Makarov had recently met the newly emerging Siegrain, and although they hadn't actually spoken, Makarov remembered the guy's face vividly because he looked exactly like Mystogan.
At the time, Makarov found it very strange.
After all, in his understanding, Mystogan's counterpart in this world should also be named Jellal.
Although he hadn't met him, Marco said that Erza knew the Jellal of this world.
Regarding this, Makarov had always kept an eye out.
Erza had never seen Mystogan's true face, only saying that she knew Jellal, and none of them had seen Jellal's true face either.
Whether the two "Jellals" were counterparts still needed verification—they might simply share the same name.
There were indeed cases where counterparts from two different worlds had different names, so one couldn't judge based solely on a name.
But now, having seen the face of this Jellal before him, the answer was basically confirmed.
With the same name and the same face, Jellal and Mystogan were corresponding counterparts.
"In that case, that Siegrain was definitely suspicious." Makarov speaking loudly, wanting to test the Jellal before him.
After speaking, the old man stared intently at Jellal's reaction.
"..."
Upon hearing the name "Siegrain," Jellal's facial expression clearly changed, which immediately led Makarov to conclude one thing: "Siegrain" and Jellal were definitely closely related.
"That's my twin brother." Jellal spoke with a darkened expression, quickly giving an answer, as if he were in a hurry to defend himself, which was already somewhat suspicious.
"Twin brother?" Makarov narrowed his eyes and looked at Marco beside him.
"Mystogan doesn't have a twin brother."
Marco immediately understood what Makarov meant and spoke up, but whether this could serve as evidence was debatable.
From the fact that Makarov wasn't even the guild master of the "Fairy Tail" in the "Edolas" world, it was clear that the identities of people in the two worlds could vary greatly—so much so that it could overturn ordinary expectations.
Just because Jellal in that world didn't have a twin brother didn't necessarily mean that Jellal in this world also had no twin brother.
"Of course, the likelihood of there being none is very high." Makarov's suspicion outweighed his belief.
After becoming suspicious of Siegrain, he had immediately investigated the guy's background.
Siegrain had risen from the Magic Council's own magic school, overcoming all obstacles to become the top graduate.
His record was impeccably clean, without any flaws—otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to join the Council.
Even if Erza were to meet that Siegrain, she would find it hard to equate him with the Jellal before her.
She might even easily believe the "twin brother" explanation, given the vast differences in their identities and backgrounds.
However, Makarov clearly remembered that in Siegrain's personal records, there was never any mention of him having a twin brother—not a single piece of related information.
This is definitely abnormal.
What reason is there to hide it?
"Jellal, your quick thinking is impressive, but such matters should have been prepared in advance. One lie after another will only expose more flaws."
Makarov made his judgment.
Though utterly shocking, the possibility that Zeref was actually another identity of Jellal was undoubtedly the closest to the truth!
"..."
Jellal remained silent, offering no response.
"Tsk, you're quite the character. On one hand, you manipulated a group of people into willingly building the Tower of Heaven through a mix of favors and intimidation, and on the other, you attended a Magic Council-affiliated school, rose through the ranks, and even earned the title of Ten Wizard Saints. I'm almost impressed by your time management skills."
Looking at Jellal before him, Marco understood what Makarov meant, and he couldn't help but feel astonished.
Siegrain was actually another identity of Jellal!
Marco had never met Siegrain but had heard of him.
After all, Siegrain was already one of the "Ten Wizard Saints" at a young age and had some reputation.
Many even felt indignant on his behalf, arguing that at a similar age, Marco was more deserving of the title, yet it was given to Siegrain.
However, Marco himself found it neither strange nor dissatisfying.
Siegrain was the Magic Council's favored protégé—how could their despised "Fairy Tail" compare?
Moreover, Marco didn't need the title of "Ten Wizard Saints" to bolster his reputation.
On the contrary, the "Ten Wizard Saints" needed Marco's inclusion to prove its prestige, especially since Marco had made his name by defeating Ten Wizard Saints.
