Charles and the others were temporarily staying at Edolas' Fairy Tail. After defeating Knightwalker and Sugarboy, the people of Edolas finally regained some confidence.
However, it was clear they still needed time to fully emerge from the shadow of despair.
While waiting for Mystogan to contact them, Charles began studying the magic tools of this world.
Besides the Rose Sword, he examined the other members' devices in the guild.
Though they were all called magic tools, the technology behind them was vastly different from what Charles knew. Cracking them quickly was impossible. Fortunately, Mystogan had promised to send him the palace's magic tool data.
After all, once Mystogan's plan succeeded, this world would no longer have magic. By then, that information would be no more valuable than scrap paper.
But what truly made Charles halt his research was a message from Mystogan via communication magic tool: the operation could begin.
Thus, Fahr carried the group straight toward the royal capital.
Following the map Mystogan had prepared, they arrived at their destination: the capital city of the Kingdom of Edolas.
While some hot-blooded members had suggested charging in with brute force, Charles led everyone to infiltrate safely without incident.
Surprisingly, the capital's defenses weren't as tight as expected. As Mystogan explained, most of the Magic Warfare Squad had been taken by Lily to eliminate Fairy Tail, leaving the capital vulnerable.
And that was exactly the opportunity Mystogan planned to exploit.
He had also made clear that Lily was on their side and would simply lead the soldiers around in circles, never interfering with the real plan.
Soon, guided by the map, they reunited with Mystogan.
Crammed into a small house, Charles asked, "So? Is everything ready?"
Mystogan nodded. "Next, I'll need all of you to attack the palace. Draw everyone's attention and give me the chance to reverse Anima."
Though Lily had taken away most of the troops, there were still powerful guards in the palace.
Mystogan alone couldn't hope to infiltrate the most heavily guarded area of the Kingdom, where Anima was held.
And if Faust and the remaining Magic Warfare captains weren't dealt with, even reaching Anima wouldn't be enough.
That's where Charles and the others came in.
Charles frowned. Mystogan clearly wasn't telling them the full plan. He was about to ask when Mystogan noticed his gaze and cut in.
"There's something else. The king didn't just dispatch troops to fight Fairy Tail. He's also sent part of the Magic Warfare Squad to Extalia."
"They've taken weapons that can turn magic-based lifeforms into magic crystals. It seems he's preparing for war against the Exceeds."
Carla instinctively straightened up from Wendy's arms. Thanks to Charles' earlier spoilers, she wasn't as lost as she'd been in the original events.
And unlike before, her feelings toward the Exceed race weren't so complicated.
In other words, while they were her kin, the Exceeds were strangers to her. Compared to that, Wendy's safety meant far more.
But even so, hearing that her kin were in danger made her heart tighten.
Wendy, naturally, was the first to notice Carla's distress. "We have to stop them!"
"No!" Carla raised her head. "We don't need to risk ourselves for people we don't even know."
Charles sighed, crouched down, and looked into her eyes. "Don't be difficult now. You're clearly worried about them."
Carla turned her head away, hiding her face.
Charles stood and said, "Wendy, Natsu—Carla and Happy are your partners. I'll leave it to you three to go to Extalia and protect the Exceeds.
Lucy, go with them. Help keep an eye on things."
Seeing the three nod in unison, Charles turned to the rest of the group. "As for the rest of us—let's show the people of Edolas what Fairy Tail is made of!"
The team began dispersing to get into position. But Charles remained still.
He looked at Mystogan and said, "You haven't told us the full plan, have you?
You know better than anyone—defeating a king and wiping out magic won't be enough to save this country.
The people's fear and despair over losing magic won't vanish. All that's left would be collapse."
In the original story, Mystogan had Lily play the role of the hero who defeated him, while Natsu acted as a demon king to be publicly vanquished.
That was how Mystogan created a heroic figure—a new symbol for the people after the loss of magic.
But with the storyline already so different now, what did Mystogan plan to truly save the nation?
Mystogan chuckled. "I knew I couldn't fool you."
Charles smiled. "It's not just me. I'm sure Erza and the others have figured it out too. So, what are you planning?"
Mystogan replied, "In the second half of my plan, I become a tyrant. The people's fear of me will outweigh their despair over losing magic.
Then a hero will rise, overthrow me, and lead the kingdom toward a new future."
Charles curled his lips. That self-sacrificing resolve really left him speechless. But he knew Mystogan truly wanted to save this country.
"I won't stop you. Who knows what'll happen until the very end. Let's just wait and see."
Charles turned to leave, silently thinking—looks like they'd still need Demon King Dragneel to make an appearance. Natsu certainly wouldn't mind the role.
As night fell, the time of action arrived.
Erza made the first move. Wearing her Heaven's Wheel Armor, she unleashed a storm of swords and blasted down the palace gates. Alarms blared across the capital.
"Ice Make: Ice Fountain!"
Gray conjured a massive ice mountain out of thin air and crushed the palace walls.
"A real man crushes his enemies!"
Elfman, wielding Beast Arm: King of Beasts, sent waves of guards flying.
"These opponents aren't even worth my effort!" Evergreen said behind him, adjusting her glasses.
Elfman turned back. "Don't worry. As a man, I'll protect you!"
Evergreen blushed but huffed, "Who needs your protection? I'm one of the Thunder God Tribe!"
If Happy were here, he'd probably roll his tongue and mutter, "They've got something going on~!"
Gajeel sat atop the rubble, arms turned to iron rods, swatting away any who approached.
Guards jabbed their spears into Juvia's body—only to pierce gaping holes filled with water instead of blood.
"Ah… I wonder how Gray-sama is doing?!!"
With that, her water spheres swallowed the guards completely.
Cana flung her cards—ice, flame, and lightning erupted together, pushing back all enemies.
Mirajane, having returned to her Satan Soul form, hovered mid-air unleashing violent dark sparks upon the soldiers below.
Freed and Bickslow cowered below.
"I heard you pissed her off during the harvest festival," Bickslow whispered.
Freed shuddered. "Good thing we're on the same side."
Charles stood with arms crossed atop a high point, overlooking the chaos engulfing the royal palace.
Tonight, the fairies soared and danced over the capital of Edolas!
------------------
Enjoying the story? Support the author and get early access to chapters by joining my Patre@n!
Find me at: patre@n*com/Mutter
You can read each novel for $5 or get them all for just $15.
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]