He looked at Jade Dragon Zirconis with a fawning smile as he murmured words of feigned submission.
Ultear, somewhat at a loss for words, said, "This guy… It seems he has no limits at all—really, is he even a dragon?"
In truth, if Jade Dragon Zirconis had been trying to intimidate others, he might very well have succeeded—as in the original tales with Natsu, Wendy, Lucy, and the like. But who exactly were these three individuals? They were none other than Gildarts, the destroyer of the Ishgar Continent; Gaal, the all-knowing; and Ultear, who, with those two by her side, appeared entirely unconcerned.
"Don't say he's merely a soul form," the thought went. "Even if he were a living dragon, as long as he wasn't magic-immune like Acnologia the Black Dragon, Gildarts would be more than happy to show him exactly what Crush Magic can do."
Hearing Ultear's words, Jade Dragon Zirconis couldn't help but retort, "What's the use of limits? They only lead to death. I'm no fool, and I've only got this little scrap of soul left—lose it, and it's gone for good."
Gaal then interjected, "Enough. Quit all this nonsense. You should have taken part in that battle four hundred years ago—now share your memories."
Saying so, Gaal raised his hand. A chain of magic linked itself to the head of Jade Dragon Zirconis, who immediately grumbled, "Damn it—it feels like I'm tethered to a dog. Can't you move it somewhere else…" At the sight of Gengar's piercing gaze upon him, he quickly softened his tone: "I'll share right away." He then released his soul, allowing Gaal's magic to invade.
As Gaal's spell merged with Zirconis's dragon soul, a massive first-person projection burst into view within the cavern. In it, countless dragons swarmed from all directions, surging toward the battlefield's center where, in the distance, an immense conflict was unfolding.
Even with the keen eyesight of a dragon, one could only faintly make out that scores of dragons—like drifting leaves—were continually falling toward the earth. Time ticked on minute by minute.
Two minutes later, a heavy silence settled over the trio. Gildarts couldn't help but bare his teeth as he glared at Jade Dragon Zirconis and said, "I mean, you're being way too cowardly. After all, so many of your comrades have gone off to battle that creature, and yet you've been flying for two minutes—how come you haven't moved an inch?!"
Indeed, he remained utterly stationary. Although the projection showed surrounding dragons barreling toward the center, from Zirconis's perspective the battlefield was still far away—so distant that those colossal dragons appeared as mere specks. Even as he casually exchanged greetings with nearby dragons, two minutes passed with hardly any progress.
Hearing Gildarts's criticism, Jade Dragon Zirconis couldn't contain his irritation and shouted, "What do you know?! That creature isn't even a real dragon! Have you ever seen a dragon that can take on hundreds at once? That is a dragon—the kind that could effortlessly raze a kingdom! Hundreds of dragons were simply mowed down by Acnologia! That bastard isn't a dragon at all! He's nothing more than a pervert draped in dragon's skin!!!"
Zirconis's emotions flared as he added, "Call me a coward if you like—but try facing Acnologia yourself! If you could withstand him for even a moment, I'd gladly share your surname! And even if I seem cowardly now, that bastard won't let me off easily. He chased me down from afar just to finish me off!"
Observing his mix of rage and fear, Gildarts clicked his tongue in dismay. Meanwhile, Gaal massaged his temples and accelerated the projection's playback.
As the projection sped up, the sun in the sky gradually dipped toward the west, and Zirconis's perspective finally closed in a little—revealing Acnologia locked in brutal combat. Gaal zoomed in on the unfolding scene.
In the projection, a colossal dragon roared as if tearing the very heavens asunder; after dodging Acnologia's swift pass, it effortlessly pierced several mountains, whose titanic explosions turned the peaks into vast craters. Such roars, so overwhelming that they nearly obscured the sun, swamped Acnologia's ability to evade them all. Unable to dodge every blow, he simply did not. Even as the projection conveyed the terrifying energy unleashed with each impact, Acnologia emerged entirely unscathed.
His fearsome claws, imbued with magic, tore through the very explosions. Bursting forth from the blasts, Acnologia attacked the horrified dragons—his claws effortlessly rending their roars and plunging into their flesh. With a savage rip, an entire dragon was torn in half and flung aside. Then, without pausing even a moment, his crimson gaze sought out the next prey.
The projection continued to accelerate. Watching the prolonged battle, even Gaal—despite his preparations—could not help but shudder. It wasn't only Acnologia's sheer terror; it was also the steadfast courage of these dragons, who, even with defeat seemingly inevitable, fought on relentlessly. Even a coward like Jade Dragon Zirconis had rushed forward at the last moment. Though he failed to wound Acnologia, his assault was accompanied by a curse and a spray of spit before the screen finally went dark.
It wasn't that they couldn't run—the pride of these dragons prevented retreat. One after another, they were driven perilously close to extinction.
Gildarts stood silent for a long moment before slowly exhaling and saying, "It is… so powerful it inspires utter despair."
Gaal sighed and remarked, "And there's even more disheartening news. Want to hear it?"
Gildarts and Ultear exchanged troubled, incredulous looks. "No way… There's more? Even with them all this strong, there's still bad news?"
Gaal nodded, replying, "Yes… This projection is from four hundred years ago, yet magic in this era is even more abundant than it was back then. In such circumstances, could it be that only humans have advanced?"
As soon as his words fell silent, Gildarts drew a sharp breath and murmured, "I must say… you really must say… How strong must Acnologia be now?"
But Gildarts soon sensed something was off. Realizing Gaal was trying to scare them, he said, "That can't be right. This guy is so formidable, yet you don't seem even a bit nervous."
Gaal merely shrugged with a smile and said, "Well, he hasn't shown himself in person yet. We'll have time to figure something out. Besides, if he doesn't die, are we meant to perish as well?"
