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Once the portal closed, Erza's smile vanished—but there was no despair. Instead, her gaze turned dark, filled with fury.

"Oh, Erza… I'm surprised you can make such a face in my presence now," Jellal mocked, though deep inside, her expression irritated him.

For all these years, the only thing he had ever seen from Erza was fear… and that faint hope in her eye. Did she still believe that the boy she once knew would come back?

How many times had he laughed at her for it?

How many times had he felt satisfied knowing that the mighty Titania, idolized by all, danced in the palm of his hand?

But this time it was different and Jellal understood.

"Jellal! I'll never forgive you for this!"

Erza still held the memories of their past dear to her heart. She was still grateful to him for not letting her fall into despair. She still carried the guilt, believing at one point that she had been the one to push Jellal into madness… and because of that guilt, she endured years of suffering. Because of that guilt, she still held on to hope for him…

But Jellal had crossed a line. He had pushed Erza to her absolute limit—starting with using her friends as hostages, attacking Simon. But beyond all of that, beyond anything else, he had done something she could never forgive:

He made her hurt the man she loves.

"Tsk… What's so wrong about bringing you back to your homeland? Look at Millianna, Sho, and Wally. They're sad you're not happy to see them."

Erza bit her lip so hard it bled as she tried to control her rage. Wally and Millianna had gone pale, unable to meet her eyes. They had made a grave mistake. They had hurt her—the girl who had silently suffered for so long because of them. They had stolen her happiness.

She didn't need to say a word. The moment they saw Erza's expression when she was torn away from that white-haired boy, they understood what he meant to her.

"Jellal! How could you do this to us?!" Sho shouted through tears as he charged at him. "How could you do this to our sister?!"

"Stop, Sho!" Erza yelled.

"Don't do it, nya!" Millianna's voice cracked with desperation; she couldn't bear to see another friend end up like Simon.

"Sho-kun!" Wally tried to grab him, but it was too late.

Sho had always been timid, weak, and a little too dependent on Jellal and Erza, seeing them as his older siblings. When he learned of Erza's supposed betrayal, it shattered him. He hadn't believed it at first, but over the years, Jellal had slowly poisoned their minds until Sho's heart was full of anger toward her. But now… now he learned it was all a lie. He couldn't take it.

"Ahhhh!"

"As I expected…" Jellal snapped his fingers. Sho's curse activated instantly; blood poured from his neck where the collar sat before he collapsed.

"Damn, you! Stop!!!" Erza summoned a sword and slashed at Jellal, but he calmly raised his hand and caught the blade in mid-air.

"What—?!"

Erza's eyes widened in shock. Then Jellal squeezed his fingers slightly, shattering the sword, and wrapped his fist in magic before swinging at her. But before the punch connected, the pendant around her neck activated, creating a shield that forced her back instead.

"Let me guess… a gift from that man," Jellal sneered before releasing Sho from the curse.

"Urgh!" Sho gasped for air. He now understood how terrifying this curse was, he felt as if someone was trying to rip out his soul.

Erza's expression softened as she glanced at the pendant. "That's right…"

"…" Jellal felt as if he had swallowed a bug. In a flash of anger, he prepared to activate Sho's curse again, this time to punish her.

"I won't hold back anymore! It wouldn't be Dandy of me not to fight in a situation like this!" Wally shouted, turning his hands into guns and firing at Jellal.

"I won't forgive you either!" Millianna cried, unleashing her magic.

Jellal mocked them both without moving an inch. Their attacks disintegrated before they could even reach him.

"Millianna, Wally… don't you understand? Your only worth is as hostages. Don't think I won't kill you." His cold sharpened eyes sent chills down their spines. But before he could activate their curses, Erza appeared in front of them with her arms outstretched.

Both Wally and Millianna broke down in tears. Erza stood firm, not moving an inch.

"As always… you're far too naive." Jellal lowered his hand. "Fine. I'll respect your will. In exchange… You behave."

"…" Erza clenched her teeth in anger.

Erza was cornered, she had to fight. She had to win. Right now, more than ever, she felt she had to return at all costs. Every time she thought of Allen, a suffocating anxiety gripped her chest. If she didn't… she might lose something irreplaceable. And this time… she wouldn't survive it... But she couldn't abandon Wally, Millianna, or Sho. They were victims—manipulated, broken.

"…?!" Erza froze for a moment, feeling the crushing pressure in her chest suddenly vanish. She lowered her gaze and smiled softly.

'I'm glad you're fine...' thought Erza holding her pendant. With one less worry, she could face this much more clearly.

Jellal noticed the change in her, but he assumed it was because he had spared her friends' lives.

"Jellal… what are you planning?"

He thought of mocking her again, but when he saw those eyes—serious, filled with will—he decided instead to shatter that hope by revealing his plan.

"This is the R-System. Designed for one purpose: to revive Zeref."

"The legendary wizard who created demons? What nonsense is this?! Have you lost your mind?!" Erza roared, her anger spilling out.

