Northeast of Fiore, Town of Krev
The Town of Krev was located within a terrain where Magical Beasts roam about frequently. Although most of them were docile since they were simply territorial, a few still had aggressive natures, ranging from B-Class to A-Class strength.
A particular guild chose to be stationed here, and their main purpose was to train their members for development and experience. But, they weren't a Legal Guild nor a Dark Guild… they were something in-between.
An Independent Guild.
One that didn't register under the jurisdiction of the Magic Council. Unlike criminal organizations, they were usually left alone unless the council disapproves of certain activities. In other words, they were similar to Legal Guilds, balancing on that fine line of a neutral stance.
This guild had a few wizards who possessed decent capability that matches that of an A-Class, which is why managing the numerous packs of beasts was doable. The guild master himself boasted of rumored S-Class strength, which awed the citizens of Krev.
They were the guardians of this town, the pride and joy that shields them from calamity.
Yet such achievements… didn't prepare for the terror that descended upon them.
Crackle!
Crackle!
The once proud building that symbolized the spirit of this town had crumbled. Many bodies could be seen scattered about, as if an entity went on an unstoppable rampage.
Currently, there was a cloaked person lifting up the said guild master by the neck. There was little movement from the man who had scorched marks everywhere on his body.
"Tch! What annoying magic. I can't believe he caused me trouble for a while." The cloaked person spoke, showing razor sharp teeth.
If one were to describe this person, most wouldn't notice anything unusual. It was common for wanderers to wear such outfits, so they don't gather too much attention from the populace.
"Well? My offer still stands, human." Feral eyes ominously glowed under all that clothing, the growl of his voice sounded like a ticking time bomb that's running out of patience.
His arm that was covered by the cloak tightened, strangling the dangling guild master even more. Killing intent oozed from him, as if he was talking down to some ant on the road.
The man with blood all over his face looked at him with rage, his fear vanishing due to his guild, friends, and the citizens dying under the orchestrations of the being in front of him. Tears that were mixed with crimson stains trailed down, yet his gaze never moved away.
"... You can shove that offer up your ass. I'll never bow to a cult that worships Zeref religiously. Like Oracion Seis and Grimoire Heart, you'll eventually fall one of these days." The guild master fearlessly spat on the cloaked being.
"Haha! Was that supposed to be a threat or something?" The cloak's hood came off, his features completely displayed as the being laughed in anger. He adorned animal-like traits as his dark blonde hair covered his left eye.
He looked at the insolent human who thought such useless bravado could make him falter. "There was a saying among you humans that best describes your cute defiance. What was it again?" The being thought for a moment before continuing.
"Ah! Now I remember… Ignorance is bliss." His arm suddenly produced a golden light, illuminating the area they were on. "Tartaros is on a completely different level, human. But I don't need to explain anything, since you refused a great offer." The being grinned like a savage.
"My name is Jackal, one of the Nine Demon Gates, remember that in hell."
BOOOMMM!
An explosion occurred after their brief conversation, sending away rubble while some crumbled into dust. The trembling went on for a while before calming down, and Jackal casually stepped out from the smoke of his explosion.
He walked towards a vantage point that was overseeing the entire town. Screams of terror echoed throughout, and only pure chaos was seen. The humans he commanded wore outfits that proudly displayed their connection with Tartaros.
"This is a damn hassle! Why do we even need to do this in the first place!?" He sat down as he gritted his teeth, contemplating about the orders that he received from the Underworld King, Mard Geer.
This is a mandatory task that you must all accomplish during the next few years. Recruit more humans who can be useful for our cause, and make sure they would be absolutely loyal. Manipulating the human heart is easy… Because these weak creatures are full of desires.
You are all part of the Nine Demon Gates, proud creations of our Lord Zeref. For the sake of awakening Master E.N.D… Failure is not an option.
Among the three behemoths of the Baram Alliance, Tartaros was the most secretive with their activities. But that doesn't mean they go out of their way to search for manpower, since they have Hell's Core stationed in the Cube.
