"JELLAL!!!"
Before Mystogan could say anything more, the colossal "Dorma Anim" roared furiously, calling out Mystogan's original name.
"Mystogan" was merely Jellal's alias in the "Earth Land" world—his true name in this world was Jellal.
"You traitor to the kingdom! A betrayer of Edolas!"
The "Dorma Anim" continued its furious roars, its massive metallic head turning toward Mystogan.
Its crimson mechanical eyes locked onto him intently. King Faust, piloting this "Dragon Knight," directed all his rage at Mystogan.
As a father, having such a son made King Faust feel as if he had committed some grave sin.
Of course, he no longer acknowledged this son and instead wished to grind Mystogan's bones to dust.
Mystogan had consistently thwarted the release of "Anima" and obstructed his plans.
As the prince of the "Edolas Kingdom," Mystogan had taken a stand against his own kingdom.
"He seems really angry."
Marco glanced at Mystogan and murmured softly.
Though the "Prince of Edolas" remained silent, Marco could sense the complexity of Mystogan's emotions.
Everyone else also turned their gaze to Mystogan, their eyes filled with concern, worried that these slanderous words might wound him.
Natsu's eyes were already blazing with fury.
Mystogan was no traitor! No betrayer! Mystogan was truly selfless and righteous—a genuinely good person who stood for justice!
Though Natsu usually avoided overthinking complicated matters, his mind was straightforward, and he had a clear sense of right and wrong.
The "Edolas Kingdom" had been using "Anima" to harm "Earth Land," even converting humans from "Earth Land" into magical energy for their own use.
Moreover, they massacred Mages within their own kingdom and banned the use of magic.
Without a doubt, they were the worst kind of villains, devoid of any humanity.
As for Mystogan, though he wasn't originally from the "Earth Land" world, he had abandoned everything for the sake of righteousness and kindness, traveling to "Earth Land" solely to stop his father's misguided actions and save the innocent people of "Earth Land."
He had never harmed anyone...instead, he had saved many.
He was no villain!
"Mystogan is not a bad guy you bastard! I'm going to smash you to pieces!"
Natsu roared, blazing flames erupting from his mouth, scorching and distorting the surrounding air.
He forcefully pushed off the ground with both feet, ready to charge straight at the "Dorma Anim" and engage in battle!
He wasn't afraid of any "dragon-shaped armor"—he was a "Dragon Slayer Mage," after all!
Even if it was a dragon made of steel armor, he would slay it right before their eyes!
But before Natsu could charge forward, Gray and Gajeel swiftly grabbed hold of him.
The senior members hadn't given the signal yet, it wasn't their turn to step into the fray.
Besides, if the "Dorma Anim" truly was immune to magic, recklessly charging in would be far too dangerous.
Marco and Natsu's words flowed like a warm current into Mystogan's heart, stirring him from his tangled emotions.
Mystogan took a deep breath, suppressing his turbulent emotions as he looked at everyone with gratitude.
He nodded firmly to indicate he was fine.
"Father! Your plan will never succeed! Give up! Let Edolas return to its proper course!"
Mystogan raised his head, facing the cold mechanical beast as he shouted loudly.
His voice was filled with helplessness and sincerity, completely genuine in his attempt to persuade his father to change his mind.
Clearly, this "Prince of Edolas" still possessed some degree of "filial piety" - he didn't truly wish to cross blades with his own father.
Of course, while he had some filial feelings, it was only to a limited extent.
Though reluctant to actually fight his father, this didn't stop him from bringing his comrades along to have them beat up his old man.
When faced with matters of national importance, a little "filial piety" became insignificant.
"I am not your father! A traitor doesn't deserve to call me father!"
Unfortunately, Mystogan's slight "filial piety" wasn't accepted.
King Faust's voice echoed through the mechanical amplifier, cold and emotionless - he had long since disowned this son.
Mystogan's actions were something Faust could never forgive.
They stood opposed in their fundamental values and ideologies - a scene of "loving father and dutiful son" was impossible between them.
"CRACK!"
After angrily rebuking Mystogan, King Faust couldn't be bothered with further words.
The massive metal jaw of Dorma Anim suddenly opened, its internal mechanical structures whirring at high speed as a large cannon barrel glowing with dangerous energy extended from its mouth.
"BOOM!!!"
A blinding, terrifying magical energy cannon erupted from the large barrel like a destructive torrent, tearing through the air with piercing shrieks and scorching heat waves, directly targeting Marco's position.
This area was originally the site of the palace, but Faust didn't care - if the palace was destroyed, it could always be rebuilt later.
"HUMM!"
Marco's Gold Cloth instantly completed its transformation, switching from the majestic Gemini Gold Cloth to the Aries Gold Cloth with its large horns.
Crossing his arms before him, brilliant starlight gathered as he pushed forward the "Crystal Wall" - a massive, transparent barrier shimmering with stellar radiance instantly unfolded before everyone.
They were all standing on the outer corridor of the palace fortress with nowhere to hide.
Taking shelter inside the palace would likely still result in getting bombed, and jumping down wasn't practical given the considerable height.
Therefore, someone had to block this attack immediately.
Mystogan had intended to act first, as defensive magic arrays were among his specialties, but Marco had moved before him.
"Don't force yourself. Since you can't bring yourself to fight, leave this matter to us. Mystogan, just believe in us - we're Fairy Tail!"
Marco stood blocking the front, his words echoing in Mystogan's ears.
Mystogan opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
Though Marco was younger than him, he always shouldered responsibility, always became the most dependable person.
Standing behind him always felt so reassuring.
"We are... Fairy Tail..."
Mystogan repeated these words, which seemed to possess a unique magic in the hearts of all Fairy Tail members.
Whenever spoken, they could bring boundless strength and ignite the most passionate emotions within them.
When Mystogan had resolved to join Fairy Tail, he was deeply moved by its family-like atmosphere.
Having just left home and severed ties with his family, he truly felt the warmth of kinship within Fairy Tail.
Truth be told, Mystogan was fortunate.
Not long after arriving in Earth Land, he encountered Wendy, then met Rob, followed by Makarov and Marco.
The first people Mystogan came into contact with were the kindest and most compassionate souls, and he later joined the guild with the most familial ambiance.
It felt as though everything had been perfectly arranged for him, naturally fostering extraordinary feelings toward Fairy Tail.
"I've always believed in you, believed in us."
Watching Marco's retreating figure and seeing everyone step forward together, Mystogan murmured softly.
In his heart, he firmly believed that victory would ultimately belong to them—those standing on the side of justice!
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