Phantom Lord, Part Seven
That's enough.
An aged yet majestic voice came from the sky, and holy white light poured down like a waterfall, washing away all the dark purple magic that Jose had gathered.
The white light didn't seem like an attack; it was more like an irresistible command, carrying absolute suppressive power that caused Jose's magic to dissipate instantly.
Jose looked up sharply, his wise eyes reflecting the figure slowly descending from the sky.
Makarov descended slowly from the sky, wearing the magnificent robe that symbolized his status as one of the Ten Wizard Saints, his white cloak fluttering in the sea breeze.
His expression was unusually serious; there was not a trace of a smile on his wrinkled face, and his cloudy eyes were filled with anger and sorrow.
As Riyao withdrew from his Star Dress form, the black and gold light dissipated, and he returned to his original appearance.
He took Mirajane's hand, and the two of them stepped aside, handing the stage over to Makarov.
Mirajane still bore the marks of battle; her battle dress was torn, and her hair was disheveled, but the fighting spirit in her crimson eyes had vanished, replaced by a sense of peace.
She gently squeezed Riyao's hand without saying a word.
Riyao glanced at Makarov, then at Jose, and whispered, "It seems the old man intends to end it all himself."
"Hmm." Mirajane nodded. "If we keep fighting, the Magnolia coast will be completely destroyed."
Riyao's lips twitched, thinking to himself, "Why didn't you think of this when you were fighting?"
After Makarov landed, he looked at Jose with a heavy gaze. The two stared at each other, and a somber atmosphere filled the air.
"Because the useless father caused his children to suffer and shed many tears."
Makarov's voice was deep and hoarse, each word seeming to be squeezed out of his chest.
Jose remained silent for a moment, then straightened his tattered robes, trying to maintain his last shred of dignity.
"We're all in the same boat; it's time for us to stop."
Makarov's tone softened somewhat, but his eyes remained sharp.
"Stop?" Jose sneered. "Do you think I'd admit defeat?"
"We need to put an end to this."
After Makarov finished speaking, a powerful burst of magic erupted from his body, and the golden light was as dazzling as the sun, sweeping away the surrounding darkness.
The sea breeze was stirred by magic, scattering gravel and causing the steel floor beneath our feet to tremble.
Jose also unleashed his magic, his dark purple light rivaling the golden one.
The two magics collided in mid-air, the pure collision of magic causing wave after wave to surge on the sea, the waves crashing against the ruins of the fortress with a deafening roar.
The two began exchanging magical attacks, golden light projectiles and dark purple energy clashing in mid-air, each collision unleashing a blinding light.
The fortress continued to crumble during their battle, but Makarov was clearly controlling the range of his attacks, trying to prevent the Bobo from reaching Magnolia.
After several rounds of exchanges, Makarov realized that he couldn't defeat Jose this way.
Although Jose was seriously injured, his magical power at the level of Ten Wizard Saints was still profound, and it was impossible to determine a winner in a short time.
Makarov's expression changed.
He slowly raised his hands, assuming a special posture, his hands clasped together, holy magical power gathering between his palms, the golden light even purer and more dazzling than before.
Riyao's eyes lit up as he recognized the starting stance.
"Oh, the old man is getting serious."
Riyao leaned against a broken steel beam, took out a handful of sunflower seeds from his pocket, and gave a handful to Mirajane.
From the Riyao's perspective, Jose was standing on the left. A slight smile played on his lips; he had secured the win.
Mirajane took the sunflower seeds and glanced at Riyao with some surprise.
"You carry sunflower seeds with you?"
"It's about being prepared for a rainy day."
Riyao cracked open a sunflower seed and leisurely watched the two people in the arena.
"That old devil is quite concerned about his image; even though his clothes are tattered, he still tries to act like a Gentleman."
Mirajane, munching on sunflower seeds, replied, "I haven't had this much fun playing in ages. I'll treat you to your favorite dishes tonight."
Riyao leaned closer to Mirajane and chuckled, "Is this all you're going to reward me with?"
Mirajane's ears turned slightly red, and she turned her head away from him, but the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.
Seeing this, Riyao laughed even harder and moved closer to her.
The two men completely ignored the situation on Makarov's side, both believing that Makarov would definitely win.
Makarov maintained a dignified demeanor on the surface, but inwardly he had cursed Riyao countless times.
You didn't even bother to give me a buff! You've forgotten all about the guild leader now that you have a wife! I'm working my ass off here while you two are just eating sunflower seeds?!
He took a deep breath, suppressing the resentment in his heart, and continued to clasp his hands together. The holy magic power in his palms grew stronger and stronger, and the golden light illuminated the entire ruins.
