The sound of hurried footsteps suddenly rang out, forcibly cutting him off.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The crisp clash of metal armor echoed without end.
A large force of Royal Army soldiers poured into the underground chamber, spears bristling like a forest and blades drawn.
In an instant, they surrounded the members of Fairy Tail.
The crowd parted as a stern, potbellied old man slowly emerged, surrounded by elite guards.
The man was Dutton, the Kingdom's Minister of Defense and a staunch opponent of the Eclipse Plan.
He glared at Arcadios and shouted furiously.
"Arcadios, you leaked state secrets without authorization and insisted on altering history!"
"This could easily trigger a catastrophic disaster and bring ruin upon all of Fiore!"
Dutton immediately issued a stern command.
"Guards! Arrest Arcadios, Lucy, and Yukino! Drive everyone else out of the palace!"
"Yes!"
Hundreds of soldiers responded in unison, their voices shaking the underground chamber as they advanced with spears in hand.
"You think you can take Lucy? Did you ask me first?!"
Natsu instantly flew into a rage, his eyes blazing red as his fighting spirit surged.
"Fire Dragon's—"
Blazing flames ignited around his fists as he prepared to strike the soldiers back.
"Stop! Natsu!"
Arcadios was terrified and hurriedly shouted to stop him.
"This place is right next to the Eclipse Gate! You absolutely cannot use magic here!"
Before he could finish, a strange hum suddenly filled the chamber.
Hummm—
A terrifying suction force erupted in an instant.
The flames around Natsu vanished at once, and all the magic power in his body was drained into the gate.
His entire body went limp. He staggered and nearly collapsed on the spot.
"Natsu!"
Wendy cried out and quickly rushed forward to support him.
Dutton watched coldly, a mocking look on his face as