Reflecting on it now, Marco felt that Jose Porla had been pushed forward by the Magic Council to rival Fairy Tail, but he couldn't withstand the pressure.
Instead, he paved the way for Marco and Laxus, the "twin stars," and had to bow out regretfully.
"Buzz!"
A surge of magical energy came out and another "Jellal" appeared in everyone's sight, standing beside the original Jellal.
"What is this?! How are there two Jellals?!"
The scene left everyone stunned and confused.
"So it's a thought projection, no wonder.""
Seeing the suddenly appearing "Jellal," Marco immediately understood.
It all made sense now.
If it weren't for the thought projection, Jellal would have struggled to manage both roles without revealing any flaws.
"Hahaha! I never expected this! 'Fairy Tail,' you've actually come this far! But it doesn't matter. As long as I kill all of you, my secret will remain safe!"
The two Jellals merged into one, and Jellal, now at his peak strength, brimmed with confidence.
He laughed arrogantly, his gaze at Marco and the others as if they were already dead.
"Don't make me laugh." Marco wore a strange expression, barely holding back his disbelief.
He couldn't comprehend where this Jellal found the confidence to make such bold claims?
Who gave him the courage? Zeref? But this "R-System" wasn't even completed yet!
Not even Zeref could save this guy.
According to Simon, Shou, Milliana, and Wally's accounts, Jellal's purpose in constructing the "Tower of Heaven" was to resurrect Zeref.
They wanted to rely on Zeref's power to rule and reshape this world, thereby obtaining true freedom.
Marco found this utterly absurd.
He completely failed to understand the logic behind it.
Were they even familiar with Zeref? What made them think Zeref would comply with their wishes?
Who was Zeref? He was essentially the "super-powered, enhanced version of Voldemort" in the world of Earth Land!
A person whose name shouldn't even be spoken aloud, the legendary figure "bearing the world's evils"!
Zeref was the "Progenitor of Black Mages," existing since 400 years ago.
He was the most violent, most powerful, most evil, and legendary Black Mage in magical history, capable of casually creating terrifying demons with his immense magical power.
Those legendary demons and powerful dark magics were all his creation.
This included the demon Deliora that destroyed Gray's hometown, and Lullaby, which was taken in by Mirajane—all created by that very Zeref.
This "Source of All Evil" was not some fictional terrifying existence.
It wasn't until Simon and the others mentioned "resurrecting Zeref" that Marco understood why mishandling this mission could be so dangerous.
It wasn't just about the "Tower of Heaven"; if Zeref were truly revived, that would be the real trouble.
"What the hell are you babbling about? So you're Jellal, huh?!"
Jellal's arrogant declaration pissed Natsu off immensely.
He charged forward without hesitation, throwing a "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist" right at him!
"BOOM!"
Jellal was sent flying backward, crashing into the wall of the "Tower of Heaven."
"All that talk, and I thought you were something special. Turns out you can't even take a hit"
Seeing Jellal get knocked flying with just one move, Natsu couldn't help but complain.
Earlier, Marco and the old man had called him one of the "Ten Wizard Saints," but was this really his level?
From the dust stirred up by the impact, Jellal emerged unharmed, having discarded his coat, his face still wearing that arrogant expression.
"Is this all the famed destructive power of Dragon Slayer Magic amounts to? A small fry like you should just step aside."
He shot back at Natsu with a sneer, appearing quite relaxed.
Having taken Natsu's "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist" head-on without a scratch, he was clearly trying to create psychological pressure and build momentum in the battle.
Seeing how effortlessly Jellal take Natsu hit, the others felt a chill.
They thought, 'No wonder he's one of the 'Ten Wizard Saints.'
But they weren't afraid, because Marco and Master Makarov were right there with them.
"Marco! Master Makarov! You need to step in now! Jellal is extremely powerful! Natsu is no match for him!"
Simon anxiously shouted from the side.
He knew Jellal's strength and pinned his hopes on Marco and Makarov.
As long as those two took action, they would surely defeat Jellal!
