Meanwhile, Sonia, standing to the side, was already sobbing uncontrollably.
"Your Majesty..." Sonia murmured softly, her voice filled with endless sorrow. Her gaze was fixed on Janimus, as if trying to see through its hard scales to the pain and despair it endured deep within.
Janimus felt disappointed because he felt his uncle's actions were not worthwhile.
Similarly, tears welled up in Sonia's beautiful eyes like a burst dam, sliding down her cheeks and dripping onto the cold ground.
Sonia was unable to suppress her grief and could only let her overwhelming emotions flow freely as she shed tears.
The love hidden in memories is now fully revealed; a fatherly love that can no longer be concealed.
Yes, everything can be faked, except love.
When Janimus heard Wendy and Zorn shout such passionate cries, his gaze fell on the Fairy Tail Mages who were confronting him.
Their presence seemed to remind Janimus of his companions.
His companions also faced a powerful and terrifying attack, but they did not back down or show any fear.
Instead, a deep and unwavering Belief arose within them—unconditional trust in each other. This trust, as strong as steel, sustained them as they faced their common enemy.
Janimus couldn't help but sigh, for that memory, buried deep in his heart, remained as vivid as ever.
Janimus recalled the battles when the Dragon Group fought side-by-side, working closely together and supporting each other; he remembered the unwavering gazes in his comrades' eyes as they charged fearlessly towards Acnologia; he remembered their figures, hand in hand, fighting side-by-side in every life-or-death moment...
Now only this is left...
These memories flooded his mind like a tide, giving Janimus an indescribable emotional surge that rushed to his head, and a tear slowly welled up in his eyes.
I have come to a profound realization that, despite the passage of time, some things will never change—such as that sincere friendship and the unwavering pursuit of faith.
He seemed to understand.
It is precisely because of those difficult and dangerous experiences that they now cherish everything they have even more and are willing to fight for it to the end.
Sonia's body involuntarily moved forward at that moment.
She slowly approached the Crystal Dragon lying on the ground, its eyes glazed over, lost in memories. Then, she gently reached out her arms and tried her best to embrace its massive, frail body.
"Father... let's go home... okay?" Sonia gently rubbed the Crystal Dragon's forehead and said softly.
The Crystal Dragon was startled, but forced itself to lift its head and stare at Sonia.
The word "father" struck its heart instantly, and it stared blankly at Sonia.
A complex emotion flickered in his eyes—his initial wariness of humans seemed to have lessened, replaced by an undeniable love for the little girl.
"Thank you so much for taking care of me all these years!"
"Thank you for raising me. I am so happy!"
With tears in her eyes, Sonia looked up and smiled at Janimus.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still. Sonia and the Crystal Dragon were so close that they could feel each other's breath and heartbeat.
Zorn then withdrew his Magic, and all the Chains binding the Crystal Dragon transformed into points of light, illuminating the hearts of everyone present.
This scene is like a beautiful yet sorrowful painting, deeply moving the viewer.
It's because I raised this girl myself.
It turns out you're the only one who's special.
With you here, the world is ultimately more forgiving towards me.
Zorn stretched and yawned. To be honest, the mission was successfully completed this time, and he had solved both the Phoenix Priestess and Dragon Cry missions in one go.
And incidentally, he also acquired an unparalleled sword, a swordsman's best companion.
Zorn gripped the Dragon Cry tightly. After the brief battle, he realized that whether used as a weapon or to enhance the power of Magic, it was an extremely powerful tool.
After being enhanced, Zorn's slashes and the Dragon-Binding Magic Array became several times more powerful, while the output of Magic Power was greatly reduced.
This would allow him to unleash more powerful Magic while attacking, thus shortening the interval between attacks and Magic.
This slight difference can be a fatal advantage for a truly powerful opponent.
Zorn seemed quite satisfied with the trip.
They obtained a good weapon and successfully completed the task assigned by the Guild Master, nipping the Phoenix in the bud and preventing more serious consequences.
Most importantly, they successfully avoided international diplomatic problems this time, and their actions were deemed legitimate self-defense.
After all, he had recorded it all.
Zorn caught the crystal ball falling from the sky with his hands and easily concealed it using Holy Light Magic.
Looking into the crystal ball, the scene was clearly visible: the enemy entering the country and striking first.
Zorn smiled with satisfaction.
Now, the Guild Master and those old men in the Magic Council should be satisfied!
Earlier, Erza had received a message from the Guild Master informing her of the Magic Council and the King's decision.
All that's left is to take the Phoenix Stone to the Magic Council.
"What's next?"
Zorn sheathed the Dragon Cry in the scabbard on his back, rested his chin on his hand, and stared intently at the Crystal Dragon, pondering something.
Now that the Crystal Dragon has emerged from Sonia's body, it should be able to use Magic to transform into human form, right?
After all Erza's mother, Irene, was just like that.
He had mastered this Magic a few years ago, so he could use it to experiment with it.
When Natsu, Wendy, Gajeel's dragonification caused by Dragon Slayer Magic has completely stabilized and ended, they can leave their bodies.
It can be used to transform into human form.
Janimus became alert at the probing gaze, spread his wings, and shielded Sonia behind him.
A loud and threatening voice boomed. "Human, what do you want to do..."
"I?"
"It's a very interesting Magic. I think you really need it, otherwise how will you get back to your Kingdom?"
Zorn's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile.
He slowly extended his right palm, and countless tiny points of light, shimmering with faint glow, seemed to be drawn to him and rapidly converged. These points of light surged toward the Crystal Dragon like a torrent, instantly enveloping it completely.
Suddenly, a dazzling burst of light erupted, causing people to instinctively close their eyes.
When everyone opened their eyes again, they were surprised to find that the Crystal Dragon had disappeared, replaced by a handsome man with long blue hair and a magnificent cloak.
It's worth mentioning that, according to the age calculation of dragons, this Crystal Dragon is actually just reaching adulthood.
When it transforms into human form, both its physique and appearance are superb.
His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his face had distinct features, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin, sensual lips.
Her flowing blue hair added to her elegance and dynamism;
"Hmm, not bad!"
"She's good-looking, but not quite as good-looking as me!"
Zorn nodded and praised him.
To be continued~