"After seven years, the return of Fairy Tail's Team Tenrou has drawn significant attention from various quarters.
It's unavoidable. Seven years ago, Fairy Tail was extremely prominent. Not only did it have renowned figures like Gildarts, the Fairy Queen, the Demon Mirajane, and the Beast Master, all S-Class wizards, but even Natsu gained fame as a Dragon Slayer.
Hence, different powers sought ways to acquire information about Fairy Tail, particularly the Council, considering that, in their records, Fairy Tail was the most serious issue back then.
There are also independent small factions keeping an eye on Fairy Tail, such as a certain elusive independent guild—the Witches' Sin.
In a city not far from Magnolia, three cloaked figures discussed in secret within a room.
"Did you hear, Jellal? The members who disappeared from Tenrou Island years ago have returned."
"It's truly fortunate that they managed to survive against that black dragon. Let me tell you, just watching Acnologia's figure from afar, my heart almost leapt out of my chest."
"It's normal to be scared; I was terrified at that time too."
"The return of Team Tenrou is a significant event, and it's also an opportunity. To resolve that guild, Fairy Tail's power is indispensable. Besides, they are the most suitable clients."
"That's right, after all, this concerns that 'Calvin' issue. The fairies must be incredibly excited~"
These three concealed individuals were none other than Jellal, imprisoned in the Council, and Ultear and Meredy, who escaped from Tenrou Island.
For these past years, the three of them, feeling burdened by their sins, formed an independent guild specialized in combating evil. With impressive strength, they achieved considerable success and gained quite a reputation.
While some greatly valued the return of Team Tenrou, there were those who scorned it, believing that even though they were once the top, seven years had diminished their once proud abilities.
And this was the viewpoint most agreed upon.
Consequently, upon their return, Team Tenrou was determined to reclaim the position of being Magnolia's top guild, as a response to their comrades' long-awaited hope.
The fastest way to achieve this was through a sudden event initiated during these seven years—the 'Grand Magic Games' hosted by the royal family!
However, there was a problem. The seven-year gap made Team Tenrou realize that perhaps their strength was falling behind the times.
Seven years had allowed their contemporaries to make significant progress, whereas they remained unchanged in every aspect—strength and age.
As for the timing of the Grand Magic Games, there were only three months left. Trying to surpass others' seven years of progress within three months? Easier said than done.
Therefore, the members of Team Tenrou decided to spend the remaining time diligently training, striving to achieve good results in the Grand Magic Games three months later.
They divided into several groups, heading to different locations, exerting continuous effort for this purpose.
Two months quietly passed, and one day, three important visitors secretly arrived at Fairy Tail's secluded tavern.
One of them, a young man with blue hair and mysterious tattoos on his face, was deeply engaged in conversation with Macao.
These three naturally were Jellal and others from the Witches' Sin.
"The Witches' Sin? In the past two months, I've heard quite a bit about you guys. I never thought it would be you three..."
"Seeing you turning over a new leaf brings comfort. But, I wonder, why have you come to me?"
After a moment's contemplation, Jellal slowly began to explain.
"Lord Macao, this unexpected visit is actually about a matter we wish to entrust to Fairy Tail."
"Oh? With the strength of you three, you still need to make a request?" Macao asked, quite surprised by the statement."
"You know, even though the man in front of us is young, he held the same title as me seven years ago. Within Fairy Tail, only the former Calvin and my grandson, Laxus, could compare to him."
"True, with just the three of us, we're utterly powerless against them," Jellal admitted frankly.
"I'm curious. Who exactly are you opposing?" Macao asked.
Jellal's eyes sparkled with an inexplicable light as he calmly replied, "It's a Dark Guild—the Sins of the Seven."
This name startled Macao immediately. Though the Sins of the Seven were unheard of seven years ago, in the present day, their reputation was resounding. One of the two major guilds in the dark world, they were no weaker than the six generals and the Demon's Heart from many years ago.
Macao squinted, contemplating carefully before slowly stroking his beard and saying, "I understand your desire to uphold justice, but isn't this a bit rash?"
At this point, Ultear interjected, "You misunderstand, Lord Macao. The reason we're targeting the Sins of the Seven is important."
"Oh? I'm all ears," Macao replied.
Ultear took a deep breath, exchanged glances with Jellal and Meredy, then spoke with gravity, "Several years ago, the three of us began investigating this guild, the Sins of the Seven. On the surface, their actions seemed quiet and uneventful, aside from managing their dark guilds. But in the last half-year, we discovered their intentions were far from pure. Although we don't yet understand their purpose, it's undeniable that this guild is collecting humanity's most negative emotions."
"Negative emotions? Can those things be collected? And what use would collecting such things have?" Macao inquired.
"We were confused at first too, but later, Jellal infiltrated the Council's archives," Ultear continued. She cast a strange glance at Jellal, to which Macao also turned his attention, yet Jellal remained unfazed, showing no signs of hesitation.
After a pause, Ultear proceeded, "In the Council's archives, Jellal found something, leading us to speculate on a possibility."
"According to legend, the original demons were born from a vast collection of negative emotions."
Macao's gaze sharpened instantly, his tone turning serious. "Are you suggesting that the Sins of the Seven might be trying to create demons? Could they also be followers of Jellal's book?"
"No, from what I know, it's not like that," Jellal clarified.
"Their beliefs are much older than Jellal's book, deeply rooted in ancient times. However, because it's so ancient, the river of time has washed away much of its history. Even within the Council, their knowledge is limited."
"The only certainty is that these demons once brought a disaster upon humanity!"