Gildarts fell silent for a moment before his lips quirked in agreement. "You have a point. If he survives, do you really expect us to die? What a joke… Better send him to his death."
Ultear laughed in agreement.
Jade Dragon Zirconis listened to their conversation, his eyes betraying a trace of astonishment. Are humans in this era all so conceited? As if Acnologia were some common roadside beast. It was sheer courting of death. Anyone who encountered Acnologia would learn true despair. Foolish bastards…
"Ahhh—ow, ow, ow! I was wrong, I was wrong!!!" cried the soul form of Jade Dragon Zirconis as he rolled around on the ground in a desperate plea for mercy.
Gaal snapped his magical chain and said, "It's still connected. I can sense what you're thinking."
Gildarts looked at the rolling Zirconis and asked, "What shall we do with this guy? Exterminate him, or should we take him back?"
After a moment's thought, Gaal replied, "Let's take him back. After all, he is a true dragon soul—enough to command respect. But before that, his memories must be thoroughly sifted."
All over, Jade Dragon Zirconis shuddered as he watched Gaal raise the magical chain. In terror he screamed, "Don't come any closer—ahhh!!!"
A bloodcurdling scream echoed throughout the cavern before abruptly cutting off.
—
A few days later.
At the Fairy Tail Guild Headquarters, amid the raucous clamor within, Gildarts allowed a slight smirk to form on his lips as he booted his way inside.
Boom! "I'm back," he declared.
For a moment there was silence, then the hubbub resumed: "Ohhh, Gildarts, Gaal, Ultear—this trio must be the strongest squad in Fairy Tail!"
"What on earth were you off doing?!"
"Not only that!"
"You might even be the strongest team in the Fiore Kingdom—no, the strongest on the entire Ishgar Continent!"
"Hahaha, that's a bit much! But seriously, I'm curious."
Gildarts announced, "Gildarts, I've grown even stronger—watch this! The Fire Dragon's…"
Bang!
Natsu was sprawled on the ground with a bump forming on his head. Gildarts waved his hand lazily as Gray, sporting a slight smirk, said, "Idiot."
Natsu immediately turned his head and cried, "What?! You exhibitionist!"
Gray's face reddened; glancing down, he realized his clothes were nowhere to be seen and scrambled to dress, taunting, "What did you say?! "You bumbling fireball!"
Natsu's fighting spirit flared instantly as he roared, "Hahahaha, do you want a taste of my fists? Take this! The Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Gray nimbly dodged, and as he did so, a brilliant ice-blue magic circle appeared around him.
"You need to cool down!" he declared.
"Ice-Make: Block!"
Natsu's punch slammed into the ground before suddenly becoming encased inside a perfect square of ice. His body remained locked in mid-strike, yet within the block the flames continued to burn, steadily heating the ice. Natsu smirked and shouted, "The Fire Dragon's… Roar!"
Boom!
"Idiot!"
"Are you trying to blow up the guild?!"
Ignoring the commotion below, Gaal, Gildarts, and Ultear ascended directly to the second floor and knocked on Makarov's door.
Inside the room, Makarov looked up at the trio, rose, and asked, "So, did you get the evidence?"
Gaal nodded and said, "We got it." He then released the sleeping dragon soul of Jade Dragon Zirconis—which, compared to its former colossal size, was now roughly the size of an office desk. Still, its unmistakable shape confirmed that it was indeed a true dragon soul.
Makarov circled the dragon soul and remarked, "It looks rather feeble, but it unmistakably bears the form of a dragon."
Gaal then raised his hand and touched the head of Zirconis's dragon soul, prompting a projection to materialize in the void—a replay of the latter part of the scene from the Dragon's Grave.
Makarov became completely absorbed, his eyes wide with astonishment. When the battle known as the Dragon King's Rite finally finished playing, his head was drenched in sweat. He closed his eyes, immersing himself in the memory of a towering version of himself facing Acnologia…
It was impossible. Tearing apart dragons was as trivial as snapping a chicken leg—let alone for our fragile human bodies. Fairy Law? No way, not with magic immunity involved. Ridiculous…
Makarov's teeth ached as he muttered about the absurdity of it all. Opening his eyes to see the three of them sporting barely concealed grins, he barked in annoyance, "What are you laughing at? This guy is just too terrifying!"
Gaal laughed and said, "We'll figure something out eventually. Four hundred years ago, humans dreamed of traveling to the present to take on Acnologia the Black Dragon. Born in an era of unparalleled magic, we can't possibly lose to those ancient folks. Relying on their power to save the world would be downright shameful."
Gildarts smiled and nodded, "You're right. Depending on ancient heroes to save the world would make us all look weak. What, are we only meant to rely on ancient strength or something?"
Makarov listened, nodding and laughing, "There's some truth to that. This evidence alone is enough to shock everyone. Just the legend of the Dragon King's Rite alone could upend the entire magical world. No one would ever have imagined that four hundred years ago the continent was so brutally torn apart—or that such a monster could be born.
Magic immunity… That single ability is enough to unite the whole magical community in their desperate bid to eliminate Acnologia the Black Dragon. It's an ability so utterly defiant that it threatens everyone. Every mage dreads the idea of having a magic-immune predecessor looming over them."
Gaal inquired, "How many have the old man contacted on his side?"
Makarov replied, "From the Magic Council, only Spokesman Crawford Seam is in the loop. As for the other mages, I reached out to them throughout the night—and one of the Ten Wizard Saints, one of Fairy Tail's founders, Volod Sinken, was contacted as well. After I explained everything, One Night said he'd come by sometime soon, and Sinken even recommended we reach out to Jura, another of the Ten."
"There's no time like the present," Makarov mused. "After all, not everyone can be trusted."