Fairy Tail: Collapsing Stars

”Um, because the contestants from the Mage Guild Sabertooth have all suffered severe injuries due to an unexpected incident, it is unfortunate that they will be unable to continue participating in the battles to come...”

”But everyone, there is no need to worry. The battles of the Grand Magic Games will only become more exciting from here on out, so please rest assured!”

After the spectators discussed the matter for a while, Pumpkin held the microphone and announced Sabertoothʼs unfortunate elimination.

”Eliminated?!”

”That fast?!”

”Refund... Forget it, pretend I didnʼt say anything!”

Pumpkinʼs words caused dissatisfaction among many of the spectators present. Some even wanted to shout for refunds again, but halfway through their words, they noticed the fiery gazes of the Magic Knights patrolling around them. As a result, those who had been planning to demand refunds a moment earlier swallowed the words they were about to say.

”Now then, let me announce the arrangements for this afternoonʼs matches!”

”This afternoonʼs matches will consist of one-on-one battles between the various Mage Guilds.”

”Lamia Scale will battle Four Hound!”

”Grimoire Heart will battle Blue Pegasus!”

”Please look forward to it...”

Pumpkin held the microphone and announced the afternoonʼs matches.

”Oh!!”

As Pumpkinʼs voice fell, the spectators erupted into excited cheers. The dissatisfaction they had originally felt disappeared without a trace because of the exciting battles that would take place that afternoon.

”All right, that concludes this morningʼs matches! Please leave the venue in an orderly fashion...”

After Pumpkin finished speaking, he disappeared from the spot and returned to the special VIP viewing stand of the Grand Magic Games.

”So tired...”

Pumpkin said this as he removed the mascot costume from his head, revealing a slightly weathered face. At the same time, countless beads of sweat slid down his face.

”Your Majesty, it is time for the meeting...”

Before Pumpkin could rest for long, a minister immediately walked toward him and spoke respectfully.

”All right, Iʼll be there right away!”

Pumpkin took out a towel and gently wiped the sweat from his face. Then he snapped his fingers.

Transformation Magic immediately activated, golden light enveloping his body. A few seconds later, Pumpkin, the comedic mascot of the Grand Magic Games arena, had transformed into the dignified King of the Kingdom of Fiore, His Majesty Toma E. Fiore.

”Why did you summon me so urgently?!”

Old Toma walked through the corridors of the royal palace with his hands behind his back, while the minister followed closely beside him.

”Your Majesty, the Eclipse Gate that you have always ordered us to monitor has emitted strange fluctuations. According to our analysis, there is a fifty percent possibility that the Eclipse Gate was opened recently.”

The minister followed closely beside Old Toma as he seriously reported everything they had observed concerning the Eclipse Gate.

”Hmm?!”

Old Toma frowned when he heard this.

”What did you say? The Eclipse Gate was opened by someone?”

After hearing the ministerʼs words, Old Tomaʼs brows furrowed into a deep frown. He stood motionless where he was while constantly thinking.

”Yes, there is indeed such a possibility...”

The minister hurriedly explained.

”I donʼt care about possibilities or impossibilities. What I need is a definite answer! Investigate it immediately...”

”And send a copy of every possibility you have deduced to Zeref, and another copy to Evan. Immediately. Right now.”

Old Tomaʼs gaze was as sharp as lightning as he looked seriously at the minister beside him and spoke coldly.

”Y-Yes, Your Majesty!”

After hearing Old Tomaʼs words, the minister hurriedly bowed respectfully and accepted the order.

”Hmm...”

Only after seeing the ministerʼs respectful attitude did Old Toma slowly relax, and his tightly furrowed brows eased slightly.

”I hope this doesnʼt delay the thousand-year plan of our Fairy Tail Guild!”

”The Eclipse Gate involves matters of far too great an importance. Absolutely no mistakes can be allowed!”

Old Toma stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the sky outside the window as he muttered to himself.

”Yes!”

”I will make the arrangements immediately!”

The minister knelt on one knee and bowed deeply to Old Toma. Then he turned around and ran off.