Sherry had been observing with a cold eye. Though she appeared indifferent, seemingly uninterested, after defeating Hades, she felt a sense of relief within.
As for the vision she saw of Calvin's death, it seemed like an occasional mistake.
Even after a night passed, everyone woke up just as lively. The campsite was bustling, everyone's faces adorned with smiles.
Calvin and Cana were drinking, and no one knew when they managed to bring so much alcohol to Tenrou Island.
Gray had lost his clothes again, frantically searching under the heated and infatuated gaze of Juvia.
Natsu and Gildarts went fishing, while Happy tried to please Sherry by offering the fish they caught, only to be rejected, as usual.
Levy was helping Gajeel change bandages, and he felt slightly embarrassed, awkwardly sitting still.
Mira and Lisanna adeptly prepared breakfast. Elfman wanted to help but was declined by his sisters, as his robust build wouldn't fit the temporary kitchen.
Laxus was being pestered by Raijin Tribe. They were bombarding him with questions about where he went after leaving the guild, what incredible things he did, and expressing their admiration for him.
Erza mentioned to Wendy some past grudges between Calvin and Laxus, which seemed quite entertaining. Wendy listened and laughed heartily.
Makarov, watching these youngsters, smiled contentedly. With such a group of children, as the guild's master, he had reasons to be proud.
In this war, while they defeated their enemies, their own children defeated them. This made Makarov contemplate retirement.
He was getting older, his health was declining, and he couldn't act as recklessly as he did when he was younger.
As for choosing the Fourth Master, it required careful consideration. So far, in his mind, there were only two people suitable for the role: the mature and occasionally mischievous Gildarts, and the competent, cautious, yet humorous Calvin.
Naturally, Makarov was inclined towards Gildarts. Not only was he an idol for many young people, but the older members of the guild also held him in high regard.
While Calvin had potential, he was still somewhat young. In truth, Erza's character also suited being a guild master, and others respected her greatly. However, Erza's strictness at times limited her flexibility.
This concern was a happy one for Makarov. It was better than not finding a successor at all.
After a satisfying breakfast, they began packing to return to Magnolia. But just then, a deafening sound reverberated through the sky.
"Roarrrr!"
The roar resembled that of a wild beast, thunderous and chilling.
Everyone was shocked, but a few individuals seemed unusually solemn: the three Dragon Slayers raised by dragons, Natsu, Wendy, Gajeel, and Calvin.
The Dragon Slayers appeared both surprised and excited, as if they encountered something unbelievable.
Calvin, however, displayed a grim expression, seemingly recalling something unpleasant.
"This... is the sound of a dragon!" Wendy murmured, stunning everyone.
Dragons, creatures unseen in the human realm for four hundred years. Most people believed dragons to be creatures confined to legends.
But now, was a dragon about to descend?
The booming sound drew closer. Within moments of hearing it, a colossal shadow swept across the sky. Its massive form was visible to everyone. Makarov exclaimed in disbelief, "Is that... the Black Dragon mentioned in the prophecies, Acnologia?"
The Black Dragon circled in the sky before descending mightily upon Tenrou Island.
At this moment, regardless of who they were, even the usually arrogant Laxus and the immensely powerful Gildarts lacked their usual composure and confidence in facing such a formidable enemy. The opponent was simply on a different level of existence.
It let out another deafening roar, and just the shockwave from its voice was enough to stir up a storm. Its presence brought about an end of despair.
Acnologia was completely covered in black, with faint blue patterns on its sturdy dragon scales. It hadn't even made a move, yet everyone began trembling.
This was due to the biological suppression stemming from its level. Facing this representation of destruction and annihilation, hardly anyone dared to confront it.
Except for Calvin.
He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and suppressed the urge to rush forward and attack.
It's no wonder he was in such a state; after all, the situation now resembled a replay of the destruction of his hometown many years ago. Faced with a creature like a dragon, even the strongest of humans couldn't resist.
Unless they themselves became dragons.
The Black Dragon gently leaped, gliding down from a height to where the Fairy Tail members were. Its movements were gentle, but to others, it was a thunderous force.
Gildarts shouted, "Quick, run! Back to the ship!"
Having faced the Black Dragon before, he knew the terror of this creature. In their first encounter, he lost his left hand and left leg.
The Black Dragon landed once more, its seemingly gentle gesture causing severe damage to the ground. The island trembled violently, combined with the shockwave, many people were thrown to the ground.
But they quickly got up, all obeying Gildarts' command, ready to flee. However, Calvin didn't share this sentiment.
"If this thing has targeted us, there's no way we can escape by boat!"
"The only way to survive is to defeat it!"
Although Calvin understood this logic, his body involuntarily ran towards the shore. This conflicting behavior stemmed from his fear of dragons.
While evading the Black Dragon's 'gentle' movements, the Fairy Tail members ran tirelessly.
But due to the difference in physique, there was no way they could outrun the Black Dragon's pursuit. Soon enough, it was catching up.
Despair flashed through everyone's hearts.
At that moment, a small figure stood in front of the Black Dragon.
With silver-white hair and a body covered in bandages from severe injuries, though he seemed not particularly tall, Makarov's figure carried a grand and sturdy presence.
"Run toward the ship! I'll hold them off!"
As his words fell, Makarov's frail body bulged with muscles, rapidly growing. In the next instant, a giant comparable in size to the Black Dragon stood tall.
He firmly planted his feet, facing the charging Black Dragon, firmly seizing its neck without a hint of retreat.
Despite the impact causing his wounds to reopen and blood to flow from his mouth, before he lost consciousness, Makarov vowed never to let the Black Dragon go.
This was the dignity of the Third Master of Fairy Tail and the responsibility of a parent.
The tragic scene infuriated Calvin. His eyes widened in rage, his right hand uncontrollably reached into his chest, pulling out a card.
Others weren't willing to be outdone, watching their beloved Master sacrifice everything to protect them; this group of passionate youngsters couldn't stand idly by.