"Who?!"
General Winter Invel's icy voice rang out.
"Fairy Tail's Natsu Dragneel! Take this!!!"
Natsu's fist ignited, blazing flames erupting as he slammed it forward.
"BOOM—!!!"
The explosion ripped through the battlefield, hurling soldiers of the Albarez Empire into the air.
"Damn him!"
"He dares attack us?!"
The battered soldiers, still reeling from their losses, roared in anger and rushed at him.
"Go to hell!!"
They raised weapons, magic gathering, but Natsu plunged straight into their midst, fists blazing. Fire-wreathed blows tore through their ranks—like a wolf thrown into a flock of sheep.
"Bastard!!"
A squad of mages raised their wands, unleashing a barrage of magic bullets.
Natsu swept his hand, flames flaring.
"Too slow!!"
The barrage ricocheted aside, detonating harmlessly into their own lines.
"Boom—!!!"
"Ughhh!!!"
Dozens of their comrades fell.
"He bounced them back?!"
"Don't panic! There's only one of him!"
More raised their staves, filling the air with magic circles. Natsu darted, but the barrage was too dense—
"BOOM BOOM BOOM—!!!"
The explosions swallowed him.
"Natsu!!" Happy's worried cry rang out.
Smoke cleared. Natsu stood firm, fire raging around him, the blasts burned away by his own flames.
"I fight because I want to protect everyone!! That's why I can't lose!!"
He inhaled deeply, lungs swelling with power.
"Fire Dragon's ROAR!!!"
A torrent of flame surged from his mouth, scorching the earth.
"BOOM—!!!"
When the firestorm ended, the battlefield was gouged into a massive crater.
"Th-the terrain changed?!"
"Monster!!"
"How many casualties?!"
"Thirteen thousand one hundred forty-one!!" came the panicked count.
Even hardened soldiers blanched—one man, a single wizard, had just annihilated thousands.
Then the air froze.
A wave of killing cold swept the battlefield.
"Lord Invel…!"
The army parted, making way for General Winter himself. His frosted eyes locked on Natsu.
"Flame wizard of Fairy Tail… your guild is arrogant. First that monster Su Yan, and now you… far too presumptuous."
He flicked a hand. An ice lance materialized, shooting toward Natsu's side.
"Shit—!"
Natsu caught it in his palm, feet cracking the ground beneath him. Flames flared, melting the spike away to steam.
"What?!" Invel's face hardened. None had ever dissolved his ice so easily.
"Lord Invel's magic… evaporated?!" soldiers gasped.
Natsu grinned, heat rippling around him. "Your ice is nothing compared to my fire!!"
Invel's eyes narrowed. He swept his arms, ice locking around Natsu, freezing him solid—
"Natsu!!" Happy cried.
Cracks spiderwebbed the frozen shell. Flames erupted, shattering it to shards.
"You'll never freeze these flames!" Natsu roared.
Invel's lips pressed tight. He had underestimated this one. His magic surged, ready to unleash—
But then, shadows gathered. A black sphere expanded beside him.
From it stepped a man clad in dark robes.
"His Majesty!!" the soldiers cried in unison.
Zeref had arrived.
Natsu's face hardened. "…Zeref."
He remembered Sirius Island—how Su Yan had knocked Zeref unconscious, only for Grimoire Heart to spirit him away. If only he had ended it there… maybe this war would never have come.
The army buzzed in shock.
"Did that brat just call His Majesty 'Zeref'?!"
"His true name…?"
Invel's voice was cold as ever. "Yes. Dark Mage Zeref. That is His Majesty's true name."
He bowed. "Majesty, this boy is nothing. Allow me—"
Zeref raised a hand, silencing him. "No. It has been a long time since we've stood face to face. I will handle him myself. Withdraw."
Invel hesitated, then barked, "All forces, move west! His Majesty will open the way!!"
The army obeyed, leaving the field.
"Happy," Natsu said, eyes locked on his brother, "get clear."
"Aye, sir!"
The two men stood alone now.
Natsu clenched his fists, fire flaring. "We won't hand over the First to you."
Zeref's eyes were calm, almost regretful. "Because you failed to destroy me back then… things have come to this."
Natsu growled. "I don't care what you're talking about. I don't need to understand. As long as I kill you—this war ends here!!"