The illusory magic space was instantly cleared, and Acnologia was teleported out. Everyone was still immersed in the horror of being crushed to death by meteors; fortunately, they died quickly, otherwise, it would have left a real psychological shadow.
The host, Jellal Fernandez, shouted passionately, "The Grand Magic Games conclude here! The winner is Acnologia!"
The entire stadium fell silent, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward. Thinking about it, having just been crushed to death by meteors, it would be strange if they could get excited.
Everyone looked at Acnologia with eyes full of resentment. This guy was as fierce as a monster; where on earth did he come from?
Before joining Fairy Tail, there hadn't been a single bit of news about him.
Acnologia felt a bit embarrassed being stared at by everyone. Had he become even more handsome?
Natsu's eyes had turned into titanium dog eyes, sparkling brightly. "How did you get so strong, you guy?"
If he could one day become as strong as Acnologia, he would be satisfied.
"It's simply unbelievably strong!"
Mirajane felt somewhat fortunate that she had taken Lisanna and run out early, otherwise, they would have been crushed into meat paste.
Others also gathered around, talking all at once, hoping to hear Acnologia's secret to becoming strong; the two sides were practically separated by a dimensional world.
Acnologia said as if it were a matter of course, "Is that even a question? The fact that I'm stronger than you just shows that I'm gifted and more of a genius than all of you."
Everyone's faces immediately fell. What a hateful guy, actually showing off. Couldn't you tell some hard-working, inspirational story?
Acnologia naturally saw what they were thinking and found it a bit funny, deciding to serve up some 'toxic chicken soup' for the soul.
He continued, "Of course, it's also related to hard work. A powerhouse is one percent genius plus ninety-nine percent sweat. As long as you work hard, you will definitely reach my level."
"Oh, you should have said so earlier! That makes sense now."
"I haven't been working hard enough. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to practice diligently, 24 hours a day without stopping."
"Acnologia is actually quite cultured, being able to say such inspirational words!"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately beamed with joy. They wondered why the gap was so large; it turned out they just weren't working hard enough. Once they went back and practiced harder, they would catch up sooner or later.
Acnologia nodded with a smile, indicating that as long as they were Happy, it was fine. No one believed the honest truth; if hard work was all it took, what would be the point of geniuses?
On the high platform, the host Jellal Fernandez babbled a few more words, finally mentioning that the royal palace had prepared a banquet and invited all Mages to attend, and then the event officially dispersed... Acnologia noticed Future Lucy watching silently from a distance and waved for her to come over.
The members of Fairy Tail subconsciously looked over and saw a person hidden in a black robe. Who was this? A friend of Acnologia?
As the black-robed person approached, everyone also saw the newcomer's face clearly, and their mouths hung open in shock one by one.
"Two Lucys?"
"Is this your sister?"
Erza looked at the Lucy beside her, then at the Lucy opposite her; they were exactly the same... "Everyone..."
Future Lucy looked at the familiar faces and couldn't help but shed tears. In her world, many people had died in the war and would never be seen again.
"The situation is like this..."
Acnologia briefly explained some things about the parallel world and the matter of opening the Eclipse Gate.
"In short, it's these two things. I plan to find the mastermind on our side and then help Future Lucy save the parallel world."
Makarov and the others were hearing about such things for the first time. The kingdom destroyed, companions dead—they simply couldn't imagine how despairing the Human-Dragon War was.
But they absolutely could not ignore it. In any world, every member of Fairy Tail was a precious family member.
Natsu immediately said, "I'm going too!"
Happy raised a paw, "Me too!"
"Count me in!"
"Count me in."
"..."
All the guild members showed determined expressions. As long as it concerned family and companions, they would never back down.
Erza tightly hugged Future Lucy. "It's okay now, we will all help you!"
She could feel that Future Lucy's heart was full of sadness, which made her feel very distressed.
Acnologia said, "The Eclipse Gate involves time and space, and there are too many variables. Let's leave this mission to the Fire Dragon Squad."
"We..."
Erza wanted to say something more, but she was interrupted by Irene raising her hand, and she looked over in confusion.
Irene explained, "Going to a parallel space-time this time isn't for fighting. Having too many people will actually be quite troublesome."
Makarov was somewhat unwilling. Wouldn't it be too dangerous with just the few people in the Fire Dragon Squad?
