A streak of blue blurred across the sky, racing away and leaving a shimmering trail in its wake.
"He's been taken care of, Natsu!" Noel called into the distance.
"Hey, I think I heard something just now…" Happy murmured.
"It was probably just your imagination. Let's hurry and catch up with Erigor!"
Noel watched as Natsu disappeared into the sky—did he not hear his shout?
Suddenly, another Magic Vehicle roared up beside them. Erza was driving.
"Erigor's been dealt with?" she asked from inside.
"Yes, of course," Noel replied, pointing to Erigor—now battered and defeated.
"And what about Lullaby?" Erza asked, concerned.
"I sealed it with alchemy," Noel answered. "That thing is no good—but it's fascinating."
He held the flute with unusual intensity in his gaze.
The vehicle screeched to a halt. Everyone jumped out, showing a mix of shock and disbelief as they looked at Erigor on the ground.
"How is this possible? Erigor defeated…" one shaken guild member stammered.
Noel had seen this type of person before—someone whose entire identity fell apart once their pillar of strength collapsed.
He glanced at the newcomer again. This was the person who had pursued and defeated Erigor earlier at the station.
"I think he's from Eisenwald Guild. Are we sure it's safe to bring him along?" Noel asked Erza.
"Yes," Erza replied. "He was betrayed by his own guild. That kind of pain… he's worth protecting."
"Understood. Just keep an eye on him. As an Eisenwald member, he eventually has to face the Council."
Noel didn't ask further—Erza had her own leadership style. Since she initiated the mission, he didn't feel the need to interfere.
Kageyama said nothing. He simply bandaged Erigor diligently, offering a quiet care that belied his origins.
"Have you seen Natsu?"
Lucy remembered that Happy and Natsu had flown off to chase Erigor.
"I called for him but got no response. He probably flew toward the tracks."
"That idiot… couldn't he hear you?" Lucy sighed.
But if anyone could do something absurd like that—it'd be Natsu.
"He must not have heard," Noel said helplessly.
"We can't leave him behind," Gray insisted.
True enough—if Natsu was left unattended, he'd likely end up wandering into some critical meeting.
"I'll stay with these two. You go chase after Natsu," Noel proposed.
"Be safe," Erza nodded. The others climbed into the Magic Vehicle and sped off toward the tracks.
"Alright. Now it's just the three of us. But don't even think about pulling something sneaky. If you try anything, I won't show mercy," Noel warned calmly.
Kageyama fell silent—clearly subdued by Noel's presence. This man was no ordinary Dark Guild operative. At least he wasn't ruled by emotion.
"He's your leader, right?" Noel glanced at the unconscious Erigor.
Kageyama strained and adjusted his burden, still carrying his injured leader.
"Yes… I swore I would never abandon Brother Erigor," he replied with steely resolve.
"I see… Even in a Dark Guild, there are still people with loyalty."
Noel smiled wryly. This was the first time he'd seen that kind of honor in someone from a Dark Guild.
"Sometimes people get labeled wrongly, but character still matters," he thought.
Kageyama, exhausted yet resolute, watched as Noel readied himself.
"I'm heading to the local enforcement office. You know what that means, right?" Noel asked curtly.
Kageyama understood—it meant Erigor would face arrest.
But he made it clear: he would never betray his brother.
"I can't let him go to prison," Kageyama said firmly, unyielding.
"Even if it means fighting me while injured?" Noel smiled, impressed by the courage, though dubious.
"Eight Shadows."
Suddenly, Kageyama's shadow expanded and split into eight serpent-like heads, lunging at Noel.
"Swift Wind: Thousand-Leaf Scatter!"
Countless cutting winds coalesced into tornado-like blades in the air.
Each serpent head collided with the spiral of wind—and was torn apart into nothingness.
"What? How is this...?" Kageyama stammered, powerless. That was his strongest attack, yet it was effortlessly undone.
"Not seeing the gap in power yet?" Noel's gaze sharpened. He had warned Kageyama before—but this was still provocation.
"If you never fight, you'll never grow," Kageyama said, sweat rolling, but standing firm—his intent was to protect.
"Shadow Grasp."
Kageyama's shadows morphed into countless clawed fingers, reaching out in a savage assault.
"Wind Swift."
Noel transformed into a streak of green light—dodging every strike with ease. Not a single finger grazed him.
"What…" Kageyama's despair deepened. He realized clearly—there was no winning.
"Storm Surge." Noel said softly.
Instantly, the flow of air erupted violently—bricks and debris near Kageyama were torn and whirled into the vortex.
Kageyama's already-injured body took a fresh wave of damage; even bandaged wounds cracked.
"Thank you," Kageyama said quietly as he fell. "It's an honor to be defeated by my brother's hand…"
Noel stared at him, unsure how to feel.
For others, Kageyama might seem evil—but to Eisenwald, he was a man of loyalty and sacrifice.
Noel hoisted both Erigor and Kageyama onto his shoulders. It was time to deliver them both to the Enforcement Division.
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