Fairy Tail: Collapsing Stars

Chapter 426: The Truth Revealed—The Mastermind Behind Fairy Tail Is Zeref

Time flew by...

In the blink of an eye, another five months had passed!

Time arrived at December of X783, bringing with it Fairy Tail's much-anticipated annual Guild gathering.

At the same time, it was also Fairy Tail's most important event!

Commonly known as the year-end Mage Guild examination, and more commonly known as Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial!

Inside Fairy Tail, the Mage Guild that had stood in Magnolia Town for over a hundred years with a long and glorious history, countless renowned figures from across Ishgar, and even the entirety of Earth-land, had gathered together!

Moreover, unlike previous S-Class Mage Promotion Trials, all of Fairy Tail's Guild Masters throughout history had gathered together inside the enormous Guild hall this time...

At the center stage of Fairy Tail...

A young girl wearing a white dress, barefoot with snow-white feet, possessing long golden hair and emerald-green eyes, stood facing Fairy Tail's Mages at the very front of the Guild Masters. She was none other than one of Fairy Tail's four founders and its First Guild Master, Mavis.

Standing beside the fairy-like girl was an old man with snow-white hair, a long beard, and a black eyepatch covering his right eye. The uncovered eye was incomparably sharp, while all of his magic power was perfectly restrained, making it impossible for anyone to sense even the slightest trace of it. Yet no one dared underestimate him...

Because this old man was also one of Fairy Tail's four founders alongside Mavis, the genius Black Wizard hailed as the one closest to the abyss of magic on the continent of Ishgar. He was Fairy Tail's Second Guild Master, Precht.

Standing beside Precht was a short, elderly, bald old man who looked well over eighty years old. Wearing a robe bearing the symbol of the Ten Wizard Saints, his expression was solemn and dignified. Although his magic power was the weakest among the Guild Masters standing on the stage, every Mage in the Guild looked at the bald old man with utmost respect...

Because this bald elder was Fairy Tail's greatest Guild Master and the one who established the Guild's present ideals. He was one of the current Ten Wizard Saints and Fairy Tail's Third Guild Master, Makarov.

Standing at the end was another elderly man around Makarov's age, also over eighty years old, with a full head of white hair.

Unlike Fairy Tail's previous Guild Masters, however, this old man in a gray robe emitted magic power so overwhelming merely by standing there that it nearly suffocated everyone present!

Without question, this seemingly ordinary old man stood at the pinnacle of all Earth-land as the master of supreme magic power!

Although on Ishgar he was merely a diligent yet "unknown" individual...

On the distant Western Continent, however, he possessed a resounding reputation. On that continent where magic flourished even more than on Ishgar, countless people regarded him as a natural disaster beyond human resistance. The countless Mages of the Alvarez Empire respectfully called him the "Magic King," signifying the king of all magic in the world.

This old man known as the "Magic King" was August, Fairy Tail's Fourth Guild Master, and also the strongest Guild Master in Fairy Tail's history without question.

Standing upon Fairy Tail's stage at this moment—a young girl and three elderly men...

Were the Guild's four successive Guild Masters since its founding.

"Whoa! All four Guild Masters gathered together? Are they about to announce something major?"

"Damn, I'm getting nervous..."

"Right? I wonder what's waiting for us?"

The Mages inside Fairy Tail all appeared rather nervous...

Because this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial felt far more grand than usual.

Normally, the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial would be presided over by either Makarov or August alone.

Now that every Guild Master in Fairy Tail's history had gathered together, these troublemaking Mages concluded that something huge was definitely about to happen!

"Ahem..."

"Everyone of Fairy Tail, now that you've all gathered here today, I believe there's no need for unnecessary words!"

"In that case, I, August, hereby represent all of Fairy Tail's Guild Masters throughout history in announcing that Fairy Tail's X783 S-Class Mage Promotion Trial officially begins now!"

August first coughed lightly twice before officially presiding over Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial. After all, among Fairy Tail's Guild Masters, authority wasn't determined by strength, but by seniority.

"This year's candidates are probably the usual people, right?"

