The Expeditionary Force could only be considered the vanguard, with reinforcents composed of the Ten Wizard Saints—ready to intervene at a mont’s notice.
This assurance gave everyone on board a sense of security.
With the Saints observing, the mbers of the force continued introducing their magic specialties to better understand one another.
Kagura Mikazuchi of rmaid Heel specialized in swordsmanship, similar to Erza, and wielded gravity magic.
Bacchus Groh of Quatro Cerberus excelled in physical magic, blending martial arts with traditional spells. His combat prowess was on par with Erza’s.
Minerva Orland of Sabertooth used high-level spatial magic called “Territory,” allowing her to manipulate space freely.
Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki of Blue Pegasus utilized Perfu Magic, providing buffs and self-enhancents.
Each of these S-Class mages had exceptional combat abilities. As for the Oración Seis, there was little need for further explanation.
After everyone finished their introductions, Precht stroked his long beard with satisfaction and said, “I now have a general understanding of your magic and combat strength.
“Next, let introduce you to the Nine Demon Gates and the curses they specialize in.”
He turned to Ultear, the battle-hardened mage he had once trained personally. “Ultear,” he said.
Ultear turned the cara toward Precht, smiling slightly. “What are your orders, Master Hades?”
“Call the Second Master. Grimoire Heart is in the past now.”
“Understood, Second Master. It’s good to see you rejoin—no, return to—Fairy Tail,” she teased, her lips curving into a smile.
“I’ll focus on steering the magic airship. You can handle the introductions.”
“Understood.”
As the “war correspondent,” Ultear complied without hesitation. She had dealt with Tartaros many tis during her tenure as leader of the Seven Kin of Purgatory. While she explained the enemy’s forces in detail, Precht concentrated on piloting the ship.
The council’s magic airship was exceptionally fast—much faster than Grimoire Heart’s forr vessel. With Precht at the helm, the airship advanced like a hurricane, closing in on the Underworld Island.
…
A few hours later, the team finally spotted the distinctive square-shaped floating island ahead.
Precht stood at the bow, gazing down at the strange sight. “Hehehe… It seems they’ve gathered a significant force.”
Hovering over the island, the ship didn’t get too close. Entering the island’s gravitational field could result in the vessel being pulled down.
Precht had been to Underworld Island before, eting Mard Geer on multiple occasions. As one of the three leaders of the Baram Alliance, they were well-acquainted.
It was undeniable: Tartaros was stronger than Grimoire Heart.
“That’s Tartaros’s stronghold?” Minerva asked, stepping to the edge of the ship to observe.
The strange cubic island floated in the air, parts of its surface resembling water. Smaller, scattered islands were visible across the six faces of the cube, while a massive castle stood prominently on the top face.
In front of the castle gates, an army of black mages had assembled—easily over a thousand strong.
“Does this ship have a Jupiter Cannon?” Bacchus asked.
“It’s useless,” Ultear replied. “That island is actually a living creature—the Plutogrim, an incredibly powerful magic beast. A cannon would be aningless.”
“Then how about the Etherion?” Ichiya suggested. “A single blast could wipe out a nation.”
“It’s flying. Do you think you could hit it, genius?” Cobra rolled his eyes. Besides, he added, they couldn’t just deploy the Etherion; it required extensive preparation and a majority vote from the council.
“Wait,” Gray interrupted, frowning. “Sothing’s coming.”
From the island below, a figure launched into the air, heading straight for them.
“Eisenwald’s Reaper?” Gray murmured, recognizing the man wielding a massive scythe.
The man stopped midair, legs crossed as he hovered. “Long ti no see, Fairy Tail!”
It was Erigor, though he looked different—his torso now covered in dark curse markings.
“A modified demon?” Midnight remarked. “Erigor, have you joined Tartaros?”
Erigor sneered. “Ah, Midnight, it’s been a while. You look pathetic in that council uniform. What, are you a dog now?”
As the Reaper mocked, Kagura moved. Without a word, she dashed forward, her sheathed blade striking Erigor’s midsection with precision.
“Fast… Who are you?!” Erigor gasped, struggling under the weight of Kagura’s pressure. Together, they plumted toward the island below.
Precht sighed. “Impatient girl. You shouldn’t be so reckless. The rest of you, go. Don’t let her get surrounded.”
“I’ll protect her, Second Master. Requip: Heaven’s Wheel Armor!” Erza declared, diving off the ship.
The others followed suit, each using their abilities to descend.
“I’ll take on as many as I can!” Bacchus roared, guzzling his alcohol before leaping into the fray.
Soon, the ship was nearly empty—save for Ichiya and Gray.
“I could stay here, you know…” Ichiya began nervously, but Gray grabbed his collar.
“Jump!”
“N~~~!”
Precht watched them go with a chuckle. “Ah, how nostalgic. Yuri, Warrod, Mavis…”
He reminisced about the days when Fairy Tail was first established and guild mages intervened in wars, only escalating conflicts.
Lost in thought, he didn’t notice until it was too late—soone else was on the ship.
“You’re reminiscing, Precht,” a voice chuckled behind him.
Precht turned, gripping his staff. “It’s been a while, Underworld King.”
Mard Geer held the Book of E.N.D., smiling. “You’ve grown weak, Hades.”
“Darkness is still my domain,” Precht countered, raising his staff.
“Let’s see,” Mard Geer said.
“Dark Wave!” Precht’s attack struck first, blasting a hole straight through Mard Geer’s chest.
Reviews
All reviews (0)