Farewell and a Final Surprise
When Jiang Bai used a few basic metal sheets and a bucket of salt water to create a continuous electric current out of thin air, the whole world seemed to be muted.
The small, steadily burning sparks of electricity reflected in the pupils of every Edolas person were even more shocking than when Jiang Bai hands and destroyed the ultimate weapon with a single finger!
If the former represents the awe and fear that mortals feel towards the power of the gods.
The latter refers to the deep-seated, soul-stirring tremor of Apes upon first witnessing the making of fire by friction, a tremor of fear towards an unknown civilization!
Everyone present, including Warren and Mystogan, had always thought that Jiang Bai was just a monster standing at the ceiling of combat power.
But it was only at this moment that they realized that the man's terror went far beyond this.
Strength, wisdom, knowledge... everything about him far surpasses the world's understanding in every aspect.
He seemed to be a being from a higher-dimensional civilization; for him, both combat and technology were child's play.
That's... inhuman.
Are there really people in this world who are completely without flaws?
"I understand... I understand everything..."
Mystogan muttered to himself, looking at Jiang Bai with eyes filled with fanatical worship.
No wonder... no wonder he is so powerful, yet has no desire for power whatsoever.
For someone capable of easily creating civilization, what does worldly royal power mean?
Although Warren wasn't as quick to grasp the epoch-making significance of "electromagnetic induction" as Mystogan, he wasn't stupid.
He knew very well what it would mean for Edolas, who had lost his magic, if this energy source called "electricity" could really be generated continuously through human power or other means, just as Jiang Bai had demonstrated.
That means they will not only not regress, but will usher in an unprecedented and brand-new era!
Warren walked up to Jiang Bai, took a deep breath, and then gave him the most solemn military salute of the Kingdom of Edolas.
"Mr. Jiang Bai..." He used a respectful title for the first time.
On behalf of the entire Kingdom of Edolas, I thank you for everything you have done.
Jiang Bai felt a little uncomfortable with his serious demeanor, so he waved his hand dismissively and said, "Alright, alright, no need to thank me. How to build the generators, how to lay the power lines, and how to establish the specific industrial system are all your own business. I can't be bothered with that."
He handed them the key to unlock the door to a new world; as for how to navigate the path beyond that door, that was ultimately up to them.
Upon hearing this, Warren was not disappointed; instead, his respect deepened.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
What Jiang Bai gave them was hope, a future, and the spark of civilization.
This kindness is as heavy as Mount Tai.
"I see."
Warren nodded solemnly.
He looked at Jiang Bai and, in an extremely serious tone, made his first and most important promise as the new king.
"Although I don't know what I can do for you in the future, please remember, from today onwards, whenever and wherever you need me, I, Jiang Bai Warren, will serve you even unto death!"
However, the moment Warren made his promise, something unexpected happened!
Soft, bright rays of light suddenly emerged from Natsu, Gajeel, Erza, Wendy, and the others, enveloping them.
"Wha... what's going on?!"
Natsu stared in astonishment at his hands, which had become translucent.
"It's the reversed 'Anima'!" Erza realized quickly.
"They're sending us back to Earth-land!"
Anima's reversal not only sent back the Fairy Tail members who had been extracted, but it also began to reject all life forms that did not belong to this world but possessed magical power.
"Ah! Me... me too!"
Gajeel exclaimed in surprise, and not only him, but also Panther Lily beside him was also radiating light.
As Exceed with magical powers, he also became the target of the teleportation.
The moment of parting came so suddenly.
"Jellal..."
Wendy looked at the prince whose face was filled with loneliness, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
Mystogan gave her a gentle smile, "Wendy, we just met, and now we have to part again. Please give my regards to everyone in the guild."
"Hey! Mystogan!"
Natsu shouted at him casually.
"If you ever get tired of staying here, feel free to come back to Fairy Tail anytime! We'll always be partners!"
Mystogan nodded emphatically, a glint in his eyes.
Amidst this atmosphere of farewell, a panicked voice suddenly rang out.
"Hey! Jiang Bai!"
Lucy pointed at Jiang Bai, her face filled with disbelief and deep worry.
"Why... why is there no light coming from you?!"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look.
Sure enough, while everyone else was enveloped in light and their bodies gradually became ethereal, only Jiang Bai remained standing there solidly, showing no sign of being teleported.
"Could it be..." Lucy's voice trembled with a hint of tears.
"You... you can't go back?!"