Their undying nature simply opened up endless possibilities, and the fear of the unknown attracted those who worship Zeref like moths to a flame. As such, their operations were like a well-oiled machine, controlling the criminal underworld smoothly with no problems.
So when their two fellow peers disappeared from the picture, Mard Geer didn't hesitate to exploit this opening to assimilate the subordinate dark guilds under them. Right now, they were the undisputed rulers that overlook over these lawless humans.
However, this particular order even confused the rest of the Nine Demon Gates. They already have a vast force that can form multiple platoons. There were numerous modified humans from their subordinate guilds who can wield both Curse and Magical Power, some even consumed themselves into their own downfall, not able to bear such a burden.
Why did it even seem like as if the Absolute Demon is… on edge? It was a blasphemous thought to even consider, because he was the second strongest Etherious just below Master E.N.D.
Then, Kyoka had the courage to ask him, and his response made them look at him with shock and disbelief.
Even among the humans, I'm sure you're all aware that there are those who truly have frightening strength. Hades and Bluenote are great examples that fit this description, since I've encountered them personally.
Especially that Bluenote… I'm afraid that even if all of you worked together, you would all be defeated soundly.
The fact that he said that, while having the belief that demons are superior to humans is a huge contradiction that they failed to comprehend. There were no ripples within his tone, only cold hard facts.
Lord Mard Geer! Such statements does not befit someone of your stature! We all know that humans are beneath us, it is impossible for such humans to even exist! Is this some kind of test that probes the depths of our devotion!?
Silence, Kyoka! Do you remember why we even exist in the first place? Fulfilling our Esteemed Zeref's lifelong wish, and to awaken Master E.N.D. Obstacles like these may widen our perspectives to further refine our approaches.
Mard Geer paused for a moment, closing his eyes as he rested on his throne while clutching E.N.D's book. Nobody dared to make a sound, because he was in a bad mood after Kyoka's outburst.
Then, he opened them again, his expression was that of concern.
That's right. The Underworld King had an expression that never appeared throughout all his life. Even his scuffle with the Celestial Spirit King didn't prompt him to be so cautious.
Which is why I will clear the confusion from your minds. We currently have a major problem in our hands… During my previous excursion on the outside world, I've encountered a peculiar human who was tree-like. Yet the pressure he emitted was stronger than Bluenote.
All of them could only listen quietly, trying to accept the reality that their leader was being meticulous about humans.
The coat I saw on him indicated that he was a Wizard Saint. And from the descriptions we have gathered from our spies in the council, he was the Fourth Wizard Saint, Warrod Sequen, one of the Gods of Ishgar.
To the Nine Demon Gates, titles like these only made them scoff after finding out about it. It simply showed how arrogant the humans truly are, naming them as if they ruled this continent.
All of you are of the same thought, I presume? I shall be blunt then. The moment he found out that I was affiliated with Tartaros, I was critically injured by him and was almost captured in the process.
The atmosphere froze, wondering if they heard right.
Mard Geer, Absolute Demon, and Underworld King was completely humiliated and defeated in a one-on-one encounter?
Please stop with the jest, My Lord---!
Interrupt me one more time, Kyoka, and I shall pierce your throat.
… I apologize.
Now, to continue on this topic. If I didn't transform into my Etherious form right then and there, you would have not seen me here, alive and well. But, that didn't stop Warrod from his search. Luckily, the Cube could camouflage itself within the sky, making it a struggle in his end.
As a response to my action, he contacted another Wizard Saint who he was familiar with, and has requested him to hunt my traces by targeting our known subordinate guilds.
What!? Is that the reason for some of them disappearing? Were they destroyed by this Wizard Saint?
Recently, there have been numerous reports of their subordinate guilds being exposed out in the open, getting captured and imprisoned by the council. There were a few unfortunate ones that simply lost their lives, yet their efficiency couldn't be denied.
