Bab 12: Chapter 12: Mastermind
He believed it?! He actually believed it?!
Kira's thoughts raced as he marveled at his own cunning. How is this even possible? I'm incredible!
Adopting a righteous tone, Kira said, "It's fine. I forgive you, Gray—but just so you know, you're not getting any reward from this mission."
"What?!" Rocky and Kana immediately protested.
"You profiteer!" Kana exclaimed, glaring at him.
"Alright!" Gray interjected, cutting through the complaints. His face was determined as he declared, "I don't care about the mission reward! Just let me handle this matter myself!"
"Gray..." Kana began, her tone softening.
But Kira completely ignored the sentiment, waving his hand dismissively. "What nonsense are you spouting? This is my mission. Get it straight! And anyway, we're all part of the same guild. How could I just let you face this alone?"
He sighed dramatically before conceding, "Fine. I'll allow you to deal with the mastermind behind all of this. But I won't lift a finger—no matter what happens."
Gray bowed his head slightly, gratitude shining through his fierce expression. "That's enough. Thank you."
The air between them grew heavy, the tension palpable.
But Kira, ever the one to diffuse drama, chuckled lightly. "Oh, by the way, the no-reward thing applies to the rest of you too."
"WHAT?!" Kana and Rocky cried in unison.
Before the argument could escalate, a strange purple light beamed down from the opening above, bathing Deliora in an eerie glow.
"It seems the ritual has begun," Kira noted. "Let's head up and take a look."
Without another word, Gray bolted toward the ruins.
"Wait, Gray! Be careful!" Kana shouted after him.
The group quickly followed, keeping their guard up.
At the top of the ruins, the scene that greeted them was both breathtaking and unnerving. Under the pale, unnatural glow of the purple moon, a group of robed figures chanted in unison. Their voices rose and fell in an ancient, rhythmic spell, pooling the moonlight's energy into a liquid form. This glowing, dark purple substance streamed down into the cavern below, precisely striking the ice-encased Deliora.
Hidden behind a large rock, the group surveyed the ritual in silence.
Rocky frowned. "So this is the Moon Drop. It feels... wrong."
"That has to be it," Kira confirmed.
Gray clenched his fists, his body taut with anger. "They're the ones... The ones disturbing Uru's peace!"
Kana pointed toward three individuals standing apart from the main group. They wore distinct, ornate clothing and were actively casting spells. "Are those three the masterminds?"
Kira snorted. "Hardly. Those are lackeys. Do you think the real boss would be out here working overtime with the grunts? No, the mastermind will show up later, with an air of superiority and a flair for theatrics. Trust me on this."
The others stared at him, baffled.
Before they could respond, voices drifted over from the trio.
"How much longer will this take?"
"Another week, maybe."
"Ugh, the workload has been insane lately. I haven't had a proper rest in days."
"Quiet. This is the critical phase. We can't afford to mess up Lord Lingdi's plan."
Moments later, a figure emerged from the shadows. Clad in a dark cape and a hooded mask, his every step exuded authority. The trio immediately turned to him, bowing deeply.
"Lord Lingdi," they intoned in unison.
Kira grinned smugly, pointing at the figure. "See? I told you. That's our mastermind right there."
"Who is he?" Kana whispered.
The man, identified as Lingdi, nodded at his subordinates and spoke in a calm, commanding voice. "You've done well. We're nearing success—the plan to free Deliora is almost complete."
Gray's breath caught in his throat. That voice... Could it be?!
Without waiting for confirmation, Gray leapt from their hiding spot, his shout cutting through the ritual's chants. "You! You're the one trying to free Deliora?!"
His sudden outburst startled Rocky and Kana, but Kira merely smirked.
"Good. The hero's made his dramatic entrance," Kira muttered. "Now, Rocky, Kana, I'll give you a chance to earn your keep. Handle the lackeys while Gray deals with the big boss. Don't tell me three of you can't take down three of them."
"But what are you going to do?" Kana asked.
"I'll take care of the magic circle. You still want your reward, right?"
"Fine," Kana grumbled.
Emerging from behind the rock, the group took their positions.
The robed lackeys turned toward them, startled. "Fairy Tail? What are they doing here?"
The woman among them narrowed her eyes. "How did they get here so quickly? We only received word of the villagers' plea a few days ago."
The shorter man scoffed. "It's an S-class mission. They must've sent their best. No matter—we'll deal with them."
Meanwhile, Gray's attention was solely on Lingdi. "Stop this ritual right now, you bastard!"
Lingdi turned slowly, his icy demeanor unwavering.
Gray wasted no time, casting an ice spell with both hands. Lingdi countered with a single gesture, summoning a surge of ice to meet Gray's attack head-on. The two forces collided, shattering into a spray of frozen shards.
Gray's heart sank. "That magic... It's you, isn't it?"
Lingdi removed his mask, revealing a face Gray knew all too well.
"Long time no see, little brother," he said coldly. "Still as weak as ever, I see."
"Leon!" Gray hissed, his voice trembling with anger.
Kana and Rocky exchanged confused glances.
"Gray, you know him?" Rocky asked.
Gray's jaw tightened. "He's my master's other student. My senior... No. Not anymore. Leon, with what you're doing, you've abandoned Uru's teachings!"
Leon's expression didn't waver. "And you've forgotten reality, Gray. Uru is dead. She's gone because of your weakness."
Gray's fists shook as he shouted, "She gave her life to seal Deliora, and you're trying to undo her sacrifice?!"
Leon's eyes glinted with malice. "Don't twist the truth. Uru died because of you. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't even be standing here."
Gray's world tilted as Leon's words cut deep, reopening old wounds.
Kira watched from a distance, his face calm but his thoughts racing. Perfect. Let the drama unfold.
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Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
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