"Yes… Long ago, Zeref chose me. He gave me the task of reviving him and showing this world its errors, its flaws. He will return and destroy everything to create a paradise… one where true freedom exists." Jellal smiled at her. "The R-System isn't easy to complete. It took us years to build the structure. Now, only two pieces remain. One is Etherion—one of the most powerful magical weapons in existence. With its power, half the work is done."

"Jellal…" Erza shook her head. "That's insane. The Magic Council wouldn't fire something like that so easily!"

"I know. That's why I already have someone handling it." Jellal walked up to her. When he stood before her, he reached out his hand—but the pendant's shield activated. He smirked and pressed harder, infusing his attack with Lucifer's power as the shield began to crack.

Wally lowered his hat, unable to believe this was the man he had followed all this time. Millianna collapsed to her knees. They were supposed to create a paradise where suffering no longer existed. She lay on the ground, feeling betrayed—and more than anything, guilty.

"And the last element… is a sacrifice. A mage with massive reserves of magic and exceptional strength." Jellal's cruel smile widened as he slowly shattered the shield protecting her. "Guess who's been chosen for this great honor? .....h!!"

He stopped.

He didn't see what he expected. There was no fear. No despair. No pleading. No pain, sadness, or melancholy.

Only a calm, serene gaze. Eyes shining with determination… and a hint of pity.

She wasn't afraid.

"I see… Even now, you still believe he'll come."

"I don't believe…" Erza's smile radiated absolute certainty. "I know. That's the man I fell in love with!"

Jellal felt his blood boil as he raised his fist, channeling Lucifer's power, and swung at her—

**AUGE!**

"…?!" Jellal froze mid-swing and looked up. Everyone did. Something was coming. Fast.

Erza placed her hand over her heart and then looked toward the ceiling.

.....

(Moments earlier, Akane Resort)

(Lucy's POV)

I'm a girl who doesn't expect to live through so many things in such a short time, but here I am. When Allen overcame whatever it was he had been facing… There was something different about him. Something warmer. Something comforting. Honestly… it took my breath away. I was entranced. Hypnotized.

The first time I saw his true face, I thought it was a mistake. He was too handsome to be real. But even then, I had underestimated him. The Allen standing here now… doesn't feel like someone from this world.

Those eyes, reflecting the moonlight. That smile, capable of bringing warmth even in the worst situation. That aura—so protective, so gentle—that makes me want to leap into his arms. I couldn't help but gasp. I'm sure Mira-san and Juvia felt the same.

Everything about Allen had changed. No… maybe the weariness and resignation in his eyes had been weakening his true self all along. Maybe this is the real Allen.

I don't know… But his words snapped us back to reality…

"It's time to get back our… my Erza," Allen said without a shred of shame.

Staring at his back in confusion, it hit me after a moment—he had just chosen Erza. And yet… it was strange. I didn't feel sad. Maybe it was the heat of the moment, maybe the situation, or maybe because even now, I was still wrapped in that warm aura of his. I don't know…

I smiled and exchanged glances with Mirajane and Juvia. What surprised me was that neither of them looked resigned or sad. Their expressions were all different: Mirajane's remained firm as if what she heard didn't bother her at all, while Juvia's brows furrowed slightly before her gaze hardened with determination.

Had we lost? If so… why didn't it feel like defeat?

My own expression turned firm as well, silently declaring this wasn't over. I had decided! Even if he chose Erza, I wasn't going to give up! I don't know what I'll do, but I refuse to lose. I refuse to have a sad ending!

We were all thinking the same thing… but would Allen accept that?

The answer came instantly. Allen's white mantle wrapped around us gently, tenderly. It felt like being embraced by a cloud. At that moment, I realized something: even now, even while his mind was focused solely on Erza, he still cared too much about our safety. That wouldn't change.

I touched the pendant on my neck and smiled softly. He is this kind of man who is dangerous to women and charming.… which is why, even now, I can't bring myself to be angry. Not even now…

(End of POV)

....

Gwen collapsed into the chair inside Allen's old room. Beside her, sitting on the bed with a dazed look, was MJ.

"He's back…" MJ whispered, her wide eyes welling up with tears.

"That's right…" Gwen smiled too, her own eyes wet, joy mixing with a bittersweet ache.

In the living room, Natasha was crying while Diana, who had come to visit, comforted her. For many of the girls, the Allen they knew now was the only version they had ever met. But there had been a time… a time when none of this existed when there was just a good kid trying his best in life. That boy had been tempered by hardships, responsibilities, and terrifying enemies.

How long had it been since they had seen that sincere smile? That light in his eyes?

Far, far too long. And seeing it now, both those who knew and those who didn't understand just how much Allen had sacrificed to get to where he was.

Natasha couldn't stop crying, feeling as though she had failed him… failed to raise him, failed to keep that smile alive.

Diana sighed. She, too, had noticed over time how Allen had stopped doing so many things. Some had said it was just part of growing up, part of maturing. But was this… really normal?

Many girls cried, and many men let out quiet sighs… watching Allen return to the brilliant boy he had once been. No, he was now a man with a dazzling soul.

....

A minute passed before Lucy could finally see again. She was no longer in the casino. The strange part was… she could see the night sky, feel the ocean breeze.

