare.
As they were a Mook class, they spawned as a strong army of fifty. The next ritual I performed spawned the ones that would be my captains (Elite class minions) and then their overall commander (a Lieutenant class minion).
Warriors
These Elite class minions are study and skilled combatants. They are equal to a small squad of soldiers alone, are adept leaders, and loyal to a fault. Their specific specializations are determined by the items used in the ritual.
Warlord
This ritual spawns a single Lieutenant class minion. The Warlord is a combat genius excelling in large scale warfare and tactics. They are also masters of combat, capable of training, recruiting, and improving the efficiency of your minions. They are highly sought after as both an advisor and a combatant.
One thing stood out about these new "warrior class" minions. They were a new race.
Scalespawn
Scalespawns are the most bestial of Half-dragon species. They look like humanoid dragons. They are usually similar in size to the largest of humans, but possess strength a human could never hope to match. They are famous for their ferocity in battle and their physical prowess.
Whereas Scaleborns look like a human with patches of scales, the Scalespawn looks like a literal dragon in humanoid form. All of them were covered in black scales, with patches of red. All had horns on their head, as well as talons, snouts, and fangs. Some had tails, but none had wings. Just eyeing the large group, they all appeared to be male.
With these six rituals, I effectively multiplied my minion's population three times over. But that's what we were preparing for. The ARK base is now a small city, with barracks, stables, workstations, foodstores, and more on the way; even the current defenses against hostile dinosaurs were nearly complete. The craftsmen and the riders have been hard at work this past year, and now I've tripled the workforce.
As soon as the last ritual was complete, all of them bowed in unison on one knee before me saying, "What is thy bidding, Master?"
I turned to Luxion, nodding at him, "That completes that phase."
"It would appear that you've outdone yourself again, master," His robotic voice praised.
"Only issue is that we're out of scales…" I looked at my inventory. Not a single one is left now. As for elven items…only a couple of books were left, along with some kind of scepter.
"I suggest you draw up the remainder of your plans," Luxion advised, "From there, we can determine which rituals to complete from the Book of Minion that will be the most beneficial until you shed more scales or acquire other such materials to use."
"Not a bad idea," I acknowledged, "I'll see to it. But first, I have somewhere to be right now."
I turned to the new minions to give them their instructions.
"Practitioners of the Arcane!" I called out. They all stood up, looking at me, "You are to work with the craftsmen to implement enchantments and magic into our creations."
I went over to the Archmage, "Your name is Emrys. Take this," I handed him a book, one of my own creation (through Luxion's help). "This tome depicts all the knowledge I have of Runic Magic that you will need. Teach the sorcerers and the mages. If you require more, talk to Luxion, who will contact me." I gestured to the robotic orb behind me.
"Thank you, Mi'lord," He bowed to me, an eager twinkle in his eye. I'm guessing he's excited to learn about runic magic.
"As for you," I turned to the Warlord (who is a Scalespawn), appointed leader of the warriors and soldiers behind him, "Your name is Valdor. Zana here will debrief you on the manner of training and enemies we will be facing in the near future."
Zana stepped forward, bowing to me, before turning to the Scalespawns. They were all at least a foot taller than her, causing her to look up to address them, "We're going to be up against some titans…"
I took my leave as she began her debrief. These units would be the main fighting force against the bosses in the ARK that are yet to come. With all this accomplished, I was going to see how Ymir was doing, before Ezio came to me with her right behind him.
Ymir stepped over to my side, with the three Night Furys at her feet.
"Sir," Ezio said to me in Draconic, "We have received word from Jellal. It's time."
Crime Sorciere had proven to be invaluable.
Due to their history with dark guilds, cults, and the black markets, Jellal and Ultear were able to put several pieces of information together for us.
And now, we have the exact location of the auction. Reinford is built around an area known for canyons that behave like a massive natural maze. Apparently, there are several underground tunnels that lead into the canyons.
