This was why Lucien valued the evolution of his aura and the Soul Fruit above everything else he had gained over the past eleven years. Even abilities like shrinking distance in an instant and his future sight could not compare.
Not far from him drifted a desolate planet, nearly the size of Earth.
Lucien raised his index finger. A faint red glow gathered at the tip before flashing outward. A concentrated death beam pierced through the planet in an instant, tearing straight through its core before vanishing into the void.
Moments later, the planet began to crack apart. Its surface split into countless fragments as instability spread from within. It would not last long before exploding completely.
Without pause, his physical body mirrored the motion. Another blood-red beam shot forward, striking a second planet in the distance. It met the same fate, its destruction already inevitable.
"Is the consumption doubled?"
Lucien clicked his tongue slightly.
Both his soul and physical body could operate at peak condition, but the energy drain had also doubled. In short bursts against powerful enemies, it would be devastating. In prolonged battles, however, the drawback would become obvious.
Still, it was a small flaw.
After finishing his tests, Lucien turned his attention to Odin's soul, which hovered nearby in silence.
The former god made no attempt to flee. He understood there was no escape.
"Surprised?" Lucien's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "You didn't expect me to shatter your curse this quickly, did you? Not only that, I used it to climb even higher."
He clenched his fist, and violent energy surged through his body.
"Back then, I wanted to dig up your corpse and crush it. Now I should thank you instead. Without you pushing me this far, I wouldn't be standing here."
Those eleven years had been isolating, but compared to what he had gained, they were meaningless.
"You will not have a good end."
Odin's voice was cold, but empty. He had already lost.
"Thank you for the curse," Lucien replied, his tone turning darker. "Now I'll make sure you never have an end at all."
In an instant, his soul appeared in front of Odin. His hand shot out and grabbed the god by the throat.
Then, without hesitation, Lucien began erasing him.
Memories were stripped away first, violently torn apart piece by piece. Identity followed, then will, then everything that made Odin who he was. What remained was nothing but a pure, blank soul, empty and defenseless.
The miniature Gatling gun hanging from Lucien's double-ear pendant suddenly spoke. It expanded in size and floated in the air, a childish face forming on its surface. It stared at the purified soul with greedy anticipation, almost drooling.
Lucien hesitated for a moment.
He could absorb it himself, or feed it to one of his weapons.
After a brief pause, he made his decision.
Gatling would take it.
As for the others, the rocket launcher, the clothes, the wolf tooth club, there would be plenty of souls in the future.
The world of Fairy Tail had no shortage of powerful beings. Four hundred years ago, dragons ruled the land. If he traveled back through the Eclipse Gate, it would be like stepping into a feast.
A slow grin spread across his face.
There was plenty to harvest.
Odin's soul was fed into Gatling, but it was too powerful to digest immediately. The weapon dimmed slightly, entering a dormant state.
"Sleep it off," Lucien muttered.
His soul returned to his body. The flowing golden-white aura around him faded as he focused on a distant presence.
He could feel it.
The world of Fairy Tail.
Lucien took a single step.
The distance collapsed beneath him, over 6.4 million meters, around 6,400 kilometers, erased instantly.
It was as if he had crossed half the planet in one movement.
...
In Magnolia, inside the Fairy Tail guild hall.
"Romeo, aren't you going with them?"
Macao Conbolt sighed as he looked at his son, who sat quietly in the corner.
"Even if they find Tenrou Island… everyone is already…"
Romeo Conbolt choked on his words.
He had always admired Natsu Dragneel, treating him like an older brother. For years, he believed Natsu and the others were still alive.
But seven years of silence had worn him down.
Hope had faded.
Yesterday, members of Blue Pegasus reported unusual magical activity near Tenrou Island. That was why Bisca and the others had set out.
Even so, Romeo no longer believed.
"That's not true. You have to believe," Macao said gently.
"Dad… I'm not a kid anymore. It's been seven years."
Romeo lowered his head, his voice weak.
"I'll never see Natsu-bro again…"
"Romeo-bro, Asuka and I will stay with you."
Asuka Connell looked up while eating watermelon, trying to comfort him.
Suddenly, the guild doors were kicked open.
The loud crash startled everyone inside.
"Natsu, how many times have I told you to open the door properly?"
A familiar old voice echoed through the hall.
"Old man, does it matter? This place looks completely different. Are we even in the right guild?"
Another voice followed, full of irritation.
"It's been a long time."
Erza Scarlet closed her eyes, taking in the familiar atmosphere.
"Master… Erza… Natsu…"
Macao and the others froze.
Then, tears began to fall.
"Yo, everyone. We're back."
Gray Fullbuster waved casually.
"But why does the guild look so small?" Lucy Heartfilia blinked in confusion.
The place looked worn down and poor.
"I didn't get lost, right?" Laxus Dreyar crossed his arms, frowning.
Behind them, Gray and Elfman carried a stretcher.
On it lay Ares.
His injuries from the battles against Acnologia and Zeref Dragneel had not healed, even after seven years of slumber.
He remained unconscious.
Mirajane Strauss stood among them, her expression composed. With no instructions from Lucien, she continued blending in with the guild.
"It's real… they're really back…"
Wakaba Mine wiped his tears.
"They haven't aged at all…"
"What happened to you all?"
"We were saved by the First Master," Erza explained.
"She used Fairy Sphere to protect us."
As Erza recounted everything, the guild listened in stunned silence.
"So that's what happened…"
Understanding dawned on their faces.
"The First Master…" Wakaba murmured, his eyes lighting up.
"But more importantly… welcome home."
Laughter and excitement quickly filled the hall as preparations for a celebration began.
Then, the doors opened again.
"It's good to see you all safe."
Several figures stepped inside.
"Jura, Lyon!"
Erza looked surprised.
Members of Lamia Scale had arrived.
"Everyone made it back safely?"
"They really haven't aged…"
"The guild finally feels alive again."
"Welcome!"
"Over these seven years, both Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale supported us," Macao said gratefully.
"I see. Thank you," Erza said with a respectful nod.
"I owe you," Gray muttered, glancing at Lyon with clear annoyance.
"Tch. Even if Blue Pegasus entered the Grand Magic Games early, our strength is still superior," Lyon Vastia shot back.
"Grand Magic Games?"
The returning Fairy Tail members exchanged confused looks.