Y/n and Irene made their way through the grand halls of the imperial palace, their boots echoing off the polished marble floors. It had been a grueling month in the northern part of Alvarez, but they had accomplished their mission. Now, it was time to report back to the Emperor himself. Irene pushed the door open with a creaking sound. They entered Zeref's private chamber, the air was thick with an almost palpable tension. Zeref stood by the large window, his silhouette framed by the fading light of the afternoon sun. He turned to face them, his expression unreadable and cold.

"Irene, Y/n," Zeref greeted, his voice even and calm. "You've been away for a month. What news do you bring from the north?"

Y/n stepped forward, holding out the map they had confiscated from the dark guild's fortress, placing it on the table in front. "We've managed to bring several dark guilds under the banner of Alvarez. Their leaders have sworn fealty, and the region is stabilizing under our control."

Zeref took the map, examining it closely. "Good work. However, I've noticed your progress has been slower than anticipated, Irene. Your loss of dragon slayer power has indeed impacted your efficiency. You should consider regaining it as soon as possible."

Irene's expression hardened at Zeref's words. She straightened, her voice cold and resolute. "I won't do it, Zeref. For my own reasons." She glanced over at Y/n, a silent exchange passing between them. Her decision was firm, and it was clear she would not be swayed. Zeref's face showed no change, but he knew that Irene's choice had to do with her student.

Before Zeref could respond, the door to the chamber opened, and a figure clad in elegant robes stepped inside. Y/n's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the man from descriptions and whispers among the palace staff and Irene's tales. This was August, the Wizard King, renowned as the most powerful mage in the empire.

"August," Zeref acknowledged with a nod. "It's been a while."

Irene's demeanor shifted subtly, a hint of respect evident in her posture. "Master August," she said, her tone softer and more deferential. It was clear she regarded him with the respect of a long-time teacher. Even if Irene existed for longer than him.

August smiled faintly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Irene, it's good to see you again. And you must be Y/n, the Death Dragon. I've heard much about you."

Y/n inclined his head respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Master August."

August paused in the midst of their discussion, his keen eyes locking onto Irene. A puzzled expression crossed his face as he scrutinized her closely. "Irene," he said slowly, "you appear much younger than the last time I saw you, which was about five years ago. How did you manage this?"

Irene looked slightly embarrassed, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. She glanced at Y/n before answering. "I used a permanent enchantment to turn my age back, making me as old as Y/n."

August's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then a hearty laugh escaped his lips. "Remarkable! Only you, Irene, could achieve such a feat." He then turned his attention to Y/n, his gaze appraising. "Y/n, would you accompany me to the training grounds?"

Y/n glanced at Irene, who looked momentarily concerned. "Why?" she asked, her tone protective. "I wish to test his strength against God Serena," August replied, his expression serious but curious.

Irene's hand clenched into a fist, her knuckles turning white. She wanted to object, but after a moment of internal conflict, she nodded. "It could be a valuable experience for you, Y/n," she said, her voice steady despite her worry. She met Y/n's eyes, her gaze firm and supportive. "Give it your best."

Y/n nodded, feeling the weight of Irene's trust in him. He turned to August. "I'm ready. Let's go."

The group made their way through the palace, passing grand hallways and bustling courtyards. As they approached the training grounds, the air grew thicker with anticipation. The large, open space was surrounded by high walls, with various training equipment scattered around.

Y/n thought for a moment, then asked, "How did you decide Irene's second place? From my estimate, Irene is stronger."

Irene's cheeks flushed a deeper red, and she quickly interjected, "That should stay unmentioned."

August laughed heartily at the memory. "Ah, indeed, that's a story for another time."

The training grounds of the Alvarez palace buzzed with anticipation. Irene stood beside August, holding Rose the Exceed. Heine and Juliet were also present, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them. Irene's heart pounded with a mixture of pride and worry as she watched Y/n step into the arena to face God Serena.

The air was thick with tension. Y/n and God Serena faced each other, their Dragon Slayer powers simmering just beneath the surface. The crowd held its breath as the duel began. The two oponents bowed in respect to each other. Their eyes focusing on only the other, listening to August giving the sign. "Fight." He shouted.

Y/n moved first, launching himself at God Serena with incredible speed. God Serena met him head-on, their fists colliding with a thunderous impact. The ground shook beneath their feet, and the force of their blows sent shockwaves through the arena. They traded punches, each strike more powerful than the last, their Dragon Slayer abilities amplifying their physical prowess.

Y/n dodged a sweeping kick from God Serena, countering with a swift elbow to the ribs. God Serena grunted but retaliated quickly, catching Y/n with an uppercut that sent him staggering back. Y/n regained his balance and charged forward, landing a series of rapid punches that forced God Serena to retreat.

