Drake actually admitted that he was responsible for this entire incident.
To explore the mysteries of Dragon Slayer magic, Drake needed a Fifth Generation Dragon Slayer as a research subject.
So, Drake had set a trap and captured Kiria.
But even though he called it research, Drake hadn't actually treated Kiria like a lab rat. While he had restricted her movements, he had made sure she was well-fed and well-treated.
Besides, Kiria had been the one to provoke him upon their initial encounter, not even giving Drake a chance to properly discuss a cooperative arrangement.
Even so, Drake didn't think his actions were appropriate. Therefore, if the members of Diabolos approached him seeking compensation, he would accept any reasonable demands.
And even if they wished to fight, Drake would oblige, and wouldn't hold a grudge against them for it.
But they shouldn't have hurt the others, especially endangering the lives of his companions.
Whether it was Fairy Tail's style or Drake's personal code, his companions always came first.
Even if it meant defying the world, Fairy Tail had always been bold and willing to act for the sake of their comrades. There was nothing more to discuss; war was the only conclusion.
So, when the Dragon Eaters returned to Toka in search of Drake and his group, Drake, accompanied by Stella and Kagura, was already awaiting them along their path.
Drake surveyed the approaching group, his gaze swiftly focusing on a slender youth.
Strangely, it seemed that Drake was the only one who could perceive the boy; Stella and Kagura remained vigilant towards the other three Dragon Eaters.
So that's why Sting and Rogue's condition had been so strange; it was due to him.
Luce, the Fifth Generation Dragon Slayer of the Spirit Dragon. A unique existence, visible only to Dragon Slayers.
He was a spectral being, and had devoured the Spirit Dragon, which was why he alone possessed the ability to seal Sting and Rogue's souls.
Drake didn't know how Luce had managed to preserve his soul after death, or how he had devoured the Spirit Dragon to acquire Dragon Slayer magic.
But Drake did know that Luce had been a member of Fairy Tail in life, a comrade of Makarov from a bygone era.
This was not necessarily a negative development; Luce lacked any recollection of his past life, and simply helping him regain his memories would resolve the issue with Sting and Rogue.
It was preferable to placing the key to their awakening in the hands of another, which could potentially lead to a catastrophic outcome.
With these thoughts in mind, Drake turned his attention to the three distinctive individuals before him. Without the need for introductions, Drake recognized them instantly.
Skullion Raider, Madmole, and the Sword Saint Dragon Suzaku, who stood between them.
Suzaku stepped forward, stating, "I had assumed you would have already fled. I did not expect you to possess the audacity to appear before us. However, I have not encountered this individual before… Ah, so this is the source of your confidence."
Drake examined the one said to be among the strongest of the Dragon Eaters, replying, "I apologize; there may have been a more amicable solution to this matter. However, I am currently incensed. Therefore, let us dispense with the pleasantries."
Suzaku placed his hand upon the hilt of his blade, responding, "It appears you are unwilling to readily release my comrade. Then, let it be as you desire."
As a member of Diabolos' elite squad, the Black Howling Dragon Knights, Suzaku possessed strength in all aspects of combat.
He had prepared for battle the moment he saw Drake, but even so, he hadn't been able to see Drake's movements.
The moment he finished speaking, Drake was already before him, a straight punch that generated a sonic boom slamming into Suzaku's abdomen, sending him flying.
Skullion and Madmole hadn't even had time to react before they saw Drake chasing after the flying Suzaku. Just as they were about to follow to help, Stella and Kagura blocked their path.
"Let's settle our score from last time!" Stella summoned her Dragon Slayer Sword, pointing it at the two.
Luce sighed, and walked over, intending to use his power to help his companions subdue their opponents.
However, just as Luce stepped within three meters of the two, the bracelet on Stella's wrist lit up.
Stella activated the magic item that Drake had left behind, following his instructions.
A hexagram lit up beneath Luce's feet, and six barriers of light rose up from the vertices of the hexagram, forming a prison that directly confined Luce.
Luce reached out a hand, touching the barrier of light, and after confirming that he couldn't pass through it, he said to the two, "I'm sorry; it seems the opponent was prepared for me. I can't be of any help in this battle!"
Skullion said, "Don't worry; we're enough to handle it!"
Stella didn't know who Skullion was talking to, but she knew that Drake's preparations had worked.
Without having to worry about the invisible enemy, all that was left was to deal with the opponents that she could see.
…
At the same time that Stella's battle began, Drake had caught up with Suzaku, who had been sent flying a long distance.
Suzaku performed a flip in mid-air and landed on his feet, lowering his body into a stance for drawing his sword.
"A drawing sword technique, huh?"
Drake also saw Suzaku's stance, and naturally recognized his technique.
To be honest, Drake really couldn't guess what kind of dragon the Sword Saint Dragon was, or what its specific abilities were.
But having devoured it, Suzaku was definitely qualified to be called a Sword Saint.
Just from his stance alone, Drake could sense a hint of danger.
"Netherworld Style Drawing Sword Technique: Netherworld Ruin!"
A massive blade of magic power appeared, seeming to cleave the entire earth in two.
And Drake was directly facing this attack, which felt like the end of the world.
"Perfect; let's try out my new power! Mode… Flame Dragon God!"
Having just obtained the Flame Dragon God power, Drake hadn't yet integrated it into his Dragon Force, but he felt it was enough.
Suzaku was strong; eight years from now, he would even defeat the Moon Dragon God, one of the Five Dragon Gods, in a head-on fight.
Although the Moon Dragon God had been holding back in order to find Diabolos, with the pride of a dragon, the human-form Moon Dragon God probably couldn't have withstood Suzaku's self-taught blade technique.
But as he said, that was eight years from now; the current Suzaku hadn't yet reached that level. After sensing Suzaku's magic power, Drake could make that judgment.
"Flame Dragon God's Rupture Fist!"
The dragon form of Ignia roared behind Drake, and as Drake moved, he unleashed his iron fist.
The terrifying blade that Suzaku had unleashed was directly shattered by this punch.
Suzaku then realized that he had underestimated his opponent; although he looked young, he was clearly a powerhouse on par with their guild master.
Drake wouldn't have been happy to hear Suzaku's thoughts. What a joke; comparing himself to that guy who was stepped on and killed by the Moon Dragon God was an insult.
But even without knowing this, it wouldn't stop Drake from taking care of this still somewhat green Sword Saint Dragon.
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off