Meanwhile, Sonia, who was beside him, was already crying her eyes out.
"Your Majesty..." Sonia whispered softly, her voice filled with endless sorrow. Her gaze was fixed on Yanemus, as if trying to see the pain and disappointment it suffered deep within its hard scales.
Yanemus's disappointment was for its uncle's unworthy actions.
Similarly, tears gushed from Sonia's beautiful eyes like a broken dam, streaming down her cheeks and dripping onto the cold ground.
Sonia could not suppress the grief in her heart, allowing the surging emotions to turn into strings of tears, releasing them fully.
The love hidden in memories was now fully displayed before everyone, a father-like love that could no longer be concealed.
Indeed, anything can be faked, except for love.
Yanemus heard Wendy and Zorn's impassioned shouts, and its gaze fell upon the Fairy Tail Magicians confronting it.
From them, Yanemus seemed to recall its own companions.
Its companions also faced powerful and terrifying attacks, yet they did not flinch or fear.
Instead, an unwavering belief surged deep within them—unconditional trust in each other. This trust was as solid as steel, supporting them as they faced the enemy together.
Yanemus couldn't help but sigh, the memory deeply hidden in its heart was still as vivid as ever.
Yanemus remembered the battle scenes when the dragons cooperated closely and supported each other; it remembered the determined eyes of its comrades as they bravely charged towards Acnologia; it remembered their figures fighting side by side, hand in hand, during every life-or-death moment...
But now, only it remained...
These memories surged into its mind like a tide, making Yanemus feel an indescribable emotional impulse that rushed to its head, and a liquid slowly gathered in its eyes.
It profoundly realized that although time passed, some things would never change—such as genuine friendship and the persistent pursuit of faith.
It seemed to understand.
It was precisely because of such difficult and dangerous experiences that they now understood how to cherish everything they had and were willing to fight for it to the end.
Sonia's body also moved forward involuntarily at this moment.
She slowly approached the Crystal Dragon lying on the ground, its eyes hazy and lost in memories, then gently extended her arms, trying her best to embrace its massive yet weakened body.
"Father... let's go home... okay?" Sonia gently rubbed the Crystal Dragon's forehead, speaking softly.
The Crystal Dragon was startled, then forced itself to lift its head and gaze at Sonia.
The address 'Father' instantly struck its heart, and it stared blankly at Sonia.
A complex emotion was revealed in its eyes—its original wariness towards humans seemed to have lessened, but an undeniable love for this little girl emerged.
"Thank you for taking care of me all these years!"
"Thank you for raising me; I am truly happy!"
Sonia, with tears in her eyes, looked up and smiled at Yanemus.
At this moment, time seemed to freeze. The distance between Sonia and the Crystal Dragon was so close that they could feel each other's breath and heartbeat.
At this moment, Zorn also withdrew his magic, and all the chains binding the Crystal Dragon transformed into points of light, shining in the hearts of everyone present.
This scene was like a beautiful yet sorrowful painting, moving everyone present.
After all, he was the one who raised this girl.
So, only you are special.
With you, this world is ultimately... tolerant towards me.
Zorn stretched at this moment. To be honest, the mission was successfully completed, and he had resolved two tasks at once: the Phoenix Priestess and the dragon cry.
Moreover, he had incidentally acquired an unparalleled good blade, the best companion for a swordsman.
Zorn tightly gripped the dragon cry. After the brief battle, it proved to be an extremely powerful existence, whether as a blade or for assisting in enhancing magic power.
With its enhancement, Zorn's slashes and the Binding Dragon Array magic could be said to have their power multiplied, and the magic power consumption was greatly reduced.
This allowed him to use more powerful magic while attacking, shortening the interval between attacks and spells.
This slight difference could be a fatal advantage against truly powerful opponents.
Zorn was quite satisfied with this trip.
He obtained a good weapon, successfully completed the Master's assigned mission, and stifled the Phoenix in its cradle, preventing more severe consequences.
Most importantly, this time they successfully avoided international diplomatic issues, and their actions were considered self-defense.
After all, he had recorded everything.
Zorn caught the crystal ball falling from the sky with his hand. He easily concealed it using Holy Light Magic.
Looking at the crystal ball, the scene of the enemy clearly entering the country and making the first move was visible.
Zorn smiled contentedly.
Now, the Master and those old men from the Council should be satisfied too!
Earlier, Erza had received a message from the Master, learning of the decisions made by the Council and the King.
All that remained was to take the Phoenix Stone to the Council.
"What's next then!"
Zorn inserted the dragon cry into the scabbard on his back, propped his chin with one hand, and gazed steadily at the Crystal Dragon, pondering something.
Since the Crystal Dragon had emerged from Sonia's body, it should be able to transform into a human form using magic, right?
After all, wasn't Erza's mother, Eileen, like that?
He had already mastered this magic several years ago, so it was perfect for an experiment.
When Natsu, Wendy, and Gajeel's Dragonization phenomenon caused by Dragon Slayer Magic completely stabilized and ended, and they could emerge from their bodies.
It could then be used to transform into human form.
Yanemus, observed with such scrutinizing eyes, instantly became alert, spreading its wings to shield Sonia behind it.
A grand and threatening voice came out: "Human, what do you want to do..."
"Me?"
"A very interesting magic. I think you really need it, otherwise, how would you return to your kingdom?"
Zorn's lips curled slightly upwards, revealing a faint smile.
He slowly extended his right palm, and countless tiny points of faint light around him seemed to be drawn, rapidly converging. These points of light surged continuously towards the Crystal Dragon like a torrent, enveloping it tightly in the blink of an eye.
Suddenly, a dazzling burst of strong light erupted, causing everyone to involuntarily close their eyes.
When everyone opened their eyes again, they were astonished to find that the Crystal Dragon had vanished, replaced by a handsome man with shoulder-length blue hair and a magnificent cape.
It's worth noting that if this Crystal Dragon's age were calculated by dragon standards, it was actually just reaching adulthood.
When it transformed into human form, both its physique and appearance were excellent.
Its posture was as straight as a pine, its facial features distinct, with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin yet sensual lips.
A cascade of blue hair swayed in the wind, adding a touch of elegance and dynamism;
"Mmm, not bad!"
"He looks good, just a little less handsome than me!"
Zorn nodded, praising him.
To be continued~
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