The next day arrived, and a group of naked men appeared in the newspapers and magazines. Such a thing was unprecedented and unheard of, drawing severe criticism from the majority of the female population.
Newspaper sales exploded, as many girls bought a copy to take home and study carefully. These naked men all covered their faces, and since the photos were taken at night, they weren't very clear; the girls were determined to find out who was so shameless.
However, the two leading the charge were far too conspicuous, laughing while they ran. It was truly astonishing—they were real talents.
Irene was somewhat curious and asked in a low voice, "Why weren't you caught on camera?"
Although they all covered their faces, she could tell who was who by their hairstyles and physiques. How was this guy not among them?
Acnologia laughed and said, "The rule was that the losers had to go back naked, but it didn't say magic couldn't be used. I changed my appearance; who could recognize me?"
In fact, quite a few people had transformed. If one looked closely, they would find at least six or seven people sporting the faces of those two conspicuous idiots.
"You guys really know how to find loopholes."
"What do you mean 'finding loopholes'? This is making effective use of the rules. Do you really want your man's naked body to be seen by others?"
"That's true!"
Irene nodded in agreement. Her husband had a great physique; she couldn't let those vixens outside get a free look.
Everyone else was fine, but Natsu and Gray, those two super perverts, had already become famous throughout the Kingdom of Fiore.
At that moment, the bright sky outside gradually turned dark. Black clouds rolled in, and a blood-colored shadow loomed over.
Acnologia was slightly startled. He stepped out the door and looked up at the sky, at that crimson moon as red as blood.
Irene walked up beside him and said softly, "Today is July 7th, the Day of Eclipse."
"Let's go. Once we deal with the mastermind behind the scenes, we can finally have some peace of mind."
...At this time, the Kingdom of Fiore had already evacuated the citizens overnight. The strongest military forces were all gathered at the location of the Eclipse Gate: King Toma, Princess Hisui, General Arcadios, and Minister of Defense Darton.
"Your Majesty, Princess, are we really going to open the Eclipse Gate?"
General Arcadios showed a worried expression. A strong sense of unease filled his heart; he felt that opening the Eclipse Gate was a mistake.
"There is no need for doubt. Opening the Eclipse Gate is imperative!"
Princess Hisui's voice was firm. With her long jade-green hair and wearing a strapless dress, she possessed an elegant and dignified aura in every movement.
"But at least notify Lord Acnologia. That way we can ensure..."
"Shut up!"
King Toma's gaze was cold and filled with an unquestionable authority. "The affairs of the kingdom do not allow for outside interference. General Arcadios, you are a general of the kingdom, not Acnologia's dog."
"Your Majesty..."
Arcadios looked at that unfamiliar expression, his heart turning cold. When did King Toma become so dictatorial? What on earth had happened?
Minister of Defense Darton shook his head and said, "General Arcadios, opening the Eclipse Gate is imperative. There is no need to say more."
He actually didn't approve of the plan either, but the King and Princess would not allow anyone to question them, so he had no choice.
Rumble!
Following King Toma's command, the massive Eclipse Gate slowly opened. Under everyone's shocked gazes, an endless, dazzling light burst forth.
"It's open, the Gate of Hope for humanity!"
"What incredible magic power!"
"Concentrate the magic in one place and sweep away the Evil Dragons in one go!"
Many guild members had also been entreated by General Arcadios to come and watch, in hopes that they would lend a helping hand if something bad happened.
"Everyone, stay alert!"
Makarov's expression was grave. Others might not know, but they were well aware. Acnologia had said the Eclipse Gate connected to four hundred years ago, and that the dragons had come from there. Now, they were about to witness it with their own eyes.
Mavis said softly, "As long as the mastermind is found, he will end all of this. I hope it can really be done."
All members of Fairy Tail were present except for Acnologia and Irene. Future Lucy also watched the scene nervously; this was the beginning of the world's destruction.
Rumble!
The entire Royal City began to shake. A violent earthquake occurred; the ground even cracked, and buildings began to collapse.
"An earthquake?"
"What's going on?"
Under everyone's terrified gazes, a giant grey dragon with grey scales and spiral patterns stepped out from the Eclipse Gate. Every step it took caused an earthquake.
"Roar!"
The grey dragon let out a furious roar, and a terrifying sound wave spread out. The violent wind blew nearby people away, and everyone covered their ears; some even bled from their facial orifices due to the vibration.
That powerful dragon pressure seemed carved into the very marrow of their beings. Just facing it filled people with an unspeakable terror.
"A dragon?"
"Impossible... something like that!"
Everyone instinctively retreated, looking at that burly and domineering dragon. What was going on? Why was it different from what the King and Princess had said?
"They're coming out!"
Erza felt a strong sense of danger. This was a life-or-death crisis; the guy in front of her was extremely strong!
"There are ten thousand of those things!"
The members of Fairy Tail were terrified. Had Acnologia been fighting against these things four hundred years ago?
How horrifying!
Sting and Rogue were also seeing such malicious dragons for the first time. The terrifying pressure was simply indescribable.
While everyone was in shock, a second dragon also emerged from behind the gate. It was a blue-spotted dragon with fins, its terrifying aura spreading out and kicking up a gust of wind.
The third was a dragon condensed from flames, its physical body completely invisible. Just by appearing, its terrifyingly high temperature melted the ground.
The fourth was a brown dragon, with curved horns growing from its head and chin.
The fifth dragon was emerald-colored, with long whiskers.
The sixth dragon was the color of flowing water. As soon as it appeared, its terrifying aura and dragon pressure shook the heavens and the earth. Its level of terror far exceeded the previous four dragons—this was a Dragon King Level!
The seventh dragon was platinum-colored. Upon its appearance, a terrifying storm manifested in the sky. The intense sense of suffocation made everyone realize that this, too, was a Dragon King Level dragon.
Arcadios's expression changed drastically as he questioned sharply, "Princess, quickly activate the Eclipse Cannon?"
At that moment, King Toma and Princess Hisui were suddenly jolted awake. They hurriedly cried out, "Close the Eclipse Gate! There is no Eclipse Cannon; this is the evil plan of a person from the future!"
They had been aware of what they were doing, but their thoughts had been blocked by a mysterious power, leaving them to watch helplessly as their bodies acted. But under this intense panic, they finally regained control of their bodies.
General Arcadios's gaze narrowed. He knew the King and Princess were back. He immediately shouted for everyone to block the dragons' path while he quickly rushed toward the device that could close the Eclipse Gate.
The only plan now was to close it as quickly as possible to prevent more dragons from appearing.
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