"Human mages four hundred years ago already had the power to kill great dragons?"
"They appeared suddenly and disappeared just as suddenly—no matter how you look at it, that's strange. Why would they do that?"
"So Acnologia's true identity was actually a Dragon Slayer..."
"Which means, regardless of the reason, every dragon buried here died by human hands?"
From Zirconis, the group learned the full story—or rather, two separate stories—of what had transpired.
The brutal and shocking history left them reeling for a long time.
"As the supreme race that ruled over all, to ultimately fall at the hands of the weak humans who should have been our prey..."
Zirconis couldn't help but mock himself. "When I think about it now, it's quite laughable."
Since two Wendys had cast the Secret Art River of Heaven simultaneously this time, his manifestation lasted longer than usual.
"If you had the chance to go back in time, what would you do?" Chase asked.
"That goes without saying—of course, I would—"
Zirconis froze for a moment, then clenched his claws and bared his fangs in a vicious grin. "Slaughter every last human!"
"In that case, we have nothing more to talk about."
Chase slid a Magic Card from his fingertips. "Still, thank you for the answers."
"Hey! Chase, wait—"
Natsu tried to stop him, but the burst of wind shattered the starlight along with Zirconis's spirit into dust.
A cold breeze swept through the cavern's end, and the surroundings fell dark and silent once more, as if nothing had happened.
"How could you..." The kind-hearted Future Wendy slumped to the ground in despair.
Erza stepped forward and patted her shoulder, offering a solemn consolation. "Wendy, there's no way we can coexist with someone that dangerous."
Zirconis held the exact opposite ideology from Igneel, Grandeeney, and the others—he viewed humans as food and fiercely opposed coexistence.
From a dragon's perspective, it might be hard to judge right or wrong, but for humanity, he was an undeniable "mortal enemy"!
This species conflict was irreconcilable, and the proof was clear—including Zirconis, the 10,000 dragons that emerged from the Eclipse Gate had destroyed the world of Future Lucy's timeline.
The entire Fiore Kingdom and the whole continent had been engulfed in war, with less than one in ten humans surviving!
Perhaps realizing this cruel reality, Natsu and Gajeel—who viewed dragons as "family"—stopped their usual bickering, their fists clenched tight.
Even after leaving the Dragon Graveyard, their expressions remained grim. For once, they expressed a desire to be alone.
And so, the group split up. Lucy, Gray, and Happy returned to Team A's inn with Natsu, while Panther Lily accompanied Gajeel back to Team B's inn.
Chase, Mirajane, and Erza walked together toward the tavern.
Such critical information naturally needed to be reported to the old man.
"Hearing something like this all of a sudden—Natsu and the others, who always talk about Igneel, they'll be okay, right?"
Mirajane broke the silence first, her voice laced with concern.
"Don't worry. Their willpower isn't that fragile." Chase smiled.
"You're right. After all, Zirconis's words also confirmed that Igneel and the others stood on humanity's side." Mirajane nodded in agreement.
"More than that—"
Erza glanced at the bustling, peaceful streets around them, her expression grave. "Those powerful mages who appeared out of nowhere are far more concerning."
They were also humans capable of killing dragons. Acnologia could be traced in every world, but those people had left behind no legends in the "future" four hundred years later!
"Could they be God Slayers from the God Realm?" Mirajane speculated.
Humans from the mysterious God Realm who could both fight dragons and "suddenly disappear" were indeed the most plausible candidates.
"No. If I'm not mistaken—"
After a brief pause, Chase said, "It's probably us."
Inspired by Carla's future-vision premonitions, he'd thought of a way to both keep the capital from being engulfed in war and allow them to fight freely without restraint.
That's right—going back through the Eclipse Gate to the age of dragons four hundred years ago!
Previously, he'd been worried about the irreversible consequences this method might cause, but Zirconis's words directly confirmed its feasibility—
And the outcome it would ultimately lead to!
"Huh? Us?!"
Mirajane and Erza both stopped in their tracks.
They were in the "future," yet they appeared in the "past" and killed a large number of dragons?
If they didn't trust Chase completely, they'd have suspected he'd lost his mind.
Seeing their confused expressions, Chase looked at Erza. "Erza, remember yesterday during this world's Mira vs. Jenny match, when I stepped away for a bit?"
"Yes." Erza nodded belatedly.
At the time, Chase had said he had something to take care of, but afterward, all her thoughts had been consumed by their first date, and she'd completely forgotten about it.
"Back then, I noticed Lucy being followed by some suspicious people, and I ended up meeting Princess Hisui of the Fiore Kingdom."
Organizing his thoughts, Chase briefly explained the Eclipse Gate and the true purpose behind the Fiore royal family hosting the Grand Magic Games.
"A forbidden Black Magic that can travel through time—the Eclipse Gate. I never imagined something like that existed in this world..."
Erza's beautiful eyes widened in shock, her breathing quickening.
"So Chase, you want to go through the Eclipse Gate to fight dragons?" Mirajane furrowed her brow.
"This is a rare opportunity. After all, we might have to face monsters like the Flame Dragon God Ignia in the future."
"No. That's too dangerous!" x2
Erza instinctively grabbed Chase's sleeve, while Mirajane's eyes were filled with worry.
The scene of Chase burning his life force to fight Ankhseram on Tenrou Island was still vivid in their memories.
That despair—cold all over, mind blank—they never wanted to experience again!
"Don't worry. This time is completely different. I'm absolutely certain."
Chase explained patiently. "Besides, doesn't the existence of the Dragon Graveyard prove it?"
"Even so, there's no guarantee—"
Mirajane and Erza tried to persuade him, but Chase pulled them into an embrace before they could finish.
"To prevent another crisis like Tenrou Island, I have to seize every possible chance to become stronger—strong enough to protect you no matter what enemy we face."
"So at times like this, you just need to trust your boyfriend's decision!"
His solid, broad chest put both women at ease.
"...What a bossy and selfish guy."
"This time, I'm fighting alongside Chase!"
With things said to this extent, they naturally wouldn't voice any more objections. A fierce, determined fighting spirit blazed deep in their eyes.
The burden of protecting their comrades shouldn't fall on Chase alone—they wanted to grow stronger too!
"Of course. Let those evil dragons from four hundred years ago—"
Chase slowly released them, his fists clenched with surging excitement. "—witness the power of the three of us as husband and wife!"
"Wh-Who's 'as husband and wife' with you?!" Erza's face turned beet red in an instant, steam practically rising from her body.
"Oh my, if Erza has a problem with it, then just leave Chase to me."
Mirajane boldly looped her arm around Chase's, pressing her entire body close to his.
"No way!"
Erza, not noticing the shyness hidden beneath her white hair, hurriedly grabbed his other arm.
***
Dive deeper into the story with 30+ advance chapters, available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/CNBLUE
If you're enjoying the novel, please consider leaving a review. Your support is crucial and helps the story grow immensely. Thank you!