It was merciless and brutal, a taste of their own medicine.
Indeed. Although I'm not sure which one is currently on our tail. That is why you all must be on your guard from now on. All these years, we have hidden ourselves successfully for so long, and my blunder will probably be the catalyst for us being forced into the light.
This has turned into a game of cat and mouse… And we are unfortunately the preys. Engage the Wizard Saint in battle if you wish, should you encounter the human while doing your usual tasks.
Hell's Core is our only advantage here, so all of you must absolutely remember to never give the humans an opportunity to track the Cube.
That is all I have to say, dismissed.
Mard Geer's words rang clear and true across all the rest of the Nine Demon Gates. They were still in a state of disbelief, but the seriousness of the issue could not be denied.
Their future was uncertain at this point.
…
Jackal was absentmindedly staring at the distance while recalling that meeting, clenching his fists in indignation. "Us demons will forever be superior to humans. Our Curses are stronger than Magic! I refuse to believe it otherwise." He stood up as he observed the current state of the town.
The Etherious chuckled darkly. "Look at these pests, shouting in glee as they kill their own kind." His soldiers displayed no hesitation, doing atrocious acts in broad daylight. Jackal saw them as savages, nothing more, nothing less.
"Lord Jackal! There's a report regarding Sir Argonia, one of your representatives." A henchman quickly made way towards him.
Jackal raised an eyebrow and snatched the parchment from his subordinate. "… Argonia? Who was this human again?" He nonchalantly read its contents, scanning it for a few seconds.
His memory finally kicked-in afterwards, identifying this representative of his as the wizard who migrated from Enca.
"Captured and imprisoned, huh? How useless." Jackal crumpled the report and conjured a small blast, turning it into smithereens.
"Find another replacement, we don't need such incompetent fools." He went back to admiring the chaos as he ordered the informant.
"Understood! I will take my leave now."
Jackal ignored him while crossing his arms. Since this operation was a failure due to him not recruiting the guild, it was better to wipe out this town from existence before the council arrives.
"Hm?" But before he could join in the fray again, he spotted a squad comprised of his subordinates being subdued with no effort. A sudden influx of Rune Knights flocked towards the town, arriving in a grand fashion.
Even Jackal was surprised by the quick response, for this was a rare occurrence. He regained his composure just as fast. "Heh. It's only adding to the body count anyway." Sneering at the sight.
Flap! Flap!
Jackal then heard a soft sound that was reminiscent to that of moving paper. He glanced at the direction of the source, seeing a tiny paper dove flying towards him peacefully. Normally, he would just ignore any type of magical phenomenon that's harmless, since there are a few places that had sections transformed by Ethernano.
But here? In this place that's full of death and despair?
"I'm finally gonna make progress with my task from Sir Warrod. Intimidating---Ahem! I meant interrogating those Oracion Seis fellows in prison was the correct decision."
He simply felt a chill as his fur stood on end, hearing a new voice he didn't even sense all this time.
Whoosh!
BAM!
The inconspicuous dove instantly rammed towards Jackal like a speeding bullet, not giving time for him to react. It was like a miniature hill was thrown at him as unimaginable pain racked his body like a thunderclap.
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOOOOM!
The Etherious could only helplessly be flung across the wreckage like a cannonball as he tried to destroy this seemingly fragile construct of magic. Chains of explosions rang within the vicinity, But he gawked in disbelief that his Curse didn't budge the damn thing.
Jackal landed on a wall of rubble as he felt his bones rattle like an earthquake, coughing up blood in the process. He looked down at the paper dove that was still pierced into his stomach as he attempted to grab it instead.
"Ah, ah, ah. You can't do that, little demon. I'm sure enduring a bit of suffering from a weak human is of no problem for someone of your caliber."
Jackal popped a vein as he heard the obvious tone of sarcasm and mockery. He directed his gaze towards a white-haired man adorning a calm and amused expression, wearing a gray collared long sleeve shirt, combined with black pants and shoes.
