Why was Makarov here?
Of course—it was because of Moen. He had been following Moen the whole way. From Magnolia, to Clover, to the Wass Forest, and now to this place, Makarov had never left his grandson's side.
After all, this was Moen's very first real mission outside. His first time leaving Magnolia. His first time away from Fairy Tail.
As Guild Master and as a grandfather—Makarov couldn't rest easy. That was why he shadowed Moen quietly, always watching, always ready to protect.
But truthfully, Moen's performance had been outstanding. Mature and steady, he hadn't needed Makarov's help even once. That fact filled the old man with pride.
It wasn't favoritism toward his grandson. In fact, Makarov always worried when a child from the guild went on their first job. Each time, he would secretly follow behind them. The old man really did exhaust himself with concern for every one of his children.
"Don't mind the details, Moen. What matters now is dealing with this mess. Just like that boy said—this thing is dangerous. We absolutely cannot allow it to complete."
Makarov's expression hardened as he waved Moen to focus, refusing to explain why he was here, or why his timing was so precise. His gaze lifted toward the sky, locking onto the black void that looked ready to devour all existence.
"AAAAHHHHH!!!"
Jellal roared from the side, pouring every ounce of strength into the staff in his hands.
His heart was restless. A moment ago, only Moen had been here. Now an old man had arrived as well. And both refused to flee.
Jellal didn't want to drag anyone down. Alone, even if he failed in the end, he could accept death. But with others here—if he failed, and they died because of him—he could never forgive himself.
"Moen! Listen to my signal! Together, inject magic into the circle!"
Makarov's eyes flashed, fully focused on the spellwork. He bellowed at Moen, preparing to synchronize their efforts.
"Understood!"
When the expert spoke, Moen obeyed without hesitation. He trusted his grandfather's knowledge, experience, and ability without question. The right choice was simply to follow Makarov's lead.
"Three… two… one—now, inject!"
Makarov timed it perfectly. In a burst, he unleashed his magic, forcing it directly into the circle.
Moen concentrated deeply. At the signal, he flared his cosmos-like energy. His internal magic core blazed, channels surging as he poured magic into the array—matching Makarov's chosen point exactly, flawless synchronization that allowed no chance for disruption.
BOOM!!!
As their magic merged with the circle, the change was instant. The crushing black hole that had been pressing Jellal to the brink suddenly shifted under the array's force. The void began to rise upward, shrinking bit by bit. The magic circle was finally fulfilling its purpose.
Jellal's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't believed these two could actually help. Especially that old man—this "Master"—who could directly inject his own power into the array Jellal had crafted!
For someone else to force their magic into another mage's array—without collapse—proved a mastery of magic at a terrifying level. Almost inconceivable!
Jellal, himself an expert in magical circles, felt shaken to his core. His heart brimmed with respect for the old man before him.
BOOM!!!
As the array took full effect, the heavenly anomaly faded. The black clouds scattered. The sky returned to clear blue.
Calm returned—as if nothing had ever happened.
"Haa… haa… haa…"
Jellal collapsed to his knees, the staff barely keeping him upright. The sheer flood of power had taxed his body heavily.
"Jellal, are you alright?"
Moen stepped forward, catching him before he hit the ground.
"Thank you… Moen."
Jellal managed a faint smile, forcing the words out.
"And to you as well, honored elder. I am deeply grateful. I'm sorry to have caused you such trouble. This was something I should have resolved myself…"
After thanking Moen, he turned toward Makarov, bowing his head in both gratitude and shame.
"You foolish child…"
Makarov shook his head. This boy was truly stubborn. He insisted on solving everything alone, just so others wouldn't get dragged in, so they wouldn't risk their lives along with him.
"What was that just now? Was this the reason you rushed off before?"
Moen supported Jellal, asking with great curiosity.
That terrifying magic from before had been abnormally dangerous. Although Moen couldn't quite figure out its exact effect, it definitely wasn't anything good.
"Th-that was…"
As soon as Moen asked, Jellal began to stammer. He clearly didn't want to say it—or perhaps he felt too ashamed. So ashamed that even opening his mouth to speak about it made him feel unbearably heavy.
Jellal mumbled, but not a single complete sentence came out.
"Child, you're from another world, aren't you?"
It was Makarov who suddenly spoke up. The old man's sudden words froze Jellal on the spot. Not only him—even Moen, who was supporting him, was stunned.
But after just a moment of daze, Moen immediately realized—Makarov wasn't talking about him. From the context, the tone, and even the direction of his gaze, it was obvious the Guild Master was referring to Jellal.
Moen let out a long breath of relief. For just a moment, he thought his greatest secret had been discovered.
But after relaxing, Moen's expression quickly turned strange. He turned his eyes toward Jellal.
So this guy Jellal, with those thick brows and honest-looking face… he's actually a transmigrator?
Moen looked him up and down. Honestly, Jellal really did seem stranger than himself—what with that wand that stored absurd amounts of magic power, and his body that didn't even contain a single drop of natural magic energy.
How to put it… compared to himself, Jellal looked even more like someone who had crossed over from another world.
"H-how do you know?!"
Jellal exclaimed in shock. After the first wave of panic, he basically confessed outright, acknowledging his identity.
Moen couldn't help but click his tongue. Good lord, so he really is a transmigrator!
"Because I have an old friend I've known for decades… and he's just like you."
Makarov grinned as he said this, once again leaving both Jellal and Moen completely frozen.
"How… how can that be…?"
Jellal was dumbfounded, utterly unable to believe it.
Moen, meanwhile, was wincing inwardly. Just how many secrets is this old man hiding?
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