Chapter 35 : Jupiter??

The headlines splashed across the newspapers sent shockwaves through the continent, stirring intense discussions among magicians and ordinary folks alike.

Headline 1: 

Fairy Tail infiltrates the Phantom Lord guild, detonates the Guild Master's office, and leaves a trail of injuries.

Such clashes between powerful guilds were a rarity, making the news all the more sensational.

Headline 2: 

Mysterious figures retaliate against branch guilds of the Phantom Lord. Magic world experts speculate that two S-rank members from Fairy Tail are behind the actions.

Fairy Tail Guild

"Mystogan has caught wind of it."

"Laxus isn't holding back."

Within the guild, members gathered around newspapers, dissecting the events.

Throughout the previous night, several branches of the Phantom Lord Guild were obliterated, leaving their members gravely wounded.

Reporters captured images of thunderous skies, a telltale sign of Laxus's involvement.

"Everit, your provocation proved quite effective," Gray remarked.

"Prepare yourselves, the second bout is imminent," Everit cautioned, his expression grave.

"Everit," Guild Master Makarov approached, holding a piece of paper, "The Magic Council demands an account of the situation."

"Guild Master, it's a trap!" Gray interjected urgently.

"Indeed," Makarov acknowledged, "This indicates the gravity of the situation with the Phantom Lord."

"Is the Magic Council not impartial?" Erza questioned, a crease forming on her brow.

"They're far from it," Makarov replied, shaking his head, "Merely self-righteous and oblivious."

"Traditional and stagnant!" Gray added.

"Prepare for battle," Makarov declared solemnly.

"Guild Master," Everit interrupted, drawing everyone's attention.

They turned to him expectantly.

"You go ahead," Everit directed.

"What?" Makarov's surprise was evident.

"Everit, this plan seems dangerously close to handing over Guild Master and inviting an assault on our guild!" confusion filled the room.

"I am aware," Everit said, running his fingers over the purple gem atop his cane, "But instead of allowing the Phantom Lords to devise more sinister schemes and find avenues beyond our control, it's better to exploit their tactics. Let the Guild Master feign departure."

"Everit, this matter cannot be taken lightly. Any mistake could lead to serious trouble," Makarov said gravely.

*Knock Knock*

Everit tapped the newspaper with his finger and remarked, "The path Laxus took to dismantle the Phantom Lord Branch was heading towards our guild. It's clear he also anticipated the Phantom Lord impending attack on us. He wants to confront Jose."

"With Laxus here, we shouldn't have much trouble stalling Jose for a while."

When Laxus is mentioned, despite everyone grappling with his abrasive personality, they have to admit that his strength is undeniably impressive.

"True," Mirajane nodded, "With Laxus and Everit together, they can definitely hold their own against Guild Master Jose."

"Miss Mirajane, you're too kind with your praise. You've always been so gentle and kind," Everit modestly replied.

"Everit," Mirajane glanced at him, smiling, "If you can ensure everyone's safety this time, I'll fulfill the promise I made last time."

"Really?!"

Everit was rarely this excited.

This surprised Lucy. What could have gotten Everit so fired up, akin to Natsu?

"Absolutely," Mirajane affirmed.

"Haha!" Everit laughed heartily, hands on hips, much like Natsu.

". . ." Everyone was at a loss for words.

But Everit had his moments like this sometimes.

It then dawned on everyone that he was only a little older than Natsu.

"Everit," Makarov still seemed a bit concerned, "Can you keep Laxus in check?"

"Guild Master," Everit smiled, "Laxus isn't some wild beast, nor are you. If you place your trust in him, he won't stray to the dark side."

"And,"

Everit changed the subject, grinning, "Don't worry, I have a secret weapon that will make Laxus listen to me."

Laxus.

Everyone noticed Everit's subtly malicious smile, and suddenly, felt a pang of sympathy for him.

Phantom Lord Guild.

"Has that old man Makarov truly been deceived?" Jose's confidence waned a bit.

He had initially prepared several elaborate plans with higher chances of success but with more complications. Unexpectedly, the first plan had succeeded.

"Guild Master, Fairy Tail is also gearing up to face us. They're deliberately revealing their vulnerabilities to us, but that's exactly what we want," an intelligent wizard remarked.

"Exactly. As long as Makarov remains occupied elsewhere, the rest of them won't pose much of a threat!" Jose nodded.

That geezer doesn't really believe this kid, who only knows how to sneak attack, is worthy of facing him. 

Ridiculous!

In the afternoon,

the sun shines high,

a perfect time for a showdown.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

The ground quakes.

"The Phantom Lord is approaching!"

Bisca and Arzak, the gun-wielding duo, rushed inside to warn.

"Let's move," Everit declared.

Everyone gathered outside.

Behind the guild lies an open space, overlooking a cliff by the sea.

A massive presence emerges from the sea.

The Phantom Lord's headquarters is a colossal mobile fortress.

From its top, a monstrous cannon extends, taking aim at Fairy Tail Guild.

"Magic Convergent Cannon - Jupiter?!" Cana exclaimed in disbelief.

"Hey, hey, one shot like that, and our entire guild would vanish!"

"The Phantom Lord has lost its mind!"

The earlier momentum in Fairy Tail now tinged with fear.

Seeing her comrades shaken, Lucy's newfound courage wavered.

"Lucy," Everit spoke gently, "Fairy Tail began with individuals yearning for love and friendship, forming a tight-knit family."

"You protect us, and we protect you."

"A single person's bravery can stir the emotions of all, igniting a collective courage."

"And with everyone's courage, you'll find the strength to surpass your limits."

"Miracles become possible; obstacles once deemed insurmountable crumble before us."

"Why tremble? Look."

"Isn't Natsu eager?"

"Huhuhuhu..."

Heat billows, forcing bystanders back.

Natsu enveloped in raging flames, distorting the very air, his face obscured. Only the pulsing magic signifies his overwhelming determination.

"Don't retreat."

Everit gently patted Lucy on the shoulder, a reassuring gesture amidst the tension that hung in the air.

With deliberate steps, he made his way to the forefront of the scene, each footfall echoing crisply in the once-noisy atmosphere.

"Da."

"Da."

"Da."

Everit's measured footsteps acted like a conductor, gradually hushing the previously bustling crowd into silence.

As he finally reached the front, the venue had fallen into a profound quiet, all eyes fixated on his back.

Then, with a resounding "Boom," he struck his cane against the ground, sending a swirl of yellow dust into the air.

Raising his gaze towards the Phantom Lord Guild, he ignored the ominous barrel of the cannon and focused on the towering structure where their formidable foe, Jose, awaited.

A low, ominous hum filled the air as the Phantom Lord's magic convergent cannon began to charge, gathering an overwhelming surge of magical energy that condensed into a massive, black hole-like cannonball.

****

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