The airship came to a gentle halt in the distance, the sprawling city visible on the horizon. One by one, the other airships landed, their engines humming to a stop. Y/n and Irene disembarked, their boots crunching softly on the rocky ground. The air was tense with anticipation.

Wall approached them briskly, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "Cannons, get them set up for the coming attack!" he barked to the soldiers. They moved swiftly, the precision of their actions a testament to their training.

Heine and Juliet followed closely behind, bringing out a sniper rifle which they presented to Irene. She inspected it with a practiced eye, running her fingers along the polished surface before laying it carefully on the table next to the map. The map detailed the layout of the city, its streets and key structures marked with precision, even underground areas.

Wall leaned over the map, his finger tracing a path. "We can sneak inside through the underground sewage system," he proposed. "Once we're in position, we'll give the signal. The cannons will fire to create a distraction, causing chaos among the citizens and soldiers. Then, we can start our attack from within."

Y/n listened, nodding thoughtfully. He trusted Wall's judgment and knew the plan was sound. But as he glanced toward the ocean, something caught his eye. Several large ships were approaching, their silhouettes growing clearer against the dark water.

"Wait," Y/n said, walking to the cliff's edge for a better view. His eyes widened as he recognized the flags on the ships. It was the Alvarez Empire fleet. A grin spread across his face as he spotted a familiar figure on the lead ship. "It's Brandish," he chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. His Lacrima beeped. He picked it up. "Hey Y/n, Lord Zeref's thought you could need a hand." Her voice came through. He chuckled. "Damn you really know when to show up don't you, thanks we can use a bit more soldiers to help secure the flanks, we could manage alone but this is way better." He stated and Brandish laughed. "Don't count on my own help. I originally thought of stopping by to get to eat some of the desserts they serve here. Just a bummer that it will be turned into a pile of rubble before that."

"I'm sure you can find it somewhere else too." He reasured and Brandish chuckled. "Yeah I know, its originally from a population they had driven out which is now residing in the western part of the Alvarez kingdom. They will be more than delighted to know of the liberation." With that Brandish hung up on the call.

Irene joined him, peering at the ships through a pair of binoculars. "Seems like we've got more support than we anticipated," she remarked, a mix of relief and wariness in her voice.

Wall joined them, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. "This changes things," he said. "With the fleet's help, we can coordinate a more effective assault."

Y/n turned back to the group, his confidence bolstered by the unexpected reinforcements. "Alright, let's adjust our plans. We still go in through the sewers, but we'll time our attack with the fleet's arrival. The cannons will create the initial chaos, and then we'll hit them from both sides."

The soldiers moved with renewed purpose, setting up the cannons and preparing for the assault. Y/n and Irene returned to the table, discussing the final details of their strategy.

As they laid out their plans, the air buzzed with a mixture of tension and anticipation. The city loomed ahead, a formidable target. But with the combined strength of their forces and the element of surprise, they felt a surge of confidence. The time for action was drawing near, and they were ready to face whatever awaited them in the city.

From the information they recieved from Zeref the amount of soldiers in the capital wasn't a lot fifty thousand soldiers, a number any of the spriggan twelve could deal on their own. He laughed amused, and none of them used magic, unlike the soldiers of the Alvarez empire. The only problem was the amount of citizens.

Brandish's ship docked on the rocky coast with practiced precision. The gangplank was lowered, and she descended with a determined stride, her eyes scanning the area until they landed on Y/n and Irene. She made her way over to them, her presence commanding attention.

"What's the plan?" Brandish asked, her voice firm and eager. Y/n paled at her choice of clothes, a brown and yellow bikini with the fitting coat. If he would see her in a brothel the chances of him confusing her with one working there would be highly likely.

Irene stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of excitement and resolve. "As soon as the soldiers are ready," she began, "we'll launch a flash attack using the airships. The Wild Hunt will be positioned on top, ready to descend swiftly once Y/n and I are inside and give the signal through the lacrima."

She gestured to the array of cannons being positioned. "The cannons will open the main gate of the city, creating an entry point for your soldiers to storm in. Once inside, we'll initiate Operation Armageddon. The goal is total annihilation of the cult."

As Irene laid out the plan, Brandish nodded, absorbing the details. Her attention was momentarily diverted by the moon rising above them, its light casting an eerie red glow across the landscape.

