The Feast of Fools and a Family's Resolve

The Magic Council, underground command center.

All the council members stared intently at the images transmitted back from the magic crystal. Their expressions shifted from ecstasy to astonishment, and then to extreme fear, all within a span of less than ten seconds.

What did they see?

They witnessed the Etherion, enough to destroy a country, being easily swallowed by the black dragon as if it were water.

Then, the dragon, which was already severely injured and on the verge of death, was fully revived with their "selfless" help, even more energetic than before.

"This... this is impossible!"

One of the judges let out a desperate scream and collapsed to the ground.

"Who... who! Who suggested unleashing the Etherion?!"

"Wasn't it you? You were the loudest just now, saying this was the best chance for the Magic Council in history!"

"Bullshit! You were the one who said first that we couldn't let that uncontrollable Jiang Bai take all the credit!"

"I... I only made a suggestion! It was you, Speaker, who gave the final order!"

In an instant, the entire command center was in complete chaos.

Just moments ago, these important figures were immersed in their dreams of "slaying the evil dragon and saving the world," but now they are like cats whose tails have been stepped on, tearing each other apart and frantically shirking responsibility.

"Shut up, all of you!"

The Magic Council chairman, an elderly man with a full head of white hair, slammed his cane heavily on the ground and roared.

His face was paler than the floor of the command center.

That's Etherion!

It is the Magic Council's last trump card, and also the ultimate weapon to deter all sides and maintain order on the continent.

Now, this weapon not only failed to kill the enemy, but instead fed them the most powerful "Great Rejuvenation Pill" in history.

No one can bear this responsibility.

Looking at his colleagues who were displaying their ugly side, a cold, decisive glint flashed in the speaker's eyes.

"What happened today," he began slowly, in an unquestionable, chilling tone.

"No one may disclose a single word of this to the outside world in any form."

"All records regarding the emission of Etherion have been destroyed."

"To the outside world, we claimed that an anomaly in the magic of Tenrou Island caused the signal from the observation crystal to be lost."

"Those who violate this rule... will be punished for treason!"

Deep in the dense forests of the remote Tenrou Island.

The black mage Zeref watched silently as the black dragon, now powerful again, curled his lips into a mocking smile.

"As expected, humans are always so self-righteous and hopelessly greedy."

He muttered to himself, as if talking to the air, or as if mercilessly mocking his own pathetic fate.

"Now, Jiang Bai..."

His gaze pierced through the barrier of space and landed on the man whose face was pale but whose eyes remained frighteningly calm.

"Faced with this situation, what other options do you have?"

Tenrou Island.

Seeing Acnologia, which had initially been preparing to flee but had now eaten and drunk its fill, turned its head around, and flew back towards them, the Fairy Tail members were plunged into unprecedented despair.

It's over.

This time, it's really over.

Even Jiang Bai was temporarily unable to fight due to the huge depletion of his magic power, while the enemy, with the help of "friendly forces," recovered.

How can we fight like this?

"Everyone, listen to me!"

Just when everyone was filled with despair, Makarov's aged but incredibly firm voice resounded throughout the entire venue.

He stepped forward, blocking everyone's path. His small stature seemed more reliable than a mountain at that moment.

"Leave Tenrou Island immediately! I... will cover your retreat!"

"Grandpa!" Laxus was the first to roar.

"President!"

"Old man!"

Everyone knows what Makarov meant by "covering the retreat."

That was at the cost of lives, to buy them time to escape!

Makarov slowly raised his right hand, bringing together the two fingers excluding his index finger and thumb, making a gesture that was all too familiar to the Fairy Tail members.

That was a secret code belonging only to their family, symbolizing "no matter where you are, I will always be watching over you."

He didn't turn around, but said in an unquestionable tone, "This is... the chairman's order!"

However, this time, no one obeyed his orders.

"Hey! Grandpa."

Jiang Bai's voice, though weak, was full of mockery and came from behind him.

"I don't recall any clause in our guild's creed that says 'abandon your family and save your own life.'"

"That's right!" Natsu put Happy on his shoulder from his arms, stepped forward, and his eyes burned with an indomitable flame.

"As long as we can hold that guy off until Jiang Bai recovers, won't all the problems be solved?!"

Happy: "Hey! Natsu's right!"

"Hmph! This time, it's rare that I share the same opinion as this fire-breathing idiot."

Gray also stood next to Natsu, assuming a fighting stance.

"Grandpa, I'm your grandson!" Laxus walked to Makarov's side, his body wreathed in golden lightning.

"How can I let you show off here all by yourself?"

"The Thunder God Tribe will forever follow in the footsteps of Lord Laxus!"

Freed, Evergreen, Bickslow also stepped forward without hesitation.

"President, don't forget, I can also lend a hand." Mirajane smiled, but the spirit of Satan had already appeared behind her.

Gildarts took a swig of his drink and silently stood on Makarov's other side, demonstrating his resolve through his actions.

Erza, Lucy, Wendy, Gajeel...

One by one, figures stepped forward.

Not a single person backed down.

Not a single person ran away.

They chose to stand with their president and their families, facing together this despair that could devour everything.

Makarov looked at the group of children he regarded as his own, at their faces, which, though filled with fear, were incredibly resolute.

Tears, which he could no longer hold back, streamed down his face from his wrinkled eyes.

"Waaaaah..."

"You... you bunch of idiots..."

He choked up, but finally let out a shout filled with happiness and pride.

"As expected! My favorite is... Fairy Tail!!"

"Everyone!" Erza raised her longsword high, giving the order for a general attack.

"Attack together! Buy Jiang Bai some time!"

"Oh--!"