"Kneel before me, Jose! I'll give you only three seconds!"
Makarov's voice was like thunder, echoing between heaven and earth.
Golden magic surged from his body, his aura as heavy as a mountain.
Jose looked as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world. A mocking expression appeared on his aged face, and a disdainful smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Huh? Are you kidding me? Our strengths are evenly matched."
"3"
Makarov's voice was cold and firm, without the slightest hesitation.
Jose snorted coldly, and dark purple magic surged around him.
"I'm even more ruthless than you!"
"2"
"Let me see how you dare say that!"
Jose roared, gathering purplish-black magic power in his hands. The magic power spun wildly in his palms, forming a destructive sphere.
He planned to unleash his strongest attack and kill everyone in front of him.
"1"
Makarov suddenly opened his arms wide, and golden magic surged out like a tide.
"The Fairy Law!"
A huge golden magic circle appeared in the sky, hundreds of meters in diameter, almost covering the entire sky.
At the center of the magic circle was engraved the Fairy Tail emblem, a symbol of freedom and bond that shone brightly in the holy light.
The holy light shone for dozens of miles around, its golden rays like the midday sun, warm and sacred, yet carrying an irresistible power of judgment.
People nearby were so blinded by the light that they raised their hands to shield their eyes.
Bisca stood on the dock, shielding her eyes from the blinding light, but a gentle smile graced her face.
"This is the president's magic, it's so heartwarming."
Cana turned her back, her long hair flowing in the holy light, a smile playing on her lips.
"The old man is still so reliable."
Levy waved her hands and jumped up excitedly.
"Yay! The guild leader is the strongest!"
Riyao reached out and felt the light; his fingertips were enveloped in golden particles of light, and a strange sensation surged into his senses.
He squinted slightly and muttered to himself.
"Is it also life-based magic? It directly strips away life force?"
Mirajane buried her face in the crook of Riyao's neck, her eyes blinded by the holy light, but upon hearing Riyao's words, she whispered, "Then can you learn it too?"
Riyao said nonchalantly, "There's no need. I rarely even use the Weight of Life anymore."
He paused, his eyes flickered slightly, and his voice became very soft. "This kind of magic should be avoided if possible."
Mirajane didn't ask any further questions, but simply squeezed his hand tighter.
After the light faded, Riyao silently healed his eyes, having forced himself to keep them open to see.
Jose now looked older than Makarov; his once vigorous face had become withered and shriveled, his skin wrinkled like old tree bark, and his once full head of white hair had become sparse.
His magic was completely gone; his body swayed precariously, and he couldn't even stand steadily.
The Fairy Law, judged in the name of holy light, directly strip the enemy of their life force and magic.
This is the terrifying aspect of the three great Super Magic.
Jose knelt down, his cloudy eyes losing all their light, his lips trembling, but he could no longer utter a word.
Makarov withdrew his magic, and the golden light slowly dissipated.
He glanced at Jose kneeling on the ground, then at the children still clearing the battlefield in the distance, and a comical smile finally appeared on his serious face.
Let's have a banquet tonight.
These few simple words, however, were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples all around.
The cheers from the Fairy Tail on the opposite shore grew louder and louder, shaking the sea.
"Aye! We won!" Happy waved his little paws, grabbed Lucy, and flew into the sky, so excited he almost dropped her.
"President... Ahh! You stinky cat, hold on tight!" Lucy was about to cheer when she felt her body sink and almost fell from mid-air. She was so scared that she clung tightly to Happy's paw.
"Whoa! Yue..." Natsu cheered, raising his fist as he stood on the swaying steel beam.
"Fairy Tail is the strongest! A real man!" Elfman shouted as he flexed his muscles, his bulging biceps almost bursting out of his clothes.
Gray stood to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips, but quickly regained his cool demeanor, putting his hands in his pockets.
Then he looked down and realized that his clothes had disappeared again, leaving him only in his underwear.
"Where are my clothes?!"
Juvia covered her face as she looked, blushing furiously.
Riyao stood at the edge of the ruins, watching Makarov cast the Fairy Law, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
He sensed the power contained within the magic and understood its deeper meaning.
The first generation improved the Fairy Law, adding many restrictions.
If it's still the same version, it will still attract the curse of the god Ankhseram.
Don't disregard life; cherish life.
Riyao exhaled softly, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
The sea breeze gradually subsided, and the afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the ruins, turning everything into a warm orange-red.
A little girl sat on the top of Parasol Tree, her legs dangling gently in the air, her long, light golden hair fluttering in the wind.
She gazed in the direction of Fairy Tail, a gentle smile playing on her lips, her emerald eyes reflecting the golden light of the setting sun.