The Legend Of Shadow Dragon God

by Maxwell C-Dornez

This is for roggerlopez99. Destroying the Eclipse Gate was the solution to stop Future Rogue's plans, but it was not a good solution because it had unexpected side effects. After destroying the Eclipse Gate, Rogue finds himself returned to the past; He decided to set things right, but little did he realize that his actions would cause drastic and unexpected changes in his world.

11. Chapter 11

«in Phantom Lord Guildhall»

Inside the Phantom Lord guildhall, the atmosphere was a mix of tension and relief. Members of the guild were scattered around, catching their breath and tending to their wounds after the intense battle outside. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and magic, a reminder of the fierce fight they had just endured.

Rogue sat alone in a corner, his young face etched with a seriousness that seemed out of place on a 12-year-old. He had changed into fresh clothes, his previous outfit torn to shreds during his transformation into his adult form. The new clothes were slightly oversized, giving him a somewhat comical appearance that belied the power he had displayed earlier.

The other guild members kept throwing curious glances his way, their whispers barely audible but clearly about his unexpected transformation. Rogue tried to ignore them, focusing instead on regaining his strength. He knew that Jose's Shades wouldn't hold off Unity 33 forever, and they needed to be ready for the next wave of attacks.

Gajeel, noticing the young Dragon Slayer's isolation, made his way over. Despite his gruff exterior, he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for the boy. He plopped down next to Rogue, his red eyes scrutinizing the younger mage.

"Oi, Ryos," Gajeel grunted, using the nickname he'd given Rogue. "What was that back there? One minute you're a pipsqueak, the next you're..." He trailed off, gesturing vaguely with his hands to indicate Rogue's adult form.

Rogue looked up at Gajeel, his red eyes meeting the older mage's gaze. He took a deep breath, knowing he had to tread carefully with his explanation. "It's... something Mirai taught me," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gajeel's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Mirai Cheney, Phantom Lord's enigmatic SS-Class mage. "Mirai, huh?" he mused, crossing his arms. "When did he have time to teach you something like that?"

Rogue's mind raced, trying to piece together a believable story. "It was... before he left for his hundred-year quest," he explained, his voice growing steadier as he spoke. "He said it was a secret technique, something to use only in dire situations."

Gajeel let out a low whistle. "Well, I'll be damned. That guy's always been full of surprises."

Rogue nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. If only Gajeel knew just how many surprises Mirai - or rather, Future Rogue - truly held.

As they sat in companionable silence, Rogue's thoughts drifted to Mirai. He wondered where his future self was now, and if he was aware of the battle raging in Oak Town. A part of him wished Mirai was here, his strength and experience would be invaluable in the fight against Unity 33.

Their moment of quiet was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Several mages burst through the doors, their faces pale with fear. "Master Jose!" one of them called out, his voice cracking with urgency. "The Shades... they're being overwhelmed!"

Jose's face darkened as he strode towards the group. "What do you mean, overwhelmed?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

The mage swallowed hard before continuing. "There's... there's someone new on the battlefield. A woman. She's tearing through the Shades like they're nothing!"

A hush fell over the guild hall as the implications of this news sank in. Rogue felt a chill run down his spine. He had a sinking feeling that this new development was about to change everything.

Jose's voice cut through the silence, commanding and resolute. "Everyone, gather round!" the guild master called out. "We need to prepare for the next phase of this battle. Our enemy has brought in reinforcements, and we must be ready."

As the guild members huddled around Jose, Rogue couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that the battle was far from over, and now his fears were confirmed - something even more challenging was on the horizon.

Gajeel nudged Rogue with his elbow. "Looks like you might need to pull out that trick of yours again, Ryos," he muttered, his voice a mix of concern and excitement.

Rogue nodded grimly. "I hope it won't come to that," he replied softly, "but if it does, I'll be ready."

As Jose began outlining their new strategy, Rogue's mind wandered to the mysterious woman who had joined the battle. Who was she? And more importantly, how powerful was she to be able to overwhelm Jose's Shades so easily?

Suddenly, a loud mechanical noise from outside caught everyone's attention. Rogue's eyes widened as he recognized the sound. He rushed to the nearest window, followed closely by Gajeel and several other guild members.

There, atop the Phantom Lord guild hall, the massive form of the Jupiter Cannon was emerging. Its metallic surface gleamed in the fading daylight, a testament to its power and destructive capability.

Rogue felt a chill run down his spine. He knew the Jupiter Cannon all too well from his future memories. It was the one of most powerful weapons in Fiore. The sight of it brought back a flood of memories, both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

"Whoa," Gajeel whistled low, his red eyes wide with surprise. "Master's really pulling out all the stops, huh?"

Rogue nodded silently, his young face etched with concern. He understood why Jose hadn't used the cannon earlier - the Phantom Lord members had been fighting Unity 33 out in the open. But now, with the guild members safely inside and the townspeople evacuated into the guild hall before the invasion began, there was nothing holding Jose back.

"This is going to change everything," Rogue muttered, more to himself than to Gajeel.

The Iron Dragon Slayer looked down at his younger companion, raising an eyebrow. "You sound like you've seen this thing in action before, Ryos."

Rogue caught himself, realizing he'd spoken aloud. "I... I've just heard stories," he quickly covered, turning his gaze back to the cannon.

As they watched, the Jupiter Cannon continued to power up, magical energy crackling around its barrel. The air itself seemed to vibrate with the sheer amount of power being gathered. Rogue could feel the hair on the back of his neck standing up, his dragon slayer senses heightened by the intense magical pressure.

"Everyone, prepare yourselves!" Jose's voice boomed through the guild hall. "We're about to show Unity 33 the true might of Phantom Lord!"

A cheer went up from the guild members, but Rogue remained silent. He couldn't shake the feeling that this escalation would only lead to more destruction. As the Jupiter Cannon hummed with energy, ready to unleash its devastating power, Rogue found himself hoping that this display of force would be enough to end the conflict.

But deep down, he knew that Unity 33 - and especially the mysterious new woman - wouldn't back down so easily. The battle for Oak Town was far from over, and Rogue had a sinking feeling that it was about to become even more intense.

"Gajeel," Rogue said quietly, tugging on the older mage's sleeve. "What if... what if this isn't enough?"

Gajeel looked down at him, his usual smirk softening slightly. "Then we keep fighting, kid. That's what Phantom Lord does."

Rogue nodded, but the knot in his stomach only tightened. He glanced around the guild hall, taking in the determined faces of his fellow guild members. They all seemed so confident, so sure of their victory. But Rogue knew things they didn't. He'd seen futures where battles like this ended in tragedy.

As the Jupiter Cannon reached full power, a deafening hum filled the air. Rogue braced himself, knowing what was coming. He only hoped that this time, things would be different. That maybe, just maybe, his presence here could change the course of events.

The cannon fired, and for a moment, the world was bathed in blinding light. The blast was so immense that it obliterated the eastern side of Oak Town, the impact resembling the sudden appearance of a second sun in the sky. The ground shook violently, and a shockwave of incredible force rippled through the air, shattering windows and toppling smaller structures in its wake.

Rogue instinctively shielded his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest as he felt the raw power of the Jupiter Cannon wash over him. As the initial flash faded, he lowered his arm, his eyes widening in shock at the devastation before him. Where Unity 33's forces had once stood, there was now a massive crater, smoke and debris billowing into the air.

"By the gods," Gajeel muttered beside him, his usual bravado momentarily forgotten in the face of such destruction.

Rogue swallowed hard, a mix of awe and horror churning in his stomach. He silently thanked whatever higher power might be listening that the civilians had already been evacuated. If they hadn't been, the results would have been tragically catastrophic. The thought of innocent lives lost in such a blast made him shudder.

"Did... did we get them?" someone asked hesitantly, breaking the stunned silence that had fallen over the guild hall.

Jose stepped forward, his face set in grim determination. "We've dealt them a significant blow," he announced, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "But we mustn't let our guard down. Unity 33 has proven to be resourceful. We need to be prepared for any counterattack."

As the dust began to settle, Rogue strained his enhanced dragon slayer senses, trying to detect any signs of life from the battlefield. The eerie silence that followed the blast was unsettling, broken only by the distant sound of falling debris and the crackle of fires ignited by the explosion.

"Gajeel," Rogue said quietly, tugging on the older mage's sleeve again. "Something doesn't feel right. It's too... quiet."

Gajeel nodded, his red eyes narrowed as he scanned the devastated landscape. "Yeah, I feel it too, kid. Stay alert."

As they watched, a figure emerged from the settling dust, walking calmly through the destruction as if taking a leisurely stroll. Rogue's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the silhouette - it was the woman the scouts had reported earlier.

"Impossible," Jose breathed, his composure slipping for a moment. "How could anyone survive that blast?"

The woman's laughter echoed across the battlefield, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Rogue's spine. As she drew closer, they could see that she was completely unscathed, not a hair out of place despite the devastation surrounding her.

"Well, well," her voice carried clearly to the guild hall. "It seems Phantom Lord has some bite after all. But I'm afraid it's going to take more than that to stop me."

Rogue felt a surge of dread. He knew, deep in his bones, that this woman was far more dangerous than anyone they had faced so far.

As the woman drew closer, her features became clearer. She had an aura of calm confidence that was more terrifying than any show of rage. Her eyes, scanning the guild hall, seemed to lock onto Rogue for a moment, and he felt as if she could see right through him.

"Gajeel," Rogue said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I think we're in trouble."

Gajeel looked at him with a grim face. "You think?! Well, I'm sure!"

The Iron Dragon Slayer's fingers twitched, itching for a fight. But even he couldn't hide the unease in his eyes as he watched the woman approach. The Jupiter Cannon, Phantom Lord's ultimate weapon, had failed to even scratch her. What chance did they have?

The woman continued her approach, each step deliberate and unhurried. As she got closer, Rogue could make out more details of her appearance. She was tall and slender, with long, dark hair that seemed to absorb the light around her. Her eyes, a piercing shade of violet, held a cold intelligence that made Rogue's skin crawl.

Rogue's mind raced, trying to recall any information from his future memories that might help them. But this woman was an unknown variable, someone he had never encountered in any of his past lives. The realization made his blood run cold.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!" Jose's voice boomed through the guild hall, snapping everyone out of their stunned silence. "We may have underestimated our enemy, but Phantom Lord does not back down!"

As the guild members scrambled to their positions, Rogue couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to face something far beyond their understanding. He glanced at Gajeel, seeing the determination in the older mage's eyes, and made a decision.

"Gajeel," he said, his voice steadier now, "if things get bad... I might have to use that transformation again."

Gajeel looked down at him, surprise flickering across his face before being replaced by a grim smile. "Do what you gotta do, kid. We're all in this together."

As the woman reached the edge of the crater, she stopped and looked up at the guild hall. Her lips curved into a smile that was equal parts beautiful and terrifying.

"Now then," she called out, her voice carrying easily across the battlefield, "shall we begin the real fight?"

As if on cue, Jose and the Element Four sprang into action, launching themselves towards Eliptas. Their faces were set with grim determination, ready to face this new threat head-on.

But suddenly, their charge was met with an unexpected counter-attack. Thirteen figures suddenly burst forth, intercepting Jose and the Element Four mid-stride. These were Lilith and the other leaders of Unity 33. It was clear they had been waiting for this moment, their ambush perfectly timed.

The battlefield erupted into chaos as the two forces clashed. Magic of all types lit up the sky, the ground trembling beneath the sheer power being unleashed. Jose found himself locked in combat with Lilith, their magics colliding in spectacular displays of light.

Meanwhile, the remaining forces of Unity 33 advanced. Though their numbers had been thinned by the Jupiter Cannon's blast, they were still a formidable force, their determination unwavering. They pushed forward, engaging the rest of Phantom Lord in fierce combat.

The other members of Phantom Lord didn't hesitate to join the fray. Mages of all specialties poured out of the guild hall, meeting Unity 33's advance with equal fervor. The air crackled with magical energy as spells flew in all directions.

Amidst the chaos, Rogue grabbed Gajeel's arm just as the older mage was about to charge into battle. "Wait!" he shouted over the din of combat. "Eat my shadows first! It'll make you stronger!"

Gajeel looked down at the young boy, his red eyes wide with surprise. "What? Are you crazy, kid? that's gross."

But Rogue wasn't taking no for an answer. With a determined gleam in his eye, he suddenly leapt at Gajeel, catching the Iron Dragon Slayer off guard. The two tumbled to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

"Oi! Get off me, you little-" Gajeel's protests were cut short as Rogue, straddling the older mage's chest, began shoving handfuls of shadows into Gajeel's mouth.

"eat it now!" Rogue yelled, his young face scrunched up in concentration. "Trust me, it'll help!"

The scene was almost comical amidst the intense battle raging around them. Gajeel thrashed about, trying to dislodge the determined boy, while Rogue clung on like a Octopus, force-feeding shadows to his reluctant senior.

"Mmph! Grrr!" Gajeel's muffled protests were drowned out by the sounds of battle and Rogue's insistent demands.

"Come on, Gajeel! Just eat them!" Rogue yelled, shoving his shadowy hand towards Gajeel's face.

"Get your hands outta my mouth, you little brat!" Gajeel shouted back, his words muffled by Rogue's efforts.

The two Dragon Slayers continued their ridiculous struggle, shouting and grappling like squabbling schoolchildren, seemingly oblivious to the intense battle raging around them.

Finally, whether by accident or resignation, Gajeel swallowed a mouthful of shadows. His eyes widened as he felt a surge of power course through him. The Iron Dragon Slayer's body began to change, his skin taking on a metallic sheen with shadowy swirls.

Rogue tumbled off as Gajeel rose to his feet, his body radiating an aura of combined shadow and iron. The older mage looked at his hands in awe, feeling the new power thrumming through his veins.

"This is... incredible," Gajeel muttered, flexing his fingers. He looked down at Rogue, a mix of gratitude and lingering annoyance in his eyes. "Alright, kid. You were right. But next time, maybe just ask nicely instead of jumping me, yeah?"

Rogue grinned up at him, relief evident on his young face. "Sorry, Gajeel. I just knew you needed it."

With a nod of understanding between them, Gajeel turned to face the battle, his new Shadow Iron Dragon mode pulsing with power. "Time to show these Unity 33 punks what a real Dragon Slayer can do," he growled, a fierce grin spreading across his face.

As Gajeel leapt into the fray, his attacks now imbued with the power of both iron and shadow, Rogue couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this would be enough to turn the tide of battle.

The battlefield was a chaotic symphony of magic and combat. Rogue's eyes darted from one intense fight to another, trying to keep track of his guildmates amidst the mayhem.

Sol, the Earth mage of the Element Four, was engaged in a fierce duel with one of Unity 33's leaders. His flexible body twisted and contorted in impossible ways, narrowly avoiding blasts of energy while retaliating with pillars of stone erupting from the ground. His opponent, a stocky woman with fiery red hair, matched him blow for blow, her fists glowing with an intense heat that melted through Sol's defenses.