Me, Ezio, Tyrfina, and Zana were waiting near one of the entrances to the tunnels, one that Jellal himself used several years ago to obtain more slaves for the Tower of Heaven. It was little more than a glorified entrance to a sewer, guarded by a locked metal gate you'd expect to see in a prison cell.
Tonight was the night. The auction was taking place at dusk, and we were waiting for Crime Sorciere to show up.
I was currently invisible, keeping close to the wall while Ezio and Zana stood on either side of me, along with Tyrfina. I wasn't willing to risk being spotted, so, even though there's been little to no evidence of the Magic Council looking for me, we were taking precautions.
"You made it," Jellal's voice sounded as he turned from the corner of an alleyway. Ultear and Meredy were right behind him.
"Of course," Ezio nodded, "This is Zana," He introduced them to the black haired woman, "She will be joining us tonight."
"Your master isn't coming?" Ultear questioned, her eyes wandering over Zana's scales and horns.
"In a way, he already is," Tyrfina chuckled, but didn't elaborate.
Um…interesting choice of words. I don't know why all my 'minions' don't just tell them–oh, that's why.
Back when I initially trained and debriefed everyone months ago, as they were integrating themselves in Fiore, I told them that my identity as their master (as a dragon, that is) was to be kept secret from the population. I didn't think they'd still follow those orders even now with our allies.
"Let us go, then," Jellal led the way, placing his hand on the bars that made up the door, "We have little time."
I sensed his magic flow through him as he cast a small spell to open the door; one that seemed exclusive to this entrance. As soon as the gate swung open, everyone ran in, with me right behind them.
As soon as we were out of sight from the gate, I released my spell, causing Meredy to jump as I appeared right next to her.
"Don't worry, he's with us," Zana said as Jellal and Ultear flinched towards me, magic at the ready, "He conceals himself in public to avoid causing a panic. His name is Kilgara."
"Yeah, don't worry," Tyrfina teased, "He may look scary and scaly on the outside, but on the inside, he's a big softy!"
"You…tamed a dragon?" Ultear questioned as we continued forward.
"I have never tamed one, no," Zana shook her head, "The closest I've tamed to a dragon is a wyvern. Dragons, as I understand it, cannot be trained. Our master is, however…resourceful."
At her comment, I slapped myself internally.
Smooth, guys, real smooth. I'm gonna have a talk with everyone later about addressing me as 'master.' In public, that is. I can't lie, being called that does stroke my ego in all the right ways.
"I'll say…" Jellal eyed me as we ran forward. I kept my eyes focused in front of me, continuing to run alongside everyone, "This is the same creature who attacked that dark guild in the woods. Your master sent it?"
"In a way," Ezio nodded abruptly.
"What's with the Fairy Tail emblem, then?" Meredy couldn't contain herself, "Are you guys associated with them? Is that who your master is? A Fairy Tail wizard?"
I mean, she's right. Their master is a Fairy Tail wizard.
Ezio and Zana remained silent.
Tyrfina just smiled, chuckling uncontrollably.
"Something funny?" Ultear raised an eyebrow.
"Don't mind her," Zana sighed, "She has a tendency to do that; it may be the fox blood in her."
"I can't even deny that," Tyrfina's vulpine grin only confirmed Zana's words.
"The dragon is a member of Fairy Tail," Ezio answered Meredy after a moment, "The rest of us are not."
"...What?" Jellal eyed me next to him. I just flicked my tail, keeping my eyes on the path ahead.
"The dragon?" Ultear raised an eyebrow.
"How is that possible?" Meredy questioned, "Aren't dragons just animals?"
"That's a common misconception," Ultear corrected the younger girl, "Dragons are some of the most intelligent creatures on the planet. Along with the most powerful, save for the gods themselves. If Acnologia is anything to go by, that is."
Acnologia…
A snarl resonated from my throat at the name.
Meredy shuddered at the memories of witnessing Acnologia's wrath. Or at my snarl.
"I take it, then, that this dragon is not fond of Acnologia?" Jellal asked, noticing my change of demeanor.
"Not in the least," Tyrfina answered this time. She wasn't smiling anymore, "He destroyed something precious to him. Natsu Dragneel is the one who named him."