The one that stood out the most, however, was the matching gray feathered cloak that fluttered serenely on his shoulders, the mild breeze proudly showcased a symbol that was seen behind.
The mark of a Wizard Saint.
"Hello there! I'm the Sixth Wizard Saint, Grimal. And I'm here as a detective and hunter, please don't resist capture to make my job easier."
"You detestable human! Don't get so cocky! Once I remove this trick of yours---!"
Snap!
Pierce! Pierce! Pierce! Pierce!
"GRAAAAGGHHHHHH!"
Grimal snapped his fingers, and the dove immediately changed its form into a cluster of spears that were intertwined with one another, pinning Jackal from all angles with his torso as the center.
"It hurts, damn it!" Agony was the only thing that filled the demon's mind, adding to the fact that he was completely immobilized, it was hard formulate a coherent plan since these papers literally sealed his Curse power for a while.
"What kind of magic is this!?" Jackal snarled as he looked at the man with rage, doing his best to move his limbs, no matter how little.
"Neat, right? But why would I need to tell you, little demon? I'm the one who's gonna ask the questions here." The Wizard Saint smiled, yet it was not at the same time. In fact, there seemed to be a quiet wrath that was ready to show itself.
Grimal then looked at the outline of the town, and his grin quickly vanished. "We've only found a few survivors in the end… I'm bringing shame to the title of Wizard Saint." He took a deep breath, before glancing back at Jackal.
KRRRRR!
The area around them trembled as the man released his magical pressure. Jackal winced at the force, still in disbelief that there were humans this strong. Mard Geer already warned all of them, but he underestimated the scope of it.
"Even with my strength, it's impossible to save everyone. That was what I experienced when I began my hunt for Tartaros. Your subordinate guilds were stubborn, devoted, and downright insane." Grimal walked towards the helpless demon, arriving in front of him with an emotionless visage.
His gray eyes met the Etherious' feral ones, while increasing the output of his magical power. The paper spears steeled even more, threatening to crush Jackal's already broken bones into mere fragments.
"AGGGGHHHHHH!"
"What a grating scream. Are you sure you're not a beast instead of a demon?" The Wizard Saint remarked coldly.
Jackal panted as he gritted his teeth. "Mock me all you want, human. But after these restraints are gone, I'll make sure you'd regret your words and actions!" He roared in futile resistance.
"Well, your resilience is certainly frightening." The Wizard Saint observed him in surprise. "But unfortunately, we need to end our idle chatter here." Grimal narrowed his eyes as he continued.
"Tartaros has been the most elusive guild among the Baram Alliance. And even the Magic Council can't get a read on your traces. It's as if you lot don't exist on Fiore's map." Grimal began his inquiry with established knowledge about the organization that was made public years ago.
He condensed a small paper bullet on his index finger. "You only need to answer my questions honestly, furball. Those guilds under Tartaros' banner were a dead-end, since you rarely show yourselves publicly." Grimal glanced at the destroyed town, his emotions were boiling again, but he needed to maintain his composure.
"Hah! Do you seriously think I'd reveal anything?"
BAM!
"GAAAAAAHHHH!" Jackal cried in pain as a miniature hole could be seen on his shoulder, the wreckage of rubble behind him also a displayed an outline of the same paper bullet.
"Do you even have a choice on the matter? Little demon's got a sharp tongue." Grimal conjured another one in no time, switching his aim to Jackal's right thigh.
"Be a good pup and answer nicely, and you might be rewarded with a peaceful death."
"Comparing me to a dog is an insul---!"
BAM!
"Kghk!"
Grimal scratched his head in annoyance. "Man, you sure are a lively one. I haven't even asked my questions yet." He looked at the Etherious who was gritting his teeth in agony.
"How many demons are there in Tartaros?"
"I'm telling you right now, human. You're simply wasting time."
BAM!
"ARGHH"
"Where is your headquarters located?"
