After carefully deliberating, Su Yan decided to continue boosting his power. While his Conqueror's Haki had proven sufficient to break Acnologia's defenses, his body hadn't been sturdy enough to endure until Acnologia was completely worn down.
"First, add 100 points to Armament Haki."
[Ding! Allocation successful!]
[Special Physique: 60%]
No major new features appeared; he simply absorbed more of Kaido's physical traits.
"Keep going!"
Su Yan kept adding points in increments of 100. He could feel his physical strength surging, knowing that his body was the foundation of combat. Yet after his experience with Acnologia, he also understood that raw defense alone might not be enough.
[Ding! Allocation successful!]
[Armament Haki has been raised to the top level!]
[New Armament Haki skill unlocked: Internal Destruction!]
[Special Physique: 69%]
"Phew!" Su Yan exhaled, satisfied.
He had spent a total of 1,000 points on Armament Haki to reach top tier, finally unlocking Internal Destruction—an advanced technique beyond normal "flowing" methods. It dramatically increased his attack power.
Checking his balance, he saw he still had 1,023 free points left. Sudden jumps in power could be tricky to control, so he paused for now. This boost alone gave him confidence. Next time he faced Acnologia, he wouldn't have to fear. Revenge would come when they met again.
—
Magnolia.
The Twilight Ogre Guild.
"That's how it is, old man. You borrowed a fortune from us, so pay up," Banerbost, president of Twilight Ogre, said to Makarov. He wore a suit and regarded Makarov with contempt.
"Yes, I see," Makarov answered. "But, as you know, we're poor. One glance at those ledgers shows how odd our finances have been."
"Huh? You trying to skip out on the debt?!"
Makarov held up a placating hand. "Not at all. We'll pay back both the principal and reasonable interest—someday."
Banerbost stood, glowering. "We want you to pay now!!"
Makarov pretended confusion. "Then how about beginning with the interest only, from scratch?"
"We've got five guys lying in the infirmary thanks to you," Banerbost snarled. "Having a debtor make a fool of us is an embarrassment to our guild!"
"Oh? I assumed we were here to talk about money. Are you implying there's something else to discuss?" Makarov asked dryly.
"Smack!" Banerbost slammed the table. "It's the same either way!!"
Makarov's eyes turned sharp. "Your guild believes in debts being repaid, right? Let's just say we also have a few items you owe us."
Erza stepped forward. "Over these seven years, you damaged our guild's property and abused our members."
Mira continued, "We intend to settle up for that, too."
Magic flared around Makarov. "They've spent seven years enduring hardships, shedding tears. If you want a fight, boy, you'll get one."
Erza donned her Purgatory Armor; Mira shifted into her Satan Soul form.
The Twilight Ogre wizards blanched in terror. Their president began trembling. Of course he'd heard of Fairy Tail: once the strongest guild in Fiore, led by Makarov, a top-tier wizard among the Ten Wizard Saints. Bullying those left behind was one thing, but dealing with the Tenrou Island elites was another.
"Boom boom boom!!!"
Sounds of chaos erupted throughout the Twilight Ogre Guild.
Outside, Wakaba and Macao listened to the commotion inside.
"Didn't they say they'd try diplomacy first?" Wakaba sighed.
"Yeah, well, you can't compare negotiations to the old ways…" Macao answered.
"But seeing it like this… feels like the old Fairy Tail's back."
"Sure does. I've missed it."
They remembered how Fairy Tail used to do things: no endless waiting, no cowering, just direct action. For the past seven years, they'd swallowed their pride to keep the guild alive—nobody but they themselves knew how painful that had been.
"You did well," Wakaba told Macao. "We wouldn't have a guild if not for you."
"Stop flattering me," Macao said with a smile. "I'm really not cut out to be Master. Time to pass that job back…"
—
Magic Council, ERA Headquarters
"Elder Org, thank you for all your work," someone said.
Org—now fully bald on top—simply grunted. "Mm." Seven years was short for the young, but all too long for the old.
"Any progress on the revised Commerce Act between guilds?" Rahal inquired.
"No, that'll take time. On another note, you've heard the news, right?" Org responded.
"You mean the main members of Fairy Tail are back?" Rahal nodded. "Doranbolt can finally breathe easy."
"Right," said Lahar. The man called Doranbolt was actually Mest, who had infiltrated Fairy Tail during its S-Class Exam. For years, guilt had eaten at him—he hadn't saved them. Learning everyone had returned safely lifted a huge weight, though he still felt remorse.
"The magic world is about to heat up again. Seven years since Acnologia and Zeref appeared…" Org mused.
Mest bowed his head. "I'm sorry. We haven't found either of them yet." Each of those two was unimaginably dangerous—enough to threaten the entire world. Naturally, the Council proceeded with extreme caution.