The infirmary fell silent at Porlyusica's grim announcement. Worried faces filled the room—an important ally was slipping away, and this calamity had struck without warning.
Makarov remained wordless. He and Porlyusica had worked side by side for decades; when she said his condition was beyond even her skill, they all understood the depth of the crisis.
Su Yan stepped forward. "Is there nothing we can do to help Laxus and the others?"
Porlyusica met his gaze. "There is… but it's a long shot."
Everyone leaned in. Makarov's cane tapped anxiously on the floor. "Tell us."
"We must find someone whose blood naturally carries barrier particles," she explained. "Their bodies are already immune—if we can isolate and replicate whatever protects them, we might develop a treatment or vaccine."
A heavy realization fell over them: anyone who survived the poison mist carried the very secret they needed. But who were those survivors? Their identities were hidden—and whoever they were, they had every reason to stay hidden.
Su Yan's voice was calm but determined. "Their targets included every Councilor—past and present. If we can trace the retired Councilors' locations, we might capture one."
Makarov straightened. "Mobilize everyone. Scour every record, every address—find those former Councilors at once!"
In the infirmary's quiet wing, Laxus, Freed, and Bickslow lay unconscious, each wearing pained expressions. Michelo slept fitfully, tears streaking his cheeks, but he fought to stay awake.
"Laxus… you saved the town," Michelo murmured. "If not for you… "
Makarov placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "The town is safe, thanks to your sacrifice."
Outside, the town lay shrouded in a haze of lingering barrier particles—over a hundred lives lost, magic-users and not alike. Yet, because Laxus inhaled the worst of it, the poison's spread slowed long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
Freed finally smiled before slipping into unconsciousness. The others clenched their fists—relief mingled with the steel of vengeance.
Natsu clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. "I won't let them get away with this. I'm going to wipe out every last one of Tartaros!"
He sprang up, but Erza and Gray held him back. "Patience," Erza said firmly. "We need a plan."
Deep within Tartaros's hidden stronghold, Tempest—formerly Calamity—stirred as his body reconstructed itself from the wreckage. A one-eyed man, Franmalth, watched him with a sly grin.
"Don't feel bad, Tempest," Franmalth teased. "Your regeneration machinery is running—give it time."
Tempest flexed a newly formed hand. "How long?"
"Longer than usual," Franmalth replied. "Minerva's project and our other wounded are straining the system."
"Minerva?" Stormy's brow furrowed. "Has she joined us already?"
A grinning Franmalth nodded. "She has the potential to become one of the Nine Demon Gates."
Stormy's eyes darkened. "Fairy Tail… they're the ones who toppled Oración Seis and Grimoire Heart. Now they've ruined Tartaros's plans here. When I'm whole again, I'll make them pay."
Back at Fairy Tail's guildhall, Natsu roared, "The war starts now! We'll crush every last Tartaros member!"
"Calm down!" Erza called, as Natsu barreled toward the door.
The rest of the guild held him back. "Natsu, this is Porlyusica's fight," Gray reminded him. "Let's leave the manhunts to those gathering intel."
Levy, goggles perched on her nose, tapped away at her portable records. "I've found a few former Councilor addresses," she announced. "If we move now, we might catch them before Tempest or the others can strike again."
Everyone paused, hope and resolve blazing in their eyes. The path was dangerous—but it was the only way to save their friends and bring justice to those who would assassinate the innocent.
"Then let's go," Su Yan said, voice steady. "For Laxus—and for every life Tartaros has threatened."