As Belserion had said, after Erza merged with the Holy Dragon Slaying Crystal, under the guidance of this Wise Dragon uncle, she quickly began to master the Holy Dragon Slaying.
The reason her progress was so rapid was not only Erza's high innate talent, but also her deep familiarity with the workings of Dragon Slaying Magic, thanks in large part to Natsu, who had been beating her up since childhood.
Seeing the platinum-colored specks gradually appearing around Erza, Hope sincerely felt happy for her.
"Alright, children."
Belserion's voice pulled the two's thoughts back to reality, and Hope and Erza then realized that his body had become slightly more translucent than before, and it was continuously dissipating into tiny specks of light.
Erza thought of something, and a flash of sadness crossed her eyes.
Hope also let out a sigh.
They both understood that Belserion's Thought Projection was about to give out; a Thought Projection that had existed for nearly 400 years was already a miracle.
Belserion lowered his massive head, and his gaze toward Erza was filled with elder care. "Child, this is all the help I can give you; the road ahead, you must forge yourselves."
Belserion's tone was calm; his Thought Projection had been sustained for almost 400 years, and now it was about time to depart.
For centuries, Belserion had regretted not sleeping then; although that would have caused the Thought Projection to quickly disintegrate due to chaotic magical power, at least it could help Ailin.
But after seeing Erza, Belserion let go of his regrets.
As for the ghosts trapped by its Attachment Spell, although they still resent their past deeds, after centuries the torment no longer interested him.
Belserion didn't forgive those who once betrayed and hurt Ailin; he merely spared his regretful self.
Erza watched the massive dragon silhouette gradually become ethereal, and felt sad; though they'd only met briefly, Belserion's care for her was no less than anyone else's.
"Don't show that expression, Erza."
Seeing Erza, Belserion's voice remained deep and strong, his eyes full of tenderness as he began, "The cycle of life is just like that; my original body died long ago. Surviving these many years on a Thought Projection, I've already earned enough."
"Erza, being able to see you at the final moment and entrusting you with the seven extermination dragons, I have no regrets now."
"You also must live well."
Belserion's massive form grew increasingly translucent, the specks of light floating upward like fireflies, illuminating the platform beneath everyone's feet as bright as day.
Erza clenched her fist, her nails digging deep into her palm. Though reluctant, she straightened her posture, a determined light flashing in her eyes. "Uncle Belserion, I will never betray your expectations; I will use this power to live well."
Belserion nodded appreciatively; his silhouette had faded so much that the sky behind him was almost visible, his gaze finally resting on Hope.
"Multiple magics converge within me, and now I've added Dragon Slaying Power... You've taken my benefit, remember to also look after Erza."
"I will." Hope nodded solemnly.
Belserion calmly closed his massive Dragon Eye; though he couldn't see Ailin again, she was surely somewhere in this world now.
"Erza, if you are fortunate enough to see your mother again, please tell her that Belserion's best Memory in his life belongs to her."
"Then, it's time to say goodbye."
As the final words fell, the Wise Dragon's massive dragon body became completely transparent, turning into countless brilliant specks of light that spiraled upward into the sky, eventually vanishing entirely, leaving only the ancient stone tablet that bore witness to a sealed chapter of history.
With Belserion's disappearance, the ghosts bound by the Attachment Spell in the forest let out their final wails; the Attachment Spell placed upon them was lifted as its caster departed.
The twisted silhouettes of the ghosts, together with the thousands of corpses on the platform, turned into wisps of blue smoke in the lingering magical afterglow, dissipating along with Belserion.
The spacious platform returned to silence.
Erza was silent for a moment, and when she spoke, her voice returned to its usual calm decisiveness, "Let's go, Hope."
Hope nodded, turning to look at Old Book and the Archaeological Team Members nearby, "Everyone, will your archaeological expedition continue?"
"No, no."
Old Book shook his head repeatedly; this exploration of the ruins, though it yielded no substantial records, no longer mattered—just hearing about Erza's bizarre background was already explosive enough.
Old Book patted his chest and said to Hope and Erza, "Rest assured, only the few of us know what happened today; it won't be spread around."
Hope expressed thanks on Erza's behalf.
Even if they exposed today's events, it wouldn't cause trouble; after all, it was too bizarre.
The return journey was much easier than the arrival; without danger, everyone took just over an hour to get back to Twilight Town.
Hope told the innkeeper about the ghosts' disappearance; the news quickly spread throughout the town, and the mayor led the residents to thank Hope and Erza, taking them a while to arrive.
In any case, this town, haunted by ghosts for decades, could finally get a good night's sleep tonight.
Old Book promptly settled the payment; 20 million J was immediately split and transferred into Hope and Erza's Mage Financial Inheritance, and the old man's lavish card swipe made Hope want to join the Historical Guild.
Unfortunately, Old Book said their guild doesn't accept illiterates.
Facing Old Book's sarcastic tone, Hope swore that if she hadn't intervened quickly, the old man would have been knocked down by Erza, because... she hadn't read many books either... The physical condition of historians is no better than that of mages; after a day of trouble they just wanted to rest, so they simply stayed at an inn in Twilight Town.
Honestly, without the ghosts, this sky‑always‑sunset red town is still a wonderful place.
After saying goodbye to Old Book and the Archaeological Team Members, Hope and Erza boarded the Mage Train back to Magnolia.
Looking out the window and listening to the clatter of the train on the tracks, Erza gazed at the receding ruins forest still bathed in a sky of red clouds, silently murmuring:
"Goodbye, Uncle Belserion."
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