"That's right. If people from this side can go to the past, then creatures from the past can naturally come here as well."
"You thought things through too simplistically. If the Eclipse Project had proceeded as originally planned, Crocus would already be a sea of fire from the dragons' roars."
Chase didn't spare Hisui's feelings. He stated the worst-case scenario—and what had actually happened in the original story—in front of everyone.
If anyone was to blame for the destruction of the future world, this princess bore a heavy responsibility.
Hearing this, Princess Hisui lowered her head, her gaze dim. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her pale skin and drawing blood.
"I know I'm not in a position to ask this, since I nearly caused a catastrophe—"
After a moment's silence, she looked up at Motherglare, who was gradually being overwhelmed inside the barrier. "But isn't what you're doing too risky?"
"More risky than your naive plan?"
Chase's flat reply left Princess Hisui speechless.
"On that point, I think I, as both father and king, share some of the blame." Toma sighed heavily and stepped forward to take responsibility.
Judging by his participation in the Grand Magic Games as a mascot, he didn't share Hisui's grand ambitions to save the world. He was more the easygoing type.
Even Minister of Defense Darton had managed to investigate who was behind the Eclipse Project. The king couldn't have been completely unaware. He had even advised Hisui not to meddle with Zeref's Black Magic.
But in the end, he had chosen to look the other way.
The lighthearted atmosphere suddenly became tense. Only the echoes of dragon roars from the Fourfold Magic Array remained.
Though others also thought the royal family's secret Eclipse Project was far too dangerous, they held their tongues out of respect for their positions.
After all, they were mage guilds of this kingdom.
"After listening to Makarov-chan's explanation, I was genuinely shocked."
Bob of Blue Pegasus cupped his cheeks, looking at Chase with a flirtatious expression, breaking the silence. "Capturing a dragon—you really are something else, Chase-chan~"
"Summoning dragons—that's so wild!"
Goldmine crossed his arms, his spiked collar collar around his neck quite eye-catching. "What do you say, Chase? Want to join our Mermaid Heel?"
"What's the fun in an all-male guild? Come to Lamia Scale instead. We have plenty of beauties who can rival Erza and Mirajane!"
Oba Babasaama added her invitation, her wrinkled fingers twirling rhythmically.
As the most senior guild masters present, they stepped forward to ease the tension.
They also genuinely wanted to recruit an outstanding young mage like Chase to their guilds.
"I'm right here, you bastards!" Makarov shouted angrily at his shameless old friends.
Mirajane and Erza twitched at the corners of their mouths, clenching their fists as they glared at Oba Babasaama. That old hag!
"Thank you for the invitations, but what I like about Mira and Erza isn't just their beauty," Chase said with a smile.
Mirajane and Erza both beamed with satisfaction.
Lucy, however, furrowed her brow, suspicion flickering in her eyes. Since when had her blockhead card-nerd brother become so "smooth"?
"It's also because they're very strong."
Lucy: "Shouldn't you be saying it's because of their inner beauty at a time like this?!"
I'm so disappointed in myself for expecting anything from you.
Oba Babasaama sighed in frustration.
There was no female mage in Lamia Scale who could match those two.
With that thought, her fingers twirled faster. Sherry and Sherria, standing closest, were lifted off the ground and began spinning clockwise.
"We know you're upset, Granny, but why do WE have to spin?!"
Tragic, but no one cared.
Just then, a massive explosion came from the Fourfold Magic Array.
Countless destruction beams erupted from the energy crystals on Gandora's body. The terrifying crimson light illuminated the entire area.
As the barrier protecting the town dissipated like foam, everyone looked up to see the pitch-black dragon standing proudly. Across from it, Motherglare lay battered and broken on the ruined ground, completely incapacitated.
"The victor is decided. We can proceed to the next phase."
Chase smiled lightly and took the lead into the horrific dragon battlefield.
The next phase?
Bob and the others' expressions shifted. Could it be that capturing the dragon wasn't even his ultimate goal?!
Driven by confusion and shock, they hurried after him.
By the time they arrived, Gandora had already returned to the card space as motes of light. The four mages stood beside Chase.
Though they were curious about these four robed "card spirits" radiating powerful magical auras, most eyes were fixed on the ancient dragon lying on the ground like a small mountain.
Motherglare had lost all its initial pride. Its body was covered in claw wounds and fang punctures.
Blood stained its damaged scales crimson. Its wings had been broken, hanging limply at its sides.
The intensity of the previous brawl was written all over its body.
Despite its depleted aura and magic, the dragon's regal, dominating presence still radiated from its slowly shifting eyes. Many people dared not approach any closer.
"You've lost, Motherglare," Chase said calmly.
"If not for that bastard's help—"
Motherglare gasped heavily, not sparing anyone else a glance. Its gaze was locked on Chase, trying to maintain its dignity as a dragon. "Do you really think you could have defeated me, human?"
Its low, cold voice carried resentment, as well as anger toward Gandora for siding with humans.
Under its gaze, Chase raised his hand to rub his nose and slowly spoke. "Tell me... when was the last time you brushed your teeth?"
The dragon's massive size meant that even in its weakened state, its breath came out as a hot, foul-smelling wave of air.
"Oh my, the bad breath really is terrible. Do dragons never brush their teeth?" Mirajane covered her nose in disgust beside Chase.
Erza, on his other side, didn't speak, but the gas mask that had suddenly appeared on her face said enough.
"That's not true! I brush my teeth every day! So does Igneel!" Natsu jumped in to defend.
"Aye! Lucy and I can vouch for that!" Happy raised his paw.
***
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