"It's very simple. By studying the records, we know that magic is developing at an extraordinary pace nowadays. Through various comparisons, we can see that the amount of magic power today is much higher than it was in ancient times. That makes it very likely the gate can be opened.
Moreover, there are two prerequisites to open the gate. First, all twelve Zodiac Keys must be gathered. Second, the era must be one overflowing with magic power. Only when there is enough magic in the atmosphere can the gate be opened.
In truth, if we gather all twelve keys and try, we'll know for certain whether the gate can open. And if it can, then the Heartfilia family will finally be freed from this mission."
Noah explained the reasoning behind his certainty. Layla's heart was deeply moved when she heard his words especially that last line.
After reading the family's records herself, and especially after giving birth to her daughter Lucy, Layla had longed to complete this mission within her own lifetime.
She wanted Lucy to grow up free, unbound by the weight of an inherited task.
Yet she had never known if it was truly possible. Now someone had come and told her directly that her wish was achievable. She felt joy and relief, as though a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
Turning, Layla saw the confusion still lingering on Jude's face, so she explained to him,
"The Heartfilia family has kept a book for generations. It says almost exactly what Noah described: in an age of abundant magic, during a lunar eclipse, use the Zodiac Keys to open the gate.
But I was never sure if it was real, so I never told you. I'm sorry, my dear."
Layla's expression was apologetic. Jude quickly embraced her and soothed her gently.
"It's alright. You didn't even believe it yourself. You don't need to apologize."
Then Jude looked to Noah and asked,
"So, will we really be able to open the gate soon and end the Heartfilia family's mission?"
"Not immediately," Noah replied. "According to my calculations, the next lunar eclipse will be in July of X777. Only then can the gate be opened. I came to you now to remind you.
Because the twelve Zodiac Keys are required, it's best to begin searching in advance to track down the keys and their current holders, and establish communication early. Otherwise, if even one is missing on that day, we might fail to open the gate in time."
Jude and Layla reacted instantly, and Layla in particular understood. As a Celestial Spirit Mage herself, she knew how rare and precious the Zodiac Keys were. Finding them all in a short span would be nearly impossible.
"Thank you for warning me," Layla said gratefully. "Even if I knew about the eclipse, if I had waited until then to search, it would have been too late. Now that I know years in advance, it will be much easier to prepare."
Noah shook his head.
"I only happened to learn of this, and I felt I had to share it with you. And beyond that, I'll do my best to help you find the keys. Since this is connected to our guild, I will definitely lend my strength."
"Thank you, truly," Layla said, her voice full of gratitude.
"But… what exactly is the connection?" Jude pressed with concern.
"All I can say," Noah answered carefully, "is that the construction and opening of the gate is linked to the first master of our guild. I can't reveal the details right now."
Noah's tone was firm but apologetic. He dared not mention Jellal's involvement such knowledge could only bring calamity if spread.
"This child has clear eyes," Layla said softly, watching Noah. "And his magic radiates light and warmth. He is a good boy. He will not harm us." She gently tugged at Jude's sleeve.
Jude exhaled and nodded.
"I trust your judgment, Layla. Thank you for your help, Noah."
"No, I should be the one grateful for your trust," Noah said to Jude and Layla with sincere respect.
"If the gate can truly be opened, then my daughter will no longer be bound by our family's fate. She'll be able to live her life freely. That would mean everything to me.
And speaking of which you and my daughter are about the same age. I'd like to introduce her to you."
"I'll be very much looking forward to meeting your daughter," Noah replied warmly.
"Aunt Spetto, please bring Lucy here," Layla instructed.
"Yes, madam. I'll fetch the young lady right away."
The housekeeper, Aunt Spetto, hurried off to call Layla's daughter, Lucy, to the parlor.
At that moment, Noah turned to Layla.
"Madam, your health has not been well."
Before Layla could respond, Jude quickly interjected, his tone urgent and filled with concern.
"How did you know? Layla has always had poor health."
"I know a little about medicine," Noah explained calmly. "From your complexion and magic flow, I could tell your condition isn't good."
"Then… can you cure her?" Jude asked hopefully. He had searched tirelessly for remedies to ease his wife's frailty, but nothing had ever truly worked.
"I'll need to examine her first to know the cause," Noah said, turning to Layla. "Would you allow me to?"
"Of course," Layla agreed at once with a gentle smile.
Under Jude's watchful eye, Noah carried out a series of careful examinations. When he finished, he paused to think deeply, then asked,
"Madam, when did you give up practicing as a wizard? In other words, when did you stop using magic?"
"It was in X764, when I was sixteen," Layla replied. "Because of my health, I decided to abandon my career as a mage."
"Since you're a Celestial Spirit Mage," Noah continued, "back when you retired, how many keys of the Zodiac did you possess? And how many gates could you open at once?"
"At that time, I held three Zodiac Keys, and I could open three gates simultaneously," Layla answered.
Noah nodded, his expression sharpening. "Then I believe I've found the root of your condition."
"What is it?" Jude asked anxiously. Layla also leaned forward, curiosity and hope in her eyes.
"This symptom only appears in rare cases," Noah explained gravely. "There are two people in our guild who suffer from it as well and it only manifests in those with extraordinary magical talent."
"This happens when someone is born with extraordinary magical power but lacks the physical strength to support it. The imbalance causes magic to oppress the body, leading to various health problems."
Through his examination and questions, Noah confirmed that Layla was indeed an exceptionally talented Celestial Spirit Mage able to open three Zodiac Gates at once when she was only sixteen.
The Zodiac Keys were the pinnacle among Celestial Spirit Keys. Only twelve existed in the entire world. Opening even a single gate demanded a tremendous amount of magic power. To open two at the same time required an exponentially greater amount.
And to open three simultaneously… the strain on the body was unimaginable. The required magic power rose to a level few could even fathom.
That Layla, at just sixteen years old, could accomplish such a feat spoke volumes about the vast magical power she possessed.
...
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