Over the course of a hundred years, much information and countless books had long vanished into the river of time.
This left Caesar confused about much of what remained.
Robin Lu, the only one who knew more details, had also fallen into a deep sleep.
Everything he told Caesar amounted to only fragments.
Those who destroy gods will eventually become gods themselves.
So what exactly is a god?
Another kind of life form.
Or perhaps humans who transcended their limits and ascended to a higher level.
From Erevseria, Caesar learned fragments of ancient history.
Before the age ruled by dragons, there were records of the Age of Gods.
But by that time, the gods had already disappeared.
Only scattered records remained, along with some magic meant to destroy them.
As time passed, in theory, God Slaying Magic should have vanished as well.
After all, it was magic recorded in books that anyone could learn.
Yet God Slaying Magic survived.
It reappeared in an era where magic was abundant.
That alone was enough to make one uneasy.
As for the so called gods, Erevseria did not know much.
Still, he told Caesar everything he remembered.
There were twelve gods.
The God of Death.
The God of Time.
The God of Light.
The God of the Sky.
The God of Fire.
The God of Thunder.
"There was once a rumor," Erevseria said while looking at Caesar.
"Those who kill gods will eventually become gods."
"Never step into the realm of gods, or you will be cursed forever."
"So whatever you are seeking, be careful."
Erevseria continued.
"I have said everything I needed to say."
"The hundred year mission is officially over."
Caesar nodded.
He understood.
At Erevseria's invitation, they went to a nearby hot spring.
Caesar agreed, intending to rest for a while.
Soaking in the warm water, Caesar leaned against a rock.
His gaze was empty as he looked at the darkening sky.
"Caesar," Ignia asked from across the spring.
"Are you asking these questions because you want to go after those so called gods?"
"That sounds dangerous."
"Do you have any useful information?"
Caesar looked toward Ignia.
Ignia shook his head.
"If I had any, do you think I wouldn't have told Zeref?"
"That answers it."
Caesar sighed softly.
"I know how to break their curse."
"But the price is their lives."
"I want them to live."
"So the only option is to beat Ankhseram down."
"Killing a god brings misfortune," Erevseria said as he sat down nearby.
"I can't help you much."
"But as someone who has fulfilled his wish, I want to remind you."
"Your own safety matters."
"You're not alone."
"Don't forget the people you love."
"And those who care about you."
"Don't worry," Caesar said with a laugh.
"I value my life very much."
If he didn't, he would not have researched the absolute defense derived from Fairy Heart.
As long as his magic power was unlimited, he was untouchable.
Inside his body were three tons of Philosopher's Stones.
They reduced the cost and made his defense nearly absolute.
"Lord Caesar," Selene's voice echoed from underwater.
It reached him through magic linking the springs.
"What do those gods truly want?"
"It's hard to say," Caesar replied calmly.
"But I discovered something."
"When believers sincerely worship someone."
"When they see them as a god."
"When they are willing to offer everything."
"That person has a chance to become a god."
"At the same time," Caesar continued.
"God Slaying Magic survived through time."
"It still exists in this era."
"It's hard not to think deeper about that."
"They use those who learn God Slaying Magic as nourishment," Selene said flatly.
"How is that any different from dragons?"
"But if they already became gods," Caesar frowned.
"Why would they still need nourishment?"
"What really happened?"
"And the Ankhseram curse."
"Was it only meant to force Zeref to take his place?"
"And what about Mavis?"
"Her curse appeared without reason."
"It felt random."
"It makes no sense."
"The only solution is simple."
"Find that guy."
"Beat him up."
"Make him tell the truth."
"Why beat him up?" Erevseria asked, confused.
"I won't feel satisfied otherwise," Caesar said irritably.
"It's troublesome."
"And who knows if he's lying."
"Beat him until he behaves."
"If he lies, beat him again."
"That's simple."
Selene chuckled.
Her tone was full of interest.
"Then I'll guide you from now on."
"There's no need for you to waste time exploring each world one by one."
"I have no problem with that," Selene replied playfully.
"But I have distorted several worlds."
"In their eyes, I'm a world destroying being."
"If we go there, we may face revenge from their strongest."
"Would you still let me guide you?"
Caesar froze.
He had forgotten that detail.
Selene looked gentle now.
But she was someone who once destroyed worlds for her own interests.
Letting her lead was risky.
Still, Caesar quickly made a decision.
With Selene guiding him, time would be saved.
As for the worlds she angered.
He could go alone.
No need to bring her along.
Selene burst into laughter after hearing this.
"This world journey will be interesting."
After the hot springs, Erevseria personally prepared a feast.
This old man, single for over a century, still had excellent skills.
After eating their fill, Caesar, Selene, and Ignia used long distance teleportation.
They returned to Fairy Tail.
Immediately after, everyone went home.
They sought out their families.
As for reporting the completion of the hundred year mission.
Tomorrow.
With Makarov back, both he and Caesar held authority as guild masters.
They could contact the council through a magic crystal later.
For now.
Caesar held Mirajane close.
And enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep.