Chapter 45: Ambush from All Sides

Location: Remote beach resort island — hotel and casino

The cruise ship finally docked at a secluded island—a lavish holiday sanctuary far from the mainland's hustle.

Escanor and the group disembarked with the other tourists, the warm sun casting long shadows on the white sand. The hotel surprised them all: sprawling private villas, each an oasis of luxury and comfort.

"Natsu, Gray, Lucy—once you've unpacked, come find me. I need to talk."Escanor's voice carried a rare gravity that caught their attention immediately.

One by one, they gathered where Escanor waited. Without hesitation, his magic surged, weaving a shimmering barrier around them—silent, impenetrable.

"What I'm about to say is top secret. You must be ready for anything."His voice low, filled with resolve.

He shared what little he could—warnings veiled in cautious vagueness. The enemy's strength was unknown, but Escanor's instincts screamed caution.

Natsu grinned fiercely. "No matter who shows up, I'll send 'em flying!"Gray and Lucy exchanged serious looks, nodding in unspoken agreement.

Escanor pressed a small crystal into each of their palms. "If danger strikes, break this. It will send a signal directly to me."

As the three tucked away the crystals, Escanor added a few more instructions before releasing them.

Mira and Erza stood close, their gazes sharp. Though stronger, they knew enemies lurking in shadows could be deadlier still.

"Don't worry," Escanor said with a sly smile. "I've got a secret weapon waiting."

Mira and Erza exchanged curious glances.

Meanwhile, beneath the waves near the dock, a slender stream of water slipped silently into the sea—a ghost moving unseen.

Evening fell. After a lavish dinner, the group arrived at the island's glamorous casino.

Dressed in elegant formal wear, Escanor, Erza, and Mira immediately drew admiring gazes.Mira's fame as the Magic Weekly cover girl radiated from her every move.Erza, the Fairy Queen, commanded attention with regal poise and crimson hair swept into a flawless updo.Escanor—usually clad for battle—now wore a tailored suit that hugged his towering frame perfectly, his commanding aura turning heads wherever he went.

Women's eyes sparkled, whispers floated like a breeze, and if not for the two formidable women beside him, Escanor might have been swarmed with offers and invitations all night.

Erza drifted toward a gambling table, her red gown swirling like fire. The male dealer shuffled cards with fluid grace, but his charm paled beside hers.

Escanor watched silently, arm draped possessively around Erza's waist, a sentinel in the glittering chaos.

Even Natsu, Gray, and Lucy felt the rare temptation to relax—if only briefly.

But Mira sat apart at the bar, sipping a drink, cool and distant.

A well-dressed young man approached, his smile practiced.

"Beautiful lady, may I buy you a drink?"

Mira's polite refusal was gentle but firm.

He didn't relent. As she remained composed, he slipped a small card from his pocket—subtle, almost invisible.

Mira's eyes flickered, noting the movement, but she said nothing.

A silent signal passed—a slight glance toward Escanor.

He noticed, but kept his focus on the gambling table, playing it cool.

Suddenly—alarm.

Erza's voice buzzed quietly, "There's something wrong with Mira."

Escanor subtly shook his head, signaling calm.

Then, the casino's fire sprinklers erupted, spraying thick smoke in torrents.

Chaos exploded—panicked screams, tourists scattering.

From the billowing haze, black-clad figures surged forward like shadows come to life.

Escanor and Erza didn't flinch.

Erza unleashed two flying swords, swift and brutal—blood splattered, enemies fell silently.

Mira's composure vanished as the young man who approached grabbed her, trapping her in the shimmering card and fleeing toward the beach.

Natsu and Gray stumbled but recovered quickly, storming through foes with fierce determination.

Lucy, caught off guard, was seized before she could summon aid.

Natsu and Gray gave chase, but the assailants melted into darkness—too fast to follow.

When desperation began to rise, Escanor and Erza emerged, calm and commanding.

"Lucy and the others have been captured!" Natsu demanded.

Escanor's gaze hardened. "Don't worry. With Mira inside, Lucy's safe—for now."

From the water, a wave rushed forward and took form.

"Lord Escanor," Juvia's voice was steady. "I've located the enemy's hideout."

"Good. Let's move."

Natsu and Gray stared, stunned.

"What are you waiting for? Let's go!"

On a distant island, a young man darted toward a towering prison.

Inside, he threw Mira's card into the cell.

A flash—and Mira appeared.

"Stay here. Escanor will come," the young man said.

"Who are you? Why am I captive?"

"My name is Sho. I'm here for revenge on Escanor and Erza."

"Revenge?"

Sho's eyes burned with hatred. "They left us to die in the Tower of Paradise! Without Jellal, we wouldn't be alive."

"Jellal? No—he ran away on his own!"

Sho sneered. "Escanor's a liar."

Mira's eyes narrowed, knowing his mind was twisted by brainwashing.

Atop the tall tower, three shadowy figures awaited.

"I've called the Three Raven Feathers to capture someone," said a young man with blue hair and facial tattoos.

"We're the strongest assassins. What's the target?"

The photo he tossed into their hands told the story: Erza, the Fairy Queen.

"The mission's dangerous. Escanor's with her."

The assassins smirked. "Dangerous? We're not scared."

The blue-haired man threw a bag of gold coins to them.

The three disappeared into the night.

The blue-haired man's cruel smile lingered as he watched them vanish.

The war was closing in from all sides.