บท 169: Chapter 169: 1,000 Star of Magic Power Reserve
The Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival is a grand annual celebration for the residents of Magnolia Town.
On the day of the festival, a magical parade by Fairy Tail captivates everyone.
Although the festival is still a week away, households have already begun their preparations, decorating the town with lights and colors.
The streets are adorned with balloons, and the festive atmosphere is steadily building.
However, unlike the smiles on the townspeople's faces, the mood within Fairy Tail is somewhat tense.
...
In the Office on the Second Floor
When Nate and Mirajane entered the office, they found that three others were already present—Erza, Laxus, and Mystogan.
Seeing them arrive, Makarov spoke solemnly, "Did you see the forum post?"
Mirajane nodded, looking puzzled. "Siegrain... that's Jellal's online alias."
Erza's expression grew serious. "Not long ago, Jellal was broken out of the Magic Prison by members of Grimoire Heart... Nate, you must be careful. He could be coming for you."
'Coming for me?'
Nate was momentarily confused. After all, Jellal was currently his host and entirely under his control.
But on second thought, he understood Erza's meaning.
Back at the Tower of Heaven, Jellal had been struck by his Fairy Law. Now, to outsiders, Jellal's recent declaration of revenge on the magic forum seemed like a threat aimed at Nate.
In reality, Nate was simply using Jellal's post to forewarn the guild members.
"I noticed that post—Grimoire Heart likely plans to do something during the Harvest Festival," Nate reminded them.
Laxus sneered, "They're really underestimating us, huh!"
Makarov sighed. "Actually, I neglected to tell you something important: Grimoire Heart's master, Hades, was once the second guild master of Fairy Tail."
"What?" Erza gasped in shock.
"His true name is Precht. I ran into him once at the [Magic Arena], and only then did I realize he had somehow fallen into darkness."
Makarov recounted the story of the second master's past.
Forty-eight years ago, he named Makarov as his successor, declaring he would roam the world. Since then, he had vanished without a trace.
Their paths crossed again during that encounter at the Arena.
The revelation left everyone stunned.
The former second master was now leading Grimoire Heart to attack Fairy Tail.
But to what end?
All eyes turned to Makarov, who shook his head, looking pensive.
He had a vague idea why, likely connected to Ultear and Meredy.
"Erza, Mirajane, Laxus, Mystogan, and Nate…" Makarov gave no further explanation about Ultear's role but issued a grave directive:
"Over the next three weeks, you are responsible for patrolling the town, ensuring the safety of the citizens!"
...
One Hour Later
The brief meeting ended, and the members left the office.
Mystogan held Nate back, speaking quietly:
"The matter from last time is becoming clearer... I'll be waiting for you at the cathedral."
With that, he departed first.
'Last time's matter? Parallel worlds?'
Nate wondered, then announced to the others, "I'll handle today's patrol."
"Be careful, Nate," Erza said with concern. "If there's any danger, send up a flare!"
"There's still a week until the Harvest Festival, but we can't let our guard down—Grimoire Heart could strike at any time."
"Don't worry."
Nate nodded, thinking they would most likely make their move on the day of the Harvest Festival.
Initially, he had been deliberating on how to disrupt the "Miss Fairy Tail" competition; now, that seemed like the least of his worries.
...
At Kardia Cathedral
The Kardia Cathedral, located in the town center, was Magnolia's most magnificent building.
At that moment, atop the cathedral's towering belfry, Mystogan stood alone, gazing up at the sky.
Suddenly, a streak of golden light flew in from afar, appearing beside him in an instant.
Nate, imitating Mystogan, lifted his head to the sky.
"Can you see it?" Mystogan murmured, "A colossal Anima is gradually forming above Magnolia."
With his six eyes, he could discern the spatial disturbances, though for now, they were just signs.
"Is that why you've returned this time—to suppress it?" Nate asked.
"It's different from before; this time, it's much more difficult. I'm doing everything I can, but I can't hold it off for more than a month…"
Mystogan clenched his fist, visibly troubled.
In the past, smaller Animas could be sealed off, but this enormous Anima exceeded his capabilities.
There was no way to close it—only to slow its formation.
Even with all his efforts, it would fully manifest in no more than a month.
By then, the subspace wall between two worlds would be breached.
"When that happens, every resident and building in this town will be consumed by it, transformed into magic energy for the other world."
Mystogan shook his head, turning to Nate.
"That card you gave me—I've already sent it through a small Anima to Edolas."
"Thank you for your help," Nate replied, closing his eyes to locate the coordinates.
Through his Flying Thunder God technique, he'd left marks in many places, almost instinctively leaving a coordinate wherever he traveled.
In his perception, it was like seeing a sky full of stars.
Each star represented a coordinate, and among them, one appeared dim and distant, isolated from the others.
"How does it look? Can you reach it?" Mystogan asked, his voice tense.
"I can feel the coordinate… I think it's possible, though…" Nate nodded, not entirely certain of success.
Mystogan handed him a vial of potion, then turned to leave.
"If you do make it over there, take this. You won't be able to use magic otherwise."
"Thank you, Mystogan. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Nate caught the vial, smiling. "Perhaps pass on any messages?"
Mystogan merely waved his hand, saying nothing further.
Watching him leave, Nate carefully stowed the potion and sat down before the belfry.
With his six eyes surveying the town, he saw the joyous festival preparations all around—everyone was eagerly anticipating the Harvest Festival.
"Should I bring Lisanna back now?"
Nate pondered, realizing that if he left right away, he might even make it back in time for the festival.
Finding one person shouldn't take long.
Just then, he received a private message.
Opening his magic network, he saw it was from Lucy's father.
Jude Heartfilia: "Nate, I've arrived in Magnolia."
Nate paused for a moment, then replied.
Sigma Male: "Mr. Jude, what brings you here?"
Jude Heartfilia: "The second batch of 100,000 rings is ready, and I thought I'd visit my daughter."
Sigma Male: "Just don't let anyone know she's your daughter. The guild isn't aware she's a noble lady."
Jude Heartfilia: "Lucy? Why?"
Sigma Male: "She lives… I'll come up right now."
After replying to Jude, Nate also sent Lucy a private message, letting her know her father had arrived.
Then, he headed back to the apartment.
As he walked, he suddenly sensed feedback from the Deep Web—the magic power reserve had surpassed four digits, a staggering power level!
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง