Chapter 131 The One Responsible.

"ESTEEMED CITIZENS OF MAGNOLIA, THERE IS A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR YOU TODAY!"

Karna's declaration rang out, drawing everyone's attention to the newly formed screen. Laxus and his trapped guildmates also turned their focus toward the display. Meanwhile, Freed was desperately trying to regain control by adding new glyphs, but they were being destroyed immediately.

For a moment, he was shocked. Then, he realized the reason behind it.

'He wove Dispel magic as the source of power for the glyphs. So right now, unless the magic in the glyphs belongs to Karna, it will be canceled immediately.'

Freed sighed in defeat. He might be able to use his glyphs to directly attack others if needed, but he would be unable to take control of the glyphs already inscribed in Magnolia. Dejected, he turned back toward Karna's announcement.

"TO ALL THE CITIZENS OF MAGNOLIA! TODAY, FAIRY TAIL MEMBERS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR BRAVERY BY TAKING ON CHALLENGES SO UNBELIEVABLE THAT MOST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WOULDN'T EVEN DARE TO THINK OF ATTEMPTING THEM IN THEIR LIFETIME.

THE ORCHESTRATOR, DESIGNER, AND THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERY CHALLENGE PRESENTED TODAY IS—"

"KARNA, DON'T YOU DARE—!"

Realizing what was about to happen, Laxus shouted at the screen. But it was too late.

"LAXUS, THE THUNDER DRAGON OF FAIRY TAIL!!!"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

Laxus screamed in shame as the announcement echoed. Freed froze in place, instantly understanding the consequences of what had just transpired. Evergreen felt the weight of humiliation crushing her; she was tempted to dig a hole and hide forever. The embarrassment pierced her heart like arrows.

Bickslow silently watched the challenges unfolding before them. He knew that, once this was over, they'd be in even more trouble than before. Their original plan had already painted them as villains, but at least their guildmates could have accepted their loss as a matter of strength.

However, the humiliation they were about to endure would push their comrades beyond their limits, driving them to seek revenge against Laxus and the entire Thunder Legion. Karna's announcement had cemented the belief that it was all Laxus's idea. Even if they tried to argue that Karna had tampered with the glyphs, no one would believe them—especially after the earlier stunt of petrifying the girls.

Bickslow sighed. Despite acting goofy most of the time, he was probably the most normal one in the Thunder Legion.

Freed might seem level-headed, but when it came to Laxus, his IQ dropped to a single digit. Evergreen, with her many insecurities, had crafted a persona of superiority, which made her harsh toward her comrades. But deep down, she was kind-hearted, and her behavior only ended up hurting her.

And then there was Laxus.

Bickslow would never say it out loud, but the truth about Laxus was simple: he was an extreme brocon.

That was why he acted so strict and rude toward everyone. The near-death experiences Karna had faced in childhood had only made Laxus more paranoid about his safety.

Bickslow sighed again.

'I just hope they don't break too many of my bones…'

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Magnolia, Mystogan observed the city through his staff. Initially, he had planned to intervene and stop Laxus, but after seeing the unfolding events and the trials his guildmates were facing, he reconsidered.

'I took down the entire Phantom Lord operation last time while they handled the attackers in the city. I think I deserve a break this time.'

And with that, he turned around and left. Some said Mystogan was one of the smartest members of Fairy Tail. That day, he proved the rumors true.

Back at the guild hall, Karna finished his announcement and was laughing with the guild master, tears streaming down his face.

Cana, standing nearby, looked unimpressed.

"What the hell are you gonna do when they realize it was you who did this?" she asked.

"Well…" Karna finally stopped laughing, a small smile on his face. "The only ones who know the truth are the Thunder Legion and the people currently here. The Thunder Legion won't be able to convince anyone, and the master can't reveal it because he was involved too. And I trust you won't spill it, right?"

As he spoke, he pulled Cana into a slight hug. She kept her arms crossed, pouting for a moment before finally relenting.

"Fine. But you owe me for this, alright!" she said, stepping out of his arms. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was trying to seduce her.

Karna discreetly gave a thumbs-up to Makarov, who responded with a proud nod. Then, Karna turned toward a corner.

"I hope you'll keep it a secret too, right, Gajeel?"

A thud echoed as someone smacked their head. Gajeel had been sleeping under a table and had woken up at some point. Rubbing his forehead, he got up.

"Yeah, got it," he muttered.

He had seen what Karna had done to the Council members and, more importantly, what he had just done to his guildmates. That was enough to instill a deep fear in him. He decided then and there to forget everything that had happened.

Karna then turned to another corner—where he had knocked out Natsu earlier.

A/N: Hope you like it! Every 100 power stones get an extra chapter of Jason.