Wes Elwin ignored the murderous looks directed at him and continued calmly, "Your body's endurance is far beyond ordinary humans. Is that the effect of Dragon Slayer Magic?"
Natsu puffed up proudly, pointing a thumb at his chest. "Of course! I'm the child of Igneel! A few scratches like this can't take me down!"
Those who had been personally taught Dragon Slayer Magic by a dragon were different from other mages. Having grown up alongside dragons, their bodies had been reforged through that very magic. It was said that if they reached the peak of their power, they might truly transform into dragons one day.
"I've seen enough of Dragon Slayer Magic and Celestial Spirit Magic," Wes said indifferently. "There's no point continuing."
With that, he turned and started walking away.
"Hey, you bastard, what the hell are you trying to do!?"
To everyone's surprise, it was Yuka who shouted first.
"Why didn't you finish them off!?"
Wes stopped mid-step and turned his head slightly, his eyes as cold as blades.
That single look was enough to make Yuka's heart seize up. He froze instantly, lips trembling, unable to utter another word.
Without saying anything further, Wes turned back and disappeared into the dense jungle.
Only when his presence completely vanished did Lucy exhale a long breath. "That dangerous guy is finally gone…" She wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"I bet he ran away 'cause he was scared!" Happy said confidently, flapping his wings and flying around in mock imitation of Wes's retreat.
Lucy and Happy, ever the comedic duo, lightened the mood. But their laughter was cut short when Natsu suddenly staggered and collapsed face-first onto the ground.
"Natsu!!" Lucy shouted, rushing over with Happy in tow. She crouched beside him, panic in her voice. "Natsu! Wake up!"
Gray quickly knelt down and examined Natsu's condition. After a brief check, he said reassuringly, "Relax. He just passed out."
Lucy gently patted Natsu's cheek, finally letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness…"
"This mission was way too dangerous," Lucy said, frowning. "We haven't even met the enemy's boss yet, and we were already almost wiped out. Let's go back and call for reinforcements."
"This enemy really is troublesome," Gray admitted, pressing a hand to his bruised ribs—an ugly mark left by Yuka. "But giving up like this… I can't accept that."
(And the 'Lyon' that guy mentioned—could it really be the same one I know?)
After a moment of thought, Gray proposed, "We'll return to the village first. Natsu and I both need medical treatment. And with Yuka as our hostage, we can force those bastards to turn the villagers back to normal."
Since Lucy and Happy couldn't think of a better plan, they reluctantly nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Wes Elwin had already returned to the ruins. The moment he stepped through the entrance, Lyon confronted him with an angry glare.
"Why didn't you rescue Yuka!?"
Wes spread his hands casually. "Our deal didn't include that."
"You bastard!!"
Magic flared violently around Lyon as he took a threatening step forward.
"You planning to fight me?" Wes asked coldly, unleashing his own magic power to collide with Lyon's. The air between them trembled with pressure.
Ultear quickly stepped between them, her voice sharp. "Lord Lyon! The seal is about to break. We can't afford any infighting now! Once you've dealt with Deliora, you can rescue Yuka afterward!"
Lyon glared daggers at Wes, fury burning in his eyes—but in the end, he turned sharply on his heel and stormed off.
"Why did you stop him?" Wes asked, his tone calm but edged with amusement. "Worried he's not my match?"
"Shut up, you arrogant fool!" Ultear snapped, veins pulsing on her forehead. "If your nonsense ruins our plan, you'll pay dearly for it!"
Her patience with Wes Elwin was wearing dangerously thin.
"Don't worry. I'm quite interested in Deliora myself. I won't get in your way—just don't be disappointed when the time comes."
Wes Elwin still wore that same mysterious smile, as though he held some grand secret no one else knew.
"What exactly do you know?!" Ultear's tone sharpened, her voice trembling slightly with impatience. She forced herself to stay calm, unwilling to let him see how rattled she was.
"If you want to know," Wes said casually, "trade me your Arc of Time. I can help you—but the price…" He chuckled softly. "You'll have to decide if it's worth it."
Ultear's expression turned cold with fury. "In your dreams if you think you'll ever get the Arc of Time! "
"Then there's nothing left to discuss. Good luck."
With that half-hearted farewell, Wes turned and walked away, leaving Ultear fuming where she stood.
"I swear, I'll kill that bastard someday!!"
Ultear's teeth ground together, her fists trembling as flames of anger danced in her eyes.
After leaving her behind, Wes found a quiet spot, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes in meditation.
(I've already seen Dragon Slayer magic firsthand. Now it's time to meet the legendary Fairy Queen herself.)
(That hot-tempered queen should have landed on the island by now…)
Meanwhile—
Elsewhere on the island, Erza Scarlet was in the middle of lecturing three people and a cat.
Natsu and Gray were covered in bruises, lying flat on the ground.
Happy and Lucy clung to each other in fear, trembling as Erza's presence loomed over them.
Erza scanned the area, sensing something strange for a brief moment before focusing back on her team. Her tone dropped cold as steel.
"Natsu. Gray."
Both men instantly straightened up and sat cross-legged, their expressions stiff with dread.
"You two already cause trouble all the time—but this time, you actually took on an S-Class mission without permission!"
"E-Erza, let me explain—" Natsu stammered nervously, cold sweat running down his face. He knew what was coming next.
Erza didn't hesitate—her fist struck Natsu square in the jaw, sending him flying.
"Even if the Master forgives you, I won't! Prepare yourselves!!"
Lucy and Happy nodded frantically from the sidelines, too terrified to speak for fear of being next.
Gray clenched his fists and stood up. "Erza, this isn't as simple as it looks. Since you're here, we might as well get to the bottom of it."
"Yeah!" Natsu jumped back to his feet, eyes blazing. "I'm gonna take that guy down no matter what!"
"Are you two even listening to me?!" Erza's voice thundered like a storm, her anger palpable.
Natsu and Gray both looked stubborn—they weren't about to back down, no matter what she said.
Outside, the villagers had gathered, watching anxiously. They pinned their hopes on the mages from Fairy Tail, believing the rumors—that these were the ones who could truly solve their problem.
Erza exhaled slowly, her resolve firming.
"Fine. Since we've accepted the mission, we'll see it through. We can't let the guild's name be tarnished. And whoever dares harm our comrades… will pay dearly."
"Yes!!" Natsu shouted, leaping high into the air, his energy instantly restored.
°°°
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