At night, on the tranquil sea, a boat glided smoothly over the water.
"Tower of Heaven!" Simon exclaimed.
Hearing Simon's words, everyone turned their gazes forward. In the distance, a towering structure loomed on an island, dominating the landscape. The tower was so massive that it seemed to occupy the entire island.
"It's enormous! It's so tall!" Lucy gasped in awe as she took in the sight.
Erza's eyes widened, her expression filled with disbelief. "Could it really be…?"
Sho's fists clenched tightly. "Yes, it's real! It took us a full eight years to build this. Finally, it's complete."
He had dedicated eight years to constructing this structure, only to be deceived by Jellal. Though he now wished to destroy it, he lacked the power to do so.
Simon placed a reassuring hand on Sho's shoulder. "We're almost there. Just stay patient and follow the plan!"
Soon, the ship arrived at the base of the Tower of Heaven, and the group escorted Erza toward the towering structure.
The path was lined with numerous guards. However, after a few exchanges, they were allowed to pass—some of the guards were minor bosses within the Tower of Heaven.
"Oops–!"
The massive door to the Tower of Heaven swung open, and the group entered. Moments later, the door slammed shut behind them.
Suddenly, a magical screen flickered to life in the hall, displaying Jellal's figure.
"Welcome to the Tower of Heaven!" Jellal's voice echoed through the chamber. "I am Jellal, the ruler of this tower."
Sho's face darkened as he saw Jellal's image. His fists tightened in anger, struggling to control his emotions and hold back his frustration.
Simon spoke up first, "Jellal, we've fulfilled your mission and brought Erza back!"
"Jellal!!" Erza's gaze sharpened as she stared at Jellal's image on the screen.
"It's been a while, Erza. Since you're here, it seems Sho and the others have betrayed you."
"What?!" Simon's expression changed in shock. What was happening? He and the others had been careful to avoid any mistakes. Millianna and Wally also looked on in fear.
"Jellal, what are you talking about?" Simon's doubt about Jellal's loyalty was clear.
"Don't you see it? It's the magic I let you learn. I know you all too well. With only a few of you, it's possible to capture someone if they're caught off guard, but that person next to Erza—capturing Erza herself is nearly impossible."
"But you returned with Erza unharmed, which makes it highly likely you betrayed us."
Sho could no longer contain his frustration and shouted angrily, "You traitor! You've clearly betrayed us, Jellal!"
"Sho!!" Simon's face paled as he shouted, his fear evident.
Has their betrayal been revealed?
"Hahaha! It looks like I was right—you really did betray us!"
"Jellal! You deceived us! We spent years building the Tower of Heaven for you! Didn't we?!" Sho's voice was filled with rage as he confronted Jellal.
Jellal spread his arms and said calmly, "Didn't you hear it from Erza? Yes, it was indeed hard work for you all. I'm very grateful, and though it pains me, I didn't want to kill you. Letting you reunite with Erza is my final act of mercy.
"If you had left with Erza, everything would have ended there. But since you chose to be my enemies, I have no choice but to kill you."
"You bastard!"
"Jellal!"
Hearing Jellal's admission, all five of them, including Erza, were furious. It was merciless, insulting, and made them feel like fools.
Jellal knew Erza's character well. Although Sho and Erza may not have a strong bond, Erza would never abandon her companions who had helped overthrow the Dark Cult. She would choose to stand with them.
Kyros spoke up, "Since it's been revealed, let us all be freed."
At Kyros's words, Sho raised a card and dispelled the magic. Kyros and Natsu appeared before everyone.
The original plan was to use Sho's magic to bring a few people into the Tower of Heaven, then launch a surprise attack on Jellal to prevent him from escaping.
If the plan fails, they'll be forced to adapt.
When Jellal saw Kyros appear, his eyes gleamed with a hint of excitement. He then announced, "Now that all the pieces are in place, let's begin the Paradise Game."
"Paradise Game? What's that supposed to mean, Jellal?" Erza demanded.
"The rules are quite simple. I will use Erza as a sacrifice to resurrect Zeref. If I succeed in opening the gates of paradise, then I win. But if you manage to stop me, then you win."
"I've got prisons and guards on every floor of this tower, placed there by those who built the Tower of Heaven! To free the prisoners, you'll need to defeat the guards and break through the cages."
"And of course, I have a role in this too."
Jellal gestured towards a number of cages where many people were imprisoned.
"Jellal, you monster!!!" Erza's face twisted with fury.
"The Tower of Heaven is completed; they are no longer of any use. I'm simply exploiting their last remaining value."
"Monster!! How can you value human life so little?!" Natsu roared at Jellal. Despite this being their first encounter, he could sense the malevolence radiating from Jellal. He was filled with a burning desire to make him pay.
"Human life? Its greatest value is to be enslaved by me!"
"You scum!!
"I will deploy three main fighters here, and only those who defeat all three can reach me."
"If anyone intentionally destroys the Tower of Heaven or breaks the rules, I will have everyone executed!"
Erza shouted in defiance, "You dare?!!"
Jellal smiled and said, "You know, I dare."
"Here's a special note: The council is likely to use the Etherion to launch an attack on this place. It's a form of ultimate destruction magic capable of obliterating everything with its magical energy."
"We don't know how much time we have until the attack. Once this magical energy descends upon us, none of us will survive, meaning there will be no winners and the game will be over."
"Let's enjoy ourselves while we can."