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Chapter 348 - Insta-killed

Erza frowned. "You mean… Zeref wants to use Su Yan's hands to end his own life?"

"It must be so," Mavis said gravely. "Zeref has been tortured by the curse of Ankhseram longer than anyone. He's always sought a way to rest forever. I don't know all his reasons for starting this war… but his suicide is surely one of them."

The guild fell into silence.

"Whaaaat?!" Natsu slammed his fist on the table. "He starts a war, gets countless people killed, and in the end—whether he wins or loses—he still gets what he wants?! That's despicable!!"

A war between two continents would mean unthinkable casualties, and no matter the outcome, Zeref stood to gain. The thought sickened everyone.

Erza's eyes hardened. "Despicable or not, it doesn't matter. No matter what, we must win this war."

Mavis turned her gaze to Su Yan.

Su Yan gave a faint smile. "Don't worry. I despise Zeref's methods… but for the First's sake, if I can, I'll give him a clean end."

He wasn't the sort who reveled in slaughter. If he could break the curse that bound Zeref and Natsu's lives, he would strike swiftly—without unnecessary pain.

"Coming from you, President, that's reassuring," Elfman said firmly.

Had anyone else said such words, they would have doubted. Zeref was the legendary Black Mage, immortal and untouchable. But from Su Yan, they believed it. He always made the impossible sound certain.

Erza folded her arms. "Then tell us the rest. What do we know about our enemy?"

Makarov nodded. "Alright. I've collected what the Council has. Listen well, and prepare yourselves."

Since becoming a Magic Councilor, Makarov had overseen intelligence. Mest was only one of the many spies sent to the Western Continent. As thorough as Mest was, no one's knowledge outstripped Makarov's.

"The Alvarez Empire's Emperor—Spriggan—known across the world as the strongest Black Mage, Zeref. Under him stand the Spriggan Twelve, his vanguard."

"Spriggan Twelve?" Lucy repeated.

"They are Alvarez's most powerful force. Each of them has the strength to wipe out an entire country," Makarov explained grimly. With a flick of his wand, twelve figures appeared shimmering on the magical display.

"Winter General Invel—Zeref's consul. As his title suggests, he wields ice magic, though the full extent is unknown."

Gray's eyes narrowed. Another Ice Mage. He made a note to himself—he'd have to be ready.

"Desert King Ajeel. His sand magic is devastating. Among the Twelve, he's known as especially aggressive."

Max winced. He used sand magic too, but compared to Ajeel, the gulf was overwhelming.

"Brittany, the Country Breaker. She looks young and disinterested in fighting, but her magic can topple nations."

"Dimaria Yesta, the War Princess. Exact abilities unclear, but she's called the Goddess of the Battlefield."

"Jacob Lessio, an assassination genius. No one knows his true magic—because all who saw it are dead."

"Bloodman. He doesn't even seem human. Likely one of the demons from the Books of Zeref."

"Wall Eehto, a mechanized being. His magic appears linked to machinery."

"Neinhart, abilities unknown."

"Larcade Dragneel, details unclear as well."

"The Magic King, August. He must be given special mention—his power eclipses the rest. Intelligence suggests he can wield all magic across history. Some say his magic may even surpass Zeref's."

The guild's expressions darkened.

"And finally… Scarlet Despair, Irene Belserion. Like August, she is counted among Alvarez's greatest. If she stands as his equal, her power is terrifying beyond measure."

Makarov's voice was heavy. "Those two… are said to be the Empire's true cornerstones."

"And… that one," Natsu pointed at a familiar face among the images.

Makarov's tone grew bitter. "God Serena. Once the first seat of Ishgar's Ten Wizard Saints… now one of the Spriggan Twelve."

"WHAT?!!" gasps erupted.

The Ten Wizard Saints were Ishgar's strongest. Even Orga's might during the Grand Magic Games had shocked them, and Orga had only been ranked fifth.

"To think the strongest among them… betrayed us?" Lucy whispered, shaken.

"Why would the first of the Ten Saints join Alvarez?!" Natsu shouted, enraged.

Makarov closed his eyes. "He betrayed Ishgar. There's nothing more to it. I only feel regret… but I know his strength. Alvarez has a monster on their side now, one born from Ishgar's pride."

A sudden laugh broke the tension.

Su Yan leaned back, his eyes flashing cold. "That guy? Don't worry about him."

"What?!"

"Back when I went to give Alvarez my 'greetings,' he couldn't keep still. He came dancing and shouting. Naturally, I couldn't stand it."

Su Yan's voice dropped, flat and merciless.

"So I killed him. Instantly."

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