As Calvin walked into the tavern, his friends were going wild, balancing on boards placed on barrels and trying to surf. It was hard to maintain balance, and they often fell. Even so, Erza, wearing a short skirt, fell off and got back up, looking eager to try again. She even tried to include Asuka, the youngest girl, who was laughing happily, but her mother, Bisca, was worried she might get hurt.
Calvin, having just glimpsed the delightful scenery under Erza's skirt, quietly approached Mira and whispered, "Don't be as reckless as Erza, okay?"
"I won't. Don't treat me like a little girl," Mira puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance.
"Sure, sure. I need to find the First Master. Have you seen her?" Calvin asked, his tone a bit dismissive.
"I'm not sure, but I think she went with the Master and Laxus," Mira replied thoughtfully, not noticing Calvin's indifferent tone.
"I'll go look for them. Don't get too carried away," Calvin said, nodding, and turned to leave.
But Mira grabbed his sleeve.
"What's wrong?" Calvin asked.
"Is everything okay? You seem in a hurry," Mira asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
Calvin paused and then smiled warmly. "It's nothing. I just need to ask the First Master something. You know, I'm learning the Three Great Fairy Magics from her."
"Oh..." Mira released his hand but continued to gaze at him with her enchanting eyes. "Don't bear everything alone. You can share your worries with me. We're partners and lovers, right?"
Calvin nodded seriously. "Of course."
Leaving the tavern, Calvin followed the magical traces of Makarov and Laxus. Soon, he found them in a tranquil spot with Mavis. It seemed he had arrived at a bad time.
Upon seeing Calvin, Makarov, and Laxus waved him over as if he were a savior. Mavis had been crying, and they didn't know how to handle it. Calvin was almost ready to run, but Laxus was faster and blocked his escape with a crackling burst of electricity.
"Really?" Calvin muttered, his expression blank.
"First Master, we leave it to you," Laxus said, pushing Calvin towards Mavis before retreating. If Makarov hadn't been there, Laxus would have fled.
Mavis was still sobbing, and Makarov was babbling uselessly. Calvin, dripping with cold sweat, was equally at a loss.
"I'm not crying. I absolutely... am not... crying..." Mavis sniffled, trying to explain through her tears. Calvin decided to believe her; she wasn't crying, just clearing her eyes.
After some comforting, Mavis finally stopped crying and looked at Calvin with red, puffy eyes, asking what he needed. Makarov and Laxus had already run off, leaving Calvin to handle it.
Mavis's tone still showed her irritation, which was understandable. She had always presented herself as wise and mature to Calvin, but now she felt like a sulking little girl.
Ignoring Mavis's mood, Calvin solemnly recounted what Future Lucy had told him. By the end, Mavis's previous irritation had completely vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
Then Calvin shared his thoughts and concerns about Zeref.
Mavis took a moment before speaking.
"It's hard to believe, but your reasoning is convincing. You've considered everything thoroughly, but I can tell you more about Zeref."
Calvin's eyes lit up with anticipation.
"Your understanding of Zeref is fundamentally wrong. He's not a villain but a tragic figure," Mavis began.
"A tragic figure?" Calvin echoed in surprise.
"Yes. His immortality is due to 'Ankhseram's Curse,' also known as the 'Curse of Contradiction.' Besides not aging or dying, the more he cherishes life, the more he takes it. Conversely, if he shows no respect for living beings, he won't harm anyone."
Mavis's words left Calvin increasingly shocked.
"So, if he kills, it means he doesn't want to kill at all? But what about the demons of the Book of Zeref? They are absolute disasters in every sense!"
"I don't know much about the Book of Zeref demons, but I suspect he created them to find a way to kill himself."
"The curse has made him take countless lives. His conscience is constantly tormented with guilt. He even took the life of the person he loved most."
Mavis's tone was full of sorrow, which affected Calvin deeply.
He couldn't imagine what it would be like if he accidentally killed Mira. Would he go mad?
"So, at heart, he's a kind person?" Calvin asked.
"From what I know of him, yes. He loves life, so he avoids all living things—people, animals, even plants."
After hearing this, Calvin felt even more burdened. Both remained silent for a while.
Finally, Calvin asked, "First Master, you seem to know Zeref well. Have you met?"
Looking up at the moonlit sky, Mavis's eyes were filled with boundless sorrow. "Yes. Before I founded Fairy Tail, Magnolia was ruled by an evil guild. To defeat them, my companions and I learned magic from Zeref. The current Master of Grimoire Heart was one of them."
"No wonder Hades was sure Zeref was still alive," Calvin thought.
Mavis suddenly smiled at Calvin, changing the gloomy atmosphere. "This time, I don't think Zeref is involved. The Eclipse Gate is likely a magic he created, as he was an unprecedented genius."
"I believe you have the wisdom and strength to handle the future. I'm confident in you, Calvin!"
Despite her cheerful demeanor, Calvin knew she was forcing herself to be optimistic. He nodded earnestly.
"Thank you. If anything unexpected happens, I'll come to you for advice."