"This is stupid. Why not just get on with the killing."
BAM!
"GRAGGGHH"
Grimal never gave him breathing room as he interrogated the demon. Numerous holes were added onto Jackal's body, his injuries worsening by the minute. But even with all his suffering, not once did he falter.
The Wizard Saint stopped after a while, realizing it would indeed be fruitless like Jackal stated. Still, this was the breakthrough for his search, because he received nothing but vague information until now. A little desperation gave way to anticipation…
Grimal pondered as he was lost in thought. The only way right now is to bring him back to Era. There are few there who has mastered memory-reading spells… No, he might go on a suicidal rampage, can't be too careful with a creation of the Black Wizard.
Then, in the next moment, he detected a change in his spell, which made him facepalm in embarrassment. "Damn it, I forgot it had a time limit." He created it just recently to counter that mysterious evil energy that these demons used.
Grimal analyzed its contents in the form of residual aura that the cultists left behind after battles. An immobilization spell that leverages on the sturdiness of his paper element, which is what happened to Jackal.
Unfortunately, it didn't last too long.
The Etherious sensed the paper spears' effects running out.
Jackal felt his circulation of Curse Power slowly returning, which cause him to smile.
Grimal sighed as he was aware of his spell's duration. "This is just great. I already expected that it wouldn't be so easy, considering this is my first time interrogating a demon. The standard human-to-human approach was a bad idea. Am I stupid?" He muttered in complaint.
ROOOOARRRRR!
Jackal howled towards the sky as he quickly transformed. "ETHERIOUS FORM!" His frame got bigger as he shattered the spears pinning him down, elated at this feeling of freedom.
The Etherious locked his gaze at the Wizard Saint who wasn't even fazed in the slightest. Jackal gritted his teeth as he clenched his fist, dashing towards the man with full strength.
"I'll show you the full might of my Bombing Curse, you infuriating species! Blasting you alongside this town to dust is the first step to making you humans fully feel the dread of Tartaros!"
"Ok. Give me your worst, little demon."
Jackal ignored his response as he created an explosive sphere to trap him, The man was a bit surprised at his ability, but the demon didn't give him time to react and instantly detonated it afterwards.
BOOOOMM!
Then he punched, feeling direct contact as he cackled in glee.
BOOOOOOOOMMMMM!
Jackal pushed the human across the ground with just one punch, sending him towards another building in the distance, another series of explosions happened afterwards, decimating additional rows of buildings that were behind as a result.
Grimal was launched through six buildings, landing on the seventh one with fierce momentum.
The quaking affected others who were fighting on the battlefield, prompting them to look at the flashy display of pure pandemonium and chaos.
When he made contact with the human, Jackal also created seals on Grimal's body, exerting his Curse to full throttle in an attempt to kill him in one go.
The Wizard Saint's figure couldn't be seen as the smoke covered the entirety of the aftermath.
"That nonchalant attitude hastened your death." The Etherious scoffed, already sure that no one would survive multiple quick and successive explosions point-blank. But before he could even celebrate, the familiar heavy magical pressure returned, shifting the entire atmosphere in an instant.
Tartaros' cultists trembled at the frightening wave of energy, while the Rune Knights were cheering with vigor. It gave them the necessary mental boost to keep on pushing, knowing that an esteemed Wizard Saint was with them.
"Scary demon is big now. I'm shivering in my boots." The Wizard Saint's calm and sarcastic voice rang from within the paper armor he created, echoing loudly within his vicinity as it reached Jackal's ears.
Grimal removed his protection as it disappeared into his right hand.
He patted his spotless outfit while ignoring the frozen look of Jackal who was a distance away. "That's an interesting technique… So, these are Curses, huh?" Grimal only encountered half-baked versions from those subordinate guilds, but the being in front of him was a genuine user.
No more words were needed, killing the demon here and now was the only option left. Although he would be back to square one afterwards, which annoyed him to no end.
