Grimoire Heart Headquarters, Abyss Corridor.
In stark contrast to Fairy Tail's noisy warmth, this place was perpetually shrouded in oppressive shadows that even the eerie green magic flames couldn't penetrate.
The air was thick with the scent of sulfur and old parchment, along with a deeper, colder essence that seemed to emanate from the very soul.
Upon the highest throne, Hades—Precht—tapped his fingers unconsciously on the obsidian armrest.
In his sole remaining left eye, there was no longer the usual depth and inquisitiveness, but a surging, almost tangible, icy fury.
Kawarazu Seeker's life signal had completely vanished.
Along with him, the covetous desire for the 'Deliora's power' on Galuna Island also disappeared.
Below, in the vast hall, the remaining Seven Kin of Purgatory stood with bowed heads, the atmosphere as heavy as the dead calm before a storm.
Zancrow's face was etched with impatient rage, Rustyrose's hand trembled slightly as he adjusted his glasses, Azuma was as expressionless as a rock, and Capricorn was hidden beneath a wide cloak, his aura obscure.
"Seeker... that fool." Hades' voice was deep and hoarse, breaking the suffocating silence, devoid of discernible emotion, yet it made those below tense up even more. "To be defeated on a small Galuna Island, by... a few young children from that Makarov's Guild."
He slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the few individuals below: "Makarov... the successor I personally appointed back then. He certainly managed the Guild well, cultivating quite a few... interesting children."
There was even a hint of strange "appreciation" in his tone, but then, that hint of appreciation was swallowed by an endless coldness.
"But!" He slammed his hand on the armrest, his voice exploding like thunder in the hall! "The prestige of Grimoire Heart cannot be challenged!"
"The death of a Seven Kin of Purgatory cannot be simply overlooked!"
"If others in the dark world knew that our people were killed by a light Guild, and we did nothing... they would think Grimoire Heart is a toothless tiger! Hades' name would become a joke!"
A terrifying magical pressure, like a tangible tsunami, instantly swept through the entire hall!
Zancrow and the others involuntarily took half a step back, their faces showing shock.
Hades slowly reined in his aura, but the murderous intent in his eyes grew stronger: "We must retaliate. We must use the blood of Fairy Tail members to wash away this shame and restore Grimoire Heart's fearsome reputation!"
He turned his gaze to the shadows in the hall: "Meredy."
A petite pink figure silently emerged from the shadows, approaching the throne, and respectfully saluted: "Guild Master."
"Use your 'Sensory Link' to contact Ultear." Hades commanded, "Tell her I need detailed information on all Fairy Tail members who have gone out on missions recently. Especially those... who are alone. Pick suitable targets and send the information back."
Meredy's pink eyes showed no fluctuation, she simply nodded obediently: "Yes, Guild Master."
She clasped her hands over her chest, and an invisible mental wave quietly spread, traversing a great distance, connecting with Ultear, who was at the Council.
Hades watched Meredy cast her spell, a cruel arc forming on his lips: "Makarov... let me see if you can still maintain your ridiculous 'family' belief when the bodies of your Guild members are sent back one after another..."
...Magic Council, Ultear's private office.
Ultear, who was reviewing documents, suddenly paused.
In her mind, Meredy's voice came clearly, relaying Hades' command verbatim to her.
Ultear's beautiful face was instantly covered with a layer of frost, and a hint of anxiety and anger flashed in her eyes.
Hades was going to lay a cruel hand on ordinary Fairy Tail members!
This was far more malicious and cruel than targeting stronger Mages!
She did not hesitate at all.
A star-like shimmer appeared at her fingertips, and a special communication card appeared in her hand.
She quickly wrote down Hades' plan and command, adding an extremely dangerous mark at the end.
The card transformed into a stream of light and vanished, heading straight for Magnolia... Fairy Tail Guild, late at night.
Most of the members had already left, leaving only scattered lights and Laki and Max, who were responsible for cleaning.
The light in the Guild Master's office on the second floor, however, was still on.
Ezreal's communication card glowed faintly in his hand. He quickly read the information on it, and his golden eyes instantly became as sharp as an eagle's.
He immediately stood up and said in a deep voice to Makarov, who was frowning over the huge financial deficit for the current month: "Guild Master, emergency."
A few minutes later, in a soundproof secret room in the Guild's backyard.
Makarov, Ezreal, Erza, Ikaruga, and Cana, all the S-Class Mages currently at home, were gathered here.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Ezreal skipped all pleasantries, directly displaying the information sent by Ultear, concisely explaining Hades' revenge plan.
"Targeting lone members... how despicable!" Erza slammed her fist on the table, her face full of rage, "We absolutely cannot let his scheme succeed!"
Cana's face also darkened, and the hand shaking her wine glass stopped: "This is big trouble... members go out every day, it's impossible to guard against."
Ikaruga sat silently to the side, her hand lightly resting on her sword hilt, a cold glint flashing in her clear eyes.
Makarov's small face became incredibly serious, and he looked at Ezreal: "Ez, you said earlier... you had definite information about Hades' identity?"
Ezreal nodded, his voice steady yet impactful: "Yes, Guild Master. According to the core information provided by Ultear's codename, the Guild Master of Grimoire Heart, Hades... his true identity is our Fairy Tail's second Guild Master—your mentor, Mr. Precht."
"What?!"
Even with Erza's composure, she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Cana's wine glass nearly slipped from her hand.
Ikaruga's hand on her sword hilt tightened slightly.
Makarov was even more thunderstruck, he suddenly stood up from his chair, his small body trembling violently, his face filled with disbelief, pain, and deep shock!
"Precht... Master... he... he's still alive? And... became Hades of Grimoire Heart?" Makarov's voice was dry and hoarse, filled with unbearable pain, "This... how is this possible..."
Ezreal sighed and continued: "The information is confirmed to be accurate."
Ezreal had no intention of hiding the identity of the second Guild Master, and directly revealed it under the guise of Ultear's message.
Knowing it sooner would be a good thing for the Guild Master and for everyone.
It was better than encountering him in battle and suddenly learning that the second Guild Master was the big boss, which would affect their fighting spirit.
"After stepping down, Senior Precht, in pursuit of the ultimate in magic, delved deeply into overly dangerous and even forbidden domains."
"Ultimately... his mind was devoured by darkness, and he embarked on a completely opposite path."
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