"Not long before Natsu defeated Zancrow, a certain ruin on Tenrou Island had just concluded a battle.
Both sides of the battle were dressed in black suits, one being a handsome blond guy wearing glasses, and the other a 'goat.'
These two were none other than Leo, a Leo constellation mage, and Capricorn, a Capricorn constellation mage.
Leo appeared heavily injured, with a large hole in his chest, but despite being enemies, Capricorn didn't take advantage. Instead, he supported Leo's body.
In this scenario, Capricorn seemed more like a friend rather than an enemy.
As a celestial spirit, Leo's vitality differed from humans'. Despite the severe injury, Leo's wound quickly healed. However, seeing him in pain indicated he couldn't continue the fight and needed a good rest.
Subsequently, Capricorn slowly began to narrate his own story to Leo.
As it turns out, twenty years ago, Capricorn's master entrusted his key to a servant. However, that servant betrayed them, using forbidden magic to take control of Capricorn's body.
Thus, for many years, Capricorn's actions were under someone else's control. Only with Leo's help did he manage to break free.
Now, Capricorn could finally return to the side of his true master.
Years ago, he made a pact with his former master, promising to forever protect the master's family.
Capricorn's previous master had passed away long ago. His current master is the only celestial spirit mage in Fairy Tail, Lucy.
Zeref lay incredulously on the ground, heavily wounded and in a sorry state. From any perspective, it was hard to see him as the infamous dark mage.
The person who defeated him was just a woman, but her identity was far from ordinary.
Ultear not only infiltrated and destroyed the council years ago, but she was also the head of the Seven Kin of Purgatory, the strongest heart among the demons, essentially the third most powerful figure after the guild master Hades and his deputy.
However, even with this reputation, her defeat of Zeref seemed excessively exaggerated.
Breathless, Ultear stared fiercely at Zeref, her aggression undisguised, and spoke to him with arrogance.
"Even the legendary dark mage, in his slumber, isn't formidable enough! Do not underestimate the head of the Seven Kin!"
Upon hearing this, Zeref's face revealed a look of unwillingness, struggling to rise.
Ultear, perhaps reminded of something, softened her expression and gently continued, "It's okay, Lord Zeref, because the key that awakened you is in our hands."
Ultear gazed at Zeref as if beholding a priceless treasure, her eyes showing eager desire.
Seemingly too injured or moved by Ultear's words, Zeref managed to utter, "No!" before tilting his head and passing out.
Ultear smirked slightly, her expression turning grim. She looked up to the sky and shouted, "I've finally got Zeref!! Hahaha!"
As if releasing all her excitement, she yelled for quite some time before calming down, picking up Zeref, finding a large tree, and resting with him in her arms.
Ultear's expression, though not as excited as before, tightly holding Zeref and her demeanor, revealed a disturbed nature."
"After Hades removed his eye patch, whether in aura, expression, or magical power, it gave off an entirely different feeling.
If earlier he was regarded as one of the top mages among humans, now he resembled an enraged demon.
It was a sensation laden with darkness, causing Calvin's hair to stand on end instantly.
Hades' deep voice echoed, 'It continually surprises me, Calvin, to think you managed to force open my demonic eye.'
'So be it, I must reciprocate. Let me show you.'
'The Abyss of Magic!'
'From now on, we're entering a realm far beyond your imagination!'
After Hades opened what he called his demonic eye, Calvin remained silent, his expression still calm.
However, the sudden cold sweat dripping down his face and the uncontrollable trembling indicated his inner turmoil, far from his composed exterior.
In the recent battle, he had given it his all, employing every trick up his sleeve. Yet, Hades remained unfathomable.
Nevertheless, it seemed he had finally pushed Hades to reveal his full strength.
'The Abyss of Magic? You're just bluffing!' Despite his anxiety, Calvin showed no sign of concession, continuing to provoke.
Hades' hair and beard danced wildly, resembling a demon, as he playfully said, 'Bluffing? If that's what you believe, but attempting to stall me, I'm afraid, ends here.'
'No matter how long you delay me, even if all Seven Kin are defeated, as long as I stand, Fairy Tail will never have a chance at victory!'
Calvin's face turned pale. He believed in the strength of Erza, Natsu, and the others. They could surely defeat the other members of the Seven Kin.
In fact, just moments ago, he felt Natsu and Loki each defeating an enemy, and judging by their magical intensity, those foes were undoubtedly part of the Seven Kin.
Coupled with his own defeat of Azuma, there were now only four members left.
However, Hades' power exceeded his estimations. Calvin's plan was to stall Hades here and gather everyone's strength after the island's victory to defeat him together.
But even if they defeated the Seven Kin, how many would remain to fight? Could the collective power of all of Fairy Tail truly defeat Hades before them?
Thinking this, Calvin angrily questioned, 'What are you all here for on this island?! Isn't your goal the Dark Wizard?'
Hades' eyes glinted with longing as he replied with a hint of reverence, 'Isn't it obvious? The Dark Wizard Zeref is right here on this island.'
'Impossible! That guy died a long time ago, how could he be on Tenrou Island!' Calvin's brows furrowed tightly, expressing disbelief.
Hades shook his head nonchalantly and continued in a chilling tone, 'Zeref is alive, has always been alive. He's just slumbering.'
At Hades' words, Calvin couldn't help but recall that frightening and fleeting surge of magic.
Unaware of Calvin's thoughts, Hades continued, 'After immense efforts, I finally obtained the key to awaken Zeref. Today marks the day of the Dark Wizard's revival.'
'You're insane! Whether asleep or dead, that guy has vanished long ago. You're trying to bring back someone like that?' Calvin gritted his teeth, utterly unable to comprehend Hades' actions.
Hades laughed dismissively, 'You're just a naive kid! You don't understand Zeref's greatness!'
'The Abyss of Magic holds infinite darkness, within which lies the glimmer of the "One Magic."'
'I'm just a step away from obtaining the "One Magic." It's just that this "step" is exceptionally profound.'
'Only the Great Magic World can fill that profound gap! The world where Zeref resides!'
'With Zeref's awakening, the world will change! Then, I can finally obtain the "One Magic"!'
'Calvin, regardless of your strength or talent, you're the most exceptional mage I've seen, but you'll never reach the Great Magic World.'
'Because you lack the resolve to delve into the abyss.'
As Hades spoke, he extended his hands, assuming a posture. With the movement of Hades' arms, that unfathomable magical power began to stir.
However, Hades' words didn't dampen Calvin's fighting spirit; instead, it flared even more fiercely.
'The Abyss of Magic! You old man, you're completely insane! Resolve or no resolve, I have no desire to go to such a bizarre place!'
'If you're sick in the head, go find a doctor! If you don't know any, I can introduce you, but daring to cause trouble in Fairy Tail, even if you're mad, it's unforgivable!'"