20. Aftermath

Rashkel disappeared completely and in his place was a black coloured, old looking book lying there.

"A book of Zeref" my voice came out on its own.

'So, he was one of Zeref's toys'

'If one of his average creations is as strong as an S-ranked mage, how strong would the man himself be and how strong is Acnologia to be able to strike fear in him'

It was only today that I truly realised how weak I really am. Sure I took care of Rashkel, but it was not easy. The major reason for my winning was the surprise attack at the beginning. It took his arm and effectively reduced his combat strength.

Another reason is that my magic was a counter to his whole existence as demons are creatures of darkness and light is super effective against them.

But that's not always going to be the case.

I have decided. I raised my hand towards the sun and proclaimed "I am going to reach the top. Become the strongest this world has ever seen so that I don't have to fear anyone and can protect my loved ones" Another burst of conqueror' haki burst out of me.

'Haoshoku, it will be a valuable weapon against beings like Acnologia who have magic immunity'

I lowered my hand and looked at the rest of the bandits. I know that I decided to kill them but, they will be more useful alive. Maybe, they can provide more information to the rune knights. So, I tied them with a strong rope made of light and left them there for now. I also picked up the 'book of Rashkel' and stored it in my ring.

I then went towards the cell where the women from the village were. They were unharmed because of my barrier but my haki must have affected them as they were unconscious.

I gently released my healing magic to remove any trauma they may have from this experience, which they probably do and after a few minutes, they started waking up. Their eyes now have light, probably because of my magic.

"Hello. I am Elior, a mage from the Fairy Tail guild." I told them in a warm tone "You are safe now" and continued with a soft smile. I asked them to follow me outside and they hesitatingly did so.

After viewing the lair which had been destroyed now and the bandits tried around in a corner, they finally believed me and started crying. It took me a few more minutes to calm them down.

"Get up, this way we will reach the village faster" I made a platform from light and asked them to climb it as it is better than walking back with so many people.

They obediently followed me and I controlled the platform to move towards the village while dragging the bandits through the ground. They deserve it. It took half an hour for us to return to the village and find all the remaining villagers waiting for us at the edge of the forest.

As soon as I lowered the platform, all the people rushed at each other and started hugging and crying. I gave them some space and just viewed them from afar.

"Kyuu~" I heard the voice of Luna and found her running at me followed by the old man from before.

She straight up crashed into my chest as I opened my arms and she started licking my face.

"I am back Luna, just like I promised" I said to her and hugged her tightly.

" Kyuu~" she nuzzled her head against mine.

All the tension and fatigue faded from me as I hugged her. "Thank you Luna"

"Kyuu~"

"For being with me"

"Kyuu~" she started licking me again showing that she is also glad to be with me.