48 Chapter 48 : Lyon!

Several individuals hurriedly ascended the stairs to the upper floor.

Upon reaching the higher level, they discovered the moonlight filtering in from above, casting a glow throughout the ruins. An aperture in the ceiling allowed the moon's rays to penetrate the structure.

Soon, a group arrived at the apex and beheld a congregation not far off, garbed as if part of a cult. Enveloped in heavy clothing, they encircled themselves, intoning an unfamiliar incantation as they gathered the celestial light.

"They're harnessing moonlight," 

"What do they plan by shining it on Deliora?" 

"Could they be seeking to resurrect the subterranean demon?"

Gray's countenance shifted, vehemently refuting, "Impossible! The Iced Shell won't melt under any circumstances!"

Kyros cocked his head, ears twitching. "More visitors approach. Soon, we'll discern their intentions."

Moments later, four figures approached, three recognizable from the underground chamber and one clad in a blue coat with a horned helmet.

"Damn, haven't slept all day. Feeling exhausted now, and we still haven't located the intruder," 

"Is there truly an intruder?"

"Lord Zero, a lamentable affair. We spotted intruders during the day, yet they seemed to have eluded us. Now I can't show them my love." 

The figure addressed as 'Emperor Zero' inquired, "Intruders? How is the progress of Deliorara's resurrection?"

Gray froze at the sound of the voice. "This voice... It can't be..."

Sherry reported, "At this pace, by tonight or tomorrow night, the ice encasing Deliora will melt, facilitating his resurrection."

Lucy gasped, hand covering her mouth. "They're truly intent on reviving Deliora!"

A smirk played on 'Emperor Zero' lips as he declared, "Excellent! We can't have interlopers disrupting our plans. There shouldn't be anyone else on this island besides those from the fringe villages. Though I care little for spilt blood, anyone who obstructs or opposes us is an enemy. Proceed and raze that village."

"Yes, sir!"

"What?! The villagers have no involvement in this!"

"You scoundrel! Cease this futile ritual and conduct!"

Gray charged forward, palms slamming onto the ground as ice spikes erupted and hurtled toward the enemy.

'Emperor Zero' flicked his wrist, conjuring an ice spell akin to Gray's.

The two magics clashed, neutralizing each other.

"Surprising," exclaimed Happy. "He wields ice magic too?"

Both factions were stunned by the identical magic display.

Yuka recognized the Fairy Tail guild insignia on several individuals, including Kyros and Natsu. "That crest... they're Fairy Tail mages? So that's why the village sought aid from the guild."

"Lyon... do you understand what you're doing?"

"Long time no see, Gray."

"They're acquainted?"

"Eh–?"

Lucy inquired of Gray, "Gray, do you recognize this individual?"

Gray fixed his gaze upon Lyon and responded, "He's my senpai, Lyon."

"Senpai? Why would your senpai resurrect the creature that took your master's life?" Happy looked perplexed, as did Natsu and Lucy.

With a grim expression, Gray uttered, "That's precisely what I want to know. Lyon, what are your intentions?"

Lyon scoffed at Gray's words. "Humph! Gray, have you disclosed your actions to your guildmates? Or have you forgotten that you were the one who ended the master's life!"

"You ended Ur's life, Gray."

"You don't even deserve to utter Ur's name!"

Gray suddenly lost control of his emotions, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Turning to the trio of Yuka, Lyon commanded, "Go and raze that village."

"Yes!"

Suddenly, Kyros's voice rang out, "That's not possible. That village is our mission's client. If harm befalls them because of you, it would bring great shame upon Fairy Tail."

"Om–!"

A formidable aura emanated from Kyros, lashing out at Lyon and his companions.

The expressions of those present changed drastically. Lyon swiftly conjured an ice shield in front of him.

"Boom!!!"

Kyros's overwhelming force collided with Lyon's ice shield.

"Crack! Crack!"

The shield shattered.

"Whoa!"

"Ah!"

Yuka and the others cried out as they were flung backward.

"Ugh!" Lyon grunted, sliding back several paces.

"Who are you?!" Lyon eyed Kyros gravely, sensing an intense threat emanating from him.

At that moment, a short-statured man with a masked visage, dressed in indigenous attire, spoke up, "Kyros, S-rank mage of Fairy Tail Guild, also known as the 'Immortal Demon King.'"

Kyros couldn't help but twitch at the mention of his moniker. It seemed like more and more people were becoming acquainted with it lately.

Lyon furrowed his brows, his focus solely on matters concerning Deliora.

Yuka's face paled. "What?!! He's the 'Immortal Demon King,' Kyros?!!"

"You're aware?" 

Yuka nodded solemnly. "I once heard the guild master mention that Fairy Tail Guild harbors a remarkably talented mage who attained S-level status at the age of thirteen."

"Sherry had heard of it, but had never seen it before."

"Ooh!"

The three of them regarded Kyros with suspicion, recognizing the name, reminiscent of a towering tree's shadow, and the emblem of a guild's S-rank magician.

Fairy Tail Guild, situated as the foremost wizarding guild in the Kingdom of Fiore, naturally boasts a considerable number of S-level wizards.

What truly commands attention is Kyros's ascension to S-rank mage status at the tender age of 13, shattering previous records. His current prowess surpasses even that remarkable achievement.

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