Hades examined Nate.
Without his Six Eyes, he couldn't precisely gauge Nate's magic power, but a basic sense was enough to give him an idea:
'A Saint-level mage!'
Fairy Tail certainly had a promising future. After Makarov ca Gildarts, and now they had Nate.
Hades felt a bit sentintal. No wonder Mavis had referred to him as the "Fourth Master"... Makarov's successor would most likely be this young man.
As Hades observed him, Nate also evaluated his counterpart.
'Hades's magic power was over eight stars—this was just his normal state.'
Nate recalled that the Second Master also possessed a "Demon's Eye." When opened, it could unleash his hidden power, likely pushing him above nine stars at full force.
In addition, Hades had "The Devil's Heart," a continuous source of magic. After delving deeply into Zeref's dark magic, he'd even created his own "Inner Magic."
According to 'The Witch's' teachings, Hades had personally instructed the Seven Kin of Purgatory in all their Lost Magic.
In that light, the Second Master was indeed impressive. Nate couldn't help but wonder—how had Natsu and the others defeated him in the story? Magic truly is a force like no other.
The two stood on the deck, studying each other in silence for a while.
Eventually, as the younger of the two, Nate spoke up first:
"Second Master, as promised, I'm here to return Kain Hikaru's soul."
"But, I also have a condition."
At these words, Hades's interest piqued.
"A condition, is it?"
Hades had to respect Nate's boldness in coming to see him alone. This boy wasn't just talented; he possessed courage beyond what Hades had managed to instill in any of the Seven Kin.
The only thing that irked him was how this kid had managed to charm away Ultear, his prized apprentice. Young won—they were too easily swayed by romance.
"I rember you needed the power of 'Ushi no Koku Mairi' to develop a new function for your 'Magic Net.'"
"Looks like you succeeded?"
Nate nodded. "It's still in testing, but it's been a huge help. That magic book you gifted has proven invaluable."
"Hohoho... just a small token; no need to thank ," Hades chuckled softly. "So, let's hear your condition."
"I've heard that one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory wields the Lost Magic known as the 'Arc of Embodint'." Nate got straight to the point. "I'd like to acquire a book on that magic as well."
"For the sa reason as the 'Ushi no Koku Mairi'?" Hades raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
This "Magic Net"—with elents of various Lost Magic woven together—what would it ultimately beco? Could it be magic that embodies the concept of 'One'?
After pondering this, Hades stroked his beard and laughed, "Why not join my guild? Any magic you want to learn, I can teach you."
"Makarov is a re novice compared to . I can teach you things he never could!"
Nate considered his response, then replied, "The First Master wouldn't approve."
The ntion of Mavis instantly darkened Hades's expression.
He rembered that after the Harvest Festival, he'd received a friend request from an account called "Fairies Are Eternal Adventures." Much to his shock, it had been the First Master, Mavis.
After a mont of silence, Hades raised his right hand. Dark energy gathered, and a magic book appeared in his palm.
"This is the book on the Lost Magic, 'Arc of Embodint'. With your talent, you should be able to master it on your own."
"Take it, and tell Mavis to stop ddling with my plans!"
'Stop her? Stop you from seeking out Zeref?'
Nate thought for a mont—where was Zeref now? Could he be on Tenrou Island?
It was already mid-October, and Fairy Tail's S-Class Exam was set for early December, just over a month away. If Zeref was indeed on Tenrou Island and got provoked by Hades, then the infamous dragon from the 'Apocalypse' would appear...
Nate had no desire to be sealed for seven years. Perhaps he could lead Hades in a different direction.
"Thank you, Second Master," Nate said, accepting the book Hades tossed to him with a smile. "Ultear said you wanted to create a 'Grand Magic World' and uncover the legendary 'One Magic'."
"And for that, you need Zeref's power?"
'Ultear really did tell this kid everything,' Hades thought irritably.
"You an to stop too?" Hades narrowed his eyes as his magic energy flared, creating an oppressive pressure around them.
Nate remained calm, smiling slightly as he responded, "I'm not interested in stopping you, Second Master."
"If anything, I wanted to thank you for looking after Ultear all these years and helping her beco such an outstanding mage."
"Since I know so things about Zeref's whereabouts, I'll share it as a token of gratitude."
"Oh?" Hades eyed him, skeptical yet willing to listen.
"According to information gathered from my Magic Net," Nate said slowly, "Zeref is still alive. Not only that, but he founded a superpower called the Alvarez Empire on the western continent, where he serves as Emperor."
'What?'
Hades's face revealed his shock.
That Zeref was alive wasn't a surprise; he'd suspected it all along. But the Alvarez Empire... Zeref as Emperor?
"From Hargeon Port here on the eastern continent, it's about a ten-to-fifteen-day journey to the western continent. With your Magic Airship, it would be even faster."
Nate gave a faint smile, gesturing casually. "I can't guarantee the information's accuracy, so feel free to verify it yourself."
He paused before adding, "Just a warning—rumor has it there are so very powerful mages there. So, please be cautious."
"And with that, I'll take my leave."
Nate snapped his fingers, releasing Kain Hikaru's soul from his 'Soul Prison' and returning it to Hades. In the next instant, he vanished in a flash of golden light.
Kain Hikaru stood dazed, completely unaware of what had transpired.
"Hades... sama?" He looked at Hades, bewildered.
Hades appeared deeply contemplative.
'Zeref as Emperor of the Western Continent?'
The western continent, known as 'Alakitasia,' was separated from Ishgar by a vast ocean. Relations between the two continents were nearly nonexistent—news and letters rarely circulated. Occasionally, immigrants from the west would co to Ishgar seeking work.
"Kain Hikaru, gather the others. We're heading to the Western Continent!"
Hades made his decision decisively.
'I believe him, at least partially.'
As the leader of the Magic Net, that boy wouldn't lie to an old man like him. There was no bad blood between them; they'd even managed a cordial conversation.
Besides, the journey wasn't that far. Confirming the truth of this information was well worth the trip.
...
anwhile, with the 'Arc of Embodint' book in hand, Nate didn't imdiately return to Magnolia. He kept his distance and observed the airship's trajectory, watching it head west over the ocean before smirking slightly.
"Headed for the Western Continent, huh? They might not even make it back," he muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. 'Don't bla , Second Master. I didn't tell a single lie.'
With Hades gone, gathering intel alone would take over a month—he'd likely miss Fairy Tail's S-Class Exam.
Without Hades to interfere with the exam, even if Zeref were to be found wandering Tenrou Island, there'd be no provocation to cause him to black out. Without that, the Black Dragon wouldn't appear, and the seven-year seal wouldn't happen.
Perfect.
'The diversion tactic worked brilliantly.'
Nate ntally gave himself a pat on the back.
'Flawless.'
"Now that the dragon's settled, ti to learn the 'Arc of Embodint'."
As he opened the book, a mischievous thought struck him.
With the 'Gate of Truth', did he even need to study on his own?
~~~
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