Not far from them, Juvia was locked in combat with another Unity 33 leader. The water mage's body rippled and flowed like a living river, her water attacks lashing out with incredible force. Her opponent, a tall man with piercing green eyes, wielded wind magic that threatened to disperse Juvia's watery form. The two elemental mages clashed in a spectacular display of nature's fury.

Totomaru, the fire mage, found himself facing off against a Unity 33 leader who specialized in ice magic. The stark contrast of their elements created a mesmerizing spectacle as steam hissed and billowed around them. Totomaru's multicolored flames danced and swirled, meeting head-on with his opponent's crystalline ice structures.

Gajeel, empowered by his new Shadow Iron Dragon mode, was a whirlwind of destruction. His iron-shadow attacks tore through the battlefield, allowing him to engage two Unity 33 leaders simultaneously. One moment he was solid, iron scales gleaming in the chaotic light of battle, the next he was a shadow, slipping through his opponents' defenses with ease. His laugh, a mixture of exhilaration and battle fury, rang out across the field.

"Come on, you Unity punks!" Gajeel roared, his voice carrying a metallic echo. "Is this all you've got?"

Rogue watched in awe as Gajeel held his own against two formidable opponents. One, a hulking brute with skin like granite, could barely land a blow on the nimble Dragon Slayer. The other, a petite woman whose hands crackled with lightning, found her attacks absorbed by Gajeel's iron body.

Suddenly, a wave of pressure washed over the battlefield, causing even the most intense duels to falter for a moment. Rogue turned to see Aria, the air mage of the Element Four, slowly removing the bandages from his eyes. The air around him began to distort, reality itself seeming to warp in the presence of his full power.

"Damn," Rogue muttered, remembering the destruction Aria was capable of. "This is going to get intense."

As the last bandage fell away, Aria's eyes snapped open, glowing with an otherworldly light. In an instant, he was engaged with not one, not two, but three Unity 33 leaders. The air around them became a maelstrom, Aria's opponents struggling to even remain on their feet as they fought against his overwhelming magical pressure.

The three leaders found themselves battered by invisible forces, lifted off their feet and slammed back down, or suddenly robbed of the very air in their lungs. Aria moved with a grace that belied his large frame, his ultimate technique turning the very atmosphere into a weapon.

But the most intense battle was taking place at the center of it all. Jose Porla, the master of Phantom Lord, stood against Lilith and four other Unity 33 leaders, with Eliptas herself joining the fray. It was a six-against-one battle that would have spelled certain doom for any ordinary mage.

But Jose was far from ordinary.

Rogue watched in awe as the guild master held his ground against the overwhelming odds. Jose's dark magic swirled around him in a maelstrom of shadowy tendrils and ghostly apparitions. Each spell he cast seemed to split and multiply, targeting multiple opponents at once.

Lilith and her companions unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, their combined magic a dazzling display of light and color that contrasted sharply with Jose's darkness. Eliptas herself seemed to dance through the battle, her movements graceful yet deadly, each gesture unleashing devastating magic.

Yet Jose not only defended against their onslaught but managed to launch counterattacks of his own. His face was set in a mask of grim determination, sweat beading on his brow as he pushed himself to the absolute limit.

As Rogue observed the incredible display of magical prowess, he began to understand how Jose had maintained his status as a Wizard Saint despite his advancing age. The sheer power and skill he was demonstrating, holding his own against six formidable opponents, was beyond anything Rogue had ever witnessed.

The young Dragon Slayer felt a newfound respect for his guild master blooming in his chest. Despite all the challenges and changes he had experienced, some things remained constant – and Jose's strength was definitely one of them.

With renewed determination, Rogue turned back to the battle, ready to do his part in this epic clash. The outcome was still uncertain, but one thing was clear – Phantom Lord would not go down without a fight.

Taking a deep breath, Rogue closed his eyes and focused on the shadows swirling around him. He knew it was time to unleash one of his most powerful techniques – the Dark Summoning. As he concentrated, the shadows around him began to coalesce and take form.

"Come forth, Tatara and Barak!" Rogue called out, his voice echoing with an otherworldly resonance.

From the depths of the shadows, two figures emerged. Tatara, a towering, muscular figure with glowing red eyes, let out a bone-chilling roar. Beside him, Barak, a lithe, quick-moving abyss creature with razor-sharp claws, ready to pounce.

Rogue opened his eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's show Unity 33 what Phantom Lord is really made of," he said to his summoned creatures.

With a gesture from Rogue, Tatara and Barak leapt into the fray, their shadowy forms blending seamlessly with the chaos of the battlefield. Rogue followed close behind, joining his fellow Phantom Lord members in their fight against Unity 33.

As he fought, weaving through the battle with his shadow magic, Rogue kept a watchful eye on Master Jose. The guild master was still holding his own against six formidable opponents, but Rogue could see the strain beginning to show. Jose's movements, while still incredibly powerful, were becoming slightly less fluid, his reactions a fraction slower.

'He can't keep this up forever.' Rogue thought, worry gnawing at him.

Even as he fought, He observed the six opponents carefully, trying to gauge their strengths. It quickly became apparent that Lilith and Eliptas were the most formidable among them.

Lilith moved with a fluid grace, her magic manifesting as shimmering threads that wove complex patterns in the air. Each thread seemed capable of cutting through Jose's shadow defenses like a hot knife through butter.

Eliptas, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of raw power. Her magic didn't seem to have a specific element or form, instead manifesting as pure magical energy that she shaped at will. One moment she was hurling bolts of energy, the next she was creating shields or weapons out of thin air.

Rogue realized that if Phantom Lord was going to turn the tide of this battle, something would need to be done about them.

As he ducked under a blast of magic from a Unity 33 member, Rogue's mind raced, trying to formulate a plan. He knew he wasn't strong enough to take on Lilith or Eliptas directly.

Rogue knew he had one last ace up his sleeve – his ability to transform into his adult form. But he hesitated, acutely aware of the limitations of this power. The transformation would only last for ten minutes, and he could only use it twice a day. He had already used it once today against Ivan and Valdez, which meant he had only one chance left.

but perhaps there was another way he could help even the odds for Master Jose.

With a determined glint in his eye, Rogue began to make his way towards the center of the battle, where Jose was fighting. He didn't know exactly what he was going to do yet, but he knew one thing for certain – he wasn't going to stand by and watch his guild master fall.

Rogue melted into the shadows, his form becoming one with the darkness that swirled around the battlefield. He circled Jose and his opponents, his keen eyes searching for an opening, a weakness he could exploit. The young Dragon Slayer's heart raced as he watched the intense exchange of magical attacks, feeling the raw power emanating from each combatant.

As he observed, Rogue noticed a slight pattern in Lilith's movements. There was a split second delay between her attacks, a moment when her guard was slightly lowered. It was barely noticeable, but to Rogue's trained eye, it was an opportunity.

Without hesitation, Rogue activated his Shadow Drive. Dark energy surged through his body, enhancing his speed and strength. He shot through the shadows like a bullet, aiming for Lilith's blind spot. Time seemed to slow as he emerged from the darkness, his fist cocked back, ready to strike. For a split second, he thought he had her.

But just as he was about to make contact, Lilith turned her head towards him, a knowing smile on her face, as if she had been expecting him all along. Rogue's eyes widened in surprise, realizing too late that his attack had been anticipated.

In that same instant, Rogue felt a tremendous force slam into his side. Eliptas had appeared out of nowhere, her foot connecting with his ribs and sending him flying like a soccer ball. The force of the kick sent him flying across the battlefield, his small body crashing through the wall of a nearby building.

The impact knocked the wind out of Rogue's lungs. He lay amidst the rubble, struggling to catch his breath, his mind reeling from how quickly his plan had fallen apart. He could hear the sound of approaching footsteps and knew that Eliptas was coming to finish what she had started.

Eliptas's voice carried across the debris-strewn ground. "My friend Lilith gave me some advice before this battle began," she said, her tone casual as if she were discussing the weather rather than in the middle of a fierce fight. "But there was one piece of advice she particularly emphasized." Eliptas paused, now standing over Rogue's prone form. "Never, under any circumstances, let the Shadow Dragon Slayer out of your sight. Wise words, don't you think?"

Rogue's eyes narrowed at her words. He slowly got to his feet, his body tense and ready for action. "Is that so?" he said, his voice low and threatening. "Well, let me give you some advice of my own. Never corner a Dragon Slayer."

From amidst the dust and rubble, Rogue emerged, but he was no longer the small boy he had been moments ago. In his place stood a man, tall and imposing, his red eyes glowing with determination. The clothes he had been wearing, thankfully loose-fitting, hadn't torn from his transformation, though they now clung tightly to his adult form.

Eliptas's eyes widened slightly, the only indication of her surprise at this unexpected turn of events. Rogue, now in his adult form, stood to his full height, his presence radiating power and confidence.

"I see," Eliptas said, her voice tinged with newfound interest. "this is certainly an interesting development."

"You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into," Rogue said, his voice deeper, more menacing than before. "You wanted to keep your eyes on me? Well, here I am. Let's see if you can handle what you're looking at."

Without waiting for a response, Rogue lunged forward, his speed greatly enhanced in this form. Shadows swirled around his fists as he engaged Eliptas in close combat, forcing her to focus solely on him and drawing her away from Jose.

As they exchanged blows, Rogue could feel the clock ticking. He knew he only had ten minutes in this form, and he intended to make every second count. His goal wasn't necessarily to defeat Eliptas – he knew that was likely beyond his capabilities even in this form – but to buy Jose some time and hopefully create an opening for his guild master.

The battlefield around them continued to rage, the sounds of magical explosions and clashing powers filling the air. But for Rogue and Eliptas, the world had narrowed down to just the two of them, locked in an intense duel of magic and skill.

Rogue's adult form moved with fluid grace, shadows swirling around his fists as he unleashed a barrage of attacks on Eliptas. Each punch was infused with shadow magic, creating trails of darkness in the air as he struck. The power behind each blow was palpable, the very air seeming to ripple with the force of his attacks.

Eliptas, however, was no easy opponent. She deftly dodged and parried his attacks, her own magic flaring to life around her. Her movements were precise and economical, each dodge just barely avoiding Rogue's strikes. It was clear she was a seasoned fighter, her experience evident in every move she made.

"Impressive," Eliptas said, a hint of respect in her voice as she blocked another of Rogue's shadow-infused punches. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, the thrill of battle evident on her face. "But let's see how you handle this!"

Suddenly, the air around Eliptas shimmered, and three magical circles appeared around her. Rogue's eyes widened as he realized she was about to use multiple types of magic simultaneously. The circles glowed with different colors - red, yellow, and brown - each pulsing with its own unique energy.

From one circle, a blast of fire erupted towards Rogue, the heat so intense he could feel it searing the air around him. He barely had time to dodge before a bolt of lightning shot out from the second circle, crackling with deadly electricity. As he twisted to avoid the lightning, he felt the ground beneath him shake and crack - the third circle had summoned earth magic, causing spikes of rock to burst from the ground beneath his feet.

Rogue gritted his teeth, realizing that Eliptas wasn't just powerful, but versatile as well. He needed to end this quickly before his transformation wore off. The clock was ticking, and he could already feel the strain of maintaining his adult form.

"Shadow Dragon's Roar!" Rogue shouted, unleashing a powerful beam of shadow energy towards Eliptas. The attack was massive, a torrent of darkness that threatened to engulf everything in its path.

She countered with a shield of earth, but the force of Rogue's attack shattered it, pushing her back several feet. The ground cracked beneath her feet as she skidded backward, her eyes widening slightly at the power of Rogue's attack.

Rogue pressed his advantage, closing the distance between them in an instant. His body seemed to flicker, almost disappearing as he moved with incredible speed.

"Shadow Dragon's Slash!" His hand transformed into a shadow, extending and slashing at Eliptas. The attack was like a blade of pure darkness, cutting through the air with a whistling sound.

She managed to avoid a direct hit, but the attack grazed her arm, leaving a dark mark. Eliptas' eyes narrowed, realizing she couldn't underestimate her opponent. She glanced at the mark on her arm, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Not bad at all," she muttered, her voice a mix of pain and excitement. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

As they continued their fierce battle, Rogue couldn't help but glance towards where Jose was fighting. With Eliptas occupied, the guild master seemed to be faring better against Lilith and the other Unity 33 leaders. His dark magic was pushing them back, the ghostly apparitions he summoned keeping them on the defensive. Jose's face was set in grim determination, his power seeming to grow with each passing moment.

Rogue allowed himself a small smile. His plan was working. By drawing Eliptas away, he had given Jose a better chance. Now, he just needed to keep her occupied for as long as possible. He turned his attention back to Eliptas, ready to continue their battle.

"Getting distracted?" Eliptas' voice snapped his attention back to their fight. She had used his momentary lapse in focus to close the distance between them. Her eyes gleamed with a predatory light, sensing an opportunity. "That's dangerous in a battle like this!"

Her fist, crackling with lightning, was inches from his face. The air around her hand sizzled with electricity, the heat palpable even from a distance. Rogue reacted instinctively, his body turning to shadow and slipping away from the attack. He reformed behind Eliptas, his own attack ready.

"Shadow Dragon's Waxwing Flash!"

Shadows erupted from Rogue's body, enveloping Eliptas in a swirling vortex of darkness. The shadows seemed to have a life of their own, writhing and twisting around Eliptas like living creatures. For a moment, it seemed like he had gained the upper hand. But then, a bright light shone from within the shadows, dispelling them.

Eliptas stood there, her body glowing with a magical aura. The light around her was so bright it was almost painful to look at, pushing back the shadows with ease. "Not bad," she said, a genuine smile on her face. "But I'm afraid you'll have to do better than that to defeat me."

Rogue could feel his time running out. He had only a few minutes left in his adult form. He needed to make them count. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his breathing becoming slightly labored as he fought to maintain his transformation.

"Then how about this?" Rogue said, his voice filled with determination. "Shadow Drive!"

Dark energy surged around him, enhancing his already formidable powers. The shadows around him seemed to deepen, the very air darkening as he tapped into the full extent of his Dragon Slayer magic. He charged at Eliptas, his speed now almost too fast for the eye to follow.

Their battle intensified, magic clashing against magic, neither willing to give an inch. The air around them crackled with energy, the ground trembling beneath their feet with each exchange of blows. Rogue's shadow-infused attacks met Eliptas's multi-elemental magic in explosive collisions, sending shockwaves across the battlefield.

As they fought, Rogue could hear the sounds of the larger battle shifting. Jose's voice rang out, powerful and commanding, as he pressed his advantage against the other Unity 33 leaders. The ghostly apparitions under his control seemed to multiply, their eerie wails filling the air as they harassed Lilith and her companions.

Rogue allowed himself a moment of pride. His guild master was truly formidable. The plan was working better than he had hoped. With Eliptas occupied, Jose was turning the tide of the battle.

