The guild was a hive of activity, unlike the usual lively but carefree energy it typically held. This time, the atmosphere was tense, electric with urgency. Members bustled back and forth, their faces serious and determined. Weapons were carefully sharpened, enchanted with protective spells, and laid out in neat rows. Supplies were inventoried and packed for quick deployment. Groups huddled around maps and notes, voices lowered but urgent, plotting strategies that might save their lives.
Y/N stood at the center of the main room, staring intently at the large, worn map that was pinned against the wooden wall. Scrawled on its surface were markings, symbols, and notes—locations of the mysterious seals, places where cult activity had been reported, and other areas considered vulnerable. The greenish light from a nearby enchanted lantern flickered softly, casting dancing shadows across Y/N's determined features.
Diana stepped up beside him, her amber eyes sharp and unwavering. She pointed to one of the markings on the map—a cluster of seals nestled deep within the forest, far from the town.
"If they want to awaken the beasts, they're going to come for those seals next," Diana said quietly but firmly. "We can't let them succeed. If even one falls, it could be catastrophic."
Masumi, standing nearby with his fists glowing faintly with crackling energy, leaned forward and traced a line connecting several points on the map. His expression was grim.
"But we can't just defend every seal," he said. "We don't have enough people to spread out that thin. We have to predict their movements and set up ambushes. Otherwise, we're just waiting to be picked apart."
Erza stepped into the circle, her crimson armour glinting in the dim light. She folded her arms, her voice cold but commanding.
"Then we take the fight to them," she declared. "We reinforce the seals, yes, but we also prepare traps and countermeasures. We'll catch them off guard and disrupt their plans before they can get close enough."
Y/N nodded slowly, feeling the heat rise within his chest. The faint flicker of emerald flames danced around his fingers, a subtle but constant reminder of the power—and danger—locked inside him.
"I have to get stronger," Y/N said, voice low but resolute. "If I'm going to be their target—and the vessel they want to use—I need to control this power. Before it controls me."
Levy stepped forward, clutching a stack of ancient, dust-covered tomes and fragile scrolls she'd gathered from the guild library and trusted contacts.
"I've been researching," Levy said, her eyes bright despite the worry on her face. "There are texts on draconic magic and the old sealing arts—ways to strengthen barriers and suppress corrupted energies. It's complicated, but it might be what we need."
Y/N managed a faint smile. The hope in her words was a balm against the dread tightening in his chest.
"Good," he said quietly. "We'll study these together. Train hard. Everyone who can fight will need to be ready. Together, we stand a chance."
As night fell, the guild slowly grew quieter, the usual chatter replaced by focused preparation. But Y/N couldn't rest.
He climbed to the guild's rooftop, the cool night air brushing against his skin. Above him, stars twinkled cold and distant, indifferent to the turmoil below. The talisman—Erza's gift—hung heavy around his neck, its warmth pulsing softly against his chest.
He closed his eyes and whispered into the night.
"I won't let this darkness win. Not while I still breathe."
Below him, the guild slept, wrapped in fragile peace. Unaware that a shadow was creeping closer with every passing hour. That the true battle, the one that could change everything, was only just beginning.