The moment the ancient book touched Kael, it dissolved into streams of light, flowing directly into his body. Immediately, a golden magic circle appeared in his left eye, a blue one in his right, and a radiant aura lifted him into the air.
"Damn it… Kael."Laxus bristled with electricity, stepping protectively in front of Kana and the villagers. His brow furrowed as he watched Kael, fists clenched and crackling with raw power, magic coiling around his arms, ready to strike at a moment's notice. He shouted toward Kael, trying to gauge his state.
"Kael?"Kana instinctively tried to rush forward, but Laxus's hand shot out, stopping her. "Don't go yet."
"I'm fine," Kael's ethereal voice drifted down to them. He then turned to the villagers, their faces pale with fear, standing behind Laxus.
"This is the final protection granted by your ancient ancestors," Kael said, joining his hands. He summoned all his magic, and the circles behind him activated again—one half golden, one half blue. Rising from the magic, an ethereal figure appeared: a woman with a crown, flowing blue hair, clad in a majestic ceremonial gown, her gaze tenderly watching over the villagers.
"This…? The story was true?"The elder's face was full of shock as he was the first to kneel. Seeing their leader show such reverence, the villagers followed suit, dropping to their knees as well.
Kael lifted his head, chanting in an ancient, indecipherable language. Spreading his hands, a swirling orb of gold-and-blue energy appeared in his palms. Above, a massive magic circle mirrored the one on the ground, forming a breathtaking starry sky in the heavens.
"So beautiful," Kana murmured, unable to hide her awe.
She and Laxus watched in silence as the magic reflected the stars across the sky, connecting with the circle on the ground. Stars shimmered, their light cascading gently downward.
"Super Magic—Starlight's Blessing."The orb in Kael's hands began to float upward. The starlight from the sky magic circle merged with it, and the combined energy slowly descended, merging into Laxus, Kana, and the villagers.
Kana glanced down, marveling at her body glowing with soft light. Laxus clenched his hands, then released them, feeling the subtle difference in his own form. The villagers, too, looked at themselves in awe as the blessing took effect.
As the spell completed, the noble figure behind Kael slowly faded, eyes closing as if her wish had been fulfilled. Kael gently descended to the ground.
But the moment his feet touched the earth, his legs buckled. Kana and Laxus were immediately at his side, catching him before he could fall.
"Are you okay?"Kana cradled Kael's head in her lap, her face full of concern. Laxus, standing close by, watched as well, noting Kael's pallid complexion and near-total depletion of magic. He had never seen Kael so weak before—the spell had taken a tremendous toll.
"I'm fine… just a bit drained of magic… haha, miscalculated," Kael murmured, his voice weak, hoarse, and fragile. Even so, he forced a smile, trying to reassure them.
"Really… still pushing yourself, huh?" Kana scolded gently, tapping Kael's head.
"This magic required the caster's powerful will and heartfelt wish," Kael explained as he gradually recovered in the sunlight, sitting up. "It channels your wish through the energy of magic and starlight. You need immense magical power and a pure heart to make it work. Luckily, this array drew on the magic of many mages before me, combined with my own. I barely managed it. The queen's wish… and mine… I still don't know if it has fully succeeded."
"A wish?"
"Yes. The queen wished to protect her people forever from disasters and illness. My wish… is that you all may always be happy."
"Do you feel it?" Kael asked, leaning closer to Laxus and Kana, watching for any reaction.
"I… feel incredibly happy already," Kana said, smiling warmly, her eyes sparkling like stars, radiating love. Her lips curved in gentle sweetness.
Kael's heart fluttered in response, and for a moment, he lost himself in the feeling. Ignoring everyone else, he instinctively moved toward Kana to embrace her.
"Cough… cough."A sudden cough snapped them back to reality. They both turned to see a slightly embarrassed Laxus, alongside villagers smiling at the young couple. Kael chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
After completing the task, the trio began their journey back to the town.
"Laxus, how did you know Kael and I were here on a mission?" Kana asked, puzzled. Their mission route had been decided privately between her and Kael—no one else could know.
"Coincidence. I was in the area for my own mission. Kael just sensed me with his perception," Laxus replied honestly.
"See? Laxus and I are on the same wavelength," Kael added, giving a thumbs-up toward Laxus.
"Ugh…" Laxus rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.
Kana sensed something odd and turned to check, but Kael quickly withdrew his hand, hiding it. She only saw Laxus turning away in disdain and Kael awkwardly smiling.
Though suspicious, Kana had no proof, so she kept her doubts to herself.
"What about these three?" Kana asked, looking at the three people still bound and floating in the air.
"Leave them to the Council. That's their best choice, right?" Kael smiled warmly, his tone gentle as he delivered their final fate. The captives could only nod in agreement, their mouths magically sealed, a silent acknowledgment of their situation.
Once handed over to the nearest town council, Kael, Kana, and Laxus boarded the train heading straight for Magloria Town.
Fairy Tail Guild…
"Everyone! We're back!" Kael pushed open the guild doors. The usual noisy chatter fell silent for a moment, then erupted into cheers when they recognized Kael and Kana.
Erza and Mirajane quickly pulled Kana aside, asking about their adventures. Kana took the opportunity to pull out a photo album from Kael's bag and began explaining.
When they reached a particularly unflattering picture of Laxus, everyone froze. A lightning-imbued hand shot out and shredded the photo instantly.
"Pfft~"Erza and Mirajane paused, then laughed heartily, marveling at this rare glimpse of Laxus's vulnerable side.
"Kael! You promised to destroy that!" Laxus snapped, electricity crackling around him in anger and embarrassment.
Natsu, Gray, and the others quickly jumped aside, giving space for Laxus and Kael.
"Uh… I have an explanation… actually, a reason!" Kael stammered, caught off guard. He had intended to keep the photo separately, but one had slipped through.
"You'd better take my punch first, then explain," Laxus growled, cracking his knuckles as he advanced.
Kael tried to dodge but was immediately restrained by Natsu and Gray holding onto his legs.
"Sorry, Kael, Laxus's patience ran out."
"Ugh~" Kael struggled helplessly, bound in place.
The guild erupted in laughter. Makarov watched happily, saying nothing, though he sneaked glances at another photo of Laxus tucked in Kael's pocket.