But he couldn't afford to lose focus again. Eliptas was proving to be the most challenging opponent he had ever faced. Every second of this fight was pushing him to his limits, forcing him to dig deep into his magical reserves.

"You're quite the fighter," Eliptas said between attacks, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I can see why Lilith warned me about you. But I wonder, how long can you keep this up?"

Rogue didn't respond, conserving his energy for the fight. He knew she was right - his time was running out. But he had to hold on, had to keep her occupied just a little longer.

As their duel raged on, Rogue knew that the outcome of this battle would be decided soon. Whether he could hold out long enough for Jose to turn the tide, or whether Eliptas would overwhelm him, remained to be seen. But one thing was certain - Rogue was not going to give up without giving everything he had.

With a roar that seemed to shake the very air, Rogue launched himself at Eliptas once more, his body a blur of shadow and power. The battle was far from over, and he was determined to see it through to the end, no matter the cost.

As he charged forward, Rogue felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins. The shadows around him seemed to pulse in sync with his heartbeat, responding to his iron will. He knew his time in adult form was running out, but he had one more trick up his sleeve, a technique he'd been saving for a moment just like this. His red eyes glowed with an intense determination, narrowing as he focused on his formidable opponent.

"Shadow Dragon Magic: Midnight Obliteration!" Rogue's voice rang out, filled with raw determination.

The shadows around him began to swirl violently, coalescing into a dense, pitch-black sphere in front of him. The air crackled with dark energy, and even the debris on the ground seemed to be drawn towards the growing mass of shadows. The temperature around Rogue dropped dramatically, frost forming on nearby surfaces as his magic sucked the heat from the air.

This effect hadn't occurred when he used this attack against Ivan, This attack was distinct from the one he had used against Ivan hours ago.

This is the true form of his Midnight Obliteration.

Rogue hadn't unleashed its full potential then, holding back to avoid causing unnecessary damage. Now, facing Eliptas, he knew he needed to go all out.

Eliptas's eyes widened slightly at the display of power, but her surprise quickly gave way to excitement. A fierce grin spread across her face as she began to summon her own magic in response. The air around her shimmered with heat, crackled with electricity, and trembled with earthen power.

"Impressive," she called out, her voice carrying over the din of battle. There was a note of genuine admiration in her tone. "But let's see how your shadows fare against the combined might of my elements!"

Three magical circles materialized before her, each glowing with a different color - fiery red, electric yellow, and earthy brown. The energies from each circle began to intertwine, forming a swirling vortex of elemental power. The air around Eliptas became a chaotic mix of scorching heat, crackling electricity, and rumbling earth.

"Tri-Elemental Convergence!" Eliptas shouted, her voice ringing with power and confidence.

The two massive attacks collided in the center of the battlefield, creating an explosion of light and darkness. The shockwave from the impact sent debris flying in all directions, forcing even the other combatants to pause and shield themselves. The ground beneath their feet cracked and buckled, unable to withstand the sheer force of the collision.

A thick cloud of dust enveloped the area, obscuring both Rogue and Eliptas from view. For a moment, an eerie silence fell over the battlefield, broken only by the distant sounds of ongoing fights and the settling of debris.

Then, suddenly, the dust cloud was blown away by a burst of magical energy. As the air cleared, Rogue and Eliptas were revealed, their fists locked together in a standoff. Both were breathing heavily, their clothes singed and torn from the force of their attacks. Rogue's shadow-infused fist pressed against Eliptas's hand, which crackled with a mix of fire, lightning, and earth magic.

Rogue's crimson eyes met Eliptas's fierce gaze, neither willing to back down. The air around them crackled with residual energy from their clash, small arcs of lightning and wisps of shadow dancing around their intertwined fists. The ground beneath their feet continued to crack and shift, responding to the immense magical pressure.

"Impressive," Eliptas said, a note of respect in her voice despite the strain evident on her face. Sweat beaded on her brow, and her breathing was labored. "You continue to surprise me, Shadow Dragon Slayer. Your power... it's not just raw strength, is it? There's something more..."

Rogue didn't respond verbally, but his eyes narrowed in concentration. He could feel his transformation starting to waver, the edges of his adult form beginning to blur. The strain of maintaining this form and unleashing such powerful magic was taking its toll. He needed to end this quickly, but Eliptas's words gave him pause. She was perceptive, dangerously so.

With a grunt of effort, Rogue pushed forward, trying to break the stalemate. Eliptas matched his strength, her feet digging into the ground as she held her position. The air around them continued to swirl with a mix of shadow and elemental magic, creating a dizzying display of power.

For a moment, they were perfectly matched, neither able to gain an advantage. Then, with a sudden burst of strength, they both pushed away from each other, creating some distance between them. As they separated, both Rogue and Eliptas immediately fell back into fighting stances, ready to continue their intense battle.

Rogue could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his breath coming in short gasps. He had poured everything he had into that last attack, and he knew he was running on borrowed time. But as he looked across at Eliptas, he saw that she too was showing signs of fatigue. Her usual composed demeanor was slipping, replaced by a look of intense concentration and... was that a hint of uncertainty?

In the distance, Rogue could hear the sounds of Jose's battle against the other Unity 33 leaders. The clash of magical energies and the cries of both allies and enemies created a chaotic backdrop to their duel. He knew that every second he kept Eliptas occupied was another second Jose had to turn the tide of the larger battle.

With renewed determination, Rogue gathered his shadow magic once more. He wasn't sure how much longer he could maintain this form, but he was determined to make every second count.

"Ready for round two?" Rogue called out, his voice low and challenging. Despite his exhaustion, there was a glint of excitement in his eyes. This was the most intense battle he had ever fought, and a part of him was relishing the challenge.

Eliptas's response was a fierce grin, her own magic flaring to life around her. The elements danced at her fingertips, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice. "Always," she replied, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of battle. "Show me more of that mysterious power of yours, Shadow Dragon Slayer. Let's see just how far you can push yourself!"

Without another word, they both launched themselves forward, ready to continue their fierce duel. The fate of the battle, and perhaps the future itself, hung in the balance as shadow and elements clashed once more. The air crackled with anticipation, as if the very fabric of reality was holding its breath, waiting to see the outcome of this titanic clash.

Rogue, feeling the strain of his prolonged transformation, knew it was time to unleash his final trump card. With a deep breath, he tapped into the deepest reserves of his magic, calling forth a primal force that he had been holding back until now.

"Dragon Force!" Rogue roared, his voice echoing across the battlefield.

A surge of incredible energy coursed through his body. Scales of shadow began to form on his skin, dark and sleek, spreading across his arms and face. His muscles bulged, strength flowing through him like never before. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, red irises burning with an inner fire. This was the ultimate form of Dragon Slayer magic, the power that had allowed humans to stand toe-to-toe with dragons in ages past.

Eliptas's eyes widened in shock. She had heard rumors of Dragon Force, whispered tales of Dragon Slayers achieving god-like power, but to witness it firsthand was something else entirely. "Impossible," she whispered, her usual confidence wavering.

Rogue didn't waste a moment. With speed that defied comprehension, he closed the distance between them. His fist, now wreathed in shadow scales, connected with Eliptas's stomach before she could even react. The impact was like a thunderclap, the air itself seeming to shudder at the collision.

The force sent her flying backward, crashing through several buildings before coming to a stop. Dust and debris rained down as Eliptas struggled to her feet, coughing and gasping for air. Her usually immaculate appearance was now disheveled, her clothes torn and dirty.

But Rogue was already upon her again, moving like a living shadow. "Shadow Dragon's Crushing Fang!" he called out, his enhanced magic turning his attack into a devastating onslaught. His hands, cloaked in whirling shadows, slashed through the air with frightening precision.

Eliptas tried to counter with her multi-elemental magic, summoning barriers of fire, earth, and lightning. But it was like trying to stop a tidal wave with a paper fan. Rogue's shadows overwhelmed her defenses, shattering through her elemental barriers like glass. Each impact sent shockwaves through the air, the very ground trembling beneath their feet.

Despite her immense skill and power, Eliptas found herself completely outmatched. Rogue's Dragon Force had not only increased his strength and speed but had also elevated his shadow magic to new heights. The shadows under his command seemed almost alive, responding to his will with uncanny precision. They twisted and writhed, forming shapes and patterns that defied logic, striking from angles that should have been impossible.

"How?" Eliptas gasped between attacks, barely managing to dodge a particularly vicious strike. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her usual composure shattered. "How can shadow magic be this powerful?"

Rogue paused for a moment, his red eyes boring into hers. The air around him seemed to darken, shadows swirling around his form like a living cloak. "You've forgotten something crucial," he said, his voice carrying an otherworldly echo that sent shivers down Eliptas's spine. "I may use shadow magic, but I am, first and foremost, a Dragon Slayer. And Dragon Slayers have always been among the most powerful mages in history."

With that, Rogue unleashed a final, devastating attack. "Shadow Dragon's Vortex!"

A massive whirlpool of shadows formed around Eliptas, cutting off any chance of escape. The vortex closed in, its dark tendrils wrapping around her, suppressing her magic and draining her strength. It was like being caught in the heart of a shadow storm, the darkness pressing in from all sides, suffocating and overwhelming.

As the shadows dissipated, Eliptas fell to her knees, her magic depleted and her body battered. She looked up at Rogue, a mix of fear and awe in her eyes. Her hair was disheveled, her face streaked with dirt and sweat. "I... I yield," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rogue stood over her, the power of Dragon Force still coursing through him. The shadow scales on his skin gleamed in the dim light, his red eyes glowing with inner power. He had turned the tables completely, proving that even the so-called weakest magic could be formidable in the hands of a true Dragon Slayer.

In the distance, the sounds of battle were changing. Jose's ghostly apparitions were overwhelming the remaining Unity 33 leaders, their eerie wails mixing with cries of defeat. The tide of battle had shifted, just as they had planned.

Rogue allowed himself a small smile, feeling a mix of satisfaction and relief. Their plan had worked, perhaps even better than he had hoped. As he deactivated his Dragon Force, feeling the familiar strain of his transformation threatening to give way, he couldn't help but reflect on how far he had come. From a young mage with supposedly weak magic to a formidable Dragon Slayer capable of defeating one of the strongest mages in the kingdom – his journey had been nothing short of extraordinary.

But as the adrenaline of battle began to fade, a nagging thought entered his mind. How would these actions affect the future he was trying to change? The ripples of his actions here would spread far and wide, altering the course of events in ways he couldn't predict. Only time would tell, and Rogue knew that his work was far from over.

Looking down at the defeated Eliptas, Rogue made a decision. He couldn't leave her conscious, not when there was still so much at stake. With a swift, precise movement, he delivered a final blow, striking a pressure point that would render her unconscious without causing further harm.

With a final look at the defeated Eliptas, Rogue turned his attention to the rest of the battlefield. There was still much to be done, and he could feel his time in adult form running out. He had to make the most of it while he could.

Rogue raced across the chaotic battlefield, his enhanced senses guiding him towards the epicenter of the remaining conflict. The air was thick with dust and the residual energy of countless spells, but he pushed through, driven by a sense of urgency.

As he approached, he saw Jose locked in fierce combat with Lilith, the last remaining leader of Unity 33. The scene before him was one of devastation. The other four leaders lay scattered across the ground, unconscious and thoroughly defeated. Jose, however, was far from unscathed.

The guild master of Phantom Lord stood his ground, but Rogue could see the toll the battle had taken on him. Jose's usually impeccable clothes were torn and singed, hanging in tatters. Blood seeped from various wounds across his body, with a particularly deep gash on his side. Despite his injuries, Jose's eyes burned with determination, his magical aura still pulsing with power.

Rogue's keen mind quickly assessed the situation. He realized that Jose had been holding back, unable to unleash his full power due to the proximity of Phantom Lord members fighting nearby. The collateral damage from Jose's most potent spells would have been catastrophic for his own guild members. Lilith, it seemed, had cleverly exploited this weakness, using it to her advantage throughout their battle.

As Rogue drew closer, he overheard Lilith's taunting voice, barely audible over the sounds of their clashing magic.

"What's the matter, Jose?" Lilith sneered, her hands glowing with magical energy. "Feeling tired already? I thought the great Wizard Saint had more stamina than this!"

Before Jose could retort, Rogue sprang into action. With the enhanced speed of his adult form, he crossed the distance in the blink of an eye. His foot, wreathed in shadow, connected solidly with Lilith's face, sending her flying backward.

"My master's pushing 80 and deals with idiots like you all the time," Rogue stated coolly, his crimson eyes fixed on Lilith's stunned form. "Of course he's tired!"

Lilith struggled to her feet, her eyes wide with shock at Rogue's sudden appearance. For a moment, disbelief painted her features. She had assumed Rogue would be occupied with Eliptas for much longer. The realization that he had not only defeated Eliptas but had energy left to join this fight seemed to shake her confidence.

However, her surprise quickly gave way to anger. Her eyes narrowed, and her magical aura flared dangerously. "You..." she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "How dare you interfere!"

Rogue stood his ground, his shadow magic swirling around him. He could feel his transformation wavering, the strain of maintaining his adult form becoming more pronounced with each passing second. But he pushed the fatigue aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"Master," Rogue called out, not taking his eyes off Lilith. "How are you holding up?"

Jose managed a grim chuckle, wiping blood from his lip. "I've been better, my boy. But I'm not out of this fight yet."

Jose stepped up beside Rogue, a small smile playing on his lips despite his injuries. "Well done, my boy," he murmured. Then, louder, he addressed Lilith. "It seems you've underestimated Phantom Lord once again. Shall we show her the true strength of our guild, Rogue?"

Rogue nodded, shadows beginning to swirl around him once more. "With pleasure, Master Jose."

Lilith's gaze darted between Rogue and Jose, reassessing her situation. The arrival of Rogue had clearly thrown her off balance, forcing her to recalculate her strategy.

"Two against one?" she snarled, her hands crackling with magical energy. "Is this how the mighty Phantom Lord fights?"

Rogue's expression remained impassive. "You and your allies didn't seem to have any qualms about ganging up on us earlier. Besides, I'm merely evening the odds."

As he spoke, Rogue could feel his transformation slipping further. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to make a difference in this fight. With a deep breath, he gathered his remaining strength, preparing for one final push.

"Master," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I don't have much time left in this form. Let's end this quickly."

Jose nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Despite his exhaustion, he straightened up, his magical aura intensifying. "Together then, Rogue. Let's show this upstart the true power of Phantom Lord!"

With that, both Rogue and Jose launched themselves at Lilith, their combined magical power creating a spectacular display of light and shadow. The air crackled with energy as they closed in on their opponent, ready to end this battle once and for all.

Suddenly, Lilith's necklace began to glow with an intense white light. Rogue's eyes widened in recognition and alarm. He had seen such artifacts before, but never expected to encounter one here. Before he could shout a warning to Jose, a powerful white aura erupted from the necklace, pulsing outward with devastating force.

