Noel was already preparing to infiltrate the Magic Giant, but entering its interior was no easy task.
It swayed heavily with every step, making it difficult to find an entry point. The Magic Giant lifted its massive foot, attempting to crush Noel, but he dodged with ease.
Then, something strange appeared—on the Giant's palm, symbols began to form, resembling a magic circle.
"What… is that?"
"Those are… letters…"
The guild members looked on in confusion, uncertain what the Magic Giant was trying to do.
"A magic circle—this Giant itself is a mage," Cana finally realized.
"This spell… it's Inferno Magic…" Cold sweat ran down Noel's back. This wasn't just any magic—it was a forbidden spell.
And the circle was massive. Its dark waves of magic extended all the way to the Kardia Cathedral. If it advanced any further, Noel would be stuck repairing the town for days, maybe longer.
The spell was nearly complete—at most ten minutes remained.
He had to get inside quickly and destroy the power source. But… could he really make it in time?
Gray, Natsu, and Elfman had already gone inside, and Erza as well. Surely, they would destroy the power source… right?
At that moment, Mirajane rushed out from the guild. But her appearance shifted—she had transformed into Lucy.
"I'm the one you want! Stop attacking the guild!" Mira shouted at the Magic Giant.
There was no hesitation in her voice. If this could buy them more time, then she would gladly bear the burden. It was the most she could do now.
But Jose saw through everything. He immediately recognized the imposter before him.
"I knew from the start Lucy wouldn't be here. She's the target—you think I'd believe you'd place her on the frontlines?" Jose said coldly.
No… he had anticipated it all along. We never considered that possibility.
A crushing sense of helplessness filled Mira's heart. If only she were as strong as she once had been, she could save the guild. But now… she couldn't do anything.
"Mira! Get back! You shouldn't be here—it's too dangerous!" Noel roared.
But Mira only stood there, motionless, head bowed, tears streaming down her face.
"Maybe… it's time we retreat…"
"That magic circle… it looks almost finished."
The guild's formation began to waver. Some were already entertaining thoughts of retreat.
"You're thinking of abandoning the guild?" Noel turned to look at his comrades.
"Ah…" They froze, unable to respond. "No, that's not—"
"We still have comrades fighting inside. We should trust them."
Mira remained rooted in place, her head lowered. Her thoughts swirled in chaos. What should she do? And Elfman… in his current state, he was in no condition to fight.
Suddenly, the Magic Giant's hand moved, seizing Mira where she stood.
"You dare deceive me? Crush her." Jose commanded with a sneer.
"Ah—!" Mira cried out in pain.
Noel had never expected Mira to be so reckless. Since losing her magic, her fiery temper had mellowed, replaced by maturity.
But why now, of all times, did she act so willful? Even knowing the danger, she stood before the guild, shielding it with her body. That was Mira—always Mira.
"Mira!" Cana screamed.
"Noel, can you save her first?" Loke asked, glancing at Noel hovering in the air.
"Of course I'll save Mira. We'll never abandon a single comrade."
Noel immediately dove toward the Giant's arm. But the arm moved as though guided by unseen hands, deliberately dodging Noel's trajectory.
Again and again, Noel pursued the arm, only for it to shift farther away, like a puppet controlled from above.
This Magic Giant was astonishing. Even as an alchemist, theoretically capable of building something similar, Noel lacked the design schematics. He could never create something like this.
Its structure was ingenious. And to power such a massive construct—surely magic crystals weren't enough. Ghost Guild wasn't that wealthy. Then it had to be some other, extraordinary system…
Suddenly, a blast tore a hole in the Giant's wall. From within, Elfman emerged, catching sight of Mira clutched in its hand.
"Run… run away…" Mira turned her head with difficulty, her voice strained.
"Big sis… why?! Why is this happening… Let go of my sister!" Elfman roared.
"Elfman, focus on your battle. Leave this to me," Noel signaled for him to trust him.
But Elfman wasn't listening. Rage consumed him.
"I swore I'd never make my sister cry again! Then why—why is she crying now?! What the hell is this?!"
His fury erupted, his very aura shifting. Noel's eyes widened—what was Elfman about to do?
"No, Elfman… You can only handle one arm!" Mira shouted desperately.
But Elfman didn't hear her.
"So it's come to this again…" Mira whispered with a sigh.
Beast Soul: Full-Body Take Over!
Elfman transformed completely, his form overtaken by the Beast King's soul.
Noel had heard whispers of it before—that during a previous attempt, Elfman had lost control, his power rampaging beyond restraint.
Was it happening again? Noel's chest tightened. If Elfman lost control now, things would become even more difficult.
Back then, even Mirajane—an S-Class mage at the time—struggled greatly to subdue him. Noel himself had no understanding of Take Over magic; if Elfman rampaged, he wouldn't know how to stop him.
But Noel didn't hesitate. By now, he had climbed onto the Giant's massive arm.
"Alchemy—Form Alteration!"
The structure of the Giant's arm shifted instantly, becoming loose and unstable. Mira managed to scramble onto the surface with ease.
"Should I send you down? This place is far too dangerous," Noel asked, his tone serious.
"I'll stay here and watch. If Elfman loses control, I'll be the one to bring him back." Mira's voice was firm, unwavering.
"Don't be ridiculous! Stop gambling with your life. What do you think life is?" Noel shot back.
"This is my duty—as his sister. Don't worry about me," Mira replied, resolute.
"…Fine." Noel had no words left. Her reasoning was flawless, and unshakable.
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