45)The King Tries To Heal

In the mountains near the north of Crocus sat a small village.

With a population that numbered less than ten thousand, it consisted of the families of those who had joined the ranks of Rune Knights.

It was located just close enough to Crocus to where the Rune Knights can visit on their off-days yet far enough that they are hidden away from any that would try to harm the Knights by targeting their loved ones.

The location was known to a scarce few of the higher-ups in the Council and thus, its inhabitants were allowed to live peaceful & happy lives away from danger and trouble.

Or so it was.

“Run!” A middle-aged man dressed in a beige shirt & a pair of black pants shouted at the fearful mother & child behind him as he parried the stab to his throat, spinning his sword in a reverse grip before the Dark Mage he was facing gargled as his blade pierced through the back of their neck.

Nathan Fowley, former commander of the 113th Rune Knight Border Guard, growled as he saw the Dark Mages of Black Unicorn rampaging through the village while the other retired Knights did their best to keep them back while leading the other families to safety.

“Sir!” Fowley spun around to attack as he heard a voice behind him before ceasing his attack & letting out a relieved sigh as he saw his former platoon rushing towards him, their armour & weapons stained in blood that was hopefully that of their enemies.

“Lt. Rickard! Report!” He barked and his second in command nodded as the rest of the platoon went to help the other knights take care of the mages around them.

“All threats in the village’s western & northern sections have been eliminated and the evacuees were rescued. However, we had to take them to the northern safe house as the enemy has reinforcements coming in from the south.”

“How many?” He asked while parrying & slicing off the head of a Dark Mage attacking him, freezing slightly before hurriedly blocking an attack as Rickard answered.

“From what we can see, a rough estimate of sixteen hundred, sir…along with their guild master.”

“ ‘Metal Bat’ Higashikata?” Fowley asked, cursing as Rickard nