Chapter 49 : Vidaldus vs Lucy and Juvia!!

Magic Council.

Ten council members convened.

The issue of the Tower of Heaven took precedence, a matter both grave and solemn.

Debate ensued on whether to dispatch troops or heed Siegrain's suggestion—employ Etherion for long-distance devastating strikes.

Following deliberation,

5 votes dissented against the use of Etherion, thus rejecting Siegrain's proposal.

The Speaker declared: "In summary, the proposition to utilize Etherion shall not be entertained."

"Wait, do you truly grasp the consequences?" Siegrain interjected anxiously.

"There's no need for further elaboration, Siegrain," the Speaker replied. "The situation hasn't reached such dire straits."

"Haha, not dire?" Siegrain scoffed twice. "You're utterly clueless, my brethren. Jellal, he, whom do you think he wants to resurrect?"

Councilor Yajima furrowed her brows, regarding Siegrain with pensive eyes.

"Siegrain, is there more to this than meets the eye?" inquired a Magic Council member with a frown.

"I've kept it concealed until now, fearing unrest. I had intended to shoulder it alone, but..." Siegrain clenched his teeth. "Jellal... seeks to resurrect Zeref!"

"What?!"

The members collectively gasped in astonishment.

"Aye," exclaimed one member. "Zeref? The progenitor of the legendary dark magic?!"

"Indeed," Siegrain ground out. "Hence, even if the odds are infinitesimal, even if it's one in ten thousand or a hundred thousand, I cannot idly stand by!"

"No one ought to tamper with such a taboo entity!"

Siegrain's tone turned stern.

"Even if it's my own brother!"

Silence fell upon the assembly.

"I concur," raised one member.

"As do I."

"Agreed," echoed the others.

"I abstain." Councilor Yajima cast Siegrain a lingering gaze.

"Eight votes in favor and one abstention," the speaker announced. "Therefore, the proposal to utilize Etherion will be adopted!"

"Everyone, prepare yourselves," came the call.

Members hurriedly dispersed to various departments to coordinate.

Councilor Yajima kept a steady gaze fixed on Siegrain.

"Mr. Yajima, what troubles you?" Siegrain's expression was heavy with sorrow—it was his younger brother who faced annihilation, and this decision stemmed from his own suggestion!

"Is this truly wise?" Yajima inquired earnestly. "Do not rashly decide upon a course that may render all irreversible. At times, alternatives may present themselves."

"We cannot allow Jellal to carry out his plans. Zeref is not to be resurrected!" Siegrain declared resolutely. "This is a fundamental duty every wizard must recognize as a Magic Council member—a basic sense of responsibility!"

"I lack knowledge of the situation," Yajima admitted. "I am aged and hold little sway. My vote alone cannot sway the tide. In this prevailing current, I can only abstain."

Yajima sighed deeply. "Siegrain, sometimes, a misguided decision, even if it spans a lifetime, cannot be remedied."

He regarded Siegrain intently, then glanced at the elegant female Magic Council member beside him, inquiring, "Are you truly prepared for the consequences?"

Ultear offered a faint smile but no verbal response.

Siegrain affirmed solemnly, "I shall bear whatever comes."

"Ah," Yajima sighed, departing with hands clasped behind his back. His dejected voice echoed through the empty corridor.

"I am quite old now; retirement beckons. Thankfully, the young ones are dependable."

'Drip'

'Drip'

'Drip'

Everit strolled leisurely along the dampened street.

Turning a corner, he spotted two graceful girls lying on the ground, chests rising and falling rapidly, breathing heavily.

Lucy and Juvia.

Everit opted not to disturb them.

The enemy—someone Everit had encountered once before. The white-skinned, Shamat long-haired man lay in the distance, but now, he was bald—his once long, straight hair had vanished, leaving behind only a shiny scalp.

Presumably, the two of them, Lucy and Juvia, had joined forces to defeat him.

"If that's the case," Everit muttered, "then that woman is here too? What a shame."

If encountered as an enemy, he would show no mercy.

"We did it, Lucy!"

"Fantastic, you're back to normal, Juvia!"

The two beautiful girls embraced each other with excitement.

It was a picturesque scene.

'Click!' Everit, quick on the draw, snapped a photo.

"Ouch, that hurts."

When Juvia's hand accidentally grazed Lucy's thigh, Lucy winced.

Lucy had just been whipped several times by Juvia, who had transformed into a queen.

"I'm sorry, Lucy," Juvia apologized hastily.

"It's okay," Lucy reassured her, "Let's go find the others quickly."

They supported each other as they departed, leaving behind...

The bald man gradually regained consciousness.

He couldn't move.

His entire body felt like it was crumbling.

But he had to get up!

They absolutely couldn't fail here!

He—

Vidaldus Taka!

He was the one who aspired to be the captain!

He was the one who wanted to restore the Trinity Ravens' reputation!

He would never be mocked again!

That accursed woman, Ikaruga, hadn't undertaken any assassination missions since becoming captain.

As a result, not only had his income dwindled significantly, but he was also ridiculed and branded a coward!

But he wasn't!

He was the songbird of hell!

He was the harbinger of reincarnation's funeral procession!

The boss had promised that once this mission was completed and Ikaruga was killed, he would receive sole credit and ascend to be captain!

He had the right to choose his own assignments!

Vidaldus reluctantly raised his trembling hand, holding a pill, and shoved it into his mouth.

"Lucy." Everit's voice cut through the tense atmosphere as he suddenly appeared next to Lucy and Juvia.

"Everit!" Lucy exclaimed, surprised by his sudden appearance.

"As I've warned before, never let your guard down until the battle is truly over," Everit instructed, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness.

"What?" Lucy was taken aback, but Juvia quickly snapped out of it and helped Lucy turn around.

"How is this possible? He was defeated!" Lucy exclaimed in disbelief.

"Are you ready to fight for your life? Even in this state?" Juvia urged.

"Dark mages are those who dance on the brink of death," Vidaldus chimed in with a sinister grin. "Is there another formidable opponent here? I may not sense your magic, but by their demeanor, I trust you are indeed here!"

"It would indeed be interesting if you were to fight them!"

"Everit!" Lucy and Juvia paled with fear.

If Everit was under control, not only would they lose their ally, but Natsu, Gray, and even Erza might fall prey to him.

"Be cautious, he possesses the magic to manipulate people like puppets!" Lucy quickly reminded.

"Indeed? What a coincidence, I possess a similar magic," Everit replied, his smile not faltering.

"Hahaha, let the game begin!" Vidaldus laughed, reaching for his guitar, but then abruptly dropped to his knees.

"I have made a mistake!" he exclaimed, surprising Lucy and Juvia, who were on edge.

"What?" Lucy and Juvia were baffled by the sudden change of heart.

"I deeply apologize for subjecting your ears to the cacophony of this broken instrument," Vidaldus confessed, kneeling in repentance.

"I am truly sorry for attacking such beautiful ladies," he continued, his voice filled with remorse.

"I beg forgiveness for my existence," he concluded, laying prostrate on the ground.

****

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