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The clear wind transformed into malevolence, returning to nothingness.
The moment the two forces collided, the death energy triggered by the Contradictory Curse instantly disintegrated, scattered like dust by the magical wind stirred by the Magnetic Field Power.
The expanding death zone abruptly stopped at the feet of the white-haired youth.
"It seems I've arrived just in time."
Hearing that familiar voice, Erza reined in the horror that the death power had brought her, and the tension that had been in her throat slowly subsided.
To be able to rescue them from such a life-and-death crisis with such composure, who else could it be but Noah?
Looking at the white-haired youth standing in front of them, Gildarts's back was soaked with sweat. He finally understood why Makarov and August trusted Noah so much now.
The death energy of the Contradictory Curse had already exceeded the scope of magic.
Yet, there was an even more overpowered force in existence.
Gildarts reached for the wineskin at his waist. The waters of this world were too deep; he just wanted a drink to calm his nerves.
The thick-headed Natsu was only now recovering from the crisis of facing death directly.
Looking at the death-filled area at Zeref's feet, the ancient trees that had been full of vitality and lived for countless years were now just dry, withered wood. The land, stripped of all vegetation, was cracked and decayed, exuding a suffocating stillness of death.
The terrifying scene before his eyes was even more frightening than facing a hundred thousand Erzas… Wait, no, a hundred thousand Erzas would definitely be more terrifying.
Both were terrifying, and Natsu was dripping with cold sweat. But then, a surge of anger rose from the depths of his heart, and his gaze toward Zeref was filled with hostility.
"Spriggan! What do you take life for, you bastard!"
As expected of Natsu, when it came to being thick-headed, he was the one.
Gray had always felt inferior to Natsu in this regard, but he still forcibly pulled Natsu back and asked Gildarts, "Gildarts, you told Natsu to stay away from Spriggan before. Did you know who that guy was?"
Gildarts didn't answer, only looked at Noah.
Noah nodded slightly, "There's no need to hide it from them now. Everyone, Spriggan is the Emperor of the Alvarez Empire."
"What?!"
Erza, Mira, and Gray's expressions suddenly changed. Having been in the Western Continent just a few days ago, they naturally knew that the Emperor of that Western Empire had another identity.
An identity ten times more terrifying than a ruler of an empire.
The progenitor of Black Magic—Black Wizard Zeref!
Mira told Natsu and Cana Zeref's true identity. Cana's face immediately became as solemn as the others, and even Natsu realized the seriousness of the situation and quieted down.
Gildarts looked at Noah, "I'll leave this to you. I'll take everyone to retreat."
Noah nodded, "See you at the camp."
As Gildarts and the others left, only Noah and Zeref remained on the scene.
At this moment, Zeref no longer showed the panic he had when he met Natsu; his entire being exuded a cold indifference that looked down on all living things.
Zeref stared intently at the young man he had met once before, his gaze as if he wanted to dissect Noah alive, just like his eyes when he researched magic like the R-System and the Eclipse Gate 400 years ago.
"You are the first person to block the Contradictory Curse. Can you tell me where that non-magical power of yours comes from?"
In 400 years, Zeref had seen someone resist the "Death Hunt" unleashed by the Contradictory Curse for the first time.
Having been tormented by this curse for centuries, he finally saw a glimmer of hope for release. Zeref had only one thought at this moment: to obtain Noah's power.
Noah chuckled softly, "I'm sorry, but the Magnetic Field Power does not belong to this world. Only people from its original world can awaken this power."
"I see, a power system from outside Earth Land. No wonder it can counteract my curse."
Zeref believed him without a doubt, his voice filled with regret and pity, "Then I can only find a way to take this so-called Magnetic Field Power from you."
Noah was stunned for a moment, not expecting Zeref to so directly covet his ability. It seemed he was truly tormented by the Contradictory Curse.
However, the Contradictory Curse was indeed quite formidable.
Noah compared it, and the "Death Hunt" energy unleashed by the curse, when compared to the Magnetic Field Power, actually had a destructive power of roughly 180,000 P.
Aside from the Black Dragon Acnologia, whose strength was unknown, Noah really couldn't think of anyone else in this world, besides himself, who could withstand this terrifying death energy.
No wonder historical descriptions of Zeref, besides creating a large amount of Black Magic, always mentioned that wherever he went, death followed. Zeref, unable to control his curse, was indeed a life-reaping machine.
It was also no wonder that Zeref, who loved life, became reclusive.
Noah cleared his throat, "Zeref, you don't need to think about taking my power. I came to Tenrou Island precisely to try and resolve the curse on you."
Zeref was somewhat surprised, "How did you know my whereabouts?"
"Oh, August told me."
Noah replied in a deep voice, "In the Western Continent, he sent a message for me to return for this matter, but you were probably in seclusion again at that time, so we had to come find you."
August…
Zeref silently recited the name of his subordinate in his heart, somewhat moved. August clearly knew that he regarded him as a pawn, yet he still helped him so diligently.
If there truly comes a day when I can break free from the curse, then I'll adopt him as my godson. After all, he's a child I've watched grow up since he was young.
Poor August, who didn't even know that before he could be recognized as his biological son, he was about to become a godson…
"How do you plan to resolve the curse within me?"
Zeref already believed Noah, but he was curious about his method for resolving the curse. After all, Zeref had tried too many solutions over the past 400 years, all ending in failure.
His last attempt even took the life of his beloved.
Noah spoke calmly, "It's very simple. Just like magic-sealing chains can seal Magic Power, I'll just seal the curse within you."
Listening to Noah's answer, Zeref was somewhat disappointed, "I've tried sealing the curse before, but the result was a beautiful forest turning to ashes."
It wasn't that Zeref didn't believe Noah, but the cost of past failed attempts was so heavy it almost suffocated him. Unless Noah had absolute certainty, he wouldn't agree.
Did Noah have absolute certainty?
Of course not.
He had only encountered the Contradictory Curse for the first time five minutes ago, and it was the death energy triggered when the curse activated, not the curse itself.
Although he didn't have absolute certainty, Noah still had 98% confidence, and this was the self-assurance the Magnetic Field Power gave him.
However, Zeref didn't think so, "First, prove that you have power beyond mine, otherwise everything is an illusion."
Noah sighed.
As expected of father and son, Zeref's current demeanor was just like August's at the very beginning. Indeed, when consensus couldn't be reached, fists had to be used.
August became obedient after taking a full-power blow from him.
The Contradictory Curse made Zeref immortal and ageless, so he should be able to take many punches, right?
He just didn't know how long it would take to beat him into submission.