"You... you're using public office for private revenge!" Yajima's body trembled slightly as he yelled at the other Council members.
"Yajima, what you're saying is wrong. What do you mean by using public office for private revenge? Chen Fan is a good comrade. It's not like you're unaware of the danger level of System R. We just want to stop the danger from the start. Besides, sacrificing one Chen Fan can save many lives," Mikelo said with a sad expression, which earned the approval of the others.
Yajima trembled with rage, his lips quivering uncontrollably. He pointed at the faces of the other Council members, unable to utter a single word.
"Clap, clap." Jick Raines clapped. "Alright, since eight out of nine agree, it seems the launch of Etherion is inevitable." After that, he ignored Yajima's furious gaze, turned, and disappeared.
At the same time, Jellal, sitting on the top floor of the Tower of Heaven, gave a faint smile. "It's your turn to perform, Vidalus."
"Are you sure?" Vidalus licked his lips, saying with a hint of bloodlust.
"Of course. The game is only interesting when it's played this way."
"Hmph!" A red magic circle appeared under Vidalus's feet. Red magic overflowed, making his long hair stand on end. "Ah... Ah... Hahaha!" In a short time, his whole appearance changed, he looked utterly insane.
Just then, two figures appeared next to Vidalus. The woman with the long, enchanting pink hair in the middle placed her left hand on her chest, bowing her head. "We are the assassin guild, Skull Club. I am the captain, Byro, accompanied by my teammates, Vidalus Hawk, Fukuro, and the Special Guerrilla Unit, Trinity Raven. We are ready to serve you."
"It's your turn to appear. Go!"
Meanwhile, Chen Fan and his companions advanced toward the top floor.
Suddenly, Chen Fan stopped, furrowing his brow as if receiving information. After a moment, a faint smile appeared on his lips. He muttered, "The Magic Council, eight out of nine agreed, huh? Jellal, you dare to use me as a pawn? It seems I was really too lenient before! Should I just completely erase you this time?"
"Bang!" Chen Fan was knocked to the ground by Erza.
"Why are you staring at me and grinning stupidly again? Am I that funny?" Erza yelled. Chen Fan wanted to say he was innocent, it was a pure coincidence, but before he could speak, Erza turned and walked forward.
Suddenly, she stopped again. "Why are you still lingering? Hurry up and follow!"
"Oh, coming."
Hmm? Why does this conversation sound so familiar? Chen Fan thought, rubbing his chin, but he still followed. He didn't want to get yelled at by Erza again.
As they walked through the corridor, suddenly, a voice echoed. "Welcome, everyone, to the Tower of Heaven. I am Jellal, the master of this tower. The pawns on both sides have gathered."
"What's going on?"
"It's Jellal, this message is for everyone in the tower," Simon explained.
"It's about time to begin, isn't it? This Heaven's Game... The rules are simple: I will use Erza as a living sacrifice to perform the ritual to revive Zeref. This means, if the gate to heaven opens, I win. If you can stop this, then you win. However, if it's just like this, it's not going to be fun. Therefore, I have prepared three warriors on my side."
"Three warriors? Who are they?"
"If you can't get through the three of them, you won't be able to reach me. Oh, I almost forgot, as a game, there must be a prize for defeating an opponent. I have three cards here as prizes; I hope you're satisfied."
Not long after Jellal finished speaking, several cries for help were heard. "Big Sister Erza, save me!"
"Sister, run!"
"Erza..."
Erza cried out agitatedly, "Millianna, Sho, Wally!" She quickened her pace and was about to run forward.
"Calm down, Erza. Hearing their voices means they are fine. We just need to get those cards back," said Chen Fan, reaching out to stop Erza. Hearing Chen Fan's voice, Erza also calmed down and nodded.
Jellal's teasing voice continued, "How is it? Are you satisfied with the prizes I've prepared? Oh... right, when a person gets old, he always forgets something. One last thing: the Council will probably attack with a satellite magic. This is the ultimate destruction magic that can destroy everything... Etherion."
At that moment, Vidalus, who was beside Jellal, said, "You never mentioned this, Jellal, you bastard. If everyone gets hit by that thing, won't they all go to hell?"
"Vidalus, are you scared?" Kagura smiled at Vidalus, covering her mouth with her sleeve.
Vidalus made an 'eight' gesture with his right hand. "On the contrary, quite the opposite! I am absolutely ecstatic! There's a dangerous mission waiting! Hehe..." He laughed wildly, a bit insane, like an Espada thirsty for battle.
Jellal continued, "The remaining time is unknown, but the descent of Etherion signifies destruction. I hope you can complete the game within this time. Now, the game begins!"
"Bam!" Natsu clenched his hands in front of his chest, his face scrunched up. "Those bastards, why are they taking human lives? I'm going to go beat him up, Happy."
"Aye..." After yelling, he turned and ran back, and Happy followed him.
"Natsu!" Erza, Gray, and Lucy yelled, but Natsu had already disappeared.
"I'll go get that fire dragon back," Simon yelled, then he ran out.
"Gray, you go with him too. Natsu might be in trouble. After you find Natsu, take them away from here. I'll handle everything here," Chen Fan said to Gray.
Gray looked at Chen Fan seriously. "Can I entrust Erza's safety to you?"
"Have I ever let you down?" Chen Fan smiled. Gray then turned to leave.
Suddenly, Juvia's voice was heard. "Gray-sama, wait for Juvia! Juvia also wants to go!"
Gray stopped and turned to Juvia. "You'd better stay here. I'll entrust Lucy's safety to you." After saying so, he gave Juvia a thumbs-up and then ran away.
Juvia, feeling dazed, followed Chen Fan and the others as they continued to advance.
Suddenly, the path forked. Erza said to Chen Fan and the others, "I'll take this path. Chen Fan, you take the two of them on that path."
"How can we? It's safer to stick together now..." Lucy said, worried.
Lucy was about to continue, but Chen Fan reached out and stopped her. Chen Fan looked at Erza with seriousness, but Erza's gaze was incredibly firm.
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