The energy wave slammed into Rogue and Jose, sending them flying backward with incredible speed. Rogue felt the air leave his lungs as he crashed through several buildings, the impact jarring every bone in his body. When he finally came to a stop, he felt his adult transformation slip away, leaving him in his younger form once more. Pain radiated through his body, and he could tell that several of his bones were broken. Despite the agony, a grim realization dawned on him – had he not been in his adult form, that blast would have surely killed him.

Through the settling dust and debris, Rogue's keen eyes searched for Jose. What he saw made his blood run cold. The guild master lay sprawled across a pile of rubble, impaled by a long metal rod that had pierced through his body. Jose's face was contorted in pain, his usually immaculate appearance now a testament to the brutality of the battle.

Rogue's attention snapped back to Lilith, and he felt a chill run down his spine. Her appearance had transformed dramatically. Her hair, once dark, now shone with a brilliant white light. Her eyes, previously a piercing green, were now completely white, seeming to glow with an otherworldly power. Even her skin had taken on an ethereal, alabaster hue.

As Rogue struggled to his feet, his mind raced. He recognized the necklace now as an ancient artifact, one capable of granting its wearer temporary but immense power. While he knew the effect wouldn't last forever, it was clear that Lilith now had more than enough time to finish what she had started.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Lilith's voice echoed across the battlefield, sounding both familiar and alien at the same time. "I was saving this for a special occasion. I suppose you two qualify."

Rogue gritted his teeth, trying to formulate a plan. His body screamed in protest as he took a defensive stance, shadows weakly swirling around his fists. He knew he was in no condition to fight, but he couldn't give up. Not now, not when so much was at stake.

"Master Jose," he called out, his voice strained. "Can you hear me? We need to retreat and regroup!"

But Jose didn't respond. The guild master lay motionless, the rise and fall of his chest barely perceptible. Rogue's heart sank. They were in serious trouble, and for the first time since he had returned to the past, he felt a twinge of real fear.

Lilith began to advance, each step leaving a trail of white energy in her wake. "It's over, Rogue," she said, her voice eerily calm. "You've fought well, but this is where it ends. Unity 33 will reshape this world, and Phantom Lord will be nothing but a memory."

Rogue's mind raced, searching for a solution. He hadn't come this far, hadn't changed the past, only to fail now. With a deep breath, he summoned what little strength he had left, shadows swirling weakly around him. His body screamed in protest, every movement sending waves of pain through his battered form. He knew he had used up all his tricks in this war, and now he had nothing left. His body was broken, and his magical energy was dangerously low.

Just as Lilith was about to deliver the final blow, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before Rogue. Gajeel, his arms crossed in a defensive stance, blocked the attack meant for his guild mate. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, but Gajeel stood his ground, his iron scales gleaming in the harsh light.

"Gajeel," Rogue muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

The Iron Dragon Slayer glanced back at Rogue, a cocky grin on his face despite the strain evident in his posture. "You look like hell, kid. Can't leave you alone for five minutes, can I?"

As if on cue, Juvia, Sol, and Aria appeared on the battlefield. Without hesitation, they launched into an assault on Lilith. Juvia's water attacks merged with Sol's earth magic, creating a muddy vortex that threatened to engulf their glowing opponent. Aria, his eyes uncovered, unleashed a devastating airspace attack that distorted the very air around Lilith.

Lilith's glowing eyes narrowed, assessing the new threats. "More insects to crush," she said, her voice echoing with otherworldly power.

Rogue watched in awe as his guildmates fought. Despite their obvious exhaustion from their previous battles against the Unity 33 leaders, they fought with a determination that made his chest swell with pride.

In the midst of the chaos, Rogue spotted Totomaru kneeling beside Jose's prone form. The fire mage's hands were enveloped in green flames as he worked feverishly to treat the guild master's wounds. Even from a distance, Rogue could see the grim set of Totomaru's jaw. It was clear that he was fighting a losing battle, merely delaying the inevitable.

As the fight raged on, Rogue's relief began to fade. He could see that despite their valiant efforts, his comrades were struggling against Lilith's newfound power. Juvia's water attacks seemed to evaporate before they could touch Lilith, while Sol's earth manipulations crumbled against her aura. Even Aria's airspace magic seemed to bend around her, barely causing any damage.

Gajeel, still standing protectively in front of Rogue, growled in frustration. "Damn it, what's with this chick? It's like she's on a whole other level!"

Rogue gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand despite the pain. "It's the necklace," he explained, his voice strained. "It's an ancient artifact that grants immense power, but only temporarily."

Gajeel's eyes narrowed. "So we just need to hold out until it wears off?"

Rogue shook his head. "I don't know how long that will take. And in the meantime..." He trailed off, watching as Aria was sent flying by a blast of white energy.

The situation was dire. Rogue knew that his friends, as strong as they were, couldn't hold out much longer against Lilith's enhanced abilities. They were already exhausted from their previous fights, and Lilith seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

As he watched the battle unfold, Rogue's mind worked furiously. There had to be a way out of this, a solution he hadn't considered yet. He had changed the past before, altered the course of events. Surely, he could find a way to overcome this obstacle too.

As Juvia was knocked back, her water form barely managing to reform, and Sol sank into the ground to avoid a devastating attack, Rogue felt a cold dread settle in his stomach. The situation seemed hopeless, but suddenly, a movement caught his eye.

Jose began to stir, his hand gripping the metal rod that impaled him. With a grunt of effort, he started to push himself up, his face contorted in agony.

Totomaru's eyes widened in alarm. "Master Jose, stop!" he cried out, his hands still glowing with healing flames. "If you pull that out, you'll bleed to death!"

But Jose ignored the fire mage's warnings. With a grimace of pain and a determination that belied his age, he snapped the metal rod, causing Totomaru to gasp in horror. Blood immediately began to seep from the wound, staining Jose's already tattered clothes.

"I never thought I'd have to use this," Jose muttered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of battle. His eyes held a mixture of resignation and resolve.

Suddenly, Jose's body began to pulse with a pure, sky-blue energy. It was unlike anything Rogue had ever seen before – it wasn't magical energy, but something deeper, more primal. The air around Jose seemed to vibrate, and the very ground beneath his feet cracked under the pressure.

In a blur of motion that defied his injuries, Jose launched himself at Lilith. His fist, wreathed in that strange blue energy, connected with her glowing form, sending her crashing through several buildings. The impact was so powerful that it momentarily silenced the battlefield, leaving everyone - friend and foe alike - staring in awe.

Despite Jose's display of strength, Rogue noticed something odd. He couldn't sense any magical energy from the guild master. While the others looked on in confusion, Rogue understood what was happening, thanks to the memories of his future self.

'Spirit energy,' Rogue thought, his eyes wide with realization. 'It's deeper and more potent than magical energy, but it comes at a terrible cost. He's burning his life force. If he doesn't stop soon... he'd die.'

Rogue watched as Jose continued his assault on Lilith, each blow sending shockwaves through the air. The guild master moved with a speed and power that seemed impossible for a man of his age and injuries. Buildings crumbled, and the ground shook with each impact.

Lilith, caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, struggled to defend herself. Her white aura flickered and wavered under Jose's relentless attacks, like a candle flame in a storm.

"What... what is this power?" Lilith gasped, her voice losing some of its otherworldly quality.

Jose didn't respond. His face was set in grim determination as he pressed his advantage, each punch and kick fueled by the blue energy that seemed to be consuming him from within. But Rogue could see the toll it was taking on him. With each passing moment, Jose's movements became slightly slower, his attacks a fraction less powerful.

The other members of Phantom Lord watched in awe, unable to comprehend what they were seeing. Gajeel whistled low. "Damn, the old man's got some fight left in him after all."

Juvia, her water form fully reformed, stared wide-eyed at the spectacle. "Juvia has never seen Master Jose like this," she murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of admiration and concern.

Rogue wanted to explain, to warn them about the danger Jose was in, but he knew he couldn't reveal his knowledge of the future. Instead, he forced himself to his feet, ignoring the pain that shot through his body.

"We need to do something," Rogue said, his voice hoarse. "He can't keep this up forever."

As if on cue, Jose's attacks began to slow. Lilith, sensing the change, started to fight back. Her white aura flared, pushing against Jose's blue energy. The clash of energies created a spectacular light show, bathing the ruined landscape in alternating hues of white and blue.

Rogue knew they were running out of time. He had to find a way to end this battle quickly, before Jose's life force was completely drained. The future he remembered, the one where Phantom Lord fell apart after Jose's defeat by Fairy Tail, suddenly seemed preferable to this potential outcome. At least in that future, Jose had survived and no one died.

As Rogue watched the fierce battle between Jose and Lilith, he couldn't help but marvel at the intensity of their clash. Jose's movements were a blur, his fists wreathed in that strange blue energy as he landed blow after devastating blow on Lilith. The ground shook with each impact, and the air crackled with power.

Lilith, for her part, seemed utterly bewildered by the turn of events. Her white aura flickered and wavered as she struggled to defend against Jose's relentless assault. Her eyes, still glowing with an otherworldly light, were wide with disbelief.

"How?" Lilith gasped, barely dodging a punch that left a crater in the ground where she had been standing. "How are you still fighting? You should be dead!"

Jose didn't respond verbally, but the grim set of his jaw and the fierce determination in his eyes spoke volumes. He pressed his advantage, moving with a speed and agility that belied his age and injuries. Each strike seemed to push Lilith further on the defensive, her earlier confidence now replaced by a growing panic.

Rogue could see the toll this battle was taking on Jose. The blue energy surrounding him seemed to flicker slightly with each passing moment, and there was a slight tremor in his movements that hadn't been there before. Yet, incredibly, Jose seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

Lilith's attacks, once devastating and sure, now seemed wild and unfocused. She lashed out with blasts of white energy, but Jose weaved between them with an almost impossible grace. It was clear that she had never expected to face an opponent who could match her enhanced powers.

"This... this isn't possible!" Lilith shouted, her voice a mixture of fury and fear. "That necklace should have made me invincible!"

Jose's only response was to redouble his efforts, his fists moving so fast they were almost invisible to the naked eye. Each impact sent shockwaves through the air, and Rogue could see cracks forming in the white aura surrounding Lilith.

As Rogue watched this incredible battle unfold, he felt a mixture of awe and dread. Jose was fighting with everything he had, pushing himself beyond his limits to protect his guild. But at what cost? Rogue knew that every second this battle continued, Jose was burning away more of his life force.

He had to find a way to end this, and fast. But as he wracked his brain for a solution, Rogue couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for Jose. The guild master was proving to be far more formidable than Rogue had ever imagined. In this moment, facing impossible odds, Jose was truly living up to his reputation as one of the Ten Wizard Saints.

Jose continued to push Lilith back, driving her towards the edge of Oak Town. With each powerful strike, he forced her to retreat another step. The buildings around them crumbled from the sheer force of their clash, debris raining down on the deserted streets.

Slowly, Jose's skin began to take on an eerie glow, reminiscent of burning coal. The blue energy surrounding him seemed to seep into his very being, giving him an otherworldly appearance. Rogue knew this was a sign of how deeply Jose was tapping into his life force.

Lilith's face contorted with rage, her earlier confidence completely shattered. Despite her enhanced powers, she found herself unable to repel Jose's relentless assault. Her white aura flickered and wavered with each blow she received, her once graceful movements now desperate and uncoordinated.

"Why won't you just die?!" Lilith screamed, her voice cracking with fury as another of her attacks was deflected by Jose's relentless offense.

Jose didn't respond verbally, but his actions spoke volumes. With a burst of speed that seemed impossible for a man in his condition, he closed the distance between them, his fist connecting solidly with Lilith's midsection. The impact sent her flying back, crashing through several abandoned buildings before coming to a stop just shy of the city's edge.

As they neared the magical barrier surrounding Oak Town, Lilith's frustration reached its peak. With a scream of fury, she gathered every ounce of her remaining power. The white glow around her intensified, becoming almost blinding.

"Enough of this!" Lilith shrieked, her voice distorted by rage and fear. "I will not be defeated by the likes of you!"

She unleashed a massive blast of magical energy, pouring everything she had into this final attack. The beam of white light cut through the air, heading straight for Jose.

But Jose was ready. As Lilith's attack approached, he took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing in concentration. The blue energy around him pulsed, growing even more intense.

"Dark Pulse!" Jose roared, releasing a wave of shadowy energy that met Lilith's attack head-on.

The two forces collided in mid-air, creating a spectacular display of light and darkness. For a moment, they seemed evenly matched, neither giving an inch. But slowly, agonizingly, Lilith's attack began to overpower Jose's.

Rogue watched in horror as Jose was pushed back, his feet leaving deep grooves in the ground as he struggled to hold his position. The guild master's face was a mask of pain and determination, sweat pouring down his brow as he poured more and more of his life force into the attack.

Just when it seemed that Jose would be overwhelmed, something changed. With a roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of Oak Town, Jose unleashed everything he had left. The blue energy surrounding him exploded outward, merging with his Dark Pulse attack.

The tide of battle shifted in an instant. Jose's enhanced attack tore through Lilith's beam, dispersing it like mist in the morning sun. Before Lilith could react, the full force of Jose's attack slammed into her.

The impact was tremendous. Lilith was sent flying backward, her body crashing through buildings and debris until she slammed into the magical barrier surrounding Oak Town. But Jose's attack didn't stop there. It continued to push against her, the pressure building with each passing second.

Slowly, cracks began to appear in the magical barrier. They spread like spiderwebs, growing larger and more numerous under the relentless assault. Lilith screamed in pain and fear, her enhanced powers unable to protect her from the full might of Jose's life force.

With a sound like shattering glass, the magical barrier finally gave way. It exploded outward in a shower of magical energy, the fragments dissipating into the air like glowing snowflakes. Lilith was thrown clear of the city, her body disappearing into the distance.

As the dust settled, an eerie silence fell over Oak Town. The magical barrier that had stood for so long was gone, leaving the city exposed. Jose stood at the edge of the destruction, his body still glowing with that eerie blue light.

The silence that followed was deafening. Rogue could hardly believe what he had just witnessed. Jose, the man he had once viewed as a villain, had just saved them all at great personal cost.

As the dust settled, the blue glow that had enveloped Jose began to fade. His body, once radiating with an otherworldly energy, now seemed to dim like a candle flickering out. The Phantom Lord members, still in awe of their master's incredible display of power, began to cheer and shout in triumph.

"Master Jose did it!" someone yelled, their voice filled with joy and disbelief.

"We won! Phantom Lord is victorious!" another voice joined in.

The remaining mages of Unity 33, seeing their leader Lilith defeated and thrown beyond the city limits, began to lower their weapons. The fight had gone out of them, and they surrendered without further resistance.

Amidst the celebration, Gajeel, his face etched with concern, hoisted the injured Rogue onto his back. "Come on, kid," he grunted. "Let's go check on the old man."

With Rogue securely on his back, Gajeel began to move swiftly towards Jose, followed closely by a group of Phantom Lord members. As they approached, Rogue could see Jose still standing at the edge of the destruction, his back to them, seemingly frozen in place.