After August finished speaking, whispers immediately spread throughout the Guild.

"Probably Natsu, Gray, Lyon, Cana, Gajeel, Wendy, Freed, Bickslow, Evergreen, Elfman, Lisanna, and Mystogan, right?"

One of Fairy Tail's veteran Mages stroked his chin as he listed everyone qualified to participate in this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial.

"Speaking of which, Kagura and Seilah already passed the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial and became S-Class Mages~"

"Although they passed the Magic Council's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial instead~"

"But it really wasn't easy! Honestly, I thought Kagura would spend another year as the number one favorite for the S-Class Promotion Trial~"

One Mage sighed emotionally.

"She started taking the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial in X776 and finally passed after seven years. Kagura's perseverance is truly admirable~"

Warren continued after the Mage beside him.

As one of Fairy Tail's veterans, Warren had practically watched Kagura grow up. Seeing her finally pass the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial filled him with emotion.

"But without Kagura, this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial somehow feels strange."

Nab, still slim and wearing a red cape, had finally left the Guild's request board—a rare occurrence during Fairy Tail's annual S-Class Mage Promotion Trial.

"I agree. I've already gotten used to Kagura participating every year! Now that she's gone, it feels like something's missing..." Warren nodded in agreement before suddenly remembering something and asking Nab, "By the way, Nab, have you still not found a suitable job yet?"

"How many times do I have to say it?! I'm not looking for a job that's suitable for me..."

"I'm looking for a job that only I can accomplish!"

Nab crossed his arms proudly.

"A job only you can accomplish? Then why don't you become Mr. Fairy Tail Request Board and help everyone choose suitable jobs?" Warren twitched the corner of his eye before replying. "After all, nobody in Fairy Tail knows that request board better than you."

Honestly, Warren couldn't think of any job in the world that only Nab could complete.

Given Warren's understanding of Nab, even if he continued standing in front of the request board for another few decades, he'd still never find such a job.

"You..."

Nab frowned after hearing Warren's words.

Clearly, Warren's words had hurt him...

However, just as Nab was about to get angry, he suddenly deflated like a punctured balloon.

"You just don't understand me!"

"Sigh! I don't want to think about jobs right now. I'm only wondering whether this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial will be boring without Kagura!"

Nab shook his head helplessly as he looked toward Fairy Tail's four imposing Guild Masters on stage and quietly asked Warren.

"That's true..."

Warren nodded gently. It didn't seem like Fairy Tail had welcomed any extraordinary newcomers this year.

This year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial would probably be incredibly boring...

"Who said I wasn't participating in this year's Fairy Tail S-Class Mage Promotion Trial?"

Just as Warren and Nab were chatting, a quiet girl with silky black hair, a rabbit-ear-like headband, and white knight armor glanced at them before asking coldly.

"Huh?!"

Nab and Warren stared at the quiet girl with wide eyes.

"Kagura?! Didn't you already pass the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial and become an S-Class Mage?"

Warren couldn't help asking.

Indeed, this beautiful young female knight with a katana at her waist was none other than Kagura, who had just returned from the BLACKVOX Magic Prison.

Her magic power was now as deep and unfathomable as the sea. She was no longer the Kagura who had just entered the realm of the Ten Wizard Saints. She was now completely confident in her own strength.

"I did pass the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial..."

"But I passed the Magic Council's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial, not our Guild's."

"So technically I'm not an S-Class Mage. I'm merely an ordinary Mage of Fairy Tail who possesses the qualifications to accept S-Class jobs."

"To prove to everyone in the Guild that I truly possess S-Class Mage strength, I must pass Fairy Tail's own S-Class Mage Promotion Trial and become an S-Class Mage of the Guild through my own ability..."

As Kagura spoke, she clenched her fists tightly. This time, she would definitely break the curse and become Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage through her own strength.

Besides, she had already asked around. Not only were there no newcomers participating this year, but quite a few members had even left the Guild. In other words, there definitely wouldn't be another unexpected dark horse appearing to eliminate her at the crucial moment.