"Don't look down on people!"
Simon's words immediately provoked Natsu intensely.
Gesturing wildly, Natsu yelled back at Simon.
The battle maniac who never considered himself inferior to anyone—even daring to challenge Marco repeatedly with overflowing confidence—had his fighting spirit ignited by such disdain.
The stronger the enemy, the more it fueled Natsu's combat fervor.
Right now, Natsu was completely fired up!
Magic erupted from Natsu's body as the starlight of the Leo Minor constellation showered over him.
Combined with his Dragon Slayer Magic power, his entire aura surged instantaneously.
"The so called new Celestial Spirit Magic..."
After all, Jellal had genuinely attended a magic school under the Magic Council, and Siegrain had always been active externally.
He naturally knew about Marco and the might of his "New Celestial Spirit Magic."
"Meteor!"
This time, Jellal didn't wait but launched a proactive attack.
Though highly confident in his abilities, the number of opponents made him unwilling to engage in a prolonged battle and risk unnecessary depletion.
With even his original four subordinates now standing opposite him and the remaining lackeys utterly useless—unable to even wear down the enemies—he truly needed to end this quickly.
Unfortunately, the situation had erupted abruptly.
His greatest asset, Ultear, was still at the Magic Council, completely unable to return and assist him.
The Dark Guild he'd previously established connections with naturally wouldn't remain stationed here indefinitely.
The entire Tower of Heaven genuinely had only him as a combat force.
But it didn't matter—he alone was enough.
As long as he eliminated these people, even destroying the Tower of Heaven was acceptable.
The tower could be rebuilt, and at the very least, he could preserve Siegrain's crucial identity.
"BOOM!"
Jellal's figure vanished with astonishing speed.
His body streaked like a meteor as he closed in on Natsu in a flash.
Before Natsu could react, Jellal grabbed him by the throat, slamming him into the ground and stirring up a cloud of dust.
"Hum!"
However, Jellal instantly retreated because Erza had already swung her sword at him, forcing him to temporarily evade the sharp assault.
"Natsu! Are you okay?! Fall back now! This is my fight!"
Erza glanced anxiously at Natsu, who had been smashed into the ground.
Jellal was clearly her opponent, yet Natsu had charged forward first.
She had wanted to step in earlier, but Marco held her back—resulting in Natsu getting thoroughly pummeled.
"You still have the mind to worry about others? Focus on yourself first!"
Before Erza could fully assess Natsu's injuries, Jellal attacked again.
His speed was absurdly fast.
But Erza's speed wasn't lacking either.
She left no openings for Jellal to exploit. In truth, Jellal wasn't particularly skilled in close combat.
Overconfident, he had dared to rush directly into Erza's face.
"Hum!"
Erza's twin swords slashed through the air, her speed nearly matching Jellal's.
Having frequently sparred with Marco, Erza faced Jellal's "Meteor" without any pressure at all.
Moreover the distinctive "Flight Armor," was inherently speed-oriented.
As she brandished her twin swords, Jellal was forced to retreat, completely unable to close in on Erza.
While both had been sparring with Marco, Erza clearly demonstrated faster learning ability and growth.
Natsu, on the other hand, was simply getting beaten up—yet his greatest strength was his near-indestructibility.
"Cough, cough! Damn you!"
Natsu climbed up from the ground, flames of rage erupting across his body.
He only felt a sharp pain in his throat as if it were being crushed, but otherwise, he feel nothing.
Had an ordinary person suffered such an attack, their entire neck would likely have snapped instantly.
"This Jellal truly intends to kill us."
Watching the fierce battle between Erza and Jellal, Marco spoke to Makarov, his eyes turning dangerously sharp.
Marco had sent Natsu—the thick-skinned brawler—first precisely to test Jellal's intentions.
It now appeared that Jellal was indeed striking without restraint, aiming for the kill.
"Is he being controlled?" Makarov frowned.
Matters involving Zeref always carried high risks, and he was already tempted to intervene—preferably to resolve the threat permanently and eliminate any future dangers.
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