Facing the fact that the group of four and a cat returned empty-handed, the others didn't blame them; after all, if they had gone themselves, they couldn't have thought of a better way either.
Acnologia looked at the returned Guild Master and Gildarts and asked, "What news do you have from your side?"
Makarov shook his head. "It is indeed the Sendorfia Church that is collecting the infinite clock parts, but our request to see the Archbishop was rejected. However, they did provide a reason."
"What reason?"
"The Archbishop has a prophecy that in the future, a large number of Evil Dragons will reappear in the world, ravaging the continent and destroying everything in their path. The infinite clock can bring about chaos, which is precisely the means to counter the swarm of dragons."
"As for using forceful methods to collect them, it's simply because they are in a hurry."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was filled with shock and couldn't help but say, "Evil Dragons reappearing in the world? Is that for real?"
Just imagining such a scene made their whole bodies feel a chill. One must remember that Gildarts was heavily injured by a single blow because he encountered an Evil Dragon; the power of a dragon is beyond doubt.
"That's impossible, right? Didn't the dragon race perish four hundred years ago?"
Erza's heart tightened. She knew the terror of dragons all too well. If a swarm of dragons descended, the continent would face a cataclysmic disaster.
Makarov was also at a loss and sighed, "I don't know. I can hardly imagine such a situation either."
He hoped that the Sendorfia Church was lying to him, but looking at the tense atmosphere over there, he had a bad premonition in his heart.
Acnologia's expression was grave. If Evil Dragons were to reappear in the world, then the Eclipse Gate must be a key part of it. Could the person who stole the Eclipse Gate be planning this?
If that were the case, his biggest suspect was the King of Red Dragons, Osta. Who else but that leader of the Evil Dragons would do such a thing?
The more Acnologia thought about it, the angrier he became. He shouldn't have let him escape during their first meeting. Even if he had to chase him to the ends of the earth, he should have killed him!
Irene said in a low voice, "Should I go to the Western Continent to find Zeref? In this situation, only he can find the Eclipse Gate before it's activated."
Although she did not fear the Evil Dragons, there were too many people in this era she couldn't bear to lose, so there was no room for even the slightest error.
Acnologia pondered for a moment and said, "That's the only way. I will have all the kingdoms search together, and at the same time, strictly forbid starting any wars."
Without war, it would be difficult for the Eclipse Gate to collect magic power, which would also buy some time.
Next, the members of Fairy Tail began to take their leave. This time, besides helping the Heartfilia Family rebuild and treating injuries, they hadn't really been of much help.
Layla, wearing a long black dress and looking every bit the elegant and dignified noble lady, smiled and said, "It's alright. You've already been a big help. The things they wanted have already been taken, so there's no more danger here."
She looked at Lucy, who was clinging to her and crying with misty eyes, and gently stroked her small head. "Alright, stop crying. If you miss your mother, come back and visit often."
"Master Makarov, I'll leave Lucy in your care."
Makarov nodded solemnly. Before he could say anything, Natsu spoke up first: "We will definitely protect Lucy!"
Bang!
Makarov punched him away. "Don't interrupt when adults are talking, kid!"
Gray said gloatingly, "It's about time someone taught that rude guy Natsu a lesson."
"Droopy eyes, none of your business!"
"Huh? What did you say?"
Bang bang bang bang!
After a brief staredown, the two instantly started fighting. With ice and fire clashing, a cloud of steam immediately enveloped everyone.
"Don't fight here! Can you afford to pay if you break something?" Erza stepped forward and flattened them both with a punch each.
Mirajane looked at Layla and said somewhat apologetically, "This is how they usually are. Please excuse them."
"It's no problem."
Layla watched this scene with a gentle smile on her face. This was a Happy and beautiful guild... Time reached the afternoon, and the Fairy Tail members had returned to the guild.
Although the mission to protect the Heartfilia Family was over, the infinite clock and the Eclipse Gate were both major matters that could not be ignored.
So Makarov decided to temporarily stop taking other requests. After everyone rested, they would start forming teams freely, with no fewer than four people per team, to search for the other infinite clock parts and the Eclipse Gate with all their might.
This was a matter concerning the entire continent, and there was absolutely no room for error.
Laxus, wearing his coat, said calmly, "Our Thunder God Tribe happens to have four people."
Fried said moved, "We can go on a mission with Laxus again!"
"Don't act like that, you guy."
Bickslow looked speechless. People who didn't know better would think the Thunder God Tribe was some kind of perverted group.
Juvia immediately hugged Gray, her face flushed. "Juvia wants to be in a team with Master Gray!"
Gray looked like he wanted to refuse, but the girl was hugging him too tightly.
Gajeel approached and said, "I'll join your team too."
Juvia's face instantly changed. "You want to steal Master Gray from Juvia? I will never give him up to you!"
(⊙_⊙)?
Gajeel: "Forget I said anything!"
If it weren't for the fact that they were both former members of Phantom Lord, he wouldn't bother with this love-struck girl.
He found Levy and lifted her up directly. "I'll join your team. I'll handle all the fighting."
Levy's feet left the ground, her face turning bright red. "I got it, don't be like this!"
She was already despairing of Gajeel. Couldn't he be a bit gentler with her?
Droy and Jet, the two simps, were naturally unhappy and immediately wanted to challenge Gajeel to a duel. They were quickly beaten to the ground and agreed to his joining.
Natsu said excitedly, "Our Fire Dragon Squad will act together."
As long as Irene and Acnologia were there, he believed no enemy would be a match for them.
Acnologia shook his head and said, "Not this time. I will act freely with Irene to search for clues separately."
"Why?"
Lucy was a bit confused; she still wanted to cling to Irene's coattails.
"There aren't that many whys..."
Acnologia pulled Erza over and said, "Let Erza be in a team with you. That makes exactly four."
Natsu, Happy, Lucy, and Erza could definitely be considered the strongest team.
During their time with the Heartfilia Family, Layla and Anna had also taught Lucy the Hogoku Magic, Urano Metria, making her not much weaker than Natsu.
Erza said with full confidence, "Since Mom and Dad aren't here this time, let me lead you!"
Lucy reached out and hugged Erza's waist, her face full of excitement. "Erza also gives such a great sense of security!"
Natsu crossed his arms and curled his lip. "I also give a great sense of security. Happy, right?"
"Huh? Happy?"
He turned his head and saw that Happy, who had been standing on his shoulder, was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, Happy was already hugging Erza along with Lucy, his face full of excitement. "With Erza here, we're all set!"
Natsu: "..."
Two traitors!
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