Chapter 43: Ultear
"What's happening?"
Ultear felt a chill run down her spine as she observed Dino. The Magic Council had precious little intel on him—mostly because anyone who'd witnessed his full power firsthand hadn't lived to file a report.
What they did know painted a terrifying picture: Dino Maxim was a mage wielding Tremor Magic, a rare and devastating form of super magic. The destruction he'd caused spoke for itself—in terms of raw destructive power, few could match him.
His dark guild, Grimoire Heart, carried a danger rating that exceeded even the Ten Wizard Saints. The Council's official stance was clear: avoid engagement unless absolutely necessary.
Ultear possessed exceptional natural magical power herself, far surpassing most mages. She'd come here on a mission, but encountering him had awakened something else—a desire to test herself against true strength. Now, seeing the look in his eyes, she realized that might have been a fatal mistake.
"Now you'll see why they call me Fairy Tail's strongest mage."
"Arc of Time!"
Ultear's instincts screamed at her to act. Her sixth sense—usually reliable—was blaring warning signals.
A crystal orb shot toward Dino at high speed. He casually swatted it aside with one fist.
CRASH! The orb shattered, then instantly reformed.
"One wasn't enough? Then how about ten?" Ultear gestured, summoning ten crystal orbs that converged on Dino from every angle. He weaved between them effortlessly—dodging, punching, kicking—treating her assault like a warm-up exercise.
"Ten won't do it? Then try one hundred!"
"Enough."
A white aura enveloped Dino's right fist as he punched the empty air beside him.
CRACK—CRACK—CRACK!
Space itself shattered. Every single crystal orb—all one hundred—exploded simultaneously, reduced to glittering dust.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The entire ruin trembled violently.
Ultear's eyes widened. "Master Dino, even if you don't care about these ruins, think of your companions! You need to control yourself!"
"How disappointing." Dino's voice dripped with disdain. "I expected something incredible from a Time Magic user, but all I get is flying crystal balls? Time Magic should let you accelerate time, freeze it, even reverse it."
"Imagine—speeding yourself up to move faster, stopping enemies in their tracks, rewinding injuries or dodging attacks by reversing your own timeline. That's what it means to control time."
Ultear's face flushed red with anger and embarrassment. If I could actually do those things, you wouldn't need to lecture me about it!
"Go!" She sent dozens more orbs hurtling toward him.
WOOSH!
Dino vanished.
"So fast—!"
She felt a hand on her shoulder. Her heart stopped. She leaped forward desperately, but immediately felt fingers close around her throat.
This time, Ultear froze completely. One wrong move and he could end her. Her mind raced with regret—why had she provoked this monster? Her life was literally in his hands.
"W-well… actually, Master Dino, your earlier proposal has some merit. Perhaps we could—"
VMMMMM!
"Kyaaa!!"
A tremor pulse rippled through her body, dispersing her magical energy. Her transformation magic collapsed instantly, revealing her true appearance—a beautiful young woman with long dark hair.
"Ah, so that's why I kept catching a woman's scent." Dino lifted her chin with one finger, his expression playful and dangerous. "A beautiful woman disguised as a beautiful woman. Now what should I do with you?"
Ultear's face hardened into a professional mask. "I am Ultear, member of the Magic Council. I expect you to show proper respect, Master Dino."
"Oh, revealing your identity now? Then tell me, Miss Ultear of the Magic Council—what brings you to this island?"
"I received intelligence that someone planned to resurrect the Demon of Disaster. I came to verify the report and, if true, eliminate the threat. Tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity… until you interfered."
Dino laughed. "They say women are natural actresses—the more beautiful, the better the liar. Guess the old saying holds true."
Ultear's expression cracked slightly. "What are you implying?"
"Let me guess—you're the one who manipulated Leon, aren't you? You told him Moon Drip could break the Iced Shell seal."
"Your real plan was to let him do the heavy lifting, then use your magic to control Deliora once it was free."
Ultear turned away stiffly. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"What a waste of time and talent—scheming over something so trivial."
"What did you say?" Ultear glared at him.
"I said you're small-minded. Instead of training to improve your actual strength, you chase shortcuts. And for what? Deliora? Even if you succeeded in resurrecting it, what difference would it make?"
"Hmph! You clearly have no idea how terrifying Zeref's demon Deliora truly is."
With everything exposed, Ultear dropped the pretense. She was at his mercy here. Even if he killed her, who would believe any report she filed with the Council? It would be her word against his—if she even survived.
Dino's grin turned predatory. "I may not know how scary Deliora is…"
He leaned in closer.
"…but I can show you how scary I am."