Chapter 50: Going to the Time Crack

Location: Tower of Paradise—Crystalline Platform & Beyond

Mira and Erza, their magical shackles finally broken by Ultear's intervention, supported the weakened Escanor. His magic—once sealed—now slowly began to flow again.

"Arc of Time, Rewind State!" Ultear intoned softly.

A warm current surged through Escanor's body. His strength returned with staggering speed, magic rekindling within him like a flickering flame fed by a gust.

Ultear's voice was calm but serious:"This is only temporary. The pill from Ankhseram binds your magic with his own seal. I can't break that now."

Escanor nodded, steadying himself.

"Ultear, what's your plan? The R System's power is reaching critical levels."

"Don't worry. I'll take the burden of transferring it. You all must leave this place—now."

Without hesitation, the three trusted comrades nodded.

Golden Sun Wings blossomed from Escanor's back. Carrying Mira and Erza, he vanished into the sky in a flash of radiant light.

Ultear watched them go, then turned to face the looming threat beneath her.

"Arc of Time: Final Form: End of Time: Modify!"

A colossal clock materialized behind her, its hands spinning with relentless speed.

Suddenly, a massive rift tore open in the sky, releasing a pillar of blinding white light that bathed the entire island.

Escanor and the others shielded their eyes, the radiance overwhelming.

When vision returned, the island was gone—only endless sea stretched before them.

Ultear's power had rewritten reality itself.

Escanor exhaled, eyes sharp, and immediately flew toward the coast where Juvia awaited anxiously.

Upon seeing him, she broke down in tears.

Escanor gave a gentle, reassuring smile and patted her back.

At that moment, the Xiu group emerged, heads bowed in shame.

"Lord Escanor… we are sorry. We made foolish mistakes…"

Escanor's gaze softened.

"Stand. This is not your burden alone. No one desired this calamity."

The Xiu group's apologies fell silent.

"What will you do now?" one asked.

Escanor's voice was steady but resolute.

"You have made your choice—to face punishment and atone. I respect that. As for me, my path continues."

Soon, the Xiu group boarded a ship, sailing away toward an uncertain future.

As the boat disappeared on the horizon, Mira and Erza approached.

"Escanor, your body…"

Erza's concern was genuine.

Escanor waved away their worry with a faint smile.

"You two return to the guild. Tell Grandpa what happened. I must leave for a while."

"But—"

"Enough," Escanor interrupted, voice gentle but firm. "This matter is urgent. Ankhseram will not relent. Now that Ultear has transferred the R System, he will know. Our next challenge will be even more complex."

Mira and Erza bowed their heads, worry etched deep.

Escanor's hands found theirs, tenderly rubbing their heads.

"Believe me—nothing can keep me from returning to your side."

A chorus of quiet affirmations.

Then suddenly, the space around them warped violently.

Everyone took a combat stance.

From the distortion stepped Ultear, her face pale but determined.

"It's ready. We can go."

Despite awakening a part of her power, the strain showed plainly.

"Thank you for everything. Let's move."

Under Mira and Erza's vigilant watch, Escanor and Ultear stepped into the rippling portal.

The distortion vanished, leaving only stillness.

Lucy, nearby, whispered in awe, "Mira, Erza… Where is Escanor going?"

Erza said nothing, eyes distant. Mira spoke quietly.

"He's going to become the man at the pinnacle of all living beings."

Lucy nodded, understanding she could not grasp the full weight of this journey.

Before them lay the Time Rift—a realm woven with countless clocks spinning softly, their white light the only illumination.

Escanor spoke quietly, "My true body dwells here… but I cannot leave."

They advanced deeper into the Rift.

A magnificent palace loomed—ivory spires stretching upward, drawing strange energies from every direction.

Ultear explained, "The Tower of Time. It absorbs the flow of time here, repairing my true body. We must enter."

Nodding, Escanor followed her up a stairway of suspended stone slabs.

Before the grand door carved with countless clock faces, Ultear laid her hand.

The doors opened slowly.

Inside, vast emptiness stretched.

At the end, a throne stood alone. On it sat a woman identical to Ultear—cloaked in white, eyes closed as if in deep slumber.

They approached.

Ultear reached out and touched the woman's hand.

A burst of dazzling white light engulfed Ultear's figure, and the woman's eyes fluttered open.

Escanor stood silently, awestruck.

The Time God—the true Ultear—regarded him with eyes full of serene, eternal grace.

Her gaze held a profound fondness for the endless river of time itself.

Suddenly, the Time God moved, pouncing playfully on Escanor.

"This is the first time my true body has touched! Hehe…"

Escanor laughed, breathless.

"You startled me."

"Are you afraid I won't recognize you?"

"How could that be? Hehe~"

The Time God smiled softly.

"Ah, men~"

Though identical, Escanor could feel the immense divine power radiating from her—something no mere mortal could withstand.

"Well then… Let us make the most of our time."

With a gentle grip, Ultear took Escanor's hand.

Together, they vanished into the palace, stepping into the unknown.

The fate of worlds now rested on their journey through time itself.