Mavis suddenly said, "Acnologia, Irene, you two are the world-ending dragon king and the Scarlet Despair from four hundred years ago, aren't you!"
Her voice didn't have the slightest hesitation, as if she had already confirmed the conclusion.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone found it hard to believe. Laxus said in shock, "Don't they just share the same names?"
Gildarts smiled. "The same names, the same invincible power—there aren't that many coincidences."
Actually, ever since he learned Irene's true strength, he had his suspicions. After witnessing Acnologia's power, he was also completely certain.
Looking at everyone's shocked, confused, and complex expressions... Acnologia shook his head and said, "It's not just the same names. I'm sorry for lying to you before!"
Irene said softly, "At the time, we were worried you would be afraid and wouldn't accept us."
Is this for real?
Everyone's mouths hung open in shock, unable to say a word.
The world-ending dragon king and the Scarlet Despair from four hundred years ago, the strongest Dragon Slayer Mage in history and the Mother of Dragon Slayer Mages.
The legends who ended the Human-Dragon War were actually standing alive before their eyes, and they were even their companions... Was this a dream?
"You two certainly put on quite an act."
Makarov chuckled bitterly. If he had known their identities when they first met, he indeed would have been afraid, but he still would have accepted them. If such big shots wanted to join the guild, he'd probably be seeking death if he refused.
It was a bit ridiculous; the myths who ended an era were actually members of his guild. This feeling... was too awesome!
From today on, Fairy Tail could walk across the continent with their heads held high.
"How did you guys slay the dragons? I heard there were tens of thousands of dragons four hundred years ago. Did you kill them all?"
"Could the people of that era actually fight dragons?"
"How have you lived so long? You're actually older than the Master! Does having great magic power also extend your lifespan?"
Everyone snapped out of it and immediately became incredibly excited, followed by countless questions. These were living myths; it was like seeing a whole new world.
Acnologia and Irene had long known these people's personalities. Their identities might shock them for a moment, but afterward, things would just go back to normal.
"Let's take this slowly..."
Acnologia was getting a headache from the noise, but because of the initial deception, he had to patiently explain.
Lucy's eyes widened, full of disbelief. Sister Irene was actually that old; to think she had been calling her'Sister' all this time, it felt like calling her 'Ancestor' would be more appropriate.
Irene reached out and patted Lucy's small head, a dangerous look in her eyes. "You seem to be thinking about something quite embarrassing."
"Sister Irene, I wasn't thinking about anything!"
Lucy panicked inwardly. She could even tell that? If Irene had mind-reading skills, her head would be in trouble.
She had a sudden flash of inspiration and changed the subject. "I was thinking, since you are Erza's father and mother, has Erza also lived for four hundred years?"
Irene gave a 'tsk', thinking this girl's mind was quick.
Happy said in shock, "That's right! Erza is already four hundred years old?"
Erza sent him flying with a kick, saying in embarrassed rage, "You're the one who's four hundred years old!"
She wasn't even an adult yet; why were they adding so many years to her age?
Mirajane's inner fire for gossip burned fiercely, and she leaned in to ask, "Then what's the deal with you? You don't look like you've lived for four hundred years?"
When she first met Erza, she was just a little redhead, much younger than her. It couldn't be that the two of them only had Erza four hundred years later, right?
Erza crossed her arms and turned her head away. If Mirajane, that gossip queen, knew something, even the stray cats and dogs on the street would know it.
She just wouldn't say, to annoy this little white-haired girl!
Mirajane knew she couldn't get anything out of Erza, so she turned her target to Irene.
Irene couldn't be bothered to talk either. Acnologia had the patience, so let him explain.
"Sister Irene~ Tell us!"
"Please, don't keep us in suspense."
"Sister Irene~"
Irene got goosebumps all over from the cutesy voices of Mirajane and the other girls and hurriedly said, "Alright, alright, stop acting like that, I'll tell you."
She explained about Erza crossing through the Eclipse Gate, mainly because the Human-Dragon War was so intense; that was the best way.
These girls like Mirajane had great curiosity. After gossiping about Erza, they started gossiping about Acnologia. How did the two of them get together? Who pursued whom?
Irene was annoyed. Could she tell them that she was the one who threw herself at him?
However, she racked her brains to concoct a reasonable story, otherwise, these bratty girls would definitely make wild guesses and spread rumors.
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