Acnologia didn't have many clues, but he could go straight to the Royal Palace and look for King Toma; he was already quite familiar with that old man.
His magic power silently spread out, beginning a meticulous search, as he simultaneously walked toward the Royal Palace.
Suddenly, a person wearing a black cloak hurried past. Acnologia, sensing the familiar magic power, reached out and grabbed her shoulder, saying, "Lucy!"
That black-cloaked Lucy was slightly flustered and subconsciously tried to run, but the grip on her shoulder was too strong for her to break free.
Realizing the person was very strong, she quickly said, "I am a Fairy Tail Mage, don't try anything funny!"
Acnologia raised an eyebrow: "Coincidentally, I am also a Fairy Tail Mage."
Saying this, he showed the guild emblem on his arm.
He had previously told Irene Belserion to take the guild members back to the dormitory. This Lucy in front of him must have come from the future, but why did she look like she didn't recognize him?
Could it be that the future this Lucy came from was one without him?
Surprise appeared on Lucy's face: "How is that possible? Why haven't I met you?"
Acnologia said, "The restaurant is right next door. Let's grab a meal together, and you can tell me about your situation."
Lucy felt this man was trustworthy. Although she hadn't met him before, the Fairy Tail emblem couldn't be wrong.
Soon, the two entered the restaurant. It was cozy and elegant, with soft lighting creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
They found a seat by the window, where they could enjoy the night view outside while feeling the warmth and comfort indoors.
Acnologia ordered a few signature dishes and a bottle of red wine. Lucy hesitated slightly, but seeing the other party signal her to order, she also picked up the menu and ordered two dishes.
After about five minutes, the food was served. Acnologia looked at Lucy, who was both eager and reserved, and smiled, saying, "Eat. Whatever you need to talk about, we can discuss it after we finish eating."
He could tell Future Lucy was genuinely hungry, so he didn't say anything more, picking up his chopsticks and starting to eat first.
Mmm...
Lucy could feel that the other person was very gentle and considerate of her feelings. Her heart warmed; sure enough, she could trust anyone who bore the Fairy Tail emblem.
She gradually relaxed, picked up her chopsticks, and began to eat. Perhaps due to extreme hunger, she ate faster than Acnologia, her cheeks stuffed full.
Acnologia couldn't help but smile, handing her a glass of juice and saying, "Slow down, you can order more if it's not enough."
Thank you!
Lucy glanced at him gratefully, took the juice, and drank it. She hadn't eaten for a day and a night, and it had been a long time since she had tasted such delicious food.
You're welcome!
Acnologia leaned back on the sofa, carefully observing this black-cloaked Lucy.
Compared to the clear-eyed, foolish Lucy, this Lucy in front of him carried a touch of exhaustion. There was a scar of a sharp claw tear on her left cheek, and her beloved hair looked like it hadn't been properly cared for in a long time.
It seemed this Lucy's experiences in the other world were not pleasant.
After Lucy had eaten her fill, she noticed Acnologia staring at her, and her face flushed slightly: "Thank you. Actually, I usually eat very gracefully, I was just too hungry."
Acnologia showed an understanding expression and smiled, saying, "Tell me your story. Judging by your appearance, things haven't been easy for you."
He felt that this Lucy's future must be different from the original story, as her right arm was at least intact.
Lucy lowered her head, a hint of sadness in her eyes, and softly said, "Actually, I came from the future, arriving in this world through the Eclipse Gate."
The Eclipse Gate?
Acnologia was slightly surprised, then asked, "Where is the Eclipse Gate you came out of?"
"Uh... isn't it right here in the Capital of the Fiore Kingdom? I came out of there yesterday."
Lucy looked at Acnologia, who seemed to be deep in thought, and asked nervously, "Is something wrong?"
Acnologia was somewhat surprised. He activated his Detection Magic, instantly observing the Royal Palace area. Sure enough, the Eclipse Gate was right there, heavily guarded by troops.
He withdrew his gaze and softly said, "It's nothing. Please continue."
Lucy nodded and began recounting the events of the future world: during the S-Class Promotion Trial period, Fairy Tail members encountered the Black Dragon Acnologia and were subsequently sealed on Tenrou Island for seven years.
Afterward came the Grand Magic Games. After the competition ended, a Red Moon hung in the sky, and tens of thousands of Evil Dragons appeared out of nowhere, commencing a brutal slaughter of the human race.
The Fairy Tail members fought against the gigantic dragons, but the dragons were too powerful; killing even one was incredibly difficult, so they fought while constantly evading.
Because Mavis, the First Guild Master, and Zeref were lovers, Zeref softened at Mavis's plea and chose to lead the Alvarez Empire into the war. At the same time, he recalled the demons of Tartaros, committing all of them to the battle to eliminate the Evil Dragons.
But even so, the gap between the two sides remained enormous, with the Dragon Race holding the absolute advantage.
Later on, the Black Dragon Acnologia appeared and began a frenzied hunt against the Dragon Race, which slightly shifted the Dragon Race's focus.
During the war, the Fiore Kingdom was destroyed, the Magic Council was destroyed, and Fairy Tail also lost many comrades.
In desperation, Zeref formulated a plan: restart the Eclipse Gate to return to the past and change the future. As long as they figured out the reason for the dragons' appearance and made a change, the future destruction would not occur.
And this task was entrusted to the Celestial Spirit Mage Lucy... After Acnologia finished listening to her story, he pondered for a long time and slowly said, "But you've come to the wrong place. This must be a Parallel Timeline; we were not sealed for seven years."
"And I am Acnologia!"
As soon as he said this, it struck Lucy like a bolt of lightning. She widened her eyes, nearly collapsing in terror.
"You are Acnologia!"
She knew well how powerful and evil Acnologia was; their seven-year sealing was entirely due to him, and even the Dragon Race considered him a grave threat... What was the deal with the Fairy Tail emblem? Was he a Fairy Tail member?
"Although it's hard to believe, it's true!"
Acnologia smiled faintly and said, "We are in a parallel world. Perhaps in another world, I am a villain, or perhaps an ordinary person, or maybe a robot. Anything is possible, just like Edolas."
"Edolas, huh..."
Lucy calmed down slightly, recalling her fighting-loving counterpart, and decided it made sense.
She nodded and said, "I understand!"
"I might have come to the wrong place. I will re-enter the Eclipse Gate and go to the true past."
"Do you still have a celestial spirit key to open the Eclipse Gate?"
Lucy froze: "No, I don't!"
Just then, a black hole suddenly condensed, and the power of fierce wind swept through as Zeref stepped out.
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