"The moon," Irene said, looking up, "it's the color of blood."

Brandish smirked, a dark gleam in her eyes. "How fitting," she remarked. "A blood moon for the extinction of an entire cult."

Y/n, standing beside Irene, glanced up at the ominous sky. The blood-red moon hung there, a silent witness to the impending chaos. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, the anticipation of battle coursing through his veins. "Quite perfect."

The soldiers finished their preparations, the air filled with the sounds of final adjustments and murmured orders. The Wild Hunt, fierce and ready, positioned themselves on top of the airships, their eyes burning with anticipation.

Irene and Y/n made their way towards one of the airships, their steps purposeful and synchronized. Next to them Heine and Juliet caught up to them with guns in their hands. Brandish watched them, a sense of pride and camaraderie in her gaze. She knew the strength of the allies by her side and the ferocity of their determination. She especialy knew how absurdly strong Y/n could be. Rose perched on Irene's shoulder, holding onto her.

As they boarded the airship, Irene turned to Y/n, who stood at the front. "This is it," she said, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of excitement. "Once we're inside, there's no turning back."

Y/n nodded, his expression resolute. "Let's end this." He replied and flew up in front of the airships. His eyes moved over the Soldiers of the Wild Hunt and the nearby army. He raised his hand up high. "When this war is over we will all dine like gods!" He threw his arm down.

The airships lifted off, the Wild Hunt holding their positions with unwavering focus. The moon's blood-red light bathed the scene in an almost surreal glow, enhancing the atmosphere of impending conflict. The ships sped up quickly with Y/n flying at the front in a V formation. He held his comunication lacrima up to his face. "Irene once we reach the sewer you jump of with Heine and Juliet transformed into swords, Rose is going to carry you." He stated and looked back seeing her give him a thumbs up.

Y/n flew at the forefront of the airships, his presence a beacon of determination and power. The wind whipped around him as he soared, his eyes fixed on the target below. The airships followed closely, their engines humming with a steady rhythm, ready to unleash their fury.

As they neared the sewer entrance, Irene leapt off, transformed Heine and Juliet in hand. She was carried by Rose, her movements graceful and precise. Landing beside Y/n, she threw down the swords, and they morphed back into Heine and Juliet, who immediately pulled out their guns, ready for battle.

Y/n watched as the airships climbed higher into the sky, turning around in a perfect arc to fall upon the city. The anticipation in the air was palpable as he led the charge towards the open sewer entrance. "We don't have much time for the surprise attack to be perfect," he shouted, urgency lacing his voice.

Irene, Heine, and Juliet followed closely behind, their steps synchronized with Y/n's. The darkness of the sewer enveloped them, but their determination cut through it like a blade. Y/n pulled out the lacrima, its glow illuminating their path. "Brandish, fire the cannons!" he yelled into it, his voice echoing through the tunnel.

Running through the sewers they got face to face with two guards. Y/n pulled his knife from the requip space and slashed the throat of both guards while keeping his momentum.

They reached a dead end, and without hesitation, Irene unleashed her magic. The ceiling above them exploded, debris raining down as the exit to the city was revealed. Moonlight poured in, casting an eerie glow over the destruction. They jumped up seeing the startled soldiers, who were on night patrol duty.

Y/n drew his sword, ready for the confrontation that awaited them. Just in time, the soldiers of the Wild Hunt landed beside him, jumping from the airships with deadly precision. They opened fire at the enemy soldiers, their shots ringing out with lethal accuracy. This would certainly wake up the whole city.

Further back, the city gate was obliterated by artillery fire, the ground shaking with the force of the explosion. The main army surged forward, storming inside with a ferocity unmatched. The chaos of battle erupted around them, a symphony of destruction and determination.

Irene ran beside Y/n, her eyes scanning the battlefield. She cast a quick glance at Heine and Juliet, who were already engaging the enemy with relentless efficiency. Their acuracy left to wish but they hit their targets still even while running, and jumping from wall to wall. "Stay close," she commanded, her voice firm yet filled with the intensity of the moment. Juliet pouted and ran at a wall to jump of and kicked a soldier on the head before firing directly at his head. "Come on Irene let us have some fun." She stated skidding up right next to her. An explosion eruppted in front and Wall crashed next to them. "Damn those bombs are no joke." He laughed and Irene rolled her eyes.