"Master Jose!" one of the mages called out, his voice filled with admiration. "That was incredible! You saved us all!"

But Jose didn't respond. He remained motionless, his figure silhouetted against the settling dust and debris. The wind ruffled his tattered cloak, the only movement visible from where they stood.

As they drew closer, Rogue noticed something that made his heart sink. A small pool of blood was forming at Jose's feet, slowly spreading outwards. The crimson liquid seeped into the cracks of the broken pavement, creating a stark contrast against the gray stone.

"Master?" Gajeel's gruff voice held a note of concern that Rogue had never heard before. The Iron Dragon Slayer's usual bravado was gone, replaced by a growing unease.

Still, Jose didn't move or respond. The cheers of triumph began to die down, replaced by a growing sense of dread that seemed to spread through the gathered mages like a physical wave.

Rogue, his injuries momentarily forgotten, slid off Gajeel's back and approached Jose cautiously. His feet felt heavy, each step an effort as he circled around to face the guild master. As he came into view, Rogue saw what he had feared.

Jose's eyes were open, but they were blank and lifeless, staring unseeing into the distance. His face, still set in that mask of grim determination, showed no signs of life. The blue energy that had sustained him through the battle had completely disappeared, leaving behind a shell of the man who had once been one of the most feared mages in Fiore.

With a sinking feeling in his stomach, Rogue realized the truth. Jose had given everything he had - including his life - to save his guild and defeat Lilith. He had died on his feet, a final act of defiance against the forces that had threatened his home.

The realization hit the gathered mages like a physical blow. The cheers of victory turned to gasps of shock and cries of disbelief. Some of the younger members began to weep openly, while others stood in stunned silence, unable to process what they were seeing.

Gajeel, his usual bravado gone, stepped forward and gently touched Jose's shoulder. The guild master's body, no longer supported by his iron will, began to topple backwards.

With reflexes honed by years of combat, Gajeel caught him before he hit the ground, lowering him gently. The Iron Dragon Slayer's face was a mask of conflicting emotions - respect, sorrow, and a hint of something that looked almost like grief.

"You crazy old bastard," Gajeel muttered, his voice rough with emotion. "You actually did it."

The other Phantom Lord members gathered around, their earlier jubilation replaced by a somber silence. Even those who had sometimes chafed under Jose's strict rule couldn't help but feel a sense of loss and respect for their fallen master.

Juvia, her eyes brimming with tears, stepped forward. "Master Jose..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "Juvia never thought... never imagined..."

Rogue stood there, his mind reeling. He had come back to change the future, to prevent the downfall of Phantom Lord. But this... this was not what he had intended. Jose's sacrifice had saved the guild and Oak Town, but at what cost?

As he looked around at the shocked and grieving faces of his guildmates, Rogue felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He had known about the spirit energy, about the terrible price it exacted. If only he had found a way to warn Jose, to stop him from using it...

But even as these thoughts raced through his mind, Rogue knew that Jose had made his choice. The guild master had known the risks, had willingly given his life to protect his guild and his town.

As the reality of their loss began to sink in, the members of Phantom Lord drew closer together. There was a sense of unity among them that Rogue had never seen before, a shared grief that seemed to bridge the gaps between even the most distant of guildmates.

Amidst the somber gathering, Rogue's keen eyes caught a glint of something on the ground. Despite the pain from his injuries, he carefully made his way over, each step a reminder of the battle they had just endured. There, half-buried in the debris, lay Jose's Wizard Saint medallion. It must have come loose during the intense fight.

With a trembling hand, Rogue picked up the medallion. It felt heavy in his palm, both physically and symbolically. He turned it over, tracing the intricate design with his fingers. The symbol that marked Jose as one of the Ten Wizard Saints seemed to shimmer in the dim light. Despite everything, Jose had lived up to that title until his very last breath.

Slowly, painfully, Rogue limped towards Gajeel and Jose's body. The other guild members parted silently to let him through, their eyes following his every move. Some whispered among themselves, wondering what the young Shadow Dragon Slayer was up to. As he approached, Gajeel looked up, his face a mask of grief and confusion.

Without a word, Rogue knelt beside Jose's body, wincing slightly as his injuries protested the movement. He gently placed the medallion on Jose's chest, right above his heart. "A true guild master until the end," Rogue murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

As if responding to the weight of the moment, the sky darkened. Soft raindrops began to fall, gradually increasing in intensity. Rogue glanced over at Juvia, knowing this was her magic responding to her emotions. Her face was streaked with tears, mirroring the rain that now fell around them. The water mage stood with her arms wrapped around herself, her body shaking with silent sobs.

The rain seemed to break something in the gathered mages. One by one, they began to weep openly. Some sobbed loudly, their cries echoing through the ruined streets of Oak Town. Others shed silent tears, their shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. Even the toughest members of Phantom Lord weren't immune to the wave of sorrow that swept through them.

Rogue's gaze drifted to Gajeel. The Iron Dragon Slayer stood motionless, his face turned slightly away. To anyone else, he might have appeared stoic, unmoved. But Rogue knew better. His enhanced senses picked up the faint scent of salt that wasn't from the rain. Gajeel was crying too, in his own silent way.

The sight of Gajeel, the toughest and most intimidating member of Phantom Lord, shedding tears for their fallen master, drove home the magnitude of their loss. Rogue felt his own eyes begin to sting, a lump forming in his throat. He blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

As the rain continued to fall, washing away the dust and debris of battle, Rogue couldn't help but feel a bittersweet sense of accomplishment. Phantom Lord had survived, Oak Town was safe now.

The past he had returned to change was already shifting, but not in the way he had expected. As he stood there, surrounded by his grieving guildmates, Rogue realized that the path forward would be more complicated than he had ever imagined. The future he knew, the one he had come back to prevent, was already becoming unrecognizable.

The rain grew heavier, as if the sky itself was mourning with them. In that moment, under the weeping sky, the members of Phantom Lord stood together, united in grief and respect for their fallen master. The sound of the rain drowned out their sobs, creating a somber melody that seemed to echo their shared pain.

Rogue looked around at the faces of his guildmates, seeing the raw emotion etched into each one. There was Totomaru, his usual cocky smirk replaced by a look of disbelief and sorrow. Sol, the earth mage, had sunk to his knees, his body shaking with each sob. Even Aria, who usually hid behind his blindfold, had tears streaming down his face.

/

«outside Oak town»

As the rain continued to fall over Oak Town, drenching the grieving members of Phantom Lord, a lone figure stood atop a nearby mountain, observing the scene below with keen interest.

It was Future Rogue, his crimson eyes narrowed as he took in the aftermath of the battle.

He had been watching the entire conflict unfold, from the moment Unity 33 attacked to Jose's ultimate sacrifice.

A small smirk played on his lips, a mixture of amusement and intrigue.

"How unexpected," Future Rogue murmured to himself, his voice barely audible over the distant sounds of rain and mourning. "In all my previous timelines, Jose was always the villain. Phantom Lord invariably fell by Fairy Tail's hands."

He crossed his arms, his cloak billowing slightly in the mountain breeze. The sight of Jose's heroic act and subsequent death had caught him off guard. It was a deviation from the countless scenarios he had witnessed before, a ripple in the fabric of time that he hadn't anticipated.

"Impressive, Jose," Future Rogue admitted, a hint of respect coloring his tone. "I never imagined you capable of such a selfless act."

His gaze shifted to the younger version of himself, standing amidst his grieving guildmates. He could see the confusion, the guilt, and the determination warring on his younger self's face. It was a familiar expression, one he had worn many times in his own past.

"You think you've changed things, don't you?" Future Rogue mused, his smirk growing. "Oh, my naive younger self. You have no idea how much more complicated things are about to become."

As he watched the scene unfold below, Future Rogue's mind wandered to the constants and variables at play. He could have intervened from the start, ending the war easily within the first few minutes. But that would have hindered the growth of Rogue, Gajeel, and Juvia. Moreover, swiftly ending the conflict would only lead to further disruption in fate and the already turbulent fabric of time, disturbed by Jose's actions.

After all, the war between Phantom Lord and Unity 33 had occurred as an alternative after Jose declared peace with Fairy Tail. Future Rogue's intervention and a quick end to the war would only result in the emergence of random and potentially malevolent future events across the kingdom, filling the void left by the war's diminished impact.

Future Rogue's crimson eyes narrowed as he contemplated the delicate balance of time. He had seen countless timelines, lived through numerous iterations of events, and he knew all too well the consequences of hasty actions. The butterfly effect of even the smallest change could ripple out in ways that were impossible to predict fully.

Above all, Future Rogue didn't want to waste his time doing things that didn't serve his interests. After all, his concerns were focused solely on his goals, with only a marginal interest in his younger self.

He turned away from the scene, his back to Oak Town. The wind picked up, causing his cloak to flutter dramatically behind him. Future Rogue's eyes gleamed with a mixture of anticipation and calculation.

"This new timeline... it's intriguing," he said to himself. "I wonder how else it will diverge from what I know. And more importantly, how I can use these changes to my advantage."

With one last glance over his shoulder at the city below, Future Rogue began to walk away. His form seemed to blur and fade into the shadows cast by the mountain, leaving no trace of his presence behind.

The complexities of time travel and its consequences weighed heavily on his mind. He knew that every action, every decision, could have far-reaching effects that even he, with all his experience, couldn't always predict. It was a delicate balance, one that required careful consideration and strategic planning.

As he moved through the shadows, Future Rogue allowed himself a moment of reflection. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with new variables he hadn't encountered in previous timelines. But uncertainty, he reminded himself, also meant opportunity. And if there was one thing Future Rogue excelled at, it was seizing opportunities.

As he disappeared, his final words lingered on the wind, barely a whisper: "The game has changed, but the goal remains the same. Let's see how you handle this new path, Rogue."

Back in Oak Town, the younger Rogue felt a sudden chill run down his spine. He looked up, scanning the surrounding mountains with a frown. For a moment, he thought he sensed a familiar presence, but it was gone as quickly as it had come.

Shaking off the uneasy feeling, Rogue turned his attention back to his grieving guildmates. The future he had come back to change was already shifting in ways he couldn't have predicted. As the rain continued to fall, he steeled himself for whatever challenges this new timeline might bring.

/

In a remote and isolated location, far from the chaos that had engulfed Oak Town, the remnants of Unity 33 regrouped at their main headquarters. The atmosphere was tense, a mixture of relief at their escape and frustration at their defeat. The air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and the metallic tang of blood, a grim reminder of the battle they had just fled.

Through the dimly lit corridors of their secret base, carved into the side of a mountain, a small group of battered mages made their way to the central chamber. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls, a somber rhythm that matched their grim expressions. At the head of the group, two burly men carried a makeshift stretcher between them, their muscles straining with the effort. On it lay Lilith, her body still and her breathing shallow, her once vibrant hair now matted with blood and debris.

As they entered the main hall, heads turned, and whispers erupted among the gathered members. The sight of their powerful leader in such a vulnerable state was shocking to many. Some of the newer recruits gasped audibly, while the veterans exchanged grim looks, understanding the gravity of the situation.

One of the mages who had been part of the attack on Oak Town stepped forward, his face etched with concern. His clothes were torn and singed, evidence of the fierce battle they had just escaped. "How is she?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking any louder might worsen Lilith's condition.

The mage walking beside Lilith's stretcher shook his head, his expression grave. "Not good. That Phantom Lord master... his final attack was something else entirely. We've never seen anything like it." He paused, swallowing hard before continuing, "It was like he channeled the power of a hundred mages into a single strike. The sheer force of it... it's a miracle any of us survived."

As they carefully placed Lilith on a prepared medical bed, a team of healers immediately swarmed around her. Their hands glowed with healing magic as they worked feverishly to stabilize her condition. The air crackled with the intensity of their spells, creating a soft, pulsating light that illuminated Lilith's pale face.

In the corner of the room, a cloaked figure watched the proceedings with keen interest. This was Erebus, Unity 33's second-in-command. His face was hidden in the shadows of his hood, but the tension in his posture was evident. His fingers tapped rhythmically against his arm, the only outward sign of his inner turmoil.

"Report," Erebus commanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs in the room like a blade through silk. The single word carried the weight of authority, instantly silencing the gathered mages.

One of the mages who had carried Lilith stepped forward, bowing slightly. His uniform was caked with mud and blood, and he swayed slightly on his feet, exhaustion evident in every line of his body. "Sir, the mission... it didn't go as planned. Phantom Lord was much stronger than we anticipated. They..." He trailed off, shuddering at the memory. "Their power was overwhelming. We were outmatched at every turn."

Erebus nodded slowly, processing the information. His hood shifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of a scarred chin. "And what of Oak Town?" he asked, his tone measured but tinged with an undercurrent of displeasure.

"Still standing," another mage chimed in, her voice tinged with frustration. She nursed a broken arm, cradled carefully against her chest. "We couldn't complete our objective. The civilians..."

"Were unharmed," Erebus finished for her, a note of disappointment in his voice. "I see." The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Their failure to destroy Oak Town and its inhabitants was a significant setback to their plans.

He moved closer to Lilith's bed, watching as the healers worked tirelessly. Despite their efforts, Lilith's condition seemed unchanged, her face pale and drawn. The rise and fall of her chest was barely perceptible, each breath a struggle.

"What do we do now, sir?" one of the mages asked hesitantly, voicing the question that hung heavy in the air.

Erebus was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on Lilith's unconscious form. The only sound in the room was the soft chanting of the healers and the hum of magical energy. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and determined, filled with a quiet intensity that sent shivers down the spines of those present.

"We regroup. We analyze what went wrong. And we prepare," he said, each word carefully measured. "This setback is temporary. Phantom Lord may have won this battle, but the war is far from over. We will learn from this, grow stronger, and when the time is right..."

He let the sentence hang in the air, the implication clear to all present. The members of Unity 33 straightened, a renewed sense of purpose filling the room. Eyes that had been downcast with defeat now gleamed with determination.

As the healers continued their work and the other members began to disperse to tend to their duties, Erebus remained by Lilith's side. He reached out a hand, hesitating for a moment before gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Rest now, Lilith," he murmured, his voice softer than anyone had ever heard it. "We'll need you for what's to come. Phantom Lord may think they've seen the last of us, but they have no idea what awaits them. This is just the beginning."

With those words, Erebus turned and strode towards the exit, his cloak billowing behind him. As he reached the doorway, he paused, looking back at the room full of battered but determined mages.

"Prepare yourselves," he called out, his voice ringing with authority. "The next time we face Phantom Lord, we'll show them the true power of Unity 33. And Oak Town... Oak Town will be just the first step in our grand plan."

Erebus turned away from the room, his cloak billowing behind him as he strode purposefully through the dimly lit corridors of the Unity 33 headquarters. The weight of their recent defeat hung heavy in the air, but there was a determined set to his shoulders that spoke of unshakeable resolve.

