"I will continue," Rolotia said, her voice dropping to a somber whisper. "I still cannot reveal the identity of the one who twisted Acnologia's mind, but I can tell you this much: the one responsible is a god."
Lucy's breath hitched. "A god?"
"Yes. A lunatic who desires nothing more than the extinction of every dragon in existence."
"Wait..." Lucy leaned forward, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why? Why would a god want them all dead?"
"Power," Rolotia replied flatly. "To increase his own divinity. When a dragon passes into the afterlife, their essence becomes fuel for him."
The realization hit Lucy like a physical blow. The pieces began to click together in a way that made her blood run cold. "So... he drove Argon to madness? He made Argon believe his guardians had betrayed him, when in reality, they were just being controlled?"
Fury began to simmer beneath Lucy's skin. It wasn't just anger; it was a burning, righteous rage. To think that a divine being—a creature that should represent order—was so fundamentally broken and selfish.
"Exactly," Rolotia confirmed.
A single tear escaped Lucy's eye, tracing a hot path down her cheek. She had seen many horrors, but she had never imagined a god could be so hollow. To this deity, the majestic dragons were nothing more than wood for a furnace.
"It's... it's so cruel," Lucy sobbed, her voice breaking. She wiped at her eyes, but the tears kept coming. "They didn't deserve that. None of them did."
"I know, Lucy," Rolotia said softly, her eyes softening. "That is why I need you to do something."
Lucy blinked through her tears. "Me?"
"Yes. In the future, I want you to be the one to make Acnologia—to make Argon—remember who he truly is. He deserves better than the fate he was given."
"But... do you really think I can?" Lucy asked, her voice small.
"I am certain of it. And I will give you a hint: your power as a Water Dragon Slayer, combined with your Celestial magic... that is the key to unlocking his memories."
Lucy looked at her hands, the weight of the revelation sinking in. "Is that why? Is that why you agreed to Mercphobia's request to grant me this magic?"
"Partially," Rolotia admitted. "But I also truly wanted to give you some form of compensation. I'm sorry, Lucy. I know I am placing a heavy burden on your shoulders."
Lucy was silent for a long moment. "To be honest... it is a burden." She looked up, a small, sad smile playing on her lips. "But you know... everyone deserves a second chance. Acnologia, Irene, Zeref, Mavis... everyone who wants to change deserves a way back."
She tightened her grip on her skirt, her resolve hardening. "If there is even a glimmer of hope to save him, I'll take it. From what you've told me, even if the story isn't complete, I can tell he was a good person once."
Then, she puffed out her cheeks, pouting slightly to break the tension. "But you have to help me, okay? This is a pretty big job for just one woman!"
Rolotia let out a genuine laugh. "Okay, okay! Ahahaha! You truly are kind, Lucy. I wasn't wrong to choose you."
"Ehehehe... thank you, Rolotia." Lucy rubbed the back of her head, feeling a bit sheepish.
"Now, now, don't get a big head yet," Rolotia teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "There is a long journey ahead of you, and many people won't expect what's coming."
"C'mon! Let me enjoy the moment," Lucy complained playfully. "It's not every day a person gets a personal mission from a god, right?"
Rolotia's expression suddenly shifted. Her eye twitched, and a terrifying, shadowed grin spread across her face—half-angelic, half-demonic. "Careful, Lucy. If you keep being so full of yourself, I might just revoke my blessing. Then you can try fighting Argon with nothing but your own strength."
Lucy's face went pale. She scrambled back, hands up in a defensive gesture. "Okay! Okay! Please don't make that face! You're terrifying!"
She watched Rolotia warily, her heart racing. She couldn't afford to lose this power. She refused to feel helpless again. This time, she would ensure everyone got their happy ending—no matter what the gods intended.