Without realizing it, Kagura had raised a flag. She was feeling incredibly confident this year~

"Haha! Kagura's participating? Then this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial just became interesting!"

The veterans of Fairy Tail immediately became excited after hearing Kagura would participate.

"Alright, everyone! The annual S-Class Mage Promotion Trial betting pool is officially open!"

"This year's wager is the same as last year... and the year before..."

"Will Kagura, who has participated in the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial continuously from X776 to X783, who has been voted the woman closest to becoming an S-Class Mage for eight straight years, Fairy Tail's number one S-Class candidate, finally pass the Guild's Promotion Trial?"

"Or will another mysterious dark horse once again join the Guild and eliminate Kagura like every previous year? Stay tuned..."

"Ladies and gentlemen! Whether you'll be enjoying luxury next year or crying beneath a bridge depends entirely on your luck today..."

After confirming Kagura's participation, the gamblers immediately resumed their old business and began placing bets.

Meanwhile...

August finally spoke again.

"Now I shall announce this year's Fairy Tail S-Class Mage Promotion Trial candidates! They are: Kagura Mikazuchi..."

Standing upon the Guild's stage, August loudly announced the list of candidates. As each name left his mouth, one Mage after another proudly stepped out from the crowd.

In Fairy Tail, regardless of whether one ultimately passed the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial, simply having one's name called to participate was already an enormous honor.

Because anyone selected to participate in Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial would almost certainly become an S-Class Mage in any other Guild...

"Hehe, it's really Natsu and the others this year!"

"Yeah! No surprises at all..."

"Damn, I'll have to keep working harder!"

"Alzack, let's both work hard together next year!"

"Sure, Bisca~"

After August finished announcing the X783 participants, some Mages sighed, some looked exactly as though they had expected it, while others secretly exchanged affectionate glances.

Just as everyone had predicted earlier, this year's participants were Natsu, Gray, Lyon, Cana, Gajeel, Wendy, Freed, Bickslow, Evergreen, Elfman, Lisanna, Mystogan, and Kagura...

As for Seilah, who had likewise only passed the Magic Council's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial and obtained its certification, she chose not to participate this year, believing she didn't need two S-Class certifications.

"I'm fired up!"

Flames erupted around Natsu's body. After unlocking his Second Magic Source and undergoing training under his cheap older brother Ignia, Natsu's magic power had now reached the threshold of the Ten Wizard Saints and could break through at any time.

Besides Natsu, Freed, Gray, Gajeel, and Lyon had all reached the level of veteran S-Class Mages. As for Bickslow and Evergreen, who were participating in Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial for the first time, they had likewise reached the level of newly promoted S-Class Mages after unlocking their Second Magic Sources.

However, among this year's participants, the strongest was undoubtedly...

The usually silent Mystogan!

Next came Kagura, who had already received the Magic Council's S-Class Mage certification, followed by Natsu, whose true strength had already reached the level of the Ten Wizard Saints...

Although there wasn't a monster-level dark horse participating this year, it was still destined to be a fierce battle among many outstanding competitors.

"Buzz~"

Just as everyone in Fairy Tail waited for August to officially announce the start of this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial, a pitch-black portal suddenly appeared inside the Guild.

The next second, a young man with short black hair and dressed in black-and-white tribal clothing stepped out into Fairy Tail.

"Um, sorry..."

"I was exploring an ancient ruin just now, so I arrived late."

"The S-Class Mage Promotion Trial hasn't started yet, right?"

The black-haired young man scratched his cheek apologetically as he looked at Fairy Tail's Mages.

Inhale... Exhale...

Upon seeing the black-haired young man, August took a deep breath before slowly letting it out.

"Your Majesty, you've arrived at exactly the right time~"

"The examination hasn't started yet~"

August smiled gently at the young man.

"..."

The moment the black-haired young man appeared inside Fairy Tail, the other three Guild Masters on stage besides August all trembled.

"That young man..."

"Isn't he the one we met on Tenrou Island?"

Makarov's pupils contracted.

