Era, the headquarters of the Magic Council.
"You're saying that thing still exists in this world? That's impossible!"
"About ten years ago, a cult worshipping black magic attempted to build the R-System."
"I thought we had already destroyed those seven towers."
"Because there is an eighth tower. It is located in the waters near Caelum." A three-dimensional magical projection appeared before the council members.
"Looking at this... has construction already been completed?"
"The investigation team sent to the site lost contact immediately after transmitting this image."
Ultear stood to the side, her voice calm. "It seems it is indeed finished."
"Why now? Why has the R-System..." Org was interrupted by Siegrain before he could finish.
Siegrain folded his arms across his chest and looked up. "It is not the R-System. It is the Tower of Heaven."
"Call it whatever you like," Michello snapped at Siegrain. "It is Forbidden Magic. If the world even learns of its existence, it will incite total chaos."
"We must send the army to suppress it immediately. There is no time to lose."
"But the opponent is..."
"The opponent?"
"Based on witness testimony from the Akane Resort incident last night, the ones occupying the R-System are not the Magic Cult mentioned earlier."
"Then who exactly are they?"
"The man in charge refers to himself as Jellal."
"Jellal?" Org repeated.
Michello turned to Siegrain. "Isn't that your twin brother, Siegrain?"
Siegrain opened his eyes and looked up. "Ah, regarding that matter... I am well aware."
"First, we must gather intelligence—"
"Send the army immediately!" The council members began to argue fiercely.
Suddenly, Siegrain's voice cut through the noise. "A pack of fools..."
"What did you say?"
"What is the meaning of this, Siegrain?"
Siegrain continued, "Send only the army? Your reaction makes you look like nothing more than incompetent fools. That thing is dangerous far too dangerous."
Michello stared him down. "What are you trying to say?"
"You don't understand at all. There is only one way to destroy the Tower of Heaven immediately. We must use the Satellite Magic Seal to release... Etherion." As he spoke the final word, Siegrain's eyes snapped wide.
"What!"
"The Super-Dreadnought Space-Time Destruction Magic?!"
"Are you insane?" A chorus of opposition erupted.
"Have you estimated the casualties? That magic could wipe out an entire nation even if we held back!"
"Etherion is our final weapon! It is a magic far more dangerous than the R-System!"
"However..." Siegrain countered, "Using satellite tracking, we can lock onto any object on this continent. The only way to thoroughly destroy a structure of that magnitude is through Etherion."
"I agree," Ultear said, raising her hand.
"Ultear, you too!" Michello looked at her in disbelief.
"There are nine of us in total. We only need three more," Siegrain said, his voice tinged with excitement. "If three more support this, we can launch Etherion. We have no time. We cannot allow him to use the R-System."
Michello looked up at Siegrain. "You must realize that this means taking the life of your brother, Jellal."
Siegrain lowered his head, his expression darkening. "Of course. That is simply how troublesome the system is." The Council fell silent, everyone deep in thought.
Seeing their hesitation, Siegrain suddenly added, "According to witness testimony, it seems 'God's Hand' Chen Fan has also gone to the Tower of Heaven." He closed his mouth immediately after speaking.
"God's Hand!"
"Chen Fan!" The Council erupted into a frenzy before falling into an eerie, suffocating silence.
After a long moment, a hand finally went up. "I agree." Another followed immediately. "I agree."
"I oppose this!" Yajima, the small old man who had always looked at Chen Fan with kindness, finally spoke up.
"I agree," Org said.
"Org!" Yajima shouted.
"I agree as well!" Michello raised his hand. "Agree."
"I agree."
"You... you are all just using this for a personal vendetta!" Yajima's body trembled as he screamed at the other members.
"Yajima, you shouldn't put it that way," Michello said with an air of mock tragedy. "A personal vendetta? Chen Fan is a fine comrade, but you know the danger of the R-System. We are merely trying to nip the threat in the bud. Besides, sacrificing one Chen Fan can save countless lives."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Yajima was so furious he could only point at their faces, his lips quivering, unable to find the words.
Clap, clap.
Siegrain applauded. "Very well. Since eight out of nine agree, the launch of Etherion is inevitable." Ignoring Yajima's balanced fury, Siegrain turned and vanished.
Meanwhile, at the top of the Tower of Heaven, Jellal allowed a thin smile to cross his lips. He looked at Vidaldus Taka. "It's your turn to take the stage, Vidaldus."
"Is it really alright?" Vidaldus licked his lips, his voice dripping with bloodlust.
"Of course. The game is only fun if it's played like this," Jellal replied.
"Hmph!" A red magic circle appeared beneath Vidaldus's feet. Red magical energy overflowed, causing his long hair to stand on end. "Ah... ah... hahahaha!" In an instant, his image shifted into something utterly manic.
At that moment, two other figures appeared beside him. The woman in the center, with long pink hair and an alluring aura, placed a hand over her heart and bowed to Jellal.
"We are the assassination guild, Death's Head Caucus. I am the captain, Ikaruga. With me are Vidaldus Taka and Fukuro. Trinity Raven, reporting for duty."
"It is time. Go!"
At the same time, Chen Fan and his group were making their way toward the top of the Tower of Heaven.
Suddenly, Chen Fan stopped. His brow furrowed as if he were receiving a message. After a moment, a cold smile touched his lips. He muttered to himself, "The Magic Council... eight out of nine? Jellal, you actually dare to use me as a bargaining chip? It seems I've been far too merciful in the past. Perhaps this time, I should get rid of you once and for all."
Thwack!
Chen Fan was sent sprawling to the ground by Erza's fist.
"What are you standing there smirking at? Am I that funny?" Erza shouted at him. Chen Fan wanted to explain it was just a coincidence, but Erza had already turned her back and started walking.
She stopped abruptly and yelled back, "What are you lingering for? Hurry up and follow me!"
"Right, coming."
Wait, why does this dialogue feel so familiar? Chen Fan rubbed his chin as he followed, not wanting to get yelled at again.
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