The azure light enveloping the Exceeds began to shrink, the cries of the trapped beings diminishing with it.
"You despicable humans, Her Majesty the Queen will not stand idly by… Men!!!"
With Sugarboy's final words, the thousand Exceeds fused together, transforming into a giant blue cat-shaped magic crystal that plummeted to the ground with a deafening roar and a cloud of dust.
The surrounding soldiers fell silent, gazing at the massive crystal before them.
"The Exceeds… they really became magic crystals."
"The king really did it…"
"Are we really going to be alright?"
Whispers of apprehension rippled through the ranks of the soldiers.
Despite knowing the details of Operation ETD, the Exceeds were still considered gods in this world. Those who dared to attack the gods naturally feared the wrath of the Exceed Queen.
"There are no gods in this world!" Faust's voice boomed from the palace via a magical amplifier.
"Only we humans struggle with limited magic, while the Exceeds revel in limitless power. Why...?"
Faust's accusatory voice echoed.
"Why don't we strive for the limitless power that's so close at hand?"
"This endless source of magical energy!" His voice rose in intensity.
"The era of our subjugation is over! This is for humanity's future, for a prosperous magical society!" Faust cried, arms outstretched.
"My soldiers, fight with me! Operation ETD, the Exceed Annihilation Plan, is now active!!"
As he finished, the soldiers raised their arms and shouted.
"Heh!" A scornful laugh echoed.
"Taking lives for your desires, calling it 'for humanity's future'? Hilarious!"
Finn, hovering before the palace, mocked them loudly.
Faust's face was filled with rage at Finn's voice.
"You don't understand! You're Earthland mages!" his voice boomed again.
"With limitless magic, how can you understand our lack of it? We live in constant fear! What's wrong with what we're doing?" he roared.
"Lack of magic? Will you die without it?" Finn countered loudly.
"Maybe you high-and-mighty capital residents should visit other towns. Have the cities you've stripped of magic been destroyed?"
"You talk about a lack of magic, but your capital wastes more magic than even Earthland, which you call limitless!"
Finn's voice carried far, even reaching Edolas Erza, who was battling Earthland Erza.
"You use magic stolen from others to live comfortably. What gives you the right?"
Edolas Erza paused, seemingly considering Finn's words.
"Don't listen to his lies! He doesn't understand our despair! My people, for our eternal magic, eliminate all enemies!"
Faust's voice steadied the wavering troops. Countless Royal Army soldiers roared, fighting for the eternal magic their king promised.
Finn looked towards the palace, his voice chilling. "Don't worry, I'll be there soon!"
Flames erupted from him as he looked at the countless soldiers charging towards him.
"Blind fools."
He raised his hand. "Hadō #32: Ōkasen!"
A golden beam of light shot from Finn's hand, sweeping through the nearby Royal Army soldiers like a laser.
Before everyone's wide eyes, soldiers fell in swathes. The golden beam was like a reaper, killing anyone it touched.
After decimating thousands of soldiers, Finn looked at the Legions in the sky.
He gave Nancy a look, and she carried him into the air.
Ryūjin Jakka appeared in his hand.
Against these behemoths, a sword was more efficient than magic.
Magic was scarce in this world, and Finn's magic recovery was slow. He hadn't used his full power to conserve magic. He was fighting a kingdom; running out of magic would make him a sitting duck.
Finn's skill allowed him to store flames in his blade, conserving magic while maintaining power. The more he used this technique, the closer he felt to Bankai. His communication with Ryūjin Jakka was also improving. He felt Bankai was within reach.
Watching Finn's display of power and listening to his words, Faust felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead.
He lowered his head, then his eyes blazed with madness.
"I'll soon have limitless magic. I don't need to worry about anything!"
"Prepare Dorma Anim!" he said in a low voice.
In the winding tunnels beneath the palace…
Laxus looked at the fork in the road, impatient. His gaze fell on the Royal Army soldier he held.
"That way?"
He didn't speak much, but his dragon-like eyes never left the soldier.
This was a Royal Army soldier guarding the dungeon, and a high-ranking one at that—at least a captain.
To save time, Laxus made him lead the way.
At first, the captain was reluctant, but Laxus's lightning threat made him comply.
"Left…" he said, his finger trembling, pointing to the left passage.
"Then go straight."
Gray looked down the left passage and saw a closed door. He nodded at Laxus.
"Laxus! Gray!"
As they were about to continue, Lucy called from behind.
"Lucy and Carla!" They turned.
Lucy and Carla appeared.
"You're okay! We thought you were in the dungeon too," Gray said, smiling.
"Carla and Happy rescued me," Lucy explained.
"And Carla and Happy found the guild members' crystals!"
Laxus's eyes widened. "Really? Where?"
"On a floating island above the kingdom. Happy's already taken Gajeel there," Lucy replied.
Laxus nodded. "Then let's rescue Natsu and Wendy, then go there!"
"Did you find Wendy?" Carla asked.
Laxus pointed to the left passage. "They should be just ahead."
"Let's go," Gray said.
They quickly reached the dungeon door. Laxus didn't bother with keys; he smashed the door open.
The door opened to reveal an empty space. Only Natsu and Wendy, unconscious on the floor, remained.
Laxus understood. The kingdom must have already taken what they wanted.
Gray and Lucy woke Natsu and Wendy, giving them the magic-restoring drug.
"We… we have to stop…" Natsu punched the ground, flames erupting from his hand as if in response. His eyes fixed on the doorway, and he ran.
"Hey, Natsu!" Gray called, but Natsu was already gone.
"Is Natsu an idiot?" Laxus wondered.
"What happened?" Lucy asked, confused.
"Carla… everyone…" Wendy said weakly.
"Wendy, hang in there!" Carla said, worried.
Wendy shook her head. "I'm fine."
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