Y/n charged forward, his sword cutting through the air with deadly precision, the speed so quick the blade whisled in the air. Enemy soldiers fell before him, their attempts to defend futile against his onslaught. Not even the thickest armor could hold up against the sharpness of his blade His mind was focused, every movement calculated and purposeful. He was no mere slow human, but a modified being created to fight against natures most powerful being, Dragons. mere humans were a joke for him. "Is this all that you got?" He shouted and caught an arrow with his bare hand.

Amidst the chaos, Irene unleashed her own brand of destruction. Her magic tore through the enemy ranks, creating paths of devastation. She reveled in the power, the exhilaration of battle coursing through her veins.

As the Wild Hunt continued their assault, the enemy lines began to falter. The sheer force of the attack overwhelmed them, leaving no room for retreat. Y/n and Irene pressed forward, their resolve unyielding. The magic bullets made quick work, tearing through the bodies like they were mere paper.

Suddenly, the tide of battle shifted as the enemy army swelled with the arrival of armed citizens. Y/n jumped up to a building trying to get an overview. From his vantage point atop a building, he watched with a mixture of amusement and disdain as ordinary men and women took up weapons, desperate to defend their homes. The determination in their eyes was palpable, but to Y/n, it was a futile gesture.

He chuckled darkly, the sound carrying over the chaos below. Raising the lacrima to his lips, he called up Brandish. "Adjust the artillery further back," he commanded, his voice calm and authoritative despite the turmoil around him.

Brandish's response crackled through the lacrima, confirming the new coordinates. Y/n didn't wait for further confirmation. He leapt from the building, his form a blur as he descended into the fray. He reeled his fist back. "Dragon gods destruction fist!" As he landed, he unleashed a torrent of destructive fire with his Dragon God Slayer magic. The ground shook as flames erupted, consuming everything in their path, burning everything to ash.

Citizens screamed and scattered, their attempts to flee futile against the inferno Y/n had summoned. Panic spread through their ranks, and many found themselves caught in the crossfire of the incoming artillery. Explosions rocked the city as Brandish's cannons rained down destruction, adding to the chaos, ripping apart buildings and humans.

Amidst the carnage, Y/n caught a glimpse of the palace in the distance. His eyes narrowed as he spotted a figure standing on the balcony, watching the devastation unfold. The air around him seemed to shimmer with power, and Y/n instinctively knew this was the ruler of the country they were attacking.

With a determined glint in his eyes, Y/n fought his way through the throng of enemies, his sword cutting down those who dared to stand in his way. The battlefield was a maelstrom of fire and steel, but his focus remained unbroken. He had to reach the palace.

Beside him, Irene's magic wreaked havoc on the enemy ranks. She moved with deadly grace, her spells tearing through soldiers and citizens alike. Heine and Juliet, provided cover, their gunfire precise and unrelenting. Strangely enough he couldn't see anything that looked like a comander or high rank soldier, just ordinary ones.

As they pressed forward, Y/n's mind raced. The figure on the balcony had to be dealt with, but the immediate threat of the enemy army couldn't be ignored. He knew Irene's power and determination matched his own, and together, they would bring this city to its knees.

Finally, they reached the heart of the city. The palace loomed before them, its once-proud architecture now marred by the fires of war. Y/n glanced at Irene, who nodded in understanding. They would face whatever awaited them inside the palace together.

The enemy army lay defeated, their resistance crushed under the overwhelming might of Y/n and his forces. The city's streets, once bustling with life, now echoed with the sounds of desperate survivors hiding from the relentless hunt. Y/n had given clear orders: search the city, hunt down any survivors, and cleanse every cultist temple before burning them to the ground.

Y/n, Irene, Rose, Heine, and Juliet advanced steadily through the city, their path leading them up to the palace stairs. Heine and Juliet cleared out enemies firing from the distance with bows, by retaliating with gunfire. Y/n and Irene made sure to cover Heine and Juliet so no arrow could hit them. The last line of defenses awaited them, but they moved with unwavering determination, cutting down any who dared to stand in their way. The palace, with its grandeur now overshadowed by the surrounding destruction, was their final target.

