"Etherion," also known as Cross-Dimensional Destruction Magic, is one of the ultimate weapons used by the Magic Council to maintain order in the magic world.
Using a satellite magic circle, it can combine 2.7 billion units of conceptual magic power to fire a massive energy blast with pinpoint accuracy anywhere on the continent. Its power is enough to obliterate an entire country in a single blow. As such, deploying it requires a vote by the Council, with at least five members approving its use.
The moment Org, the Second Seat, suggested using Etherion, Ultear raised her hand in opposition, causing Org's expression to stiffen.
"That's disgraceful, Ultear!" Org frowned, reminding her, "Don't forget, you haven't cleared your name yet. We still don't have concrete evidence proving you're not Jellal's accomplice."
'This old fool has no idea what's going on,' Ultear thought, concealing her frustration. Jellal would love for them to use Etherion—it would charge the Tower of Heaven and fully activate the R-System. While she didn't care if the R-System was activated, she was concerned about the possibility of accidentally hurting Nate.
"Let's not rush, Org. We still have time. Why don't we wait a bit longer and see how things unfold?" Ultear smiled confidently, trusting that Nate would handle the situation. If he couldn't, and the Council insisted on using Etherion… she was ready to quit her position as a Councilor and dismantle the Council herself. Then she could join Nate—Ultear found herself oddly looking forward to that possibility.
At that moment, Yajima, the Sixth Seat, interjected, "I'm also against it. It's too soon to resort to such measures."
"You too, Yajima?" Org's frown deepened.
Michello, the Third Seat, considered for a moment before saying, "I support it, but only if they fail."
The remaining Council members then cast their votes.
"This concerns the resurrection of the Dark Mage Zeref… no matter what, I'm in favor."
"With two of the Ten Wizard Saints and Fairy Tail's Erza involved, I believe they can win. I'm against it."
In the end, the vote was tied 4 to 4. All eyes turned to the Chairman.
Chairman Crawford Seam remained calm as he observed the situation through the large crystal ball. "Even if Nate and the others fail, we must at least ensure Nate's safety before considering the use of Etherion."
With the Chairman's vote, the final tally was 5 to 4, and the motion to use Etherion was not passed.
...
The tsunami receded as the ship docked, and Nate and the others set foot on the central island, gazing up at the Tower of Heaven.
"It's pretty tall, at least 200 or 300 meters," Nate observed.
"I sense strong magic at the top of the tower. That must be Jellal," Jura said as he took the lead. "Stay behind me, and don't worry about any traps."
"Reliable," Nate smiled. Jura, the dependable bald guy, was indeed trustworthy.
Nate then casually wrapped his arms around Erza's waist and lifted them both into the air. Unlike Jura, they could fly.
"Jura, Erza and I will head up first. You can catch up later."
Jura was speechless. 'Wait, shouldn't you take me with you, too?' The plan was for the two Saints to fight Jellal together. It only made sense!
Jura opened his mouth but couldn't voice his objection. He wasn't that familiar with Nate yet. 'I'll make sure to send a friend request after this mission.' He had tried before, but his request had been ignored.
"I understand. Be careful, both of you," Jura finally said, watching as Nate and Erza flew toward the top of the Tower of Heaven. He then turned to Wendy.
"Wendy, Carla, you'll stay with me—" He didn't finish the sentence, as Carla had already spread her wings and grabbed Wendy by the collar, lifting her into the sky.
"Jura, I'm going too!" Wendy said, casting support magic on Jura. "Ile Armor!"
A soft blue light enveloped Jura, enhancing his defense. Support mages were rare, and Jura was pleased to receive such a boost. But seeing Wendy fly off with Carla left him feeling somewhat dejected.
Looking up at the towering structure, he sighed. "So I'm the only one who has to climb the whole thing?"
Feeling left out, Jura made a mental note to learn flying magic when he returned. Shaking off the thought, he took a deep breath and began climbing the spiral staircase that wrapped around the outside of the tower.
After only one loop around the tower, he found himself blocked by a figure.
"Oh, hello there, Jura of the Ten Wizard Saints." The man wore a black hooded mask and had two flame boosters strapped to his back.
"I'm a member of the assassin guild Grimoire Heart's special task force, the Trinity Raven."
'An assassin, huh?' Jura thought.
Without waiting for a response, the man activated his boosters, shooting forward and locking his arm around Jura's neck, dragging him into the air.
"I've been ordered by Jellal-sama to bring you as a sacrifice."
'A sacrifice?' Jura didn't resist. In fact, he welcomed the help. Now he didn't have to climb!
...
Meanwhile, Nate and Erza had reached the top of the tower. After entering from the end of the stairs, they soon found themselves at a long wooden bridge, with cherry blossoms swirling in the air.
At the other end of the bridge, a woman with pink hair, wearing a white kimono and wooden sandals, approached gracefully, holding a long sword in both hands.
"Good evening, you two. My name is Ikaruga. Nice to meet you."
Despite her polite introduction, her next words were far from friendly. "Erza, Jellal-sama no longer needs you. This bridge will be your final resting place. How do you like it?"
Erza frowned and whispered, "Nate, leave this woman to me. You go stop Jellal."
With that, she activated her Requip magic and donned her Heaven's Wheel Armor.
Nate, on the other hand, had a different concern. "Your name is Ikaruga, right?"
"Yes, noble creator of the Magic Net. Your invention has been a great help to us."
Ikaruga's tone was almost friendly as she added, "In the past, it was difficult for our assassination guild to receive commissions. But now, thanks to your Magic Net, it's much easier for clients to find us. We're very grateful for your wonderful invention."
"…" Nate raised an eyebrow, somewhat bewildered. 'Assassins on the forum? How did they even get one of the rings?'
He noticed that Ikaruga was indeed wearing one of the first-generation Magic Net rings on her right index finger.
"Could you ask him to stop scattering cherry blossoms everywhere?" Nate asked, pointing up to a man about 30 meters above, who sat on a black pipe with a basket of cherry blossoms, tossing them down.
Nate then casually flicked a card from his pocket, sending it flying toward the man like a knife.
"Impressive, you spotted me so easily. As expected of a Wizard Saint." The man caught the card between his fingers with lightning speed.
But Nate remained unimpressed. "There's no cherry tree around here, and yet you're throwing petals? It has nothing to do with being a Saint. It's just common sense."
Without missing a beat, Nate activated the magic within the card. A golden magic circle appeared around the card, and in the next instant, Nate teleported directly to the man.
"Teleportation!?" The man's eyes widened in shock as Nate's hand closed around his face.
The next moment, a violent tremor passed through his skull, rendering him unconscious instantly.
"Sorry, you seemed strong, but I really don't like cherry blossoms," Nate said as he tossed the man's limp body to the ground, easily defeating one of the Trinity Raven members in seconds.