As he walked, he encountered his fellow leaders of Unity 33. Once, they had been thirty-three strong, a formidable force united in their cause. Now, only eighteen remained, the others lost to death or capture in their war against Phantom Lord. Lilith, lying unconscious and gravely wounded, was the only one who had managed to return from their ill-fated assault on Oak Town.

Erebus nodded grimly to each of his comrades as they fell into step beside him. There was no need for words; the gravity of their situation was etched into every line of their faces. They moved as one, a silent procession through the winding passages of their mountain stronghold.

The group made their way towards the meeting hall, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The air grew thick with tension as they approached, each leader lost in their own thoughts about the challenges that lay ahead.

As they reached the imposing doors of the meeting hall, Erebus paused, turning to face his fellow leaders. His hood had fallen back slightly, revealing eyes that burned with an intense, almost fanatical light.

"My friends," he said, his voice low but carrying easily in the hushed corridor, "what we discuss beyond these doors will shape the future of not just Unity 33, but of all Fiore. Our setback in Oak Town is but a momentary stumble on our path to greatness."

The other leaders nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation. They had all sacrificed much for their cause, and none were willing to let their recent defeat be the end of their ambitions.

Erebus pushed open the heavy doors, revealing a circular room dominated by a large round table surrounded by thirty-three chairs. However, the sight that greeted them stopped them in their tracks, their eyes widening in shock and disbelief.

There, lounging in one of the chairs with an air of casual indifference, sat Future Rogue. He was idly manipulating threads of shadow between his fingers, as if playing a game of cat's cradle. His presence was as unexpected as it was unsettling, and the leaders of Unity 33 found themselves momentarily frozen in the doorway.

The Unity 33 leaders knew him as Mirai Cheney, the Phantom Lord SS-Class mage, but they were unaware of his true identity. Their minds raced, trying to make sense of his presence. Wasn't he supposed to be on the continent of Giltena, undertaking the 100-year quest? How had he returned to Fiore so quickly, and more importantly, how had he found their secret hideout?

Future Rogue's lips curled into a sardonic smile as his gaze settled on Erebus. "You never know when to quit, do you?" he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement mixed with condescension.

Erebus's hand instinctively moved to his weapon, but he restrained himself, aware of the immense power that Future Rogue possessed. The other leaders tensed, ready for a potential confrontation, but equally wary of making the first move.

"How did you find us?" Erebus demanded, his voice tight with barely contained anger and fear. "What are you doing here?"

Future Rogue chuckled, the sound echoing ominously in the silent room. "Oh, come now," he said, his tone mockingly casual. "Did you really think your little hideout was that well hidden? As for why I'm here..." He paused, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in the future of Fiore. And your plans, well, they're becoming quite the nuisance."

The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. The leaders of Unity 33 exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier determination now tempered with a growing sense of dread. They had just suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Phantom Lord, and now one of their most powerful mages was here, in their innermost sanctum.

Future Rogue stood, the shadows around him seeming to writhe and dance. "I think it's time we had a little chat about the future," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Your future, to be precise."

As Future Rogue's words hung in the air, the leaders of Unity 33 found themselves at a crossroads, facing an enemy they had never anticipated. The tension in the room was palpable, each breath feeling heavy with the weight of uncertainty.

Future Rogue's eyes drifted upwards, his gaze fixing on the cavernous ceiling above. A small, enigmatic smile played on his lips as he spoke, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Unity 33... An alliance of thirty-three dark guilds and criminal organizations. According to the Magic Council's reports, this alliance is second only to the Balam Alliance in terms of power and influence."

The leaders exchanged confused glances, unsure of where this was leading. Erebus stepped forward, his hand still hovering near his weapon. "What of it?" he growled, trying to mask his unease with bravado.

Future Rogue's eyes snapped back to the group, his expression suddenly serious. "And yet," he continued, as if Erebus hadn't spoken, "I don't recall anything called Unity 33 existing in any of the previous timelines."

This statement was met with a chorus of bewildered murmurs. The leaders of Unity 33 looked at each other, their confusion evident on their faces. What previous timelines? What was this man talking about?

Erebus, his patience wearing thin, took another step forward. "What in the hell are you talking about?" he demanded, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "Previous timelines? What does that even mean?"

But Future Rogue seemed lost in thought, his gaze distant as if seeing something beyond the confines of the room. He ignored Erebus's question, much to the growing frustration of the Unity 33 leaders.

"Answer us!" another leader shouted, frustration evident in his voice. "You break into our headquarters, mock our plans, and now you speak in riddles?"

The atmosphere in the room shifted, the initial fear giving way to a mix of confusion and irritation. The leaders of Unity 33 had come here prepared to strategize their next move against Phantom Lord, not to listen to the cryptic musings of one of their enemies. However, Future Rogue seemed lost in his own thoughts, his eyes distant as if seeing beyond the confines of the present moment.

For the ordinary people in the room, Future Rogue's words were nothing more than nonsense. But from his perspective, everything made perfect sense. In all the previous timelines he had traveled to, there had never been any mention of Unity 33 - not as a guild, not as a rumor, not even as a name.

Future Rogue's mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. He concluded that the founder of Unity 33 must be one or more individuals who had been reincarnated after the destruction of the Eclipse Gate. It was almost certain that this person was among the leaders of Unity 33. However, as his gaze swept across the faces before him, he could sense that none of these leaders were reincarnated individuals. This realization made his suspicions turn towards Lilith.

The silence stretched on, broken only by the shuffling of feet and the occasional cough from the increasingly agitated Unity 33 leaders. Erebus, his patience wearing thin, took another step forward. "Are you going to explain yourself, or are we going to stand here all day?" he demanded, his voice echoing off the stone walls.

Future Rogue's eyes snapped back to focus, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "My apologies," he said, his voice smooth and controlled. "I was just... contemplating the curious nature of your organization."

"Curious?" another leader spat. "What's so curious about us wanting to reshape the magical world?"

Future Rogue chuckled, the sound sending shivers down the spines of those present. "Oh, it's not your goals that intrigue me," he said. "It's your very existence."

The leaders exchanged confused glances, their earlier bravado faltering in the face of Future Rogue's cryptic statements.

As the tension in the room continued to build, Future Rogue's mind whirled with possibilities. He knew that somewhere in this tangled web of timelines and reincarnations lay the key to understanding the changes he had inadvertently set in motion. And as he stood there, surrounded by the leaders of an organization that should not exist, he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the challenge that lay before him.

Suddenly, Future Rogue's demeanor shifted. His eyes, previously distant and contemplative, now focused sharply on the Unity 33 leaders. A cold smile played across his lips as he raised his arm towards them, his fingers splayed out as if reaching for something intangible.

"I have a proposition for you," he said, his voice carrying an undercurrent of danger that made several of the leaders take an involuntary step back. The shadows in the room seemed to deepen, swirling around him like a living cloak.

Erebus, still at the forefront, narrowed his eyes. "What kind of proposition?" he asked cautiously, his hand never straying far from his weapon. The other leaders tensed, ready for any sudden move.

Future Rogue's smile widened, revealing teeth that seemed unnaturally sharp in the dim light of the cavern. "It's quite simple, really," he said, his tone deceptively casual. "I want you to hand over everything to me. Your wealth, your equipment, your information - everything."

A chorus of outraged cries erupted from the Unity 33 leaders. Some reached for their weapons, while others began to channel their magic, ready for a fight. But Future Rogue continued as if he hadn't heard them, his voice rising above the din.

"In return," he said, his eyes gleaming with an almost manic light, "I will take your lives without pain."

The room fell silent, the leaders staring at Future Rogue in stunned disbelief. The only sound was the soft rustle of cloth as some of the mages shifted uneasily, their earlier bravado evaporating in the face of this unexpected threat.

Erebus was the first to find his voice. "You're insane," he spat, his hand now gripping the hilt of his weapon. "We would never-"

But Future Rogue cut him off, closing his outstretched hand into a tight fist. The shadows in the room writhed and danced, responding to his will. "If you refuse," he said, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper that somehow carried to every corner of the room, "I will take your lives in the most painful way I can imagine. And then, I will claim your possessions for myself anyway."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The room was thick with tension, the leaders shifting uneasily under his gaze. Then, a small, cruel smile played across his lips.

"But here's the thing," Future Rogue continued, his tone now almost conversational, "I win either way. If you accept my offer, I get what I want without the mess. If you refuse..." His eyes gleamed dangerously in the dim light. "Well, I still get what I want, but with the added bonus of watching you suffer."

His eyes gleamed with a cold light as he added, "And make no mistake, your fate is sealed. The only choice you have is how you meet it."

The shadows around him seemed to pulse with anticipation, reflecting the barely contained power of their master. Future Rogue's gaze swept over the assembled leaders once more, his expression a mix of amusement and disdain.

"So," he said, his voice deceptively light, "what will it be? A quick end, or a lesson in true suffering? The choice is yours."

The air in the room grew heavy, charged with magic and fear. The Unity 33 leaders looked at each other, their faces pale with shock and terror. They had faced many enemies in their time, but never one quite like this. The casual way Future Rogue spoke of taking their lives, the overwhelming power that radiated from him - it was unlike anything they had ever encountered.

Erebus, despite the fear evident in his eyes, stepped forward once more. "We are Unity 33," he said, his voice trembling slightly but growing stronger with each word. "We do not bow to threats, no matter how powerful the one making them may be."

A few of the other leaders nodded in agreement, drawing closer to Erebus in a show of solidarity. But others hesitated, their eyes darting between Erebus and Future Rogue, weighing their options.

Future Rogue's smile never faltered. "I was hoping you'd say that," he said, his voice laced with an almost perverse satisfaction. His eyes gleamed with anticipation, as if he had been waiting for this moment all along.

The tension in the room reached a breaking point. Erebus, his face contorted with a mixture of fear and determination, suddenly lunged forward. Two other leaders, emboldened by his action, followed suit. Their movements were swift and precise, born from years of combat experience. Erebus's blade glinted in the dim light, aimed directly at Future Rogue's heart.

Yet, Future Rogue remained motionless, his posture relaxed as if he were merely observing a mildly interesting spectacle. This lack of reaction only served to unnerve his attackers further, but they pressed on, committed to their assault.

In a flurry of motion, Erebus's blade found its mark, plunging deep into Future Rogue's chest with a sickening thud. The tip emerged from his back, coated in what should have been blood. Simultaneously, one of the other leaders slashed at Future Rogue's extended arm, his weapon singing through the air as it severed the limb cleanly at the elbow. The third attacker's blade carved a deep, vicious gash across Future Rogue's throat, a wound that should have been instantly fatal.

The room fell into an eerie silence as everyone waited for the inevitable collapse of their powerful foe. But what happened next defied all expectations and sent a chill through every person present.

Future Rogue didn't flinch. He didn't cry out in pain. He didn't even bleed. Instead, where blood should have flowed, tendrils of shadow rose from the wounds, writhing and twisting like living smoke. The severed arm dissolved into darkness before it could hit the ground, while the gaping wounds in his chest and throat pulsed with an inky blackness that seemed to devour light.

"How...?" Erebus gasped, his voice barely above a whisper, his earlier bravado completely shattered.

Future Rogue chuckled, the sound sending chills down the spines of everyone present. "Did you really think it would be that easy?" he asked, his tone conversational, as if discussing the weather rather than his own apparent invulnerability.

The Unity 33 leaders stumbled back, their faces masks of horror and disbelief. Erebus's weapon was still embedded in Future Rogue's chest, yet the man stood as if it were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

With an almost bored expression, Future Rogue glanced down at the blade protruding from his chest. "Interesting approach," he said, his voice as calm and steady as ever. "But I'm afraid you've misunderstood the situation entirely."

He raised his gaze to meet the terrified eyes of his attackers. "You see, my true body is still in Guiltina. What you're witnessing now is merely a projection."

Future Rogue reached up with his remaining hand and casually pulled Erebus's weapon from his chest. The blade came free with a sickening squelch, trailing wisps of shadow rather than blood. He examined the weapon for a moment, turning it over in his hand as if admiring its craftsmanship, before tossing it aside with a dismissive flick of his wrist.

"I must admit," Future Rogue continued, his tone conversational as if discussing a mildly interesting topic, "I'm somewhat impressed by your tenacity. It's not often that I encounter individuals willing to go to such lengths."

As he spoke, the shadows surrounding his wounds began to coalesce, swirling and reforming. The leaders watched in horrified fascination as the darkness knitted itself back together, reforming his severed arm and sealing the gashes in his throat and chest. Within moments, he stood before them whole and unmarked, as if the attack had never happened.

The Unity 33 leaders watched in stunned silence, their earlier bravado completely shattered. Some backed away, pressing themselves against the cavern walls as if trying to meld with the stone. Others stood frozen, their minds struggling to process what they had just witnessed.

Future Rogue's hand moved slowly, deliberately, reaching into the folds of his cloak. The leaders tensed, their breath caught in their throats, anticipating another display of his terrifying power. But what he pulled out was not a weapon, at least not in the conventional sense.

It was a flute, but not just any flute. This was the infamous Lullaby, one of Zeref's creations and a tool of unimaginable destruction. The same Lullaby that had been taken by Nazrieth after the events in Clover Town.

"Tell me," Future Rogue said, his voice soft yet carrying to every corner of the room, "what are your thoughts on music?"

The question hung in the air, bizarre and out of place in the tense atmosphere. The Unity 33 leaders exchanged confused glances, unsure how to respond to this sudden shift in conversation.

Without waiting for an answer, Future Rogue raised the flute to his lips. A collective gasp rippled through the room as recognition dawned on some faces. But before anyone could react, he began to play.

The sound that emanated from the instrument was unlike anything the leaders had ever heard before. It was sharp and grating, like nails on a chalkboard amplified a thousandfold. The noise seemed to pierce directly into their brains, bypassing their ears entirely.

The effect was instantaneous and horrifying. The Unity 33 leaders clutched at their heads, their faces contorted in agony. Screams erupted from their throats, raw and primal, as they fell to their knees. Some tried to cover their ears, but it made no difference. The sound seemed to bypass their physical defenses, assaulting them on a deeper level.

But it wasn't just the leaders who were affected. Throughout the entire complex, similar scenes were playing out. Mages, guards, and workers alike all succumbed to the terrible power of the Lullaby. Their cries of pain echoed through the corridors, creating a nightmarish chorus that harmonized with the flute's discordant notes.

The influence of the Lullaby stretched far beyond the confines of the Unity 33 headquarters. In a radius of three kilometers, every living thing was caught in its grip. Trees shuddered and shed their leaves, flowers wilted and died, and even the smallest insects fell from the air, their tiny bodies writhing in agony.

But for those in the cavern, the torment was beyond imagining. It wasn't just auditory pain they experienced. They felt as if their bodies were being torn apart from the inside, every cell simultaneously burning and freezing. Muscles spasmed uncontrollably, and blood vessels burst, leaving ugly bruises blooming across their skin. The agony was all-encompassing, leaving no room for thought or reason.

