Mavis's voice softened as her story continued.
Happiness never lasted long for her.
Three years later, Yuri's child was born. Holding that newborn life awakened something inside her. For the first time, she truly understood what it meant to cherish existence.
And in that same moment, death answered.
An invisible wave of dark energy poured out of her body and killed the baby's mother instantly.
Terrified, Mavis fled the guild.
Years later, she encountered Zeref again.
That was when she finally learned the truth.
She had been cursed by the God of Life and Death, Ankhseram.
The reason was Fairy Law.
By creating a spell that touched the domain of gods, she had crossed a forbidden line.
Zeref had suffered the same fate for the same reason.
Immortality.
Anyone he grew to love would die by the death energy leaking from his body. Humans. Animals. Plants. It made no difference.
That was why he never stayed anywhere for long. Why he never formed bonds.
Two people carrying the same curse fell in love anyway.
And when they kissed, Zeref's curse activated.
Mavis died in his arms.
Zeref, broken, brought her body back to Precht. Precht tried to revive her.
Instead, he created Fairy Heart.
Mavis's soul remained bound to Tenrou Island, lingering near her own grave. She sometimes saw Zeref visit, but because he lacked Fairy Tail's guild mark, he could never see her.
"That's our story," Mavis said quietly.
Then her expression darkened.
"Zeref has changed. He sealed away everything human in himself. He built an empire in the west and treats people like pieces on a board. If you go looking for him now, it won't be safe."
Makarov looked stunned.
"You're saying… Zeref is the emperor of Alvarez?"
Rowan turned toward him.
"You know about the Alvarez Empire?"
Makarov nodded grimly.
"It's a superpower built from seven hundred and thirty mage guilds. A military empire. Their elite force is called the Spriggan Twelve. One of them is God Serena. He used to be the strongest of the Four Gods of Ishgar before he defected."
Makarov went on.
"Four years ago, Alvarez planned to invade the eastern continent. Their target wasn't territory. It was Fairy Heart."
The invasion had only stopped because the Magic Council threatened to use continent-destroying weapons.
To understand Alvarez's motives, Makarov had sent Mest to infiltrate the Council and gather intelligence.
They never learned who the emperor was.
Until now.
"So Zeref wants Fairy Heart," Rowan murmured. "An infinite magic engine made from Mavis's body. Is this about her… or something else entirely?"
He fell silent, paw resting against his chin.
Three sources now lined up.
Igneel.
Mavis.
Makarov.
Both Zeref and Mavis had been cursed for creating magic that trespassed into divine territory.
So gods really did exist here.
And they were petty.
Rowan's eyes narrowed slightly.
So humans invent powerful magic and the gods answer by cursing them?
Lovely personalities.
That meant one thing.
This world didn't end with Acnologia.
Above him sat beings who ruled life and death.
Which also meant… someday, he might talk to them himself.
When he was strong enough.
For now, the priorities were simple.
Acnologia.
Zeref.
The Alvarez Empire.
Figure out Zeref's goal. See if he could be turned into an ally. Strip the western continent of every valuable spell worth stealing.
Rowan looked around the room.
"So. Thoughts?"
Natsu shot to his feet.
"We go west and find Zeref. I want answers."
Gajeel stood up beside him.
"If they're aiming at our guild, then fine. We hit first."
Minerva raised her fan.
"Agreed. Fairy Tail doesn't retreat."
Laxus stood.
"If Alvarez threatens the guild, we don't wait for them to move."
Elfman flexed.
"A real man doesn't hide!"
Erza crossed her arms.
"The Magic Council's superweapons are gone. They could attack at any time. We can't stay passive."
Most of the guild roared in agreement.
Lucy, Levy, and Macao exchanged uneasy glances.
Seven hundred and thirty guilds.
An immortal black mage.
An empire.
This wasn't a normal enemy.
Makarov slammed his fist onto the table.
"Enough."
The room went silent.
"This isn't a bar brawl. It's a war against a continent-scale empire. If you charge in like this, you'll die."
He exhaled slowly.
"I'll go to the western continent first. I'll speak to Zeref myself and find out what he really wants. Then we decide what comes next."
No one argued.
Even Natsu stayed quiet.