"What? Wait—!" Lucy looked down and realized she wasn't flying. She was falling. "Ahhhh!"

Mira and Juvia realized it at the same time—they were plummeting through the clouds.

"What's happening?!" Juvia screamed, whipping her head around until she spotted Allen and tried to swim through the air toward him.

"Ahhh! We're gonna die! We're all gonna die!" Lucy shrieked.

"Allen, where are we?!" Mirajane was the only one who managed to stay calm despite the situation. She turned to the handsome young man responsible for their current predicament. The mantle that had been glowing around them now dimmed, shrinking in size, though it still fluttered dramatically behind him.

"…?" Allen looked back at her before his smile widened. "Oh, we're exactly where we're supposed to be."

Mirajane glanced down. Below them was a small island, a massive tower rising from its center. This had to be the place. But unlike its name—the Tower of Heaven—this structure was asymmetrical, gloomy, radiating a suffocating sense of dread. Maybe because of all the suffering it had witnessed inside.

"Is Erza here?" Mirajane asked softly.

Allen nodded with a gentle look. "The pendants let me track the location of whoever wears them… though I only use them in emergencies."

"Allen-kun, that's a little concerning…" Mirajane pouted playfully. "Spying on a girl isn't very nice…"

Allen raised his hands defensively. "In my defense, that's how I was able to save you during the Phantom Lord incident…"

"Ugh…" Juvia, who had almost reached Allen, winced. She had been the enemy back then.

"Ara ara, don't worry, Juvia. We forgave you a long time ago~."

"Mira-san…" Juvia's eyes watered.

"Sorry to interrupt," Lucy screamed, flailing her arms, "but don't you think falling to our deaths is NOT the best time for casual conversation?! We're going to DIE!"

"Allen-sama, please get inside Juvia's body!"

"What the hell are you saying, you perverted woman?!" Lucy yelled.

Mirajane tapped her cheek thoughtfully. "Ah, I see. Since Juvia can turn into water, she could cushion our fall quite easily…"

"THIS ISN'T THE TIME TO DISCUSS THAT CALMLY!"

"Ara ara, Lucy… you don't actually think Allen would drop us into a life-or-death situation without a plan, do you?"

"Huh?!" Lucy blinked, then realization struck. Allen was far too smart for something like that. "Allen, what's the plan…?"

Allen blinked back at them with those calm, clear eyes, and instantly, all three of them felt themselves relax. He had led the guild through a crisis before. He did have the guild master's trust. He had faced impossible missions and come back alive.

"I don't actually have a plan…"

"…Huh?"

"…Ara?"

"…What?"

Allen chuckled at their pale, stunned faces. Then his smirk turned into one of absolute confidence as ropes of light shot out from his mantle, wrapping around the girls and pulling them close.

"I don't have a plan… but I don't need one." His smile shifted into something mysterious as he extended his hand. "Didn't I say we'd hit hard? That's exactly what we're going to do."

At his side, the Clown Crown manifested in the form of a massive greatsword. It began to grow rapidly and massively.

"Wha—?!"

Before the girls could even process it, the greatsword was the size of a mountain. Allen placed his hand on its surface as if to guide it… and shoved.

....

Inside the tower, Jellal's smile evaporated instantly. The air pressure shifted. The entire island trembled.

"What is happening?!" Jellal conjured a magical mirror to see outside—and froze. A massive object was descending from the sky. His breath caught. His dream. His life's work. His very purpose was about to be annihilated.

Everyone inside screamed in panic. Jellal's subordinates went deathly pale. The man himself roared in hate and despair.

"WALKER!!!"

He poured Lucifer's power into a shield, but it shattered like glass. His arrogant expression twisted into sheer desperation. Nothing stopped the greatsword as it slammed down, tearing through the Tower of Heaven and the entire island.

And she… Erza stood frozen as the cursed island and its horrific tower were obliterated in an instant. Tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes. She tried to hold them back… and failed.

A minute later, Millianna, Wally, and Sho were safely behind Erza.

She looked at the figure in front of her.

Standing over the huge sword, Allen smiled casually. Lucy, Mira and Juvia were by his side, being protected by Clown Belt, the impact was null, although that did not prevent the scare they suffered, especially Lucy.

"Good evening~" Allen spoke as if he were asking the way.

"..." Erza watched this holding back tears.

"I came here looking for a beautiful and cute red-haired girl, and while I was at it, I noticed you had this horrendous evil tower in your yard… so I destroyed it! Yup... No, no, no need to thank me~ I do it all out of goodwill." He grinned with mischief before his expression softened as his eyes landed on her. "I came to take you home."

Erza's voice trembled slightly as she whispered, "You're late…"

Allen vanished and reappeared in front of her. Without hesitation, Erza threw herself into his arms. He held her tightly, sharing a tender reunion.

Meanwhile, Lucy, Mirajane, and Juvia all let out sighs, silently agreeing to let Erza monopolize him… just for today.

===

A/N: It only took Allen five minutes to rescue Erza but apparently that was too long for the girl XD

PS: Can you be a good-hearted son of a bitch? who knows 👀

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