He still remembered the black-haired young man. Back when Evan had participated in the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial on Tenrou Island, this dangerous young man had been visiting Mavis's grave.

Makarov also remembered his name. In fact, he had privately asked Evan about him afterward.

His name was...

"Black Wizard Zeref..."

Makarov muttered in shock.

"Zeref..."

Compared to Makarov, who wasn't particularly familiar with Zeref, Mavis and Precht could only be described as utterly stunned.

After all, one was Zeref's disciple and wife, while the other was a disciple whom Zeref had personally recognized and even praised.

"Mavis, Precht, long time no see~"

"As you can see, I'm also a member of Fairy Tail now."

"As for what exactly I'm planning... please let me finish participating in the Guild's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial first, then I'll explain everything to you."

Zeref smiled gently as he spoke to Mavis and Precht.

"Mm..."

Mavis hesitated for a moment before finally nodding gently.

Deep down, she still believed in Zeref.

"Damn it, why would Zeref join Fairy Tail?"

Unlike Mavis, who still trusted Zeref, Precht's expression became increasingly uncertain.

"Wait... Could all of this be Zeref's plan?"

"The reason Fairy Tail has fallen into a Dark Guild... was actually Zeref's doing?"

As Precht pondered, he suddenly seemed to realize something. He looked at August beside him, then at Mavis, before finally looking at Zeref smiling at him.

His body suddenly trembled.

He seemed to have realized something unbelievable.

Yes, after filling in countless gaps inside his own mind...

Precht understood everything once again.

"There are too many people... I'm getting anxious. I really want to leave..."

"Evan told me not to think of these people as people. Don't feel anything for them! Just think of them all as wooden logs!"

Meanwhile, Zeref, who was being stared at by Fairy Tail's countless Mages, had fine beads of sweat continuously appearing across his forehead. Being an extreme social recluse, he felt incomparably uncomfortable being surrounded by so many people. It wasn't until he cast hypnosis magic on himself and imagined everyone in Fairy Tail as wooden logs that he finally calmed down.

"Evan said it's time to tell Mavis and the others the truth..."

"Sigh... I'm so tired. If it really weren't time already, I honestly wouldn't have wanted to come."

Zeref sighed repeatedly.

In truth, the only reason he had left the ancient ruins to come to Fairy Tail was because Evan had told him it was finally time to reveal everything to Makarov and Mavis.

They could no longer keep their plan hidden.

Because it was about to become impossible to hide it any longer.

After hearing that, Zeref agreed that Evan was right.

So he came.

As for the true mastermind behind every event surrounding Fairy Tail...

Evan himself...

Was currently standing on Fairy Tail's second floor, smiling without saying a word.

Everything was proceeding according to Evan's plan.

"Now let us announce the final participant in this year's Fairy Tail S-Class Mage Promotion Trial!"

"The final participant of Fairy Tail's X783 S-Class Mage Promotion Trial is... Zeref Dragneel~"

Holding his staff, August loudly announced the owner of the final qualification.

"Zeref? That Black Wizard Zeref?"

"Probably just someone with the same name?"

"Haha, you're right~"

"That legendary Black Wizard died long ago anyway!"

As soon as August finished speaking, discussions immediately erupted throughout Fairy Tail regarding Zeref's identity. Everyone was shocked by the name alone. After all, for nearly four hundred years, no one on the continent had dared give their child the same name as the legendary Black Wizard.

"Seilah! This Zeref is an impostor, right?"

Mirajane, who knew Seilah's identity, immediately asked her.

"Master?!"

Before Mirajane could say anything else, Seilah's legs gave out and she fell to her knees.

"Huh?! It's actually the real one!"

Mirajane's face instantly turned pale.

"H-Hey... You've got to be kidding me..."

"Even the legendary Black Wizard Zeref has joined Fairy Tail!"

"At this rate, does that mean next year the Black Dragon King Acnologia from the Book of Apocalypse will join Fairy Tail too?"

"Haha, just kidding!"

Silver, who also knew Zeref's true identity, muttered to himself in complete confusion.