The combat power of this group of heartbroken girls gathered together was truly terrifying, even the Fairy Tail Strategist and Demon Mira couldn't handle them.
If only they were a bit more unreasonable, like smashing a few cups and plates, or hitting people in the guild, Rhode could have hardened his heart and kicked them out.
But they didn't; they just kept asking about Loki's whereabouts, asking who the 'True Destiny Celestial Maiden' was, or crying and complaining.
Rhode sighed helplessly, "Loki, that guy, what a troublemaker."
The girls glared angrily: "Don't you dare insult him!"
"Alright, alright... I was wrong." They were all victims, so Rhode didn't argue with them.
This was a group of girls even Warm couldn't handle.
Rhode wondered if Warm had grown bigger and less cute.
Once they confirmed that Loki was indeed not here and no one knew where he was, they finally left.
The people in the tavern who had been harassed started complaining that Loki was causing too much trouble for the guild.
Fortunately, they were also used to it.
Finally, with some peace and quiet, Rhode could calm down and think.
Making such a sudden decision indicated that something must be seriously wrong with Loki's condition.
The talk of Granny Porlyusica providing medicine might have been a lie.
Perhaps even Granny had no way to treat his condition.
When they took him to the treehouse, the red and blue buffs stayed there for quite a while, but Loki never came back to see him, indicating it had no effect.
This was troubling, and Rhode's frown deepened. What should be done next? Kidnap Loki to see Wendy?
Unexpectedly, one wave hadn't settled before another arose.
Shortly after the girls left, a mail carrier suddenly delivered a letter.
"A letter for President Makarov."
"The President isn't here. You can give it to me," Mira, long accustomed to receiving mail for the president, said.
The president had even authorized her to open any mail sent to the guild. It was usually just complaints, reprimands, or bills.
This time, Mira also intended to open it immediately but paused when she saw the name on the envelope: "Sent by Loki?"
Rhode had a bad feeling: "Why would he write a letter to the President out of the blue?"
Mira opened the envelope and spread out the letter, a palm-sized magical projection of Loki emerged from the paper, just like the magic letters Mira used to send to the President.
The tiny projection of Loki began to speak:
"President, by the time you see this letter, I should already have left Magnolia. I've been very happy these years in the guild, and appreciate your care."
"Hey, hey, what's with the farewell-like words?"
Gray immediately left Natsu and ran over to question the projection, attracting many guild members to gather around.
Unfortunately, it was just a projection and couldn't answer questions.
It continued, "Not just you, I also want to thank the guild members for their care. Meeting you all has been my good fortune. If possible, I really wish I could go on together with everyone."
Natsu looked angry: "Loki, what are you talking about?!"
Gray stopped him: "Shut up, Natsu! Listen carefully!"
"...It's just unfortunate that I'm a sinner who made a grave mistake. I have my responsibilities to bear. I know that whether I say a proper goodbye or just disappear, everyone would never abandon a companion. So, I've decided... to leave Fairy Tail."
This sentence was difficult for Loki to say, and the projection adjusted its glasses and lowered its head, continuing:
"From now on, I will no longer be a member of Fairy Tail, so everyone doesn't need to look for me anymore. I have a place I must go. Goodbye... no, farewell forever.
That's all."
The projection of Loki disappeared, and the guild instantly went into an uproar.
"What's the meaning of this?"
"I don't accept it!"
Natsu and Gray were the first to push through the crowd and rush out of the guild.
"Does Loki think he can just run away after causing this much trouble?"
"I'll go catch him right now!"
"Damn it, I haven't even finished my fight with Loki yet, don't think you can escape!"
A noisy group of people rushed out.
Rhode called out, "Wolian!"
"I'm here!"
"Can you contact Loki?"
Wolian placed his index and middle fingers to his temple, "No, I can't find him at all!"
Wolian couldn't contact him, which meant Loki was really no longer in Magnolia.
Rhode had to send out Shadow Wolves to track by scent and lent the Swift Crab to Wolian and Mira so they could continue searching outside the city.
As for himself, he planned to visit Granny Porlyusica; perhaps she would know something.
There might have been some secrets before, but now she couldn't keep it hidden, could she?
...
The place Loki chose to meet his end was in front of Kallen's grave, a cliff surrounded by waterfalls on three sides.
The location was on the outskirts of the city where Blue Pegasus was, not too far from Fairy Tail.
By the time Rhode learned the story from Porlyusica and rushed over, Lucy, who had uncovered the truth a step earlier, had already begun her mission to save Loki.
She intended to use all her magical power to forcefully open the gate and send Loki back to the Star Spirit Realm.
As Rhode approached, a black vortex appeared in the sky, and suddenly the sky darkened, changing from day to night instantaneously.
Countless stars emerged under the night sky, and a giant surrounded by faint starlight hovered in midair.
Compared to this huge figure, the two people on the cliff were perhaps not even as tall as his finger.
The most staggering thing was the horrifying magic power emanating from this figure, which surpassed anything he had ever witnessed! Any person or creature he'd known!
Who on earth was this?!
"Star Spirit King!" Loki showed utmost respect, "Why have you appeared?"
The Star Spirit King's voice rang loud and clear, "Old friend, according to the covenant with humans, we are not to kill those who hold the keys.
Even for Leo, who indirectly caused this, it remains an unforgivable act. This rule, above all, is never to be changed."
"He's been suffering for three years! For his friends, for Alyes, he didn't have any other choice, did he?"
"I too am pained by my old friend's wish..."
"Don't say 'old friend'! Listen up, Bearded Dad! You know Kallen's situation was an unfortunate accident, right? Loki has already paid for his mistake! That's not a 'crime'!"
Lucy argued loudly, and while the two were in dispute, other guild members gradually arrived.
The group, heads raised, looked at the fearsome giant in awe, involuntarily swallowing hard. They were absolutely sure that even if the President transformed into a giant, he wouldn't match this figure.
The dreadful magic power was such that even the most untrained mage could sense this person was not to be provoked, making them reluctant to approach rashly.
Still, with their eyes on the golden-haired girl standing protectively before Loki on the cliff, no one from the guild hesitated to press on.
Loki cried out in agony, "It's enough, Lucy, let me just disappear; it's my sin!"
"It's not a sin! The feelings of caring for a companion aren't a sin! If you're also a Star Spirit, you should understand Alyes and Loki's feelings!"
Lucy's magic surged all at once—Aquarius, Taurus, Sagittarius, Virgo, Cancer...
All the celestial spirits she possessed appeared behind her at that moment, silently watching the Star Spirit King.
Although the Star Spirits only appeared for a brief instant, Lucy's body couldn't take it and she fell forward.
"Lucy!" Natsu was the first to rush forward and caught her before she fell.
Gray quickly followed and stood before Loki, taking a stance for Shaping Magic.
"Don't do anything reckless!" Loki, dragging himself, tried to prevent his companions' rash actions.
Blue streaks of light appeared around Lucy, and Rhode, Mira, Erza... one by one joined them, forming a protective circle around Loki and Lucy.
Though none of them spoke threatening words, their intent was manifestly clear.
"Natsu, and everyone..."
Lucy managed a faint smile, thinking about this guild, truly...