In the Stella Kingdom's royal palace.
"Sonia told me the scepter is in your safekeeping!"
"Why didn't you just give it to me?"
King Yanemus of the Stella Kingdom swept a hand across his face, glaring fiercely at Minister of State Veronica, who was kneeling on one knee below him.
His tone was extremely cold.
Jack knelt on one knee, sweating profusely, his body beginning to tremble uncontrollably.
But he still managed to reply with a trembling voice: "I'm very sorry, I... I just thought..."
He hadn't finished speaking.
King Yanemus extended a hand, and an invisible force instantly pressed down on Jack's body.
"Ugh... uh~"
Jack's face instantly showed pain; he could no longer breathe, as if countless pressures were squeezing his body from all directions.
His joints also creaked and groaned.
"I don't care what you think, I care what I think!" King Yanemus said, each word cold.
"Sor...ry... I've already found out... those people from the tavern... are in... a principality... it seems to be about the phoenix..."
"I can... lead a team there..."
Jack intermittently spilled out all his thoughts. If he didn't say it, the King might truly make him disappear.
The invisible force was withdrawn.
"Cough, cough~" Jack coughed violently.
It was clear that King Yanemus was furious about the lost scepter, to the point of intending to take Jack's life.
However, he still needed Jack's power for now.
"Phoenix? That kind of thing is irrelevant..."
"No matter what method you use, bring the scepter back..."
"If you encounter those people, kill them all directly, leave no one alive!"
When King Yanemus heard the word 'phoenix', he thought of something, his expression disdainful.
If that thing could be called a phoenix, it would truly be laughable, but its phoenix tears were somewhat useful.
"You have no chance to fail, Jack!"
King Yanemus's face showed murderous intent as he walked and spoke. When he stopped beside Jack, he stared coldly at the kneeling Jack, his voice deep and cold: "Fail again, and you know the consequences!"
"Yes!" Jack said respectfully, mixed with fear.
After the King had walked away, Jack's gaze grew even colder.
"When I get the scepter, you won't be an exception, Your Majesty!" Jack thought coldly.
...
One day later.
"Mister Gray, Juvia is so happy..."
Juvia walked alongside Gray, looking at him. It had been a long time since she had gone on a mission with Gray!
Today, her wish had finally come true.
"Are you sure that person from Caland is in this forest?"
Lucy followed behind Juvia and Gray, walking side-by-side with Wendy, looking around the environment with a bit of fear, asking uncertainly.
"Mm-hmm, it should be here!" Eclair carefully recalled in her mind.
She could now slowly remember some things, and this forest gave her a strangely familiar feeling.
She was certain she could find clues here.
Zorn and Kana walked together, along with Erza, the three of them clearing the path ahead.
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