Jellal turned to me, asking, "Can you speak?"
I shook my head.
"But you can understand us?" He deduced.
I nodded.
"Your guildmates," Jellal said slowly, "Acnologia killed them. I'm sorry. Natsu and Erza were my…friends as well."
I looked over at Jellal. His head was facing forward, and he was moving confidently. But his eyes told a different story. They looked…sad. Guilty, even.
"We're almost there," Ultear gestured ahead, where the tunnel was opening up, "Everyone get ready."
"We must stay hidden and out of sight," Ezio relayed, "Kilgara and I will sneak in, and procure as many of the captives as possible. Ultear, Zana, and Tyrfina will bar the exits. Jellal and Meredy, you track down the whereabouts of Te'kal."
"Sounds reasonable," Jellal sighed, before chuckling a little to himself, "I never thought I'd find myself raiding this slave auction with a dragon…"
"Likewise," Ultear brandished her lacrima orb, "Let's get going then."
I nodded in acknowledgement. I cast Hidden, using it to sneak in undetected. Ezio was close by, keeping close to the wall, nearly completely hidden by the shadows.
As we passed through the entrance to the tunnel, I knocked out the two guards by bashing their heads with quite a bit of force.
I closed my eyes, focusing on my Tremor Sense spell now. With it, I was able to quickly deduce where the slaves were being held.
The whole area was reminiscent of a large arena, or stadium. It wasn't terribly big, but there were enough bidders in the rows of fancy seats to cause concern. The slaves were all being held in a chamber below the stage.
Using earthbending, I dug a hole for us, thrusting my talons out to push rock and dirt out of our way. Ezio was right behind me.
"Go in," I said as the tunnel opened up in the room where the slaves were locked up, "They won't panic as much if they see you first."
Ezio wordlessly acknowledged my statement by jogging past me. I dropped my invisibility as I slowly followed him in.
The slaves all had collars around their necks, and were being kept in cages. Most of them were young females and children.
There were no guards. Te'kal evidently didn't see a need for them in this place. The only exit, aside from the tunnel we just made, was the lift that took you onto the stage.
At the sight of me, several people inhaled sharply, but Ezio quickly calmed the crowd down.
"Fear not," He smiled, "We're here to free you. This creature is friendly, and here to help." It's scary how charming and convincing Ezio can be. With just those few words, he seemed to be gaining the slaves' trust.
I used my Arcane Breath and Metal Bending to break them out of their cages and destroy their enchanted collars.
Luxion, I reached out my thoughts to him, It's time.
At my signal, Luxion appeared above everyone, activating one of the new technologies he and Kenji designed.
A portal, outlined in blue, opened a window to the ARK. Through the portal, there was a crystal clear view of the courtyard I used to summon more minions.
"Everyone go through," Ezio directed, "You'll be safe once we get you out of here!"
While Ezio directed everyone, I made my way to the lift, peering up.
I smirked. This is about to get good. I used a spell I've been meaning to cast for a while now.
I transformed into a butterfly, flapping up and down to climb the lift.
All was going well at The Auction. Bidders were coming in, business was at an all time high, and this year's batch of slaves were promising. The Magic Council and the Kingdom of Fiore had yet to catch wind of how large the industry had become, and more and more customers were offering their business.
The announcer, a wizard hired by Te'kal personally, had just sent men to retrieve the first batch of slaves. He didn't even give a second thought when he saw a butterfly of some kind fly out of the lift as the men went down to retrieve 'the goods.'
And he wouldn't have any others to come.
A sharp permeation of magic power flared on the stage as a massive dragon statue manifested seemingly out of nowhere, growing in size until it was twice as large as the stage! Despite appearing as a statue, the stone beast was moving!
The guardsmen and the announcer were crushed during the transformation. The crowd stood in absolute shock, slow to react.
The dragon statue moved, and it wasn't until several had been whalloped by stone talons that people started panicking. The bidders came to their senses and started fleeing to the exits in a mass panic. The few that made it were shocked to see that the exits were caved in.