Grimal rested his closed right fist on his open left palm, going into a stance as he gazed at the Etherious with clarity.
"Paper Make: Spiral Tempest."
He manifested a multitude of tiny papers that formed a decently sized horizontal traveling tornado, tearing across the destroyed buildings effortlessly, spiraling as it quickly approached Jackal like a beast opening its jaw.
"You've gotta be kidding me." Jackal absentmindedly looked at the vast spell that was casually conjured by the Wizard Saint. He felt the spine-chilling sensation of impending death, which wasn't new.
But… A foreign feeling engulfed him like a parasite.
"This is… fear? Me? Afraid of one puny human?" Jackal growled in rage, looking at the incoming strike that was already near him. Even when it didn't hit him yet, the prickling and sharp sensation overwhelmed him.
"I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT! I'LL BLAST APART THIS SPELL WITH MY CURSE, FOR THEY ARE SUPERIOR!" The Etherious motioned his arms as he aimed at it, and before it reached him, he did a battle cry.
"EXPLODE!"
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Grimal got into the same stance as he controlled his spell, instantly taking action as the demon began his chain of explosions. It danced around the tornado, slithering across as it drafted along the surface.
Jackal noticed that it still continued to travel towards him, as if it brushed off his Curse like nothing.
"What…?"
He could only dumbly stare at the sight in front of him.
Instead of the miniature pieces of paper that composed the tornado, it now turned into a coiling trail of long paper swords.
BOOOOOOM!!!!!
The morphed spell landed on Jackal, swallowing him whole. The area got grated under the sheer might of it, forming a huge crater in the process. Yet it didn't stop at all, destroying even more of the landscape.
Grimal didn't display any type of exhaustion as he directed both his hands, lifting them upwards as the traveling calamity he created followed suit. The tornado itself reached a height of fifty meters, stunning everyone within the battlefield.
Then, he clasped his hands horizontally.
The bottom of the spell suddenly levitated from the ground, and the tornado slowly got shorter. It was still moving with the same force, slicing and ripping the wind as it made whirling sounds that can wound the ears.
After it reached a certain length…
He clenched his right fist.
It morphed into a sphere, as if it was storing someone inside. The sphere shrunk in the next moment, until it became so small one wouldn't even see it anymore.
It slowly opened, revealing nothing but pieces of paper.
Such a display of pure skill could even awe elite maker wizards, which was expected of a Wizard Saint to say the least.
Grimal simply sighed at the result of this confrontation. "That's a pity. I should update Sir Warrod on the matter. Let's just hope he would spare me the corny jokes." Massaging his forehead at such a thought.
One of the Nine Demon Gates, Jackal, was utterly disposed of until nothing remained.
This was the terror of a Wizard Saint, one who gained recognition to stand above the continent.
--------------------------------
AN: Hello guys! Sorry for the delay, I didn't think it would go beyond 2,000 words again. In addition, I would also like to show a short summary for future of this fanfic of mine.
Yes, like some fanfics, I'll also balance the power scaling, meaning Wizards Saints would get some respect. Unfortunately, there are quite a few blanks in the established list, meaning I would have to create OCs… lolz.
A huge reminder also: I will not follow the post-timeskip arcs at all, save for Phoenix Priestess and Dragon Cry (When we'll get there eventually.) This will be all created from my ideas alone. You guys don't need to worry, since I'll simply expand the Fairy Tail Universe, ones that Hiro didn't really utilize in the cannon, meaning there will be a few country trips (Especially Pergrande hehe.)
Simply put, this is an Alternative Universe altogether, meaning there will be numerous OCs alongside the official ones. I wouldn't blame some of you if this turned you off, and I'll respect it.
Oh, and about Natsu fusing the Flame of Rebuke with his own flames. That will be the only time it will happen. Starting from that point on, it will only be a natural progression of his flames, nothing more, nothing less.
That is all I have to say! Thank you reading and see you in the next chapter! :D