The fight continued at a relentless pace, neither combatant giving an inch. They moved with the fluidity and precision of seasoned warriors, their every motion a testament to their strength and skill. Y/n felt the strain of the battle, his muscles burning with exertion, but he refused to back down. This was his chance to prove himself, and he wouldn't let it slip away.

Irene watched nervously, her grip on Rose tightening with each passing moment. She could see the toll the fight was taking on Y/n, and her worry deepened. The duel had already lasted longer than she liked, and Y/n was struggling to overpower God Serena. She glanced at August, who seemed calm and collected, but Irene couldn't shake her anxiety.

As the fight dragged on, Irene made a sudden decision. She sat Rose down on the stone railing. She cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled into the arena, "Y/n, if you win, you can do whatever you want with me!" Y/n's eyes widened, and a new surge of energy coursed through him. God Serena, momentarily distracted by Irene's declaration, smirked. "A tempting offer," he mocked. But Y/n's determination was rekindled, and he redoubled his efforts.

The fight intensified, each blow echoing through the arena. Y/n ducked under a powerful swing from God Serena and delivered a devastating punch to his midsection. God Serena retaliated with a ferocious kick, but Y/n caught his leg and threw him to the ground. God Serena rolled to his feet, but Y/n was already upon him, landing a series of brutal strikes.

The arena walls trembled under the force of their battle. Y/n's resolve, fueled by Irene's words, drove him forward. He dodged a flurry of punches, landing a crushing blow to God Serena's jaw. God Serena stumbled, and Y/n seized the opportunity. With a roar, he summoned all his strength and delivered a single, powerful punch that sent God Serena flying across the arena. He crashed into the wall, the impact shattering the stone and leaving a deep crater. He slumped to the ground, unconscious and defeated.

The arena fell silent for a moment before erupting in cheers. Irene's heart swelled with pride and relief. Y/n stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion. He turned to Irene, his eyes shining with triumph and gratitude.

From the balcony above, Zeref and Invel watched the scene unfold. Zeref's lips curved into a faint smile, while Invel observed with a cool, calculating gaze. The laters hand finding its hand grabbing a sack filled with jewel. "I must admit defeat to your bet Lord Zeref." The white haired male stated and Zeref chuckled.

Irene rushed into the arena, her heart racing. She threw her arms around Y/n, hugging him tightly. He twirled her around efortlessly. "You did it," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. Y/n held her close, his exhaustion forgotten in the warmth of her embrace. "I couldn't have done it without you," he murmured. They were quickly met with Rose flying at them.

Y/n watched the Wizard king on top of the balcony look at God Serena, his expression one of amusement on Serena's state of being. August approached them, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Well done, Y/n. You've proven your strength today. You are now the new number four, right behind Larcade." He clapped his hands.

Y/n nodded, still catching his breath. He glanced at the unconscious form of God Serena and then back at Irene. "Thank you," he said softly, his gratitude and love for her shining through.

Irene smiled, her eyes brimming with pride. "Let's go home," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "We have much to celebrate." Y/n smiled wide holding her tight. "Don't forget that you allowed me to do whater I want to you." He whispered into the ear making the Scarlet sorceress a blushing mess and swallow a lump.

Y/n turned to August, catching his breath. "Do you know how far the other Spriggan Twelve are with getting the dark guilds under their control?"

August stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Bloodman and Larcade have finished with the west. The south should be done by Dimaria and Brandish soon."

Before Y/n could respond, Wall came running toward them, he fell over a nearby creat from going around the corner. "Y/n! You have to come with me right now to the shipyard!" He shouted loudly. Y/n furrowed his brow. "Why? What's happening?" Wall's eyes glinted with urgency, he took Y/n by the wrist pulling him with him and taking off. "No time to explain. Just come!" Irene watched puzzled at the sudden infringement and began to run after them, Rose in her arms with Heine ad Juliet close behind.

They sprinted through the city, their footsteps echoing on the cobblestones. As they reached the edge of the rooftops, they leapt from building to building, the wind whipping through their hair. Below them, the citizens of Alvarez went about their day, unaware of the urgency above. Irene moved gracefully, her black witch clothes billowing behind her. Rose the Exceed flew alongside, her small wings beating rapidly. Heine and Juliet kept pace, their movements fluid and synchronized.

The group reached the shipyard, its vast expanse filled with ships of all sizes. Dockworkers scurried about, loading and unloading cargo. Walking through it Y/n noticed several large man o wars docking onto the harbor. "This is the ship from Larcade." Irene pointed out and indeed Y/n saw the Spriggan twelve member head down the loading bay. He watched him talk with what seems to be the second in comand of his devision. Wall led them to a secluded area where a massive ship was being constructed. He stopped abruptly before a large construction site where only the keel of a massive ship was finished. The skeletal structure loomed over them, a testament to the potential power it would soon possess.