From a vantage point, Irene paused to look over the city. Smoke billowed from countless fires, and the air was thick with the scent of burning wood and flesh. Her heart ached as she took in the devastation Y/n had wrought. This was not the man she knew, not the Y/n who had always sought to protect the innocent, even in the throes of war. The last time they faced such a conflict, he had done everything in his power to minimize civilian casualties, though he had ultimately failed. Orders were orders and going against them meant treason.

She turned back towards the battle, her resolve hardening. She had to do something about Y/n's condition. His current behavior was a far cry from the man she loved. As she watched, Y/n burned a soldier alive, his eyes glowing with a terrifying intensity that reminded her of Zeref's own madness. The sight sent a chill down her spine.

They pushed through the palace gates, Y/n's rage-fueled attacks obliterating the last of the guards. Rose, Heine, and Juliet moved with deadly efficiency, their movements a blur as they dispatched the remaining defenders. The throne room loomed ahead, the final stronghold of the ruler who had orchestrated this madness.

As they approached, Irene felt a pang of fear and determination. She couldn't let Y/n continue down this path. He had to be stopped, or at least brought back to his senses. The ruler might be their target, but saving Y/n from himself was equally important.

The doors to the throne room burst open under Y/n's assault, and they stepped inside. The ruler, a figure draped in dark robes, stood defiantly before them, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. In front stood several comanders of the enemy army. "So that's where you cowards were hidding?" He stated and clenched his hand.

"Your reign ends here," Y/n declared, his voice echoing with power.

The ruler sneered, "Do you think you can end this? Do you think you can stop what has been set in motion?"

Y/n looked over to the swords. "Fire at will, but spare the ruler." His voice was cold. Heine and Juliet moved with lethal precision, their guns firing at the enemy commanders who dared to stand in front of the ruler. The room echoed with the sound of gunfire as the bullets struck true, dropping the commanders one by one. The ruler, seeing his protectors fall, backed away in fear, his eyes darting around for an escape route but finding none. Y/n approached him, his steps deliberate and menacing, the aura of his power radiating around him.

"You have nowhere to run," Y/n said, his voice cold and unforgiving. "I've read your book, the 'Codex Gigas.' Enslaving people, murdering those who refuse to follow, killing defectors. Children and women treated as objects, worthless and need to be obedient to men. Conquering other countries through war, immigration, and outbreeding the native population until they can be easily massacred. You are monsters, not humans. No human would follow such a devilish doctrine, only a weakling would use such tactics."

As he spoke, Y/n's anger and sorrow surged, his magic rising with his emotions. "Which is why I don't feel any regret slaying any of you." He put his sword into the requip space and approached the ruler. "With you the entire cult is at an end." With a swift movement, he sucker-punched the man, causing him to gasp in pain. Y/n grabbed him by the leg, lifting him off the ground and repeatedly slamming him into the marble floor. Each impact echoed through the throne room, the ruler's cries of pain filling the air.

Irene watched in horror, her heart pounding in her chest. This was not the Y/n she knew. He had become a demon, consumed by rage and power. She had to do something, anything, to stop him before he lost himself completely and could possibly even go against her.

Desperation and determination filled her as she began to draw a magic circle on the ground. She needed her dragon slayer power back, the strength to confront Y/n and bring him back to his senses. Her hands moved quickly, inscribing the ancient runes with precision and purpose on the marble floor.

Heine and Juliet stood guard, their eyes on the entrance for any remaining soldiers, ensuring no one interrupted Irene's work. The air was thick with tension, the atmosphere charged with the clash of power and desperation.

Y/n continued his assault, the ruler now barely conscious, bloodied and broken on the ground. Irene's circle glowed with a fierce light as she completed the final runes. There was no other way, even to she hated it, the comfort of this power was needed for her. She stepped into the center, feeling the ancient magic surge through her, the power of a dragon slayer awakening within her once more. She let out a pain filled gasp, Heine, Rose and Juliet watched in shock at what was happening to her. Irene's body glowed in a bright scarlet color

Her body convulsed violently as the dragon slayer magic seeped into her, the searing pain causing her to scream out. She fell to her knees, clutching at her arms as scales began to form, spreading along her forearms and cheeks. Her eyes started to glow, her hands clutched on her face from the searing pain, her once round pupils turned into slits. Her magic surged, a powerful, almost overwhelming sensation that both exhilarated and terrified her. She could feel the raw strength coursing through her veins, enough to face Y/n more directly, though winning seemed an impossible feat. The transformation done, from her body emerged steam as if she had been boiled alive from within, disipating into the air.

