After completing the mission, the group was invited to Mermaid Heel's guild headquarters. However, an unexpected event occurred: a newly for
After completing the mission, the group was invited to Mermaid Heel's guild headquarters.
However, an unexpected event occurred: a newly formed Magic Council unit suddenly appeared and took Jellal and the members of Oracion Seis into custody.
Drake was furious. They hadn't shown up during the fight but suddenly appeared to arrest people—unacceptable.
The worst part was the leader's arrogant attitude; Drake beat them until they were bruised and battered.
They thought their superior numbers would force Drake to submit, but those low-level mages couldn't even stand in Drake's magical field.
Only when Jellal willingly went with them did the situation de-escalate.
With mixed emotions, the group arrived at Mermaid Heel. While others rested, Drake sought out Mermaid Heel's guild master.
Mermaid Heel was a very low-key guild; as Sherry had mentioned upon her arrival, they hadn't even heard of the guild before the joint extermination operation.
This was, of course, because the entire Mermaid Heel guild, with the exception of Wendy and Carla, consisted of illusions magically created by their guild master, Robin.
Robin himself was not human but a spirit from four hundred years ago—the thought-form of the mage who had created the Nirvana magic.
Robin opened his aged eyes and looked at Drake, speaking slowly and deliberately. "Modern mages are truly remarkable! You've discovered the truth, haven't you?"
Drake nodded. "Lifeless illusions are inherently different from human beings! However, Guild Master Robin's magic is truly astonishing."
Drake wasn't flattering him; he genuinely admired Robin's magical prowess.
It wasn't just about creating a magic spell like Nirvana; the fact that a mere thought-form could withstand the erosion of four hundred years was simply astounding.
Moreover, this thought-form had created an entire guild's worth of illusions. If one were to disregard the presence of life force, even Drake would have difficulty distinguishing these illusions from real people.
Robin stated, "Magic, for me, is no longer something to be proud of."
Drake fell silent for a moment before responding, "I apologize; I spoke out of turn."
Considering everything Robin had endured—creating magic for a peaceful world only to lead to the annihilation of his own people—powerful magic was hardly something to boast about.
Robin continued, "So much time has passed; these things are no longer worth dwelling on. My only concern now is…"
Drake finished his sentence, "Wendy."
Robin nodded. "That child needs real companions, not these false illusions. She has already found true friends.
Thank you for fulfilling my long-held wish, and thank you for appearing before Wendy."
Drake responded, "If anyone should be thanking, it's me. Wendy is my younger sister, although she doesn't remember.
Thank you for taking care of my sister all these years!"
Robin was taken aback for a moment before a relieved smile spread across his face. "So that's how it is! Then I can rest assured entrusting Wendy to you. You will surely take good care of her, won't you?"
Drake solemnly declared, "I will protect her, for she is a cherished member of my family."
"That's good to hear," Robin said. "Then let's gather everyone. It's time to say our goodbyes."
Drake gave him one last look before turning and leaving.
For four hundred years, Robin had tirelessly guarded the seal of Nirvana. This aged spirit was utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Now, with his final concern—Wendy—finally finding a place of belonging, he could finally rest in peace.
Everyone gathered before Robin, listening intently as he recounted the origins of everything.
Then, amidst Wendy's heartfelt tears of farewell, all the members of Mermaid Heel vanished, leaving behind only their blessings.
Drake watched as Robin, too, dissolved into shimmering particles of light, and he fell into deep thought.
Illusions are merely deceptions of the senses, but were the members of Mermaid Heel truly nothing more than a fleeting dream?
Although Wendy's mental fortitude and magical abilities were still far from fully developed, it was precisely because of her innocent heart that she could perceive things that others could not.
The emotions that Wendy had sensed from the members of Mermaid Heel were undoubtedly genuine.
"What a truly remarkable old man," Drake murmured softly to himself.
…
While Wendy did experience a period of sadness, she recovered relatively quickly.
Robin's greatest wish was for Wendy to live a life filled with happiness, not one consumed by sorrow.
Drake, too, played a small part in this process. He had Happy add a touch of excitement to their journey back to the guild.
Happy took them soaring high above the clouds, an unprecedented experience that momentarily distracted Wendy from her grief, leaving her with a flushed face and eyes sparkling with excitement.
Witnessing her radiant smile, Drake felt a sense of relief wash over him.
As for the future, Drake had complete faith that Fairy Tail would heal Wendy's sadness, for Fairy Tail possessed the magical ability to mend even the most broken of hearts.
True to his expectations, upon their return to the guild, Wendy and Carla were greeted with a warm and enthusiastic welcome. The newly arrived Wendy quickly integrated herself into the guild's close-knit community.
Drake sat at the bar, slowly sipping his drink.
Mirajane, polishing glasses behind him, spoke, "Drake, you seem quite happy! Is it because of Wendy?"
Drake nodded. "Actually, Wendy, just like Natsu, is family to me. Finding family is always a joyous occasion."
"Family…?"
Mirajane paused her task, a hint of sadness clouding her features.
Drake turned to look at Mirajane, aware that he had inadvertently touched upon a sensitive wound, but he refrained from offering any words of consolation.
The concept of family represented Mirajane's deepest and most painful wound; it was not something that could be easily healed with mere words of comfort.
However, according to the unfolding events of the story, the Edolas arc would soon commence. And in due time, Mirajane would be reunited with Lisanna, who was, in fact, still alive.
Speaking of Edolas, Drake lifted his gaze towards a figure on the second floor.
Mystogan, observing Wendy surrounded by the guild members, displayed a look of quiet contentment before turning to leave.
However, just as he turned, he found Drake standing silently behind him.
Drake beckoned him over. "We haven't had a chance to properly greet each other yet, Mystogan! Why don't you go and speak with Wendy? After all, you were her caretaker and benefactor."
Mystogan pulled his scarf up higher, partially obscuring his face. "I don't understand what you're saying!"
Drake, noticing Mystogan's evasive action, stated, "There's no need to hide it, Mystogan… or should I say, Jellal of Edolas."
Mystogan fell silent for a moment. "How did you…? Never mind. Regardless of which world we're in, you're always an enigmatic fellow!"
This time, it was Drake's turn to be taken aback. What did he mean, there was another Drake in Edolas? It seemed that his presence in this world had caused unforeseen changes.
It appeared that Mystogan was also acquainted with another version of himself. Drake wondered what that other version of himself was like.
However, Drake quickly composed himself and spoke, "Mystogan, never forget! We are comrades in the same guild. The burdens you carry can be shared amongst us. Isn't that what companions are for?"
Mystogan remained silent for a moment before responding, "I understand. Then, when the time comes, please allow me to rely on you."
Drake nodded, extending his hand to grasp Mystogan's.
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