"This," Wall began, his eyes gleaming with excitement as his voice took on a metallic timbre, "is the newest ship for the Alvarez army. And it's being built for you, Y/n."

Y/n's eyes widened in surprise. He glanced at the others, who mirrored his astonishment. "For me?" Wall nodded, the joints of his neck creaking slightly. "Indeed. It's going to be equipped with experimental cannons and other advanced features. This ship will be a game-changer for our navy." Wall pulled out a clipboard and moved his finger over it. "The cannons range is estimated to be at fourty kilomiters."

Y/n stared at the skeletal structure of the ship, trying to imagine its future grandeur. He could already see it slicing through the waves, cannons blazing. "I don't know what to say..." Wall motioned toward a giant ship nearby, its hull glinting in the sunlight. "But first, let's play a little game. Try to guess which Spriggan Twelve member owns that ship."

Intrigued, Y/n followed Wall, with Irene, Rose, Heine, and Juliet close behind. They weaved through the busy shipyard, sidestepping workers and equipment. The giant ship they approached was an imposing presence, its deck towering above them. They climbed aboard via a gangplank, the wooden boards creaking underfoot. They had to move through the undersite of the ship in order to get to the top.

The deck was bustling with activity. Sailors hoisted sails, polished brass fittings, and secured ropes. The air was thick with the smell of salt and the sound of seagulls cawing overhead. Wall led them across the deck to a door leading below. "The ships are never idle for long, they are mostly used for cargo shipments between the coast and are often out patroling the sea against possible attacks from our warmongering neighbors in the south." Wall stated and Y/n looked over to Irene for answers. She looked at him for a moment until she noted it. "Right, We are close to invade a country in the south, one which Zeref has quite the disdain for, the reasons are unknown but he calls them savages every time he mentions them and how he wants to completely erase them." She stated and Y/n looked at her wide eyed.

The captain's quarters were a stark contrast to the busy deck. The room was lavishly decorated, with rich, dark wood paneling, plush rugs, and gold-trimmed furniture. A large, plush bed dominated the room, draped in deep crimson and gold silks. Two smaller beds were tucked away in alcoves, each with a small chest at the foot.

On a nearby vanity, an elegant woman's dress was draped, its green fabric and golden ornates shimmering in the dim light. Jewelry and trinkets were scattered across the vanity, reflecting the room's opulence. Y/n's mind raced, piecing together the clues. He glanced at Irene, who remained silent, a hint of amusement playing on her lips and an apple in her hand she grabbed from a nearby bowl, Slowly, it dawned on him. The sorceress waited for that light clicking in his head.

"This... this is your ship, isn't it, Irene?" Irene's lips curled into a smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Indeed, it is." She took a bite of the apple, walking to the captains desk and looking at a map she noticed spread over it. "So that's our next place." She whispered and her two swords joined at her sides.

Y/n looked around the room, taking in the opulence and the personal touches that marked it as Irene's. "I should have guessed from the start." Wall chuckled, the sound echoing through the ships room. "Not many can boast of having their own personal ship in the Alvarez fleet. But then again, not many are as formidable as Irene."

Irene walked over to the vanity, picking up a hairbrush and running it through her crimson locks. The light from the nearby window caught in her hair, making it glow. "It's practical. We need to be mobile and ready to respond to threats at a moment's notice. Plus, it provides a certain... comfort."

Y/n admired the ship's interior, feeling a sense of awe. He could see the strategic advantage of having such a mobile base. "And now I have one being built for me. It's... it's incredible."

Wall placed a hand on Y/n's shoulder, his grip firm. "You've earned it. Your contributions to the empire are invaluable. This ship will ensure you can continue to make a difference." Irene gazed at him amused her eyes scanning him before moving to the map.

Irene motioned for Y/n to come over to the desk, a crisp apple in her hand. She took a leisurely bite, the crunch echoing in the lavish cabin. Y/n stepped closer, his eyes drawn to the large map spread out across the wooden surface. The map depicted the southern side of the continent of Alakitashia, intricately detailed with mountains, rivers, and cities.

"What do you see?" Irene asked, her voice calm and curious. She perched on the corner of the desk, one leg crossed over the other, continuing to eat the apple with a nonchalant air.

Y/n scrutinized the map, noting the marked territories and strategic points. "It's the southern side of Alakitashia," he said, his brow furrowing. "But why do you have it here?"

