Author Notes:

Hey! I'm back after so long! So I decided that I would love to start this fanfiction! I began this way back in 2020 but never officially began working on it because of multiple personal reasons! But after I recently finished the Alvarez Arc in the anime, it put me in the mood to get it done!

I don't know what the upload schedule will be because I will be starting my classes again on Monday but I will try my best to update this story at least once a month!

Anyways, wishing everyone all the best and to stay happy and healthy!

Though I do wish to say that I mostly active on AO3 which is where I post and update my stories! So be sure to check me out over there as well!

It had been one week since the Alvarez Empire suffered their humiliating defeat at the Battle of Magnolia. Irene had been traveling the world in search of Earthland's most dangerous threat—a man who would bring about the apocalypse unless he was stopped.

Irene let out a deep sigh as she arrived at the entrance of a dark cave. The surrounding green, lush landscape contrasted sharply with the foreboding rocky mountain. A soft breeze washed over her, carrying the songs of birds that blissfully thrived in this remote haven. It was hard to believe that such a serene place had become the lair of a monster.

Behind her, two girls cowered in fear. Juliet and Heine's knees buckled under the weight of their terror, sensing the dreadful malice radiating from deep within the cavern.

"Lady Irene, are you really going into that spooky cave? That monster is there!" squeaked Juliet. Heine gulped, glancing between her general and her friend.

Irene merely nodded, her expression betraying a hint of fear and hesitation—something that shocked her subordinates. They had never known Lady Irene to fear anyone.

"His Majesty tasked me with this mission, and I will complete it."

Juliet and Heine opened their mouths to protest, but with a snap of Irene's fingers, both girls were transformed back into a pair of swords. Pocketing the weapons, Irene stepped into the cave.

The air reeked of his scent. The 'Black Dragon of the Apocalypse' had claimed this isolated mountain as his home.

Heading deeper into the cavern, Irene spotted him: a tan-skinned man with long black hair sitting atop a flat stone. His tattered, weathered cloak barely concealed his form.

Acnologia, who had been examining his one remaining arm, looked up at the sound of approaching heels. He sniffed the air, instantly recognizing her scent. It was the red-haired woman he had briefly toyed with a week earlier.

"Irene. Have you come here to die?" Acnologia smirked, leaning lazily against the cold stone wall.

Irene chuckled and shook her head. "No, Sir Acnologia. I come here on behalf of His Imperial Majesty."

Acnologia laughed, his cackle reverberating through the cave. "Running errands for the Black Wizard now? Does Zeref fear me that much?"

Irene scoffed, her lips curling into a smile. "Perhaps. His Majesty is... preoccupied. I've come to relay his new proposition concerning the final battle between the Dragon King, an immortal, and mankind."

The air grew tense as Acnologia's glistening eyes locked onto Irene's.

"His Majesty proposes a temporary truce. Our war against Ishgar failed. The enemies proved far stronger than we anticipated. Continuing would have ensured our defeat."

Acnologia burst into laughter. "The fabled Black Wizard couldn't kill a few weak humans? Pathetic!"

Irene suppressed a flinch as Acnologia rose. His malice permeated the cave, his glare almost unbearable.

"I don't care about Zeref's war! I crave destruction! Once I kill the remaining dragons, humanity will be next!"

Irene steadied herself, fighting her instincts to flee. Swallowing hard, she delivered the crucial information Emperor Spriggan had entrusted to her.

"Then this part will interest you. His Majesty offers a truce, and in return, he will reveal the locations of five dragons—dragons who have eluded you and grown strong. Each rivals your power. Additionally, he will disclose the location of a wizard guild composed solely of Dragon Slayers."

Acnologia's eyes widened in shock. Five dragons? A Dragon Slayer guild?

It seemed impossible! For 400 years, Acnologia had scoured the world, yet he had neither smelled nor sensed any dragons beyond those he hunted!

Growling in fury, Acnologia snarled, "Lies! The Black Wizard is only trying to buy time! I won't fall for his tricks!"

Irene shook her head. "His Majesty does not lie. These dragons, though hidden, are real. Individually, they may not pose much of a challenge to you, but together…"

"NO DRAGON IS STRONGER THAN ME!" Acnologia roared. "I WILL FIND THEM AND SLAUGHTER THEM!"

Irene smirked. Acnologia had taken the bait as Zeref predicted. Now it was time to seal the deal. It was crucial for Emperor Spriggan's plan to pacify the Black Dragon. They needed him to be a good boy while they dealt with Ishgar.

"The locations will be revealed to you only if you accept the truce. Refuse, or break the agreement, and His Majesty will warn the dragons and the guild of your hunt."

Acnologia lunged at Irene, but she dodged, his fist smashing into the rock wall, sending tremors through the mountain.

"TELL ME WHERE THEY ARE, WOMAN!"

Irene sighed, clicking her tongue. "Accept the truce, and in four years, once Ishgar is annihilated, the dragons and guild will be yours."

Acnologia's body trembled with rage. His missing arm throbbed with pain as his mind raced. He despised Igneel for weakening his body: forever subjecting him to a life of misery.

Finally, he growled, "Fine. I will play along with Zeref's game. But if I discover it's a lie, I'll kill you all."

Irene bowed, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "Thank you for your kind cooperation, Sir Acnologia! Always a pleasure when our paths cross!"

As she walked away, his voice echoed behind her.

"You're the first I'll slay when this is over, dragon woman."

Outside, Irene basked in the sunlight and suppressed a snicker. Acnologia had taken the bait. Once they acquired the Fairy Heart, they would kill him. His hatred of dragons would be his downfall.

Smiling, Irene tapped her staff, and Juliet and Heine reappeared. They eagerly joined her for the journey home, oblivious to her inner thoughts.

The mission was a success. Everything was falling perfectly into place. Soon, Emperor Spriggan would make his move once more against Fairy Tail, and Ishgar would pay dearly.

End Notes:

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