Erebus, who had been so defiant moments before, was now on his knees, his hands clawing at his ears as if trying to rip them off. Blood trickled from his nose, ears, and eyes, a vivid red against his rapidly paling skin.

Through it all, Future Rogue stood unmoved, his fingers dancing over the flute with practiced ease. His eyes, cold and calculating, swept over the suffering crowd. There was no pleasure in his gaze, no sadistic enjoyment of their pain. Instead, there was only a clinical detachment, as if he were observing an experiment rather than orchestrating a massacre. It was simply a means to an end, a demonstration of power that brooked no argument.

As the terrible symphony continued, those still conscious enough to think found themselves wondering how long this torment would last. But little did they know, their suffering was far from over. Future Rogue, with his deep understanding of the Lullaby's power, was orchestrating a slow, agonizing extraction of their very souls.

The flute's haunting melody shifted subtly, its notes becoming more intricate and deliberate. Future Rogue's fingers danced over the instrument with practiced precision, each movement calculated to prolong the agony. He knew that death would claim them all in a quarter of an hour, but he was determined to make every second feel like an eternity.

The Unity 33 leaders and their subordinates writhed on the ground, their bodies convulsing in rhythmic spasms that matched the flute's cruel tune. Time seemed to stretch and warp, each moment of suffering bleeding into the next. Seconds felt like minutes, minutes like hours, as their life force was slowly, excruciatingly drained away.

Erebus, his face contorted in a silent scream, managed to lift his head just enough to meet Future Rogue's cold, impassive gaze. In that moment, he understood the true horror of their situation. This wasn't just about death; it was about experiencing every excruciating moment leading up to it.

Future Rogue's eyes gleamed with a detached sort of curiosity as he observed the effects of his macabre performance. He varied the tempo and pitch, watching as each change brought new waves of agony to his victims. It was a meticulous, almost scientific approach to inflicting suffering.

The air in the cavern grew thick and heavy, charged with the essence of departing souls. Ethereal wisps of light began to seep from the bodies of the fallen, drawn inexorably towards the Lullaby. These fragments of life force swirled around the flute, creating a ghostly dance that matched the rhythm of Future Rogue's playing.

As the torment dragged on, those still clinging to consciousness began to pray for the sweet release of death. But Future Rogue, true to his word, ensured that even this small mercy was denied them. He manipulated the Lullaby's power with expert precision, keeping his victims balanced on the knife's edge between life and death.

The scene was a testament to Future Rogue's ruthless efficiency and complete disregard for human suffering. In his mind, this wasn't cruelty for cruelty's sake; it was simply the most effective way to demonstrate the futility of opposing him. Each agonized gasp, each silent plea for mercy, served to reinforce his message: resistance was not just futile, but catastrophically painful.

As the haunting melody of the Lullaby reached its crescendo, the last vestiges of life faded from the bodies of the Unity 33 leaders and their subordinates. Their souls, now fully extracted, swirled around the flute in a mesmerizing dance of ethereal light before being absorbed into the instrument. The cavern fell silent, save for the faint echo of the flute's final notes.

Future Rogue lowered the Lullaby, his expression unchanged as he surveyed the scene before him. Bodies lay strewn across the floor, their faces frozen in masks of agony. He felt no remorse for his actions; these were members of dark guilds, individuals who had committed their fair share of atrocities. In a twisted way, he saw this as a form of justice, though such concepts held little meaning to him anymore. What mattered was that they no longer posed a threat to his plans.

On the other hand, Their deaths would not significantly alter future events, a fact that Future Rogue knew with certainty.

He turned the Lullaby over in his hands, feeling the weight of the souls now trapped within. By his estimation, he had claimed at least four hundred spirits with this single act. The flute pulsed with newfound power, a testament to the potency of the souls it now contained. This wasn't the first time he had wielded the Lullaby since acquiring it from Nazrieth, and through repeated use and experimentation, he had discovered a crucial fact: the more painful the death, the stronger and purer the extracted soul. It was a grim revelation, but one that he accepted with the same cold pragmatism that defined his every action.

Future Rogue's pragmatic nature allowed him to view this not as an act of cruelty, but as a necessary step in his grand plan. The souls he had collected would serve as a powerful resource, one that could be tapped into when needed. In his mind, every action, no matter how brutal, was justified if it brought him closer to his ultimate goal.

He pocketed the flute and began to make his way out of the cavern, stepping over the fallen bodies without a second glance. As he walked, he mentally cataloged the souls he had collected, considering how he might use this amplified power in his future endeavors.

The air outside the Unity 33 headquarters was thick with the stench of death. The effects of the Lullaby's song had stretched far beyond the confines of the building, leaving a circle of devastation in its wake. Trees stood bare, their leaves littering the ground like discarded memories. The silence was eerie, broken only by the sound of Future Rogue's footsteps as he made his way through the desolate landscape.

But Future Rogue wasn't alone in his actions. While he walked through the desolate landscape, his shadows were busy inside the headquarters, searching and plundering anything of value. These sentient shadows, extensions of Future Rogue's power, moved silently through the rooms and corridors, their dark forms slipping into every nook and cranny.

They rifled through drawers, pried open safes, and scoured hidden compartments. Anything that could be of use – magical artifacts, documents, lacrima crystals – was swiftly absorbed into the shadows, to be retrieved by Future Rogue later. The shadows were thorough, leaving no stone unturned in their search for valuable resources.

Future Rogue knew he hadn't obtained all of Unity 33's resources yet. The unity 33 alliance had been vast and secretive, with holdings and caches scattered across the kingdom. But he wasn't concerned. He already had a plan to extract the remaining information.

The souls trapped within the Lullaby were now at his disposal. In time, he would subject the spirits of Unity 33's leaders and prominent members to intense interrogation. Through carefully applied torture techniques, he would force them to reveal everything they knew about the organization's hidden assets and valuable information.

One soul, in particular, caught his interest - Lilith. As one of the reincarnated individuals and a highly influential leader within Unity 33, she held a wealth of knowledge that could prove invaluable. Future Rogue decided he would dedicate a significant amount of time to her interrogation, meticulously extracting every bit of information she possessed.

The idea of torturing souls might have horrified others, but to Future Rogue, it was simply another tool in his arsenal. He had long since moved past conventional morality, seeing only the utility in his actions. To him, these souls were now resources to be used, no different from the documents and artifacts his shadows were collecting.

Future Rogue allowed himself a small, cold smile. Today's actions had yielded more than just the elimination of a potential threat. He had gained resources, information, and a powerful magical artifact filled with souls. It was, by all accounts, a productive day.

As he walked, Future Rogue's thoughts turned to his next move. The elimination of Unity 33 was just one piece in a much larger puzzle. He had set events in motion that would ripple through time, altering the course of history in ways that even he couldn't fully predict.

But that uncertainty didn't trouble him. If anything, it added an element of excitement to his plans. Future Rogue was playing a long game, one that spanned across multiple timelines and realities. Each action, each decision, was carefully calculated to bring about the future he desired.

As he reached the edge of the affected area, life slowly began to return. The sound of birds and rustling leaves reached his ears, a stark contrast to the deathly silence he left behind. Future Rogue paused for a moment, allowing himself a brief instant of reflection.

The weight of the Lullaby in his pocket was a constant reminder of the power he now wielded. With each use, the instrument grew stronger, and so did he. The souls he had collected today would serve him well in the battles to come.

Without a backward glance, Future Rogue continued on his path. The massacre at Unity 33 headquarters was now just another chapter in his long and complex story. Ahead lay new challenges, new opportunities to shape the world according to his vision.

/

«in Guiltina, in hospital»

In the hospital, doctors and nurses went about their daily routines, the air filled with the sterile scent of antiseptic and the soft beeping of medical equipment. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Gildarts lay in his hospital bed, his body a testament to the fierce battle he had endured.

As consciousness slowly returned to him, Gildarts felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. His entire body ached, a dull throb that seemed to pulse with each heartbeat. However, something felt off. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was a strange absence of sensation on his left side.

Gildarts blinked slowly, his vision gradually coming into focus. The harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital room made him squint. He tried to lift his left hand to shield his eyes, but nothing happened. Confusion furrowed his brow as he attempted to move his left leg, only to be met with the same eerie lack of response.

A sense of dread began to creep over him. With a monumental effort, Gildarts reached out with his right hand and grasped the edge of the thin hospital blanket covering his body. He hesitated for a moment, steeling himself for what he might see.

Taking a deep breath, Gildarts pulled back the covers. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the empty space where his left arm and leg should have been. The reality of his situation hit him like a physical blow, knocking the air from his lungs.

As he stared at the bandaged stumps, memories of the battle against Acnologia came flooding back. The dragon's terrifying roar, the clash of magic, the searing pain as Acnologia's attacks tore through his defenses. Gildarts remembered the moment when he realized they were outmatched, the wrath in Future Rogue's eyes as they fought side by side against the Black Dragon.

"Damn," Gildarts muttered, his voice hoarse from disuse. He let out a bitter chuckle that turned into a grimace of pain. "Guess I won't be arm wrestling for a while."

Despite his attempt at humor, the gravity of his situation weighed heavily on him. He was Gildarts Clive, the Ace of Fairy Tail, known throughout Fiore for his incredible strength. And now, he lay in a hospital bed, missing two limbs, feeling more vulnerable than he had in years.

Gildarts closed his eyes, taking slow, deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He knew he should be grateful to be alive at all after facing Acnologia, but the loss of his arm and leg was a bitter pill to swallow. He wondered about Future Rogue, whether the enigmatic Dragon Slayer had fared any better in the aftermath of their battle.

As he lay there, grappling with his new reality, Gildarts couldn't help but think of his guild, fairy tail. He stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with questions and concerns. What would this mean for his future as a mage? How would Fairy Tail react to his condition?

But then, a spark of determination ignited within him. He was Gildarts Clive, and he had never been one to give up easily. This was just another obstacle to overcome, another challenge to face head-on. With or without all his limbs, he was still a Fairy Tail wizard, and he would find a way to grow stronger from this setback.

As he made this silent vow to himself, the door to his room opened, and a nurse walked in. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw that he was awake.

"Mr. Clive," she said, quickly composing herself. "It's good to see you awake. How are you feeling?"

Gildarts managed a weak smile. "Like I picked a fight with a dragon and lost," he replied, his voice rough but tinged with his characteristic humor. "But I'm alive, which is more than I expected. Tell me, nurse, how bad is it really?"

The nurse's expression sobered, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and professional concern. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the difficult conversation ahead.

"Mr. Clive," she began, her voice gentle but direct, "I won't sugarcoat it. You came to us in an extremely critical condition. Your left arm and leg were already... gone when you arrived."

Gildarts nodded slowly, having already come to terms with this reality. But the nurse wasn't finished.

"There's more," she continued, her voice dropping slightly. "Some of your internal organs suffered severe damage. We've managed to stabilize you, but... well, you're going to need organ transplants for a full recovery."

Gildarts let out a low whistle, wincing as the action sent a jolt of pain through his chest. "Well, that's certainly not the best news I've ever heard," he said, his attempt at humor falling a bit flat.

The nurse's expression softened. "Mr. Clive, the fact that you're alive at all is nothing short of a miracle. If your friend hadn't brought you in when he did..." She trailed off, leaving the grim alternative unspoken.

At the mention of his "friend," Gildarts' mind flashed to the white-haired mage who had fought alongside him against Acnologia. He still didn't know the man's name, but he remembered the fierce determination in those red eyes.

"Hey," he said, catching the nurse's attention. "The guy who brought me in - white hair, red eyes, probably scared the hell out of everyone - is he okay?"

The nurse's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of fear passing across her face at the memory. "He... he's recovering in another wing," she said, her voice slightly strained. "He was in better shape than you, but still badly injured. He refused anesthesia and... well, let's just say he made quite an impression on the staff."

Gildarts couldn't help but chuckle, immediately regretting it as pain lanced through his body. "Yeah, that sounds like him." he muttered. "Any chance I could talk to him?"

The nurse hesitated. "I'm not sure that's a good idea right now. You both need rest and—"

"Please," Gildarts interrupted, his voice serious. "It's important."

The nurse sighed, clearly conflicted. "I'll see what I can do," she finally conceded. "But for now, you need to rest. Your body has been through a tremendous ordeal."

As she turned to leave, Gildarts called out once more. "Nurse?" She paused at the door, looking back at him. "Thank you. For everything."

She gave him a small smile before exiting the room, leaving Gildarts alone with his thoughts. He stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with the implications of his condition and the looming threat of Acnologia.

"Well, old man," he muttered to himself, "looks like you've got your work cut out for you."

As Gildarts lay there, contemplating his situation, the door to his room swung open with a creak. A peculiar figure sauntered in, causing Gildarts to raise an eyebrow in surprise. The man who entered could only be described as the most disheveled doctor Gildarts had ever seen.

The doctor's white coat was wrinkled and stained, hanging askew on his thin frame. His hair was a wild nest of tangles, sticking out in all directions as if he'd just been electrocuted. But what really caught Gildarts' attention was the lit cigarette dangling from the corner of the man's mouth. The pungent smell that wafted through the room suggested it wasn't just tobacco.

The doctor's eyes were bloodshot and slightly unfocused, a goofy grin plastered on his face. He swayed slightly as he approached Gildarts' bed, leaving the Fairy Tail mage to wonder if he was hallucinating from the pain medication.

"Uh... can I help you?" Gildarts asked, his voice a mixture of confusion and concern.

The doctor's grin widened. "Nah, man, I'm here to help you!" he said, his words slightly slurred. "I'm the doc in charge of your white-haired buddy. Thought I'd pop in and see how you're doing."

Gildarts blinked, trying to process this information. "You're... a doctor? Are you sure about that?"

The man waved his hand dismissively, nearly dropping his cigarette in the process. "Don't you worry your pretty little head about it. I'm a pro, I tell ya. Never had a chicken come to me that I couldn't make lay an egg!"

For a moment, Gildarts could only stare in stunned silence. Then, as the doctor's words sank in, his eyes widened in horror. "Wait, what?! My friend isn't a chicken! He's a human!"

The doctor waved his hand dismissively, ash from his cigarette scattering across the floor. "Details, details. Human, chicken, what's the difference? We're all just bags of meat and bones when you get down to it."

Gildarts felt a wave of panic wash over him. What kind of madhouse had they ended up in? And more importantly, what was happening to Future Rogue?

"Listen, doc," Gildarts said, trying to keep his voice calm, "I think there might be some confusion here. Maybe you should go check on my friend again. Make sure he's okay. And maybe... lay off the special cigarettes for a bit?"

The doctor's grin widened, revealing a set of surprisingly white teeth. "No need to worry, my good man! I've got everything under control. After all, I studied medicine for two whole months before graduating!"

Gildarts felt his jaw drop. He blinked several times, certain he must have misheard. "Two... months?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

"That's right!" the doctor exclaimed, puffing his chest out proudly. "Two months of intensive study, and now I'm fully qualified to heal the sick and injured!"