Irene's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and something darker. She took another bite of the apple, chewing thoughtfully before replying. "Guess why Zeref wants this map here, in my quarters, on my desk."

Y/n studied her face, trying to decipher her thoughts. "He wants you to invade the country and bring it fully under Alvarez's control?"

A smirk tugged at Irene's lips. "Partly correct. Zeref has no real interest in expanding our territory for the sake of land itself." She leaned forward slightly, her tone turning more serious. "He wants to cleanse this region of what he calls vermin. Those he deems unworthy of existence."

Y/n's eyes widened slightly as the implications sank in. "You mean he wants to eradicate entire groups of people?" Irene nodded, taking another bite of her apple. "Precisely. Zeref's vision for Alvarez is one of purity, power, and absolute control. He sees these people as obstacles, threats to his perfect order." Y/n felt a chill run down his spine. The thought of such ruthless extermination was horrifying. "And you're supposed to lead this invasion?"

Irene shrugged, the motion graceful and almost dismissive. "As one of the Spriggan Twelve, it falls upon me to execute his will. But..." She paused, looking at Y/n with an inscrutable expression. "I have my own reservations." Y/n stepped closer to the desk, placing his hands on its edge as he leaned in. "What do you mean?"

Irene finished her apple and opened a window at the back of the captains room with a flick of her wrist, taking aim she threw it out, a light splash coming from the water was heard. Brushing her hands clean she turned to him again. "Zeref's methods are... extreme. Even for someone like me. I've seen the devastation he can unleash, and while I am loyal to him, there are lines even I hesitate to cross."

Y/n's respect for Irene grew. Despite her fearsome reputation and loyalty to Zeref, she still had a sense of morality, a line she was unwilling to cross without hesitation. "So, what's your plan?"

Irene's eyes bore into his, filled with a mix of determination and resignation. "We do what we must. We follow orders. But we also find ways to mitigate the unnecessary suffering, to be more precise in our actions." Y/n nodded, understanding the delicate balance she was trying to maintain. "I'm with you, Irene. Whatever you need." She smiled softly, appreciating his support. "Thank you, Y/n. Together, we can make a difference, even in the shadows of such a dark task."

The weight of their mission hung heavily in the air, but there was also a sense of unity and purpose between them. Irene's expression grew a bit somber. She knew Y/n didn't really get her meaning of doing it her own ways. "Y/n, what I meant with that before is, we do it my way, ending their lifes as quick and painless as possible. . . all of them." She stated and Y/n's breath hitched. "You mean. . ." He stopped to talk as Irene merely replied with a nod of her head.  They had a daunting task ahead, but they would face it together, balancing their duty with their humanity.

As the gravity of their conversation settled, the door to the cabin swung open. Wall, ever the eccentric genius, strode in with his characteristic energy. His eyes gleamed with excitement, and his grin was almost too wide for his face. Without warning, he extended his long arms and pulled both Irene and Y/n into a tight embrace, squeezing them with surprising strength.

"I've got fantastic news!" Wall exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "I'm coming with you on this mission. I can't miss the opportunity to see my newly created cannons in action for the first time!"

Irene and Y/n were caught off guard, but they managed to smile through Wall's exuberant grip. Irene tried to maintain her composure, her usual calm demeanor slightly ruffled by the unexpected hug. "Wall, it's always... interesting when you join us," she said, gently patting his back to signal him to loosen his hold. Rose who sat on a nearby chair was thankful not to have been close to Wall right now.

Wall finally released them, stepping back with a proud look on his face. "You'll love these cannons! Five of them are ready to be transported by our flying ships. They're unlike anything you've ever seen, designed to deliver maximum impact with unparalleled precision."

Y/n raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How powerful are we talking?" Walls grin spread wide on his face. "Powerful enough to make even the mightiest fortress tremble," Wall replied, his eyes gleaming. "This mission will be their grand debut, and I can't wait to see the devastation they can unleash." He laughed rolling on the ground. Both paled at their comrades exesive joy.

Irene, having regained her composure, nodded thoughtfully. "Your creations have always been impressive, Wall. Let's hope they give us the edge we need." Wall clapped his hands together, his excitement infectious. "Oh, they will, trust me. This will be a game-changer for the Alvarez Empire. We'll show them the true might of our technology and our resolve."

As Wall spoke, his enthusiasm seemed to dispel some of the earlier tension. The prospect of having such formidable weapons on their side gave them a renewed sense of confidence. Irene glanced at Y/n, sharing a silent understanding that this mission, though challenging, had just gained a powerful new element in their favor.

Irene looked over to Y/n remembering the promise she did. "We will head out in a few days time Y/n, so we can go back to my home until then." She stated and the slayers eyes gleamed. "You know for what." She teased.