Awkward.
If Shilba were to describe his current situation in one word, it would be awkward.
He is indeed Gray's father.
Many years ago, after being killed by Dailola, he was taken along with many corpses from his village by Kisu, the dark priest.
That was one of the Nine Ghosts Sect, employing a spell that could manipulate corpses.
At the time, he was conducting a study to test how close to the living a dead person could be under his spell's control.
Kisu had a vague feeling that his created mission was to kill someone and resurrect someone.
Unfortunately, he could accomplish neither.
To not disappoint Zeref, before returning to his side, Kisu kept striving toward these two directions.
He researched many methods of killing, but could never find a way for resurrection.
And the aforementioned experiment was part of Kisu's efforts in researching resurrection.
——If a body could move autonomously and be infinitely close to the state of the living, then could this person be considered resurrected?
Based on this idea, Shilba, the only one among more than 300 experimental subjects to have self-contained activity for nearly 17 years, was incredibly precious.
If he could return to Zeref's side with this nearly perfect specimen, would he receive praise?
With this thought, Kisu did not overly interfere with Shilba's actions.
Even though he learned Demon Slayer Magic, even though he had been quietly eliminating demons everywhere, even though he was planning to overthrow the Gate of the Underworld...
The Dark King perhaps shared the same thought as Kisu, not wanting to meddle with the gift for Zeref, or maybe thinking Shilba posed no threat, didn't interfere much either.
When his power grew to a certain extent, he even let him join the Nine Ghosts Sect.
Shilba didn't care about Kisu and other demons' thoughts; in the years Gray disappeared, his only belief was revenge.
What destroyed their family's happy life was Dailola, and the Gate of the Underworld was a demon from Jellal's Book just like Dailola, so he had to obliterate the Underworld.
Until this year's Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts, Shilba learned the news that Gray was still alive, even saw Gray fight with Leon through the broadcast.
Thus, he changed his plan.
He would falsely claim to be Dailola, let Gray defeat him, acquire the power of Demon Slayer Magic, and then avenge the Gate of the Underworld in his place.
The new plan was going smoothly until a minute ago.
He successfully froze Gray's companions, creating the opportunity for a solo battle with Gray.
But, why, why could someone undo Kisu's control of him, a dead man?!
Wasn't Kisu's spell supposed to surpass all other necromancy?
Please tell me, as a father, having just spoken some rather dramatic lines in front of my son, showed some immature acting skills, mimicked the standard villain's maniacal laughter...
only to be exposed on the spot, what should I do?
In short, Shilba just feels awkward, very awkward.
Shilba didn't dare make eye contact with Gray, but instead looked at the half-mechanical Rhode and asked, "What is this magic?"
"This is called the Covenant of the Dead, originally intended to revive the dead temporarily, only to gradually weaken. But your state is unique, so I just contended with the person controlling you for control.
"As for the type of magic... it should be classified as Dragon Slayer Magic."
Rhode's current state is an Alchemy Dragon Soul status, with a pair of wings behind him composed of a golden mechanical skeleton and green wing membrane.
The dragon claws on his hands and the half-dragon face atop his head are similarly composed of metal and an eerie green dragon scale, intermixed with black tubular structures, it exudes a rugged alchemy technology style, looking rather sinister.
The effect just utilized was that of Alchemy Dragon Soul, allowing the deceased to stand up and move, and their state is even better than before life, only their life will slowly drain.
The healing effect works on him but can only prolong the time before he falls back down, unable to let him remain active permanently.
The name of the magic was casually given by him.
This ability is one he usually doesn't dare use, partly because magic involving resurrection tends to be cursed with bizarre effects.
On another note, as the 'moral benchmark' of the entire Fairy Tail guild, Rhode is quite resistant to the desecration of corpses.
But given this situation now, just contending with a necromancer for control over a corpse isn't a problem.
Shilba smiled wryly, remarking, "You're truly worthy of being one of the Ten Wizard Saints."
"Since you're Gray's father, I should call you Uncle, can you please unfreeze our companions?"
"I..." Shilba sighed, and with a wave of his hand, all the ice outside the river vanished.
"Then I won't disturb you," Rhode glanced at the newly risen sun and said,
"Normally speaking, your state should last until around sunset.
"Though your situation is special, maybe it'll be longer... anyway, you two have words, discuss slowly."
Rhode patted Gray's shoulder, jumped to shore himself, and headed towards Mikhailo's house.
Before he could enter, Erza, Lucy, Natsu, and Hapi rushed out:
"Gray! Ah... Rhode?"
Rhode stopped them: "Gray is busy right now, let's go back first."
Natsu shouted: "That guy's an enemy, right! I'll just now..."
Rhode punched Natsu on the head, grabbed his back collar, and dragged him into the house: "Come in first, I'll explain slowly."
Erza showed understanding, Lucy and Hapi were sensible, so they followed Rhode inside cooperatively.
Rhode entered and saw an elderly gentleman with orange hair and cat ears, about the same height as the President.
Beside him was a young lady with braided pigtails and wearing a pleated skirt, looking youthful and charming.
Rhode politely greeted, "Pardon the intrusion, Mr. Mikhailo, Miss Mikaelia."
"You are..." Mikhailo looked at the stranger and thought for a moment.
Mikaelia immediately recognized him: "You're Mr. Rhode of the Ten Wizard Saints! I've seen your fight with Mr. Jura, it was amazing!"
"Thank you for the compliment."
"So it's you." Mikhailo wasn't as enthusiastic, "What was that attack just now, has the enemy been dealt with?"
"Sort of, but the incident hasn't ended yet." Rhode asked, "Are you aware of your current situation?"
"Feis..."
Erza had already explained the cause and effect to him, but Mikhailo still underestimated the danger posed by the Gate of the Underworld.
Just now he was completely unaware of what happened, and he was already thoroughly frozen. If Fairy Tail hadn't come, or hadn't been able to defeat the enemy, he and his granddaughter would probably...
He said somewhat bitterly, "I really don't know where Feis is."