Chapter 188

【"Yes, it's over..." Irene pursed her lips and looked at Black Natsu.】

【Although she really didn't want to bring this up, she still asked:】

【"So... are you planning to leave?"】

【"Leave..." Black Natsu's gaze fixed on Irene, hesitating for a moment.】

【He nodded silently.】

【He stroked his chest with one hand and spoke in a deep voice:】

【"The world's rejection of me is becoming stronger and stronger. Even if I wanted to stay... it's no longer possible."】

【Irene bit her lip and nodded silently as well.】

【"Before that, I want to know, what do you plan to do next?"】

【Seeming to feel that the topic was a bit heavy, Black Natsu chose to change the subject.】

【"What else can I do? Rebuild the capital, of course. Especially your statue; it's been standing for over three hundred years, it's time for repairs. This time, I'll get you a solid gold one."】

【Speaking of this, a smile appeared on Irene's face again.】

【"A gold statue? How much would that cost?" Black Natsu also responded with a smile.】

【"For you, what is money?"】

【"Besides, this is the Galaxy Empire! Don't underestimate a vast empire that has lasted for hundreds of years. What is a little gold?"】

【Irene shook her head with a smile, then, as if thinking of something, she said.】

【"However, this time, I might want to seal off the Galaxy Empire."】

【Irene said softly.】

【"This war made me realize one thing."】

【"The greed of the human heart can never be satisfied, even if we completely terrified those guys today."】

【"But no one can guarantee that in a few years, a few decades, or even a few hundred years, they will still hold the Galaxy Empire in awe."】

【"As long as the greed of the human heart exists, war cannot end."】

【"So, I'm too lazy to keep wearing myself out with these guys. We need peaceful development. Besides, we still have Acnologia hanging over our heads."】

【"As long as that guy isn't eliminated, our dragons won't be able to soar freely."】

【"Due to a series of considerations, I think the Galaxy Empire should no longer show itself. It should be more secretive than before, and ideally... disappear from this world."】

【"When a certain day in the future arrives, when your era comes, at that time, the Galaxy Empire will become your greatest support."】

【Irene looked at Black Natsu, seemingly recalling her conversation with Igneel three hundred years ago. She took a deep breath and said.】

【"I also believe that at that time, it will be the moment we launch our war of revenge against Acnologia!"】

【"All the humiliation from this time will never just be let go, right?"】

【"Acnologia, huh..." Black Natsu's fists clenched instantly.】

【His eyes flickered, and he nodded heavily.】

【"We definitely will!"】

【Watching Black Natsu, Irene smiled: "I believe in you!"】

【As she spoke, Irene got up and took that ancient-looking book out of the nightstand drawer.】

【"The 'Time of Memories' has been repaired to the very last word. If you've made up your mind, I'll leave it to you."】

【"Once you fill in that last word, you will only have six hours left."】

【Looking at the book, Black Natsu reached out and took it.】

【But, looking at Irene at this moment, he hesitated.】

【Seeing this, Irene couldn't help but force a smile: "Why are you looking at me! Hurry up and fill in that last word."】

【"After all... no matter what, you don't belong to this era, nor do you belong to the present."】

【"Yes, I don't belong to this era, but I have left my mark on it. I don't know what kind of storm this will stir up, but..."】

【Black Natsu put the book down, his eyes fixed on Irene.】

【"We will meet again!"】

【"Mm..."】

【"I believe in you!"】

【The two closed their eyes slightly, their heads drawing closer.】

【When feelings reached their peak, a kiss marked the parting...】

【For a long time, only Irene's low sobbing remained in the room...】

【...】

【By the river under the setting sun, the surging water reflected the faint afterglow.】

【Mavis sat alone by the river, looking at her reflection on the water's surface.】

【Silent.】

【"You really are here."】

【Black Natsu's voice came from behind, startling Mavis.】

【"Master!!!"】

【Seeing Black Natsu standing behind her, Mavis couldn't help but be overjoyed.】

【But, seemingly remembering something, her little face flushed red, and she immediately turned away.】

【Squatting on the ground, looking at her flushed face through the water, steam began to rise from Mavis's little head.】

【Just then, a pair of large hands covered her head and rubbed it.】

【"Thank you for that time."】

【"Ugh... Master, please don't say it..."】

【Thinking of the situation back then, Mavis's face turned even redder.】

【She looked like a volcano about to erupt.】

【Countless steam rose from the top of her head, even denser than before.】

【Seeing this, the corners of Black Natsu's mouth couldn't stop twitching.】

【Finally, he shook his head helplessly and looked at the sparkling river.】

【"Mavis, I... am leaving."】

【Black Natsu's words made Mavis look at him instantly.】

【"Leaving... are you leaving..."】

【She seemed a bit stunned, but more than that, she felt helpless.】

【"You knew?"】 Black Natsu turned to look at Mavis.】

【Mavis nodded gently: "Seilah told me. I just feel... it's a bit fantastical."】

【"A member of Fairy Tail from the future, actually becoming the master who taught us the way of magic."】

【"It's very much like... the female lead in the fantasy novels I used to read."】

【Mavis held her little face and said softly.】

【"So, have you become the protagonist now?"】

【Black Natsu laughed.】

【"Of course! After all, no fantasy novel heroine has had my experiences. She hasn't fought a Black Dragon, has she?"】

【"That's true..." Black Natsu said softly.】

【"And what about the end of the story?"】

【"At the end of the story... the master returns to the future, the girl chooses to wait, waiting until the future, when the master appears, and guides him to the past."】

【"Completing this beautiful and dreamy encounter that spans time."】

【Mavis looked at Black Natsu: "So, I will also choose to wait, waiting for the future to complete this time loop."】

【"Master, see you in the future!"】

【Black Natsu was startled, smiled, and nodded gently.】

【"Mm! See you in the future!"】