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The regret of Nirvana, the sorrow of a lost tribe.
A century-long Wish finally comes to an end today.
Roubaul's heart was a complex mix of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, but what ultimately appeared on his deeply wrinkled face was a relieved smile.
He'd originally asked the two young men to stop the Oración Seis from unsealing Nirvana, but he never expected them to be able to destroy that Magic.
They're truly remarkable young men.
Seeing Mystogan and Noah sit down, Roubaul ignored the bewildered Jellal and the other four, and calmly expressed his gratitude again. "That Magic has troubled my ancestors for dozens of generations, so thank you for destroying it."
"But I have no way to give you any reward..."
Noah, of course, wouldn't ask for any more thanks.
The Myriad Manifestations he'd obtained from Roubaul through Wish, and the six power Lacrima that could automatically produce Magic, were already a full harvest.
After some pleasantries, Noah gave Roubaul a meaningful look. "Senior, I saw many things in the underground of that ancient city..."
Noah didn't finish his sentence, but it was enough for Roubaul to understand that the young man had discovered his long-dead body.
Due to his connection with Nirvana, Roubaul knew that Nirvana had been destroyed, but he didn't know exactly what had happened in the ancient city.
Noah not directly exposing him was simply giving him face.
Or rather, he was waiting for his explanation.
With a slightly melancholic wry smile, Roubaul still frankly admitted his identity. "Young man, what you saw and heard is correct. I am indeed related to the creator of Nirvana."
"I am a Thought Projection created by the true 'Roubaul' four hundred years ago before his death, hoping that one day Nirvana could be destroyed."
As soon as these words came out, Noah and Mystogan, who'd already known this news, naturally didn't react much, but Jellal and the other four, as well as Ultear, showed shocked expressions.
What did they hear?
This old man claimed to be a Thought Projection created over four hundred years ago?!
Especially Jellal, who'd once used a Thought Projection, found this even more incredible.
The duration a Thought Projection could be maintained without actively dispelling it depended entirely on the Mage's Magic Power when casting the spell.
Jellal's Thought Projection, "Siegrain," which he'd sent into the Council, could only last for a maximum of six months without replenishing its Magic before it would be on the verge of collapse.
Yet this "Roubaul" in front of them claimed to have existed for four hundred years! If it was true, how powerful must the original Roubaul have been over four hundred years ago?
Ignoring the astonishment of the irrelevant people, Roubaul stared directly at Noah. "Although it might be inappropriate, I still want to shamelessly ask you for one more thing."
"Is it Wendy?" Noah took over the conversation, having anticipated this.
Roubaul nodded. "Destroying Nirvana" and "Wendy's future" had always been his two biggest worries, as he was just a Thought Projection and couldn't always stay with Wendy.
Noah and Mystogan had no reason to refuse. They'd come specifically to see Wendy, and it was only right that they look after her in the future.
But Mystogan was very curious as to why a Guild had suddenly appeared in this desolate place six years ago.
Then, Roubaul explained why Cait Shelter had suddenly appeared without a trace six years ago—because all the members of this Guild, except for Wendy and Carla, were all Thought Projections that Roubaul, this Thought Projection, had recreated based on his memories of the Nirvit Tribe.
And the reason Roubaul did this was simply because he didn't want the innocent and lovely little girl from six years ago to continue crying.
Cait Shelter was born out of "love."
A Guild that existed solely for one person.
Roubaul's explanation couldn't help but move Mystogan. He hadn't expected that his request from six years ago would lead Roubaul to do so much for Wendy.
Even the irrelevant people showed admiration, and the two women, Ultear and Angel, couldn't help but wipe away tears.
Only Noah's thoughts differed from the others.
Cait Shelter probably had twenty to thirty people. Maintaining so many Thought Projections for six years, even if he was just a Thought Projection, this "Roubaul" was a bit too strong... If it weren't for maintaining the existence of Cait Shelter, when Brain brought Erigor to their doorstep, forcing Wendy to heal Jellal, Roubaul would've probably dealt with them himself.
Roubaul's body gradually became illusory. This was a sign of a Thought Projection autonomously dispelling itself. With his Wish fulfilled and his obsession gone, he had no further motivation to live.
After bidding farewell to Wendy and Carla shortly, it would be time to leave.
Although he was very reluctant, life always had its partings. Wendy and Carla should have a broader world, rather than staying in this isolated deep mountain forest.
With Mystogan and Noah present, Roubaul wasn't worried that Wendy would be unhappy. He was only worried that Wendy and Carla wouldn't be able to accept the truth about Cait Shelter later.
However, Noah, lacking tact, pulled the old man out of his emotional state. "Senior Roubaul, I still have something I'd like to ask you."
"You've existed for four hundred years—have you ever heard of the name 'Eighteen Demon Fighting Gods, Soul Scale'?"
Noah's words immediately changed Roubaul's expression. He'd clearly heard of the name, but he didn't explain. Instead, he asked Noah with a solemn expression, "Where did you hear that name?"
Noah then described his battle with Zero.
From Brain turning into Zero, to Zero's identity as a bishop of the Black Magic Cult, and the power of the Demon God of War he used... It was a story like Russian nesting dolls—even a fool could see there were big problems.
But as he spoke, the few people present noticed that Roubaul's illusory body was actually rapidly solidifying again, showing no sign of dispelling his existence.
Facing the bewildered crowd, Roubaul spoke with a serious expression. "For the sake of this world, I don't want to die for now."
As soon as these words came out, Noah and the others didn't know what expression to make.
So you can actually continue to exist, then why did you create such an atmosphere of entrusting someone to care for your child... Give me back my emotional moment!!