As the doctor rambled on about his "extensive" medical education, Gildarts found himself wondering what kind of university could possibly offer a medical degree in such a short time. He'd heard of accelerated programs, but this was ridiculous. Two months wasn't even enough time to become a pharmacist, let alone a full-fledged doctor.

"Oh, and don't you worry about your white-haired friend," the doctor continued, interrupting Gildarts' troubled thoughts. "I managed to sneak up on him and give him the anesthetic when he wasn't looking. Crafty little devil, that one. Kept refusing treatment, but I showed him Who the boss!"

Gildarts felt a cold chill run down his spine. "You... what?"

The doctor's grin turned mischievous. "Yep! Caught him off guard and boom! Needle right in the arm. He went down like a sack of potatoes. Made the surgery a breeze, let me tell you!"

As the implications of the doctor's words sank in, Gildarts felt a mix of horror and anger rising within him. He tried to sit up, ignoring the pain that shot through his body. "What did you do to him?" he demanded, his voice taking on a dangerous edge.

The doctor, seemingly oblivious to Gildarts' growing fury, continued to ramble. "Oh, nothing too fancy. Just a little nip here, a tuck there. You know, standard stuff. Though I must say, his internal organs were quite fascinating. Never seen anything quite like them before!"

Gildarts' face paled. "His... internal organs?"

The doctor's grin widened, his bloodshot eyes gleaming with an unsettling excitement. "Oh yes, my good man! Let me tell you, it was quite the adventure in there!"

He began to gesticulate wildly, nearly dropping his cigarette in the process. "First, we took a look at his heart. Magnificent specimen, I must say! Strong, perfectly formed, beating like a well-oiled machine. Never seen one quite like it!"

Gildarts felt his own heart sink further with each word. The doctor, oblivious to his growing distress, continued his gruesome narrative.

"Then we moved on to the lungs. Oh, what a pair! Pristine condition, not a speck of damage. Could probably breathe underwater with those beauties!"

The color drained further from Gildarts' face, his expression a mix of horror and disbelief.

"The liver! Now that was a treat. Looked like it could filter poison as easily as water. And the kidneys? Flawless! Could probably purify toxic waste with those little gems."

With each organ mentioned, Gildarts grew paler, his hand gripping the bedsheets tightly.

"And don't even get me started on the intestines! Clean as a whistle, efficient as a factory line. The pancreas, the spleen, even the appendix - all in top-notch condition!"

By this point, Gildarts looked as if he might faint, his face ashen and his eyes wide with horror.

The doctor, still grinning maniacally, leaned in closer. "But you want to know the real kicker? Every single organ we looked at was absolutely perfect. I mean, textbook perfect. It's like someone designed the ideal set of organs and put them in your friend. Fascinating stuff, I tell you!"

Gildarts, now ghostly white, struggled to find his voice. "You... you opened him up... looked at all his organs... without his consent?"

The doctor's grin never faltered. "All in the name of science, my friend! And don't worry, we put everything back where we found it. Mostly."

Gildarts felt a chill run down his spine as the doctor's words sank in. He swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure despite the growing sense of dread in his stomach.

"How... how is the patient doing?" Gildarts asked hesitantly, almost afraid to hear the answer.

The doctor's manic grin faltered slightly, a look of confusion passing over his face. "Oh, he's... he's up there," he replied, waving his hand vaguely towards the ceiling.

Gildarts furrowed his brow, not quite understanding. "Up there? You mean on the second or third floor?"

The doctor shook his head, his wild hair flopping about. "No, no... higher."

Still not comprehending, Gildarts pressed on. "The top floor, then?"

The doctor let out a long sigh, his bloodshot eyes meeting Gildarts'. "He's in heaven, my friend."

Gildarts felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the room. His mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. The implications of what the doctor had just said were too horrifying to process.

Before Gildarts could regain his ability to speak, the doctor's face lit up with that unsettling grin once more. "Now then," he said, rubbing his hands together eagerly, "I think it's time we had a look at your hemorrhoids and reproductive organs!"

That snapped Gildarts out of his shocked stupor. His eyes widened in terror as the doctor began to approach, a manic glint in his eye.

"Help!" Gildarts shouted, his voice a mix of panic and disbelief. "Somebody, anybody, help me!"

As he yelled, Gildarts found himself internally reciting every prayer he could remember - snippets from the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, anything that might offer divine protection from this lunatic masquerading as a medical professional.

The doctor advanced, seemingly deaf to Gildarts' protests. "Now, now, Mr. Clive," he said, his voice eerily soothing, "this is all perfectly standard procedure. Just relax and let the magic happen!"

Gildarts continued to shout, his cries for help becoming increasingly frantic and comical as he tried to squirm away from the approaching doctor. Despite the pain from his injuries, adrenaline and sheer terror gave him a burst of energy.

"Nurse!" he bellowed, his voice cracking slightly. "Security! Anyone! There's a madman in my room!"

The doctor paused, looking offended. "Madman? I'll have you know I graduated top of my class... out of the two students in my correspondence course!"

As Gildarts contemplated the absurdity of his situation, he couldn't help but wonder if this was some sort of bizarre nightmare. Surely, this couldn't be real. Any moment now, he'd wake up and find himself back in Fairy Tail, laughing about this ridiculous dream with his guildmates.

But as the doctor's hands reached for the edge of his blanket, Gildarts realized with growing horror that this was all too real. He took a deep breath, preparing to unleash the loudest scream of his life, hoping against hope that someone, anyone, would come to his rescue before this medical nightmare could progress any further.

In his panic, Gildarts' mind scrambled for any form of protection. Being a Christian, he began to recite verses and prayers from the Bible, his voice shaky but determined. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..."

But as the eccentric doctor drew closer, Gildarts' fear intensified, causing him to mix up his prayers in his desperation. Without realizing it, he began to recite fragments from the Quran and Torah, grasping at any divine intervention he could think of. "Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim... Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad..."

Despite not understanding most of what he was saying, having only heard these prayers in passing from various people he'd encountered on his travels, Gildarts continued his frantic recitation. The words tumbled out in a confused jumble, a desperate plea to any higher power that might be listening.

"La ilaha illa Allah... Baruch atah Adonai... In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..."

The doctor paused, tilting his head in confusion at Gildarts' multilingual religious outburst. "My, my," he mused, scratching his disheveled head. "I didn't realize we were having a theology lesson. Perhaps we should start with an exorcism before the examination?"

Just as Gildarts was about to resort to using his magic, consequences be damned, the door burst open. The nurse from earlier rushed in, followed by two burly security guards. Their eyes widened as they took in the scene before them.

"What in the world is going on here?" the nurse exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and anger.

The security guards quickly sprang into action, each grabbing one of the doctor's arms. The man didn't resist, instead looking at them with a bemused expression.

"Gentlemen," he slurred, "I was just about to perform a very important medical procedure. Surely you can see how vital this is?"

One of the guards snorted. "The only thing vital here is getting you out of this room, buddy."

As they began to escort the man out, the nurse turned to Gildarts, her face a picture of concern and embarrassment. "Mr. Clive, I am so, so sorry," she said, her voice sincere. "This man is actually a patient from our psychiatric ward. He managed to get his hands on a lab coat and has been causing havoc all morning."

Gildarts let out a long, shaky breath, feeling the adrenaline slowly drain from his system. "So... he's not really a doctor?" he asked, needing the confirmation.

The nurse shook her head emphatically. "Absolutely not. I assure you, our real doctors are much more... professional."

Gildarts couldn't help but chuckle, the absurdity of the situation finally hitting him. "Well, that's a relief. Though I have to say, his bedside manner could use some work."

The nurse smiled, glad to see Gildarts taking it in stride. "Your friend is fine, by the way," she added, remembering Gildarts' earlier concern. "He's actually up on the roof, having a smoke."

Gildarts raised an eyebrow. "The roof? Smoking? Is that allowed?"

The nurse shrugged. "Normally, no. We tried to tell him it's against hospital policy, but he insisted he needed some fresh air and a cigarette to clear his head. your friend can be quite... persuasive. Given his remarkable recovery rate, we decided to let it slide this once."

Gildarts let out a long, relieved sigh. "He's okay," he murmured, more to himself than to the nurse. "He's really okay."

As the nurse began to check Gildarts' vitals, making sure the encounter hadn't aggravated his injuries, Gildarts found himself pondering Future Rogue's actions. Even in a hospital, it seemed, the man from the future played by his own rules.

"Is there anything I can get you, Mr. Clive?" the nurse asked, still looking concerned. "And Perhaps it's best if we keep your impromptu religious service between us. I'm not sure the hospital chaplain would approve of such an ecumenical approach."

Gildarts thought for a moment, then grinned. "You wouldn't happen to have a Bible, a Quran, and a Torah lying around, would you? I think I need to brush up on my prayers."

/

Future Rogue leaned against the railing on the hospital rooftop, his arms resting on the cool metal as he took a long drag from his cigarette. The city stretched out before him, a sprawling tapestry of lights and shadows in the fading twilight. Despite the serene view, his mind was anything but calm.

Bandages were wrapped tightly around his arms, chest, and neck, with a large patch adhered to his left cheek. Despite the extensive coverage, Future Rogue showed no signs of discomfort. His eyes, sharp and alert, scanned the horizon as if searching for something only he could see.

He exhaled slowly, watching the smoke curl and dissipate in the evening air. Smoking was a habit he'd picked up over the years, one of the few vices he allowed himself. It was a curious thing - despite decades of indulging in cigarettes, his body showed no ill effects. No coughing fits, no shortness of breath, no deterioration of his physical abilities. It was just another reminder of how far removed he was from ordinary humans.

Future Rogue only smoked on two occasions: when he had a headache, or after a particularly trying day. Today qualified as both.

He took another drag, savoring the burn in his lungs. It was a sensation that grounded him, reminding him of his corporeal form even as his mind grappled with the complexities of time and fate. The nicotine did little for him physically, but the act itself was a small comfort, a moment of normalcy in his decidedly abnormal existence.

As he stood there, lost in thought, shadows began to creep towards Future Rogue. He noticed them but allowed them to merge with his own shadow. These weren't ordinary shadows; they were a message from the projection he had left behind in Fiore.

Future Rogue closed his eyes, his brow furrowing slightly as he began to process the information flooding his mind. Images and sensations washed over him, vivid and intense. He saw the war between Phantom Lord and Unity 33, a conflict that ended in Phantom Lord's victory but at a terrible cost – Jose's death. He witnessed the aftermath, his projection systematically wiping out what remained of the Unity 33 alliance, plundering their resources with ruthless efficiency.

A slight frown crossed Future Rogue's face as he absorbed these unexpected developments. He hadn't anticipated things unfolding quite this way. The cigarette hung loosely between his fingers, forgotten for a moment as he contemplated the implications.

After a few seconds, Future Rogue let out a quiet sigh. The events in Fiore, combined with Acnologia's presence in Guiltina, would likely force him to adjust his plans. He opened his eyes, gazing out at the city skyline with a renewed intensity.

"Complications," he murmured to himself, taking another drag from his cigarette. "Always complications."

Future Rogue's mind raced, recalculating and readjusting his strategies. He had navigated the currents of time for so long that adaptability had become second nature to him. Still, the loss of Jose was an unexpected setback, one that would require careful maneuvering to overcome.

As he stood there, smoke curling around him and merging with the shadows at his feet, Future Rogue couldn't help but feel a twinge of... something. Not quite regret, not quite concern, but perhaps a hint of nostalgia for simpler times. Times before he became entangled in this web of temporal manipulation and grand schemes.

But such thoughts were fleeting. He crushed the remnants of his cigarette under his heel, his face settling into a mask of determination. The game had changed, but he was far from out of moves. As he turned to head back inside, Future Rogue's mind was already formulating new strategies, adapting to this latest twist in the complex tapestry of time he was weaving.

"Guiltina will have to wait," he said softly, his words carried away by the evening breeze. "For now, Fiore needs my attention."

With that, he turned away from the railing and made his way back into the hospital. The game had changed, and he had adjustments to make. The path ahead was uncertain, but Future Rogue was nothing if not adaptable. After all, when you've lived as many lives as he had, you learn to expect the unexpected.

Future Rogue made his way down to the reception desk, his footsteps echoing in the sterile hallways. The staff and patients he passed gave him a wide berth, instinctively sensing the aura of danger that surrounded him despite his bandaged appearance. As he approached the desk, the receptionist looked up, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of him.

"I'm checking out," Future Rogue stated flatly, his voice devoid of emotion.

The receptionist blinked, caught off guard by his abrupt declaration. "Sir, I'm afraid that's not possible. Your injuries-"

She never finished her sentence. In a fluid motion too fast for her eyes to follow, Future Rogue conjured a dagger of pure shadow, bringing it to rest gently against her throat. The woman froze, her breath catching in her throat as she felt the cold, ethereal blade against her skin.

"I said," Future Rogue repeated, his voice calm and chilling, "I'm checking out."

The receptionist nodded frantically, not daring to speak. Future Rogue allowed the shadow dagger to dissipate, watching as the woman visibly relaxed, though fear still shone in her eyes.

Reaching into his pocket, Future Rogue produced a golden credit card, sliding it across the desk towards her. "This card contains three million Jewel," he explained, his tone businesslike. "It will cover my treatment costs, as well as those for Gildarts Clive, including any organ transplants and prosthetic limbs he might require."

The receptionist's hand trembled as she reached for the card, her eyes never leaving Future Rogue's face.

"One more thing," Future Rogue added, leaning in close. His voice dropped to a whisper, but it carried a sharp edge that made the receptionist's blood run cold. "If you steal even a single Jewel from this card, you'll wake up tomorrow morning to find you're short one kidney. Understood?"

The woman's face paled, and she nodded quickly, clutching the card to her chest as if it might protect her.

Then, as if a switch had been flipped, Future Rogue's demeanor changed completely. A gentle smile spread across his face, softening his sharp features.

"Excellent. It's been a pleasure staying here," he said, reaching out to pat her head lightly. The gesture was almost paternal, yet it sent a shiver down the receptionist's spine. "You all do excellent work."

With that, Future Rogue turned and strode towards the exit, leaving the bewildered and terrified receptionist staring after him. As he pushed through the hospital doors and stepped out into the cool night air, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. Fear, he had found, was often the most effective motivator.

The situation in Fiore needed his attention, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time recovering in a hospital bed. As he disappeared into the shadows of the night, Future Rogue allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Things might not have gone exactly as planned, but that was the beauty of life - unpredictable, thrilling, and sometimes a real pain in the ass. Future Rogue couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. Life had a way of throwing curveballs, and he'd learned to swing at every pitch.

He stepped into the cool night air, feeling a strange mix of excitement and frustration. The game had changed, sure, but wasn't that half the fun? He'd been around long enough to know that the best laid plans often went sideways. It was how you rolled with the punches that really mattered.