The rest were consumed in flying debris and crushed underfoot.
"I'll be damned…" Jellal stared as he watched Kilgara, who had somehow turned to stone and was four times his original size, demolish the stadium.
"...And here I was hoping for a fight of some sort," Ultear blinked, "This…this is almost a massacre."
"Not quite," Tyrfina smirked. Having trained with the dragon for so long now, she recognized when he was going in for the kill, "He's not killing them. Maybe. Some might get crushed under his talons…"
"We'd better evacuate, or we might get caught in his attack," Zana advised, "While his breath isn't as harmful to non-wizards, if a mage of some sort were to get hit, the aftermath would be painful."
"...Understood," Jellal acknowledged. Looking closer, the dragon only seemed to be causing a panic, and was avoiding stomping on people. It was knocking them out relentlessly though.
As they made their own escape, the sharp magical pressure dissipated. Not long after the commotion died down, a large black and red butterfly flew up to the group, landing on Tyrfina's head. Jellal couldn't help but note that the pattern on its wings were very similar to Kilgara's.
How many tricks does this thing have up its sleeve? He wondered as he turned his attention to Ezio, who hadn't been far behind the butterfly.
"Where are the slaves?" Ultear noted that no one else was with him.
"They're being transported to Era," Ezio responded, "They'll be able to report to the Magic Council from there. We used a form of teleportation to get them out of here; I had some people on standby who are escorting them as we speak."
"Well…I must say I'm surprised that went so well," Ultear commented.
"Only because Te'kal wasn't there," Jellal said, "If he were, then I imagine there would've been more resistance. It's unfortunate, but I must thank you all regardless." He turned to the group of strange people.
A fox girl, a strangely charming man, a scaled woman, and a dragon disguised as a butterfly. What a peculiar group.
"Thank you," Jellal nodded, "I take it you'll be informing the Council of what transpired here?"
"We will," Ezio nodded back.
"We'll be sure to let them know it was Crime Sorciere that made this possible," Zana bowed respectively.
"And don't worry, we'll keep your personal identities a secret!" Tyrfina smiled, waving, "Till next time, Bluey!"
"Very well," Jellal nodded, ignoring Tyrfina's nickname for him, "If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out."
"Same to you, friend," Ezio turned, leading Tyrfina and Zana northward.
Jellal's eyes drifted to the butterfly on Tyrfina's head as he watched the three walk away. It twitched its wings.
He nodded back, turning away himself, leading Ultear and Meredy to the west.
Far off the coast of Hargeon, where Tenrou Island once stood the darkness of the still night, where the motionless sea now rests, shimmered ever so slightly. Even one who could see clearly in the blackness of this moonless night would struggle to see such a shimmer.
A slight orange hue shimmered again, more visible in the night sky, causing ripples to appear in the sea seemingly out of nowhere.
A barrier. An incorporeal, invisible, apparently non-existent barrier stood there. Though this shimmer wouldn't happen again this cool, ocean night, if one could venture inside they would find an island.
Tenrou Island, with its massive tree and strange rock formations, stood unmoving inside this spherical barrier.
Inside the Fairy Sphere that somehow still managed to appear against all odds, all life stood immobile and noiseless. Not even a rock or tree moved, for it was as though gravity and wind, even time, was prevented from breaching the barrier Fairy Sphere provided.
On the far edges of the island, near its beaches, two figures could be seen. A young blonde woman, being held protectively in the arms of a pink haired young man. Like statues, not even their chests moved to indicate the action of breathing.
The ambiance was dim, with a slight orange hue permeating the air, providing a dim warm glow, paired with a blackness from beyond. Not even light penetrated the barrier.
However, a new light slowly came to life, coming from the young couple sprawled against the rocks.
A pink glow, soon followed by a red one, grew from the guild marks that adorned the girl's hand and the boy's shoulder.
For the first time in almost three years, Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia inhaled sharply, their eyes bursting open as they panted, clinging tightly to one another.