She struggled to her feet, panting heavily. Her eyes locked onto Y/n just as he ripped the ruler's head from his body. Blood dripped from the severed head he held aloft, a dark trophy of his rage. He turned around, his eyes wild and consumed by the madness that had taken hold of him.

Irene's heart clenched. She knew what she had to do, even though it pained her deeply. "I'm sorry, Y/n," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos. "But it has to be this way."

With a determined shout, she launched herself at him, her fist aimed for his face. Y/n caught her punch effortlessly, his grip like iron around her wrist. He swung her around and threw her into the wall with a force that shook the entire room. Debris fell around her, dust and stone filling the air.

"Damn it," Irene muttered under her breath, pushing herself up from the rubble. She knew she couldn't hold back. Summoning her magic, she created several glowing orbs that floated around the building, their ominous hum growing louder.

"Disapear," she commanded, and the orbs exploded with a deafening roar. The force of the blasts obliterated the walls and ceiling, leaving them standing in the open air with only the floor beneath their feet. The night sky loomed above, the blood moon casting an eerie glow over the scene. No one could expect this war to turn out like this.

Y/n stood amidst the destruction, unphased by the explosions. His eyes fixed on Irene, who now faced him with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. She could see the madness in his gaze, the darkness that had overtaken him. But she also saw the man she loved, buried deep beneath the surface. "This isn't you Y/n snap out of it." She shouted in rage. Her power was still rising.

Facing her he kept standing still, nothing but silence. She charged at him again, screaming in rage. Irene's body crackled with energy as she summoned her Sage Dragon power. She launched herself at Y/n with incredible speed, her attacks fierce and relentless. Y/n evaded her blows with ease, his movements fluid and precise. Each missed strike sent shockwaves through the air, the force of their battle creating a whirlwind of dust and debris.

"Y/n, snap out of it!" Irene shouted, her voice strained with desperation. He caught her wrist and threw her back. That's when her eyes landed on it, her staff. Her hand grasped the object, the familiar weight grounding her. With a flick of her wrist and a surge of enchantment magic, the staff transformed into a gleaming sword. She swung it at Y/n, the blade cutting through the air with a deadly hiss.

Y/n blocked her attack with his armored forearm, the clash of metal ringing out across the battlefield. He pushed back, forcing her to stagger. The intensity in his eyes was chilling, a stark contrast to the man she once knew.

Heine, Rose, and Juliet watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. "This fight is way over our league," Heine muttered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "We need to find cover."

Juliet nodded and took hold of Rose. They darted away, seeking refuge behind a crumbling wall and hopefully with enough distance to the two fighting dragons. Rose quickly pulled out the communication lacrima, her fingers trembling. "Brandish, we need help," she said, her voice urgent. "Irene and Y/n are fighting. It's... it's bad."

Brandish's calm voice crackled through the lacrima. "It's futile to interfere. I know how strong they are, and Irene is determined to face this alone. You would just be in her way."

"But-" Rose began, her voice trailing off. Feeling a hand on her head Rose looked up to see Brandish. "I've come as fast as I could." She stated and looked over the wall to acess the situation.

Brandish's voice softened. "Protecting the ones she loves is what gives her the strength to go through this. Have faith in her."

Meanwhile, Irene and Y/n continued their fierce battle. Irene's swordsmanship was masterful, each swing precise and powerful. She poured her heart into every strike, hoping to break through to him. Y/n countered her blows with an almost effortless grace, his strength and agility on full display.

"I won't give up on you, Y/n," Irene said through gritted teeth, her eyes burning with determination. She swung her sword in a wide arc, aiming for his side. Y/n blocked the attack and twisted, using the momentum to throw her off balance. Just one mistake on her part would end this fight quickly. She couldn't risk getting hit by him in any way shape or form. She thanked her speed more than anything. If she wanted to go on the offence she needed to be quicker than him.

Irene stumbled but quickly regained her footing. She could feel the raw power of her Sage Dragon magic coursing through her, strengthening her resolve. "This ends now," she declared, her voice echoing with the weight of her decision.

