Time passed during the battle.
The solidified Magic Power rubbed against the air, producing a breathtaking sound.
Zorn clenched his right fist tightly, and a powerful force began to gather. A purplish-red substance quickly covered his entire fist, and a dazzling golden-red light shone around it.
This powerful force startled Zeref for a moment, a look of surprise and Pleasure flashing across his face.
It was as if this power was enough to completely defeat him.
Zorn's eyes hardened and deepened. Without hesitation, he swung his right arm and punched Zeref with all his might.
With a loud bang, a figure was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing heavily to the ground and causing a huge tremor.
The earth cracked open instantly, Zeref cried out, spitting out a mouthful of bright red blood.
Then a coughing sound rang out.
"Cough cough~" Zeref coughed violently, spitting out the last mouthful of blood, and then struggled to his feet.
Zeref touched the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, staggered, and looked at Zorn with a half-smile in his eyes.
"Zorn, you should have used more force. Don't forget I'm immortal!" he said regretfully, a hint of mockery in his voice.
The surface wounds were healing, as if Zorn's attack had been insignificant.
However, at that moment, Zeref suddenly felt a jolt in his body, a sharp pain struck him, and his body involuntarily leaned forward.
"Wah~ Wah~" Mouthfuls of blood gushed from his mouth, his face was as pale as paper, and his body trembled uncontrollably.
Finally, he collapsed to the ground, his expression filled with disbelief.
Zeref felt as if countless forces within his body were resisting his Death Power, rendering him instantly immobile.
Extreme pain spread through my body.
"This is truly the first time I've suffered such a severe injury!" Zeref muttered to himself. He really hadn't expected Zorn to inject his own Holy Light Power into his body.
Moreover, during each exchange of blows, a large amount of Holy Light Power silently entered his body.
The attack just now caused a qualitative change, causing the Death Power and the Holy Light Power to fight each other within his body.
The Death Power within his body automatically mobilized to counteract the Holy Light Power. The two forces raged within him, seemingly intent on utterly destroying him.
"You're really something! Zorn... Heh~" Zeref staggered, bracing himself to lie flat, and chuckled at the setting sun, a look of utter desolation on his face.
"No matter how many times I get injured, I will always come back to life, and even my injuries will heal within minutes!" Zeref said calmly.
But he knew very well that he would not die in the end; how could the curse of death be countered by the power of a mortal?
It seemed that at that moment, his mind suddenly cleared, and his previous madness subsided.
It's unclear whether it was the stimulation of the intense physical pain or the effect of the temporary suppression of his death curse.
Tap~ Tap~ Tap~
Zorn walked with heavy steps, each step seemingly requiring all his strength.
His body had reached its limit and he desperately needed time to recover.
Slowly, he walked to the side, sat down gently, leaned against the wall, and breathed heavily.
The two sat there quietly, feeling the gentle breeze caressing their cheeks, bringing a touch of coolness and comfort.
They didn't speak, but simply enjoyed the tranquility of the moment.
Zorn suddenly broke the silence. "Zeref, as the Fourth Guild Master of Fairy Tail, I desperately want to erase you from this world!" His voice was deep and firm, revealing the determination deep within his heart.
Zorn gazed into the distance, a sharp glint in his eyes, and continued, "However, your fate should be decided by the First Master."
Zorn paused, then turned and smiled at the First Master, "Besides, you also have your own family problems to solve..."
Zeref suddenly paused, seemingly not understanding the meaning behind Zorn's words.
But he still tilted his head slightly, his eyes lighting up.
He saw Mavis staring blankly at him.
After saying this, Zorn smiled with relief, stood up, and dusted himself off.
He waved to the First Master Mavis, then walked steadily into the distance.
Mavis stood there silently, tears streaming down her face.
She murmured softly, "Thank you, Zorn!!" Her gaze followed Zorn's departing figure, her heart filled with gratitude.
Mavis knew that Zorn had paid a heavy price to protect the Fairy Tail and her.
Not only did he engage in a fierce battle with Zeref, but he also took on the responsibility of Guild Master of Fairy Tail.
Mavis turned around to face everything before her, knowing she had much to do.
"Zeref..." Mavis called softly, slowly sitting down on the ground, staring blankly ahead.
"If I had trusted you a little more back then, would all of this have ended long ago?" Mavis said guiltily, her voice filled with self-blame and regret.
Her thoughts drifted back to that special moment, the instant she kissed Zeref, and her deepest, most genuine feelings welled up inside her.
Then, to Zeref's astonishment, she continued, "Back then, you fell in love with me, and the proof is that the contradictory curse took my life!"
"However, correspondingly, I, who am also cursed, failed to take your life!"
Mavis's tone was firm yet sorrowful, as if she were recalling that painful past.
"It must be that I still don't trust you in my heart, that my love isn't enough!" Mavis said, biting her lip, her body trembling slightly, tears welling in her eyes, looking extremely guilty.
She lowered her head and hugged her knees tightly with both hands.
"You don't need to feel guilty about this. I've never been loved by anyone!" Zeref looked up at the sky, watching the white clouds drift by slowly, and a faint sadness welled up in his heart.
He knew he had always lived alone in this world and had never truly received love from anyone.
However, when he recalled the time he spent with Mavis, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
They had spent many wonderful days together, exploring the mysteries of Magic, accompanying and supporting each other.
Although this relationship wasn't romantic, it still brought Zeref endless memories.
At the same time, Zorn noticed August not far away.
August didn't seem to have fully recovered his Magic Power at this moment. He sat quietly under the tree, his eyes always fixed on Zeref and Mavis. From his expression, one could see a deep longing and yearning.
Zorn whispered to August, "August, now is the right time to acknowledge each other... After all, the outcome may already be beyond my control."
Zorn's words startled August, but then he seemed to understand Zorn's meaning, and his body began to tremble slightly.
August understood that this moment might be his last chance to reunite with his father, Zeref.
At that moment, Zorn clasped his hands together and used the last of his Magic Power to cast the most suitable Magic.
Larcade's body within the distant icicle began to glow.
Even Natsu's body, which was in the middle of the battle, suddenly started to glow.