Magic Council Headquarters
On a large blue magic circle, several Council members gathered for a meeting.
"Even completely destroying Iron Forest is useless; the fundamental problem remains unsolved. Although many Dark Guilds were eliminated by Zorn back then..."
"...in recent years, they've become as numerous as stars."
"It seems a thorough cleansing operation is needed."
"How should we do it? Still issue quests like before?"
"It's time for action. If someone can use Zeref's magic again in the future, that would be disastrous."
"Logically, such dangerous magic should be strictly managed. Why was it so easily taken out this time?"
Yamaji directly pointed out that this should be a management oversight by the Council. Another Council member beside him strongly agreed: "It seems the relevant management personnel should also be held responsible for this."
The blue-haired youth then brought up the great hero of this incident: "But speaking of which, Fairy Tail, whom we used to consider a thorn in our side, actually saved our lives."
"Yet, just a few people destroyed a Guild. Zorn helped deal with Erigor, and finally, Erza and two others even dealt with the demon formed by the Cursed Flute. They are truly impressive."
The Council member disguised as Ultear also highly approved of Fairy Tail's current strength.
"This is a fact. If all the Guild Masters were truly eliminated because of this, the situation wouldn't be this relaxed discussion. Instead, some people would be losing their heads over this!"
The blue-haired youth easily pointed out the severe consequences of this matter, which also happened to hit some high-and-mighty Council members where it hurt.
"Siegrain, are you trying to shift the blame to us?"
"What do you mean by that? Their reckless actions this time still gave us a lot of headaches."
Council member Og was also displeased with Siegrain's attitude and immediately retorted sternly.
"Then be frank. Say something nice. After all, the Council does bear some responsibility," Siegrain said casually, unconcerned.
After the meeting...
Ultear and Jellal reverted to their true identities.
"You met Zorn. How strong is he?"
"His strength? Very strong!" Jellal highly approved. Just from Zorn's oppressive aura at that time, he could clearly perceive the immense magical power contained within Zorn's body.
"Is that so!" Ultear lowered her head in thought after hearing this.
----Divider----
The news that Iron Forest intended to attack the Guild Masters at their regular meeting spread throughout the entire kingdom. The Council was very good at concealing its own mistakes and did not disclose the details, but this news also sparked heated discussions throughout the kingdom.
All members of Iron Forest had been imprisoned. Erigor was not dealt with by Zorn but was handed over to the relevant authorities for separate detention and would receive the most severe punishment.
"Mama, I played a huge role in this mission!! This Guild is the best, so Mama, you don't have to worry about me. I'm doing great here! P.S."
After sealing the letter with a postal stamp, Lucy stretched and thought about going shopping to relax.
"Lucy, Lucy!" A shout came from outside the window. Lucy curiously pushed open the window, poked her head out, and saw the person below.
"Cana, Zorn, good morning!" Lucy waved, greeting the people below.
"Did you forget? Natsu and Erza are going to duel! Hurry down!" Cana, with one arm around Zorn's arm and the other waving, motioned for Lucy to come down quickly.
"Oh, it seems there was something like that. Wait for me."
"Gray is really something. He stripped naked and still wanted to come to Lucy's place. Good thing I saw him."
"Yes, yes, that's too inappropriate."
Cana saw Lucy preparing to come down and was still grumbling about Gray. Zorn could only agree, as he had seen Cana punch Gray into the Guild, telling him to quickly put on his clothes, and then drag himself over to call Lucy.
At the Guild entrance...
"Natsu, Ganbatte, go!"
"Go!"
A circle of people surrounded Natsu and Erza, cheering excitedly, waiting for the wonderful performance about to begin.
"Yosh, it seems we arrived just in time." Zorn, with Cana and Lucy, arrived at the dueling arena on time. He was relieved to see that the two were still facing each other, scrutinizing, and hadn't started fighting yet.
"No way, they're actually serious." Lucy forced her way into the crowd, looking at the two standing ready with surprise. She had thought Natsu was just joking, which was why she had forgotten.
"Of course, they have to be serious. If they're not serious, they're not real men."
"Erza is a female, Elfman brother," Lisanna reminded, looking up with a smile.
"It's starting!" Zorn reminded from the side.
"I'm definitely going to beat you today, Erza!"
"I'll also fight you with all my strength. It's been a while since I've tested my own power." As Erza finished speaking, light erupted from her body, and re-quip began.
"Re-quip - Flame Empress Armor"
A black base with orange-red armor attached to her body.
"What is this?" Lucy looked at Erza's new armor with a puzzled expression.
"It's flame-resistant armor that can reduce the power of flames by 50%. Natsu needs to be careful this time." Cana explained to Lucy from the side, watching with great interest.
"Haha, that's more like it! Now I can use my full power." Natsu looked at the serious Erza, equally excited, and orange-red flames erupted from his hands again.
"Begin," the Guild Master suddenly appeared from the side and gave the command.
Natsu made the first move, a straight punch directly aimed at Erza's face, which Erza dodged with a turn.
Erza took the opportunity to swing her sword with her left hand. After Natsu ducked to avoid it, Natsu delivered a flaming upward kick, which Erza easily blocked with her hand. The two then engaged in hand-to-hand combat.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!" As Natsu leaped, he opened his mouth and spewed flames. Erza, however, remained unhurried, continuously dodging and charging towards Natsu at an extremely fast speed.
Gray, meanwhile, was ensuring the safety of the match, timely raising an ice wall around the crowd to block Natsu's scorching flames.
"Amazing!" Lucy exclaimed at the spectacular duel between the two.
Of course, everyone was cheering and watching the exciting duel, completely unaware that Zorn was no longer at the scene.
At this moment, at the town's main gate.
A humanoid frog was prostrating on the ground, respectfully greeting Zorn.
"Lord Zorn, good morning. I'm here to announce the Council's decision to arrest Erza!"
"No need. I'll go with you. It's perfect, I also have something to say to those people in the Council."
"But... this."
"No buts. We're going now." Zorn said coldly. At that moment, a golden magic circle unfolded on the ground, and the two instantly vanished from the spot.
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