Y/n's eyes flickered, a brief moment of recognition crossing his face. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the cold, unyielding stare of the monster he had become. Irene knew she had to push harder, to reach the man she loved buried deep within.

Brandish's words echoed in her mind: Protecting the ones she loves is what gives her the power to go through it. With renewed determination, Irene surged forward, her sword blazing with enchantment magic. She would fight with everything she had, for Y/n, for their future, and for the love that still burned bright in her heart.

She stood face to face with him, her expression snapped in realization, a magic circle formed below her. "By the power of the sage granted to me, strengthen this body, Ile vernier." She chanted.

Irene charged again at him, lightning fast taking Y/n by surprise at her movement. She aimed her blade right at the tip of his helmet. With one powerful strike she hit him causing his helmet to fly off. He stumbled back lightly, eyes glaring at her.

Irene grit her teeth anger. But she did what she had to do. The cold icy glare of Y/n made Brandish shiver when she laid her eyes on his. "Irene truly is insane, how can she face him even knowing that she's hopelessly outmatched." Her words where a whisper but enough to get on Rose's fur. "She'll win this battle just watch. She's Irene she can do everything" She shouted and lunged at the green haired girl and hitting her lightly.

Y/n now powered up, Irene changed her stance and both flew up into the air clashing at each other. "I can't see a thing." Juliet whined.

Both dragon slayers landed on the platform again with Irene going on the offensive first. She evaded one of Y/n's punches by leaping to the side her hand touching the ground and pushing off again, seemingly flipping from one place to another. Brandish could follow her movements and they didn't seem to be a coincidence to where she landed.

Irene smirked provocatively while panting from exhaustion, this fight wouldn't last that much longer. Her sword disappeared in the requip space.

Y/n roared in rage and lunged at her she tried to evade but he caught her leg, spinning her around he let go of her, she flew upwards into the air stopping abruptly due to her flight ability. She moved her hands together, with the palms open, a smug grin on her face.

Brandish watched in awe at Irene, the once stoic sorceress she knew growing up, who despised others for the ability to taste and feel emotions grew to become one of the most caring members of the Spriggan twelve, they didn't call her the mother of dragon slayers for no reason. But the stance Irene had taken confused Brandish. "Be judged by the seven stars, grand Chariot!"

The ground glowed purple and Brandish went wide eyed. "How in hell does she know that spell?" She shouted in shock and sure as the moon was red, seven circles apeared in the sky. The girls all looked at the lighting flying down at high speed and crashing into Y/n who roared up from the hit.

Not waisting any time Irene flew down towards Y/n, there was no time to waste, even in the plume of smoke she could sense where he stood. "Sage Dragon slayer secret art surge of the flaming lotus." She shouted all out. Her whole arm turned a deep scarlet color. Her fist hit Y/n's chest at full force, due to her lightning speed the impact was several times greater.

The ground underneath them exploded, pieces of marbel and stone flying everywhere. She heard him crash in the lower area of the palace but as quickly as he crashed he was back up, she could barely evade a punch, it grazed her cheek cutting it and blood coming out.

Brandish screamed out but it was too late. Irene was hit in her stomach full force by Y/n's knee. She threw up saliva and got knocked down on the ground. Y/n walked up to her, his steps slow and heavy. She tried to stand up but was too slow. Her eyes met his, for a brief moment. "Is it really over? Did I fail?"

Y/n pulled her up by her throat. There she saw his eyes fixed on hers, his armor destroyed, only leaving the lower body. His eyes were full of pain and agony. Irene tried to move her arm but her strengh was gone, she was just hanging in the air, held up by Y/n's hand tightly holding her throat. her body was limp from the pain, she could feel blood pouring down her lip due to the taste of Iron in her mouth.

Rose flew up to him. "Y/n snap out of it you are hurting Irene!" She shouted but he did not even react to her, only grabbing the Exceed and tossing her like a ball, back where she came from. Right onto Juliet's face.

Clenching her hand Irene tried to find a solution, there had to be a way, she defied death so many times. She was the greatest warrioress to exist, tears welled in her eyes, was it really over? It couldn't be.

There it came in her mind. She could feel it, his hand tightening around her neck, while she tried to collect as much magic as she could, it was the only way. Irene pulled everything she had together, every bit of strengh she had somehow left, she only had one shot at it. Her hand grasped his wrist firmly.

Juliet and Heine ran forwards in a last desperate attempt to save their comrades. Both knew if they let her do this one spell it would be over for their Master and neither could handle the loss of it. Irene's voice croaked as she chanted the spell, her voice a bare visper but enough to make it work. Y/n let go of her making her fall down on the ground. The activation of the spell caused a massive preasure wave knocking anyone down who stood nearby.

Brandish, Heine and Juliet, watched as a bright pillar of light erupted in front of them, engulfing, Y/n and Irene. The soldiers all looked up confused to what had been going on up there unaware of the clash between their commanders as the ground began to shake and a distinct beastly roar in the distance. "Is it that rulers doing?" One asked. Another one shook his head. "No, that was certainly comander Irene's doing, only she can be that powerful."

The light died down, neither of them stood anymore. Both laid there defeated on the ground. Brandish had watched it all in agony, she knew that there was nothing she could have done. As two of her closest friends fought a bitter fight to the end. The three of them ran forwards as soon as they could. Yet something felt way too strange as she got closer. Slowing down Her eyes immediately moved to Heine and Juliet, they had reached her comrades first. Juliet collapsed on the ground "N-no." She cried out on her knees. Tears dropped on the ground and Heine couldn't take it anymore as well. "This can't be, why." She stammered. "Why did she have to use that spell." She cried out.

Coming closer the gut feeling Brandish had was confirmed, letting go of Rose she knelt down to hug the two girls. The Exceed looked at both of them sobbing heavily, she laid down right in between them curling up, the same way she would be doing when the tree of them share a bed.

Brandish tried desperately to say something to comfort the girls. Heine looked up now, her tears still running. "They are dead." She croaked out in disbelief.

Rose lay between them, her usually lively form unnaturally still, her head resting on Irene's outstretched arm now. The once-vibrant mage and warrior couple, Y/n and Irene, lay motionless before them, their bodies seemingly devoid of life. The faint glow of magic flickered weakly around their forms, like the dying embers of a fire, and Brandish couldn't bring herself to hope.

"Heine... Juliet... stop crying..." Brandish murmured, her voice trembling despite her attempt at composure. "They wouldn't want this. They'd want us to keep going."

Her words faltered as she felt Heine grip her hand tightly, as if clinging to her words for solace. Juliet choked back another sob, her head shaking in denial.

Suddenly, a faint, light shimmered over the bodies of Y/n and Irene. It was almost imperceptible at first, like sunlight peeking through storm clouds. Brandish's eyes widened, her tears momentarily forgotten as she leaned closer, her heart racing.

"Wait... what is that?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

The light grew stronger, casting a soft, otherworldly glow over the fallen pair. Then, a voice echoed faintly, resonating as if it came from nowhere and everywhere at once. It was warm, reassuring, and filled with a timeless weight of wisdom.

"Watch over them for me," the voice said, clear and firm. "They are not done yet."

Brandish's heart skipped a beat. She looked around in confusion, her gaze darting between Heine and Juliet, who also heard the voice and stared at her in shared bewilderment. Rose stirred slightly, a faint whimper escaping her as the glow enveloped Y/n and Irene entirely.

"Who's there?" Brandish called out, her voice trembling with both fear and hope. "Who said that?"

Before any answer came, Irene's fingers twitched. Brandish gasped, dropping her hold on Heine and Juliet as she crawled forward, her hands hovering over Irene's still form.

"Irene?!" she exclaimed, her voice cracking.

Irene's eyes fluttered open, a soft groan escaping her lips as she slowly moved her head. Her brown eyes, though weary, held the glint of life once more. Brandish let out a shaky laugh, half disbelieving as tears spilled anew, this time from sheer relief.

Heine and Juliet gasped audibly, scrambling forward to check on Y/n, whose chest began to rise and fall faintly with the steady rhythm of breathing. His eyelids flickered, and with a soft grunt, his hand moved, curling slightly as if to reach for something—or someone.

"They're alive!" Juliet cried, her voice breaking as she clasped Y/n's hand in hers.

"Thank the stars," Heine murmured, her tears flowing freely once more, but this time filled with joy.

Brandish, still trembling, knelt beside Irene and brushed her hair gently out of her face. "Irene, you're back. You're okay. You're okay..." Her voice was shaky, her emotions overwhelming her composure.

Irene blinked up at her, confusion momentarily clouding her gaze before she managed a faint smile. "Did you think we'd leave all the hard work to you?"

Brandish laughed through her tears, leaning down to hug Irene tightly. "Don't you ever scare us like that again, you hear me?"

Y/n stirred further, his eyes opening to meet Heine and Juliet's tear-streaked faces. "You two look like you saw a ghost," he muttered weakly, his voice rough but alive.

"We thought we lost you!" Heine choked out, pulling him into a fierce embrace. Juliet joined, clinging to him like she'd never let go again. Y/n's hand reached out for his bestfriend. "Rose." He breathed out and let his hand brush over the Exceeds body.

As the glow faded, the voice that had spoken was gone, leaving only the warmth of renewed life in its wake. The group sat there for a moment, clutching their revived friends, the weight of their despair giving way to overwhelming relief and gratitude.

"Whoever you are thank you." Rose called out purring now and nuzzlling her face agains't Y/n.

Irene proped up onto the side, her hand resting on the injury Y/n gaver her, she winced from the pain, but even more she noticed how drained she was from her spell. She looked over to Y/n, tears welled up in her eyes from happines. He turned back to normal, no trace of his transformation. She could see him move. "How long are you planning to stay like that?" She asked and couldn't help the light chuckle. 

Y/n groaned. "Thank you." He murmured and pushed himself up from the cold marble ground. "Irene, Y/N are you both alright?" Rose asked worried and got right in bewteen them. They scooted closer to her patting her gently and pulling her towards them. Pulling her into a hug Rose looked at them overjoyed. "I honestly thought you'd kill each other." She cried out holding onto them. They shared a longing glance. "You are just too strong Irene, seriously." Y/n remarked making the redhead laugh. "Dont't say that, I had no chance, I only won of pure luck." She replied and Y/n shook his head. "You don't understand. You are strong mentaly going through so much to just save me." Tears welled in his eyes. "And I even almost killed you. You are way stronger than me when it comes to willpower." He replied and Irene smiled. "Fine but I'll never be as powerful as you. I may have a strong will but I'm not a stronger fighter, just smarter." She replied and leaned onto him for support. 

She reached out and gently stroked his face, her touch soft and comforting. "I can only do it because of the people around me. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to do it."

Their faces drew closer, the world around them fading away as they were about to kiss. Closing their eyes a gentle peck on their lips. Separating from each other Irene looked down again a blush on her cheeks.

They looked up into the sky noticing the rising sun. "Its beatiful." Y/n stated and Irene hummed, she turned her head away from Y/n to see the sunrise, a smile spreading across her face. "Quite fitting," she replied. "A new dawn stands for a new beginning. A new chapter in history where evil does not exist, and permanent peace... maybe possible."

Brandish knelt down to them, giving them a proud smirk. "Take this you will need it." She presented the head of the ruler to them. "Right." Y/n paled and felt a pair of arms under his shoulders. "You are too damn heavy!" Heine huffed pulling him up and getting his arm around her to support him, Juliet struggled to lift Irene up too. The two now standing looked at each other pride filling them. Slowly they walked up to the edge of the ruined palace, their eyes going over the army who stood in the center. The war was over and no more blood had to be spilled. Taking the head into their hands they presented it to the soldiers by raising it up. Cheers errupted and the soldiers shouted praises to them. "As of today this cult no longer exists!" Irene yelled and threw the head up into the air where a magic energy beam coming from behind them obliterated it. Y/n turned his head to see Wall standing a few meters away with his arms outstretched. "Its finaly over." He whispered and walked up, his clothes bloody, standing beside them and watching the sunrise.

A moment of silence came in between them broken by Brandish "So what did this spell do exactly." She asked and motioned with her hands between the two mages. "Like did it just knock you two out or?" She asked and Irene looked down to her hand. "Its a spell designed to separate ones magic from the targets body, if used correctly chances are the person may never cast a magic spell ever again or take a long time to recover, if used in a weakened state such as now it drains your magic to almost Zero knocking you down." She stated and Brandish nodded. The group kept looking at the sunrise trying to regain their energy and calm down.