Anna and Layla never expected that these two terrifying existences had already begun walking the human world, and were even in the same guild as Lucy, getting along very harmoniously.
It was truly hard to imagine.
Irene bowed to Anna in thanks: "I haven't properly thanked you yet for saving Erza back then, for saving my daughter."
If Anna hadn't brought Erza to this world, the beauty of this family reunion probably wouldn't exist.
Anna didn't dare to accept Queen Irene's gratitude and hurriedly helped her up: "Compared to the people of this era, I am more aware of the terror and brutality of the Evil Dragons, and I understand even more how great it was that you were able to end the Human-Dragon War."
It was no exaggeration to say that without Irene and Acnologia, humanity would have no future.
She said with a smile, "Furthermore, you also saved my descendant, Layla. It's we who should be thanking you."
Layla nodded in agreement: "Ancestor Anna is right!"
Irene put on her large hood and nodded with a smile: "Then I won't be overly formal."
The three of them sat on bamboo chairs on the balcony and chatted for a while, from the past to the present, about life in Fairy Tail, and about Lucy and Natsu's adventures and growth.
Perhaps because friendship between women progresses quickly, they soon became close friends and started discussing private matters.
Meanwhile, Irene's mischievous side began to act up, quickly teasing Layla and Anna until their faces were flushed red.
She felt that these two were just as dorky and innocent as Lucy; could it be that this trait was hereditary?
...Time passed to the next day.
Acnologia led the members of the Fire Dragon Squad to search for the Eclipse Gate. They had absolutely no clues regarding this, and he could only think of four methods.
The first was to find a Divination Mage to see where they should look.
The second was to find Zeref. Since he created the Eclipse Gate, he would surely have a way to know its location.
The third was to post a mission to see if anyone could provide clues about the group with the Eclipse Gate.
The fourth was that opening the Eclipse Gate required a Celestial Spirit Mage and a vast amount of magic power. They could look for places hosting events similar to the original Grand Magic Games, or where a war was starting.
As for the first method, a Divination Mage—actually, Cana could perform divination, but her readings were never accurate, so that was immediately ruled out.
Then there was Carla's precognition, but her ability to see the future couldn't be controlled, so that was also ruled out.
As for others who knew this kind of magic, no one else came to mind for the moment.
Regarding the second method, Zeref had already gone to the Western Continent. The journey was too far, so this method was temporarily put aside.
The third method was viable; they could have Erza handle it directly, as she was quite proficient in the procedures.
The fourth method could also be executed immediately. To find out about wars or magic competitions, the best way was to go to a news agency, as reporters always got firsthand information.
Acnologia, Irene, Natsu, and Happy arrived at Jason's place at Weekly Sorcerer. This guy often hung around the vicinity of Fairy Tail, so they were quite familiar with him.
"Acnologia, Queen Irene, Fire Dragon Natsu, and Happy!"
Jason was exceptionally excited and hurriedly tidied up his messy studio to let them sit. This was the first time members of Fairy Tail had come to his place.
"Don't bother."
Irene waved her hand and smiled, "We have something we'd like your help with today. Is it convenient?"
Jason was still counting on Fairy Tail to make him rich, so he patted his chest without hesitation: "Of course, no problem, as long as I can do it!"
"It's nothing difficult..."
Irene briefly explained the Heartfilia Family's situation, mentioning that they needed information on the Eclipse Gate, the infinite clock, and large-scale magic battles.
Jason pondered and said, "Actually, I've already heard about the attack on the Heartfilia Family, but that group really can't be tracked down."
"But if it's war you're looking for, there is one."
Natsu asked impatiently, "Where?"
"It hasn't started yet."
Jason explained, "The Magic Council announced to the entire continent that they are going to subjugate Tartaros. The main force is already on its way."
Actually, he was also quite puzzled; when did the people of the Magic Council become so bold? This war was starting a bit unexpectedly.
Could it be that they saw the Balam Alliance was on its last legs and decided to deliver the fatal blow?
Acnologia raised an eyebrow slightly: "The Magic Council is at war with Tartaros? Who is leading the troops?"
Although the Magic Council's influence was vast, they didn't have many powerful Mages, mostly relying on destructive weapons for deterrence.
The members of Tartaros were all long-lived demons whose strength was basically fixed; they weren't much different from seven years later in the original story, mostly at the Ten Wizard Saints level.
Now that the Nine Demon Gates have all gathered, does the Magic Council have any combat power worth mentioning?
"Lahar is the leader. The high-end combat power includes the former Ten Wizard Saint Jellal, Ultear, and Meredy, as well as the Ten Wizard Saint Ulfheim, plus a force of two thousand Mages."
Jason picked up a newspaper from the table and handed it over: "This was just published."
"It's them?"
Acnologia reached out to take it and skimmed through it.
Those three guys were recruited by the Magic Council. If that's the case, they might barely stand a chance.
"I really want to fight them!"
Natsu felt excited about such a lineup; both Jellal and Ultear were very strong.
Happy reminded him, "That's the Magic Council, you know."
"Then I won't..."
Natsu thought of that group of serious people in white coats and ultimately chickened out a bit: "I can help them fight Tartaros."
Jason waved his hand: "Don't you dare interfere. This time the Magic Council is acting alone to show off its authority. Any rash interference will be treated as an act of hostility."
Natsu said crossly, "How overbearing!"
The enemy is a Dark Guild, so why are they the only ones allowed to fight?
Irene chuckled, "I have a feeling those guys from the Magic Council are going to suffer."
In her understanding, the Magic Council consisted of stubborn old men who should have been swept into the trash long ago.
If she were in command of the Magic Council, she would have wiped out all the Dark Guilds long ago; if they survived for even two more days, it would be considered a miracle of their tough lives.
Jason waved his hand: "Absolutely impossible. The Magic Council must have preparations to use destructive weapons."
The power of the Magic Council was deeply rooted in people's minds; otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to rule the magic world for so many years.
Natsu turned back to look at Acnologia and asked, "Shall we go take a look?"
A war like that sounds exciting; even if we can't join in, we can at least watch, right?
"We naturally can't miss it. There might even be a time for you to step in."
Acnologia showed interest; he agreed with Irene's view that Tartaros wouldn't be so easy to defeat.
A magic war like this—those who intend to use the Eclipse Gate surely wouldn't miss it.
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