Chapter 53 : Bullying Erza??

"I won't hesitate when it comes to the safety of the children!"

Makarov's fist crashed into the light, unstoppable, shattering the device upon impact.

With a resounding 'boom', the device was obliterated on the spot, its power unable to withstand Makarov's might. His strength undiminished, his punch landed at the very site of the council's meeting.

Another 'boom' echoed through the air as several buildings crumbled under the force of his blow.

Thankfully, there were no casualties, as no one was in the vicinity.

The onlookers were stunned into silence.

"Oh, my apologies," Makarov feigned embarrassment, scratching the back of his head. But his laughter betrayed his true feelings. "I got carried away. Please, carry on."

It was clear to everyone that this was no accident; Makarov had done this intentionally, the mischievous old man.

"We demand an explanation, Makarov!" the Magic Council members demanded, their expressions dark.

"I'll explain, but first, you must thoroughly investigate Siegrain," Makarov replied solemnly.

Magic surged back into Jellal's body, and he staggered back in disbelief.

The magical device he had relied on for eight years was now nothing but rubble. Jellal's hopes shattered, his mind in turmoil.

Erza stepped forward, her voice firm. "Jellal, you've failed."

"N-no!" Jellal's roar filled with desperation.

"I haven't failed!"

"I still have one last card, one final move!"

Jellal was consumed by madness.

"All those in the Tower of Heaven—"

"Today, I offer you the chance to step foot in Paradise!"

"Jellal, what are you planning?!" Erza exclaimed, moving to attack Jellal as she realized he was preparing some strange magic.

But her fatigue was evident, her magic reserves nearly depleted after the prolonged battle.

Yet, she couldn't afford to falter now.

Gritting her teeth, she charged at Jellal.

"Erza, don't interfere!" Jellal unleashed his incredibly potent magic without mercy.

"Grand Chariot!"

'Boom boom boom'

Seven meteors forcefully propelled Erza backward.

'Boom'

One after another, a colossal magic circle materialized within the Tower of Heaven.

Everyone felt as if their magic was being drained away!

Jellal spread his arms wide and exclaimed, "Great Zeref, I offer this immense magical power and my life to you!"

"And this woman!"

"I will utilize her body to recreate yours!"

"Jellal!" Erza clutched her chest, gripping the blade with her trembling form as she struggled to rise.

"Don't even think about it!" A sudden voice rang out, accompanied by a massive icicle crashing directly into Jellal!

'Boom'

The icicle slammed Jellal forcefully into the ceiling.

The peculiar magic abruptly ceased.

"Erza!" Natsu and Gray rushed over.

Upon witnessing Erza's condition, both of them were consumed by rage.

"I don't care who you are!" Natsu bared his sharp dragon teeth. "This isn't Erza - showing weakness, trembling in voice and body!"

"This isn't Erza."

"She's meant to be strong and fearless!"

"You've hurt Erza!"

"I'll make you pay dearly. Tomorrow morning, Erza will wake up, and all these nightmares will be over!"

"Eight years of grievances!" Gray stepped forward. "We'll settle this as Erza's family!"

"Let's go!" Natsu and Gray roared in unison.

"Natsu, Gray..." Erza gazed at the two with emotion, then noticed someone beside her. She turned to Everit.

Everit smiled gently at her and said, "Erza, leave it to us. Don't interrupt these passionate boys. Let us banish the nightmares of your past and safeguard your happy future."

"You..." A single tear welled in Erza's eye, but she smiled gratefully and relaxedly.

"Silly brothers, please lend me your strength."

"Of course!" Natsu, Gray, and Everit chorused.

'Boom'

Gray's icicle shattered, and Jellal hung suspended, slowly descending from the sky, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"Even if I kill you first, it won't be long!"

But awaiting him was the combined magic of Natsu and Gray!

"Fire Dragon's - Roar!"

"Ice Make- Lancer!"

"Meteor!" Jellal surged forward, swerving past two magical assaults, and materialized in front of Natsu and Gray in a blink.

"Grand Chariot."

As the resounding 'Boom, Boom, Boom' echoed, their combined onslaught only breached the wall.

"Fire dragon's - fist!"

"Ice Make- battle axe!"

"Curses!" Jellal swiftly evaded, narrowly escaping their strikes.

"Deception magic!"

"The rumors were true about how scary this magic was!"

"Then I'll handle you first!"

Everit cocked his head, a grin dancing on his lips as he caught Jellal's words.

'Boom'

Jellal's magic pierced through the illusion.

"My magic is quite elusive," Everit mused, his smile unwavering. "As long as I refrain from direct confrontation, few can detect my presence in this world—especially not you, Jellal."

Indeed.

Save for rare exceptions like Reed, detecting his presence proved challenging as long as he refrained from overt actions.

Much like in the skirmish with spirits.

He wielded his revolver Tier to unleash magical barrages. While his spellcasting betrayed him to Jose's keen senses due to its distinct fluctuations, now he had formidable allies in Natsu and Gray.

However, wielding a blade to confront Jellal in close quarters remained an unfeasible endeavor.

This was the crux:

As long as he remained passive, he remained untouchable!

Forget about the outcome; for now, let's tangle with the Shadow in a bout of fisticuffs!

Unless Jellal possessed group attacks and detection methods akin to Jose's.

Alas, he did not.

"Curses!"

Jellal finally grasped the predicament.

Unable to assault Everit, he found himself ensnared in the web of deception.

Unable to dispel the deception magic, Jellal found himself in a difficult position against Natsu and Gray. Despite his ability to sense their magic, it was already too late when their attacks came.

There was no room for counterattack.

Dodging was proving to be just as challenging!

'Boom boom boom'

Jellal had little confidence left at this moment.

Every strike he attempted turned out to be a mere illusion.

The onslaught he faced combined both ice and fire.

No amount of strength could endure such a barrage!

"Ah——"

Jellal erupted with magical power.

Was it all a scam?

Well, this Tower of Heaven had failed regardless!

At worst, it would take another eight years!

"Altairis!"

A tremendous amount of magical energy gathered, forming a dreadfully powerful spell.

Even light was devoured as Jellal raised a black hole, poised to bring it crashing down.

Suddenly, a flood of emotions overwhelmed Jellal's mind.

[Do I truly wish to end their lives?]

[How can I persist in this folly? !]

'Dong'

Everit gripped his cane firmly with both hands and slammed it against the ground.

It's over - Jellal's heart had been completely ensnared by him!

Though Jellal had struggled mightily, the power of the magical influence proved too strong, and a gaping crack appeared in his resolve.

Well then, no more holding back, 

Sisliu -

So Everit was like Cang, finding the crack in the egg. 

Ahem.

Regardless, it was all over!

Seeing Jellal frozen in place, they seized the opportunity to unleash their full magical might!

Opportunities like this were rare, so they poured all their strength into their attacks!

"This is for bullying Erza!" Gray's voice thundered with anger, "Ice-Make: Ice Cannon!"

"Apologize to Erza!" Natsu's body merged with flames as he leaped high into the air!

"Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Crimson Lotus Exploding Flame Blade!"

Two powerful magical blasts sent Jellal hurtling away. He crashed through the ceiling, disappearing into the depths of the night sky.

Before losing consciousness, he glanced downward.

Erza, are these your comrades?

So dependable.

****

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