Black Clover: The Son of Fire Dragon Igneel

"Before the Decisive Battle"

Drake quickly rejoined the main group, and they escorted the injured Makarov back to Magnolia.

Everyone gathered around his bed, watching Makarov, still in pain despite receiving initial treatment.

He had endured Jupiter's attack to save them all, and a sense of guilt over his own powerlessness warred with his anger towards Phantom Lord.

Drake sighed, wondering if Natsu's "protagonist aura" included a hidden buff that forced the stronger allies to be incapacitated.

In the original story, Makarov was distracted by Lucy's capture, allowing Aria to ambush him. This time, that was avoided, yet Makarov was still incapacitated after stopping Jupiter!

Regardless, this battle was winnable!

At that moment, Erza declared, "Heads up, everyone! Even though the Master is down, we can't let our spirits sag! He'd be disappointed if he saw us like this."

True to Makarov's judgment of her as a potential guild master, Erza's words immediately lifted everyone's spirits.

Drake added, "That's right, we haven't lost yet! Phantom Lord's mobile fortress is approaching Magnolia. Instead of wallowing in despair, let's figure out how to blast them away!"

Natsu, fire erupting from his mouth, declared, "Perfect! Let's avenge the Master!"

Elfman chimed in, "The Master's a man; we can't give up!"

Fueled by righteous anger, everyone was determined to crush Phantom Lord.

Sensing their burning determination, Drake announced, "Phantom Lord will definitely use Jupiter to attack Magnolia. This time, we'll launch a preemptive strike!"

This war was started by Phantom Lord, and they had indeed won the first round. Fairy Tail couldn't keep running; they'd lose all credibility!

Drake continued, "To minimize casualties, we'll take out Phantom Lord before Jupiter fires.

Their fortress will approach by sea; we'll ambush them.

We don't know Jupiter's structure, but it must have a core! That core is likely the Four Elements and Jose.

After infiltrating the fortress, we'll take out the Four Elements separately. As for Jose... that's my responsibility!"

Natsu retorted, "The strongest opponent should be mine! I'll take on Phantom Lord's master!"

Drake knocked Natsu down with a single punch. "Jose is a Saint Ten, even at his weakest. You just focus on your own opponent!"

Erza looked at Drake. "I have no doubts about your strength, but we'll defeat our opponents quickly and support you!"

Drake smiled. "Maybe I'll finish first! Don't let me steal your opponents."

Erza laughed. "Alright, let's see who finishes first!"

Seeing everyone energized, Drake was no longer worried about the war. Except for one thing...

Drake glanced at Lucy. "Lucy, there's something I need to tell you."

Lucy pointed at herself, questioning, "Me?"

Drake nodded. "I got information from a Phantom Lord mage. They have a mission: to return the runaway Lucy Heartfilia."

Lucy's face showed surprise, quickly turning to sadness.

Lucy wasn't stupid; she immediately connected Phantom Lord's attack to this mission.

The guild was destroyed; the Master was injured; self-blame washed over her.

Drake knew the protagonists' future achievements and didn't want to hinder their growth.

He wouldn't overprotect them, but he wouldn't let tragedies happen.

This was Lucy's chance to change, to be free.

But as Anna's descendant, Drake wouldn't let her dwell on this for long.

Drake said, "You think this war is your fault?"

Lucy was stunned, looking at Drake with confusion.

Drake explained, "Phantom Lord attacked because of this mission, but for us, the reason isn't that they want the Heartfilia heiress; it's that they want Fairy Tail's Lucy!

If you choose Fairy Tail, you're family; we share each other's pain. That's Fairy Tail!"

Erza's approach was more direct; she pulled Lucy into a hug.

"So hard!" Lucy's head bumped Erza's armor; she momentarily forgot her self-reproach.

"Exactly! Family doesn't need to discuss this!"

Natsu, brandishing his fists, declared, "That's right! Lucy isn't some heiress; she's Lucy, a Fairy Tail comrade!"

Lucy was happy to hear Natsu, but still felt like punching him.

Drake smiled. "And Lucy, don't take all the blame. Phantom Lord and we have had a long-standing conflict; war would have happened eventually."

Happy added, "Aye! Don't be so conceited, Lucy!"

Lucy's spirits lifted. "Shut up, you stupid cat!"

Drake laughed. "If you're still upset, I'll let you fight your opponent."

Lucy nervously replied, "No need, leave it to you, Drake!"

Seeing Lucy joking, Drake knew she'd recovered.

Then, Mirajane's crystal ball lit up; Laxus appeared.

"Laxus, where are you?" Mirajane asked urgently.

Laxus replied, "On a mission, of course!"

Mirajane said, "It's urgent! Phantom Lord declared war! The Master's injured; can you come back?"

Laxus's reply made them frown.

"What are you talking about? I refuse! That old man deserves what he got. Why should I abandon my mission for your weakness?"

Mirajane's lip trembled; Laxus's words enraged her.

Drake patted Mirajane's shoulder, indicating he'd speak.

"Laxus, be honest! You're not on a mission; you're attacking Phantom Lord's branches, right?"

Laxus glared at Drake. "You're still as annoying as ever!"

Drake continued, "Just say it: 'I can't come, but I believe you'll defeat Phantom Lord!' That's what you really want to say, right?"

"Stop saying nonsense!"

Perhaps fearing more embarrassing words from Drake, Laxus cut the connection.

Drake turned to see Mirajane's stunned expression; she was quite cute!

"Like Laxus said, he believes we'll win. Let's not disappoint him!"

"No, no, no! That's clearly what you said!" everyone chimed in.

But Laxus's reaction... Unexpectedly, he's a tsundere!

Drake smiled; he was quite experienced in dealing with tsunderes.

With everything prepared, the decisive battle against Phantom Lord was about to begin!

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