"You don't understand! Lord Zeref's soul… it whispered in my ear!"
Jerar continued shouting in desperation, still clinging to the belief in Zeref, trapping himself in a prison of his own thoughts.
"Don't worry… I'll free you now, Jerar."
Kael's Holy Light magic enveloped Jerar completely, and to prevent any repeat of previous incidents, chains of light coiled tightly around him, holding him firmly.
...
On the ship, everyone watched in awe as the meteor was effortlessly obliterated by Kael's magic. Cheers erupted from the crew.
"Hahaha! I knew it… Kael could do it… ugh… gag"
Natsu leaped with excitement, only for his motion sickness to hit immediately, causing him to collapse on the ship's railing, vomiting uncontrollably.
"Impressive, as expected of Kael!"
"Gray… your clothes!!"
"Ah… when did—"
Lucy finally saw how Gray had removed his clothes. With a swift tug, he pulled them off and tossed them aside, folding his arms across his chest and staring confidently toward the island, clearly proud that Kael's success felt like a personal victory.
"Um… Jubia, could you help push the ship to shore?"
"Ahhh! Kana, you startled me!"
Kana had appeared silently between Lucy and Jubia, her sudden presence catching Lucy off guard, especially since she had just been distracted by Gray.
"Sorry, Lucy. I couldn't wait to get to the island and check on Kael!" Kana smiled toward the island, though there was an inexplicable chill lingering around her.
"Hi!" Lucy responded instinctively.
"Almost there!"
"Thanks, Jubia." Erza's calm voice echoed beside her.
Using her magic, Jubia caused the waves beneath the ship to surge, propelling it swiftly to the island's edge.
Thud, thud, thud~
"This defensive magic… how do we break it? There's no way through."
Natsu slammed his fists repeatedly against the energy wall, but the barrier remained unscathed. Even after withstanding the residual force from the meteor strike, its defense was remarkable.
"Change of attire—Serenity Garb!"
Erza shifted into her new outfit, twin swords in hand, preparing to slice through the defensive shield. Suddenly, a fist struck before her blade could swing.
The impact cracked the barrier with a sharp crack, and in moments, the entire shield fractured, dissolving into light.
Kana dashed at incredible speed to the center of the battlefield, Erza and the others close behind.
——————
"Ahhhh!"
Kael strained, forcing the dark energy from Jerar's mind. Jerar screamed in agony as the corruption was expelled.
"Kael…"
A gentle voice reached Kael's ears. His body tensed; he could sense Kana's unusual surge of anger. Both knew this was a critical moment, and no other action could be taken.
Erza and the others waited beside the massive crater, fully understanding the source of Jerar's erratic behavior.
"All clear. The darkness is gone."
Kael slowly lowered Jerar, then stood and moved aside to give Erza space.
"Erza… it's been so many years… thank you for everything…"
"Hugh, Milliana, Wooly, Raymon… I'm sorry for deceiving you all these years. It seems you've found your freedom as well."
"Hmph. Say that to Erza, not me."
"Exactly, meow!"
Seeing Jerar finally clear-headed, the tension they had felt for years eased. Though he had deceived them terribly, the original Jerar was back—and that mattered most.
"Erza… for all those words I said back then… I'm truly sorry. I know it's too late, but I want to atone. I…"
"Erza… you…"
"Yes. I understand."
Jerar noticed a tear at the corner of Erza's eye, and he paused, stunned. Though she cried, the slight curve of her lips revealed her true feelings—relief and forgiveness.
At the Council, once news arrived that everything was resolved, troops were dispatched that very night to arrest Jerar and his accomplices. Evidence was collected for the trial.
Kael and Erza coordinated with the Council, presenting crucial proof: the dark energy extracted from Jerar's mind, now sealed within a crystal orb.
Jerar accepted full responsibility, stripped of his Saint Ten title, and imprisoned. Hugh, Milliana, Wooly, and Raymon were granted special pardon and restored to freedom. Erza considered inviting them to join Fairy Tail, but they had other plans…
On the night beach, the four pushed a small boat, preparing to leave.
"We can do this. We can't cause our sister any more trouble!"
"Mm… meow."
"Yes…"
Though saddened, they understood. They longed to join Fairy Tail, yet their presence reminded Erza of past hardships.
"Listen, you four… Erza worries about you!"
A flash of light revealed Kael and the group on the beach.
"Sister!" Hugh called out first.
"We've always lived on this island, never knowing much. But now… we want to see the world."
"We won't live for anyone else. From now on, we live for ourselves, shaping our future with our own hands."
"This is the freedom we want!"
Though hesitant at first, their confidence grew, their eyes shining with clarity. Erza knew it was time to let them go.
"With strong will, you can achieve your dreams."
Change of attire! A flash revealed Erza in ceremonial garb, the Fairy Tail flag raised proudly beside her.
"To leave Fairy Tail, you must abide by three rules!"
"What… leave?"
"First: never spread harmful information about Fairy Tail in your lifetime."
"Second: never meddle with past clients for personal gain."
"Third: even if our paths diverge, live fully, cherish your life, and… never forget your friends."
"Fairy Tail… farewell ceremony… begin!"
Bang! Bang!
Kael and the others launched magic from behind, sending spectacular fireworks into the night sky.
Erza held back tears.
"Sister, we'll come back to see you!"
Hugh and the others, eyes brimming with tears, waved as their small boat slowly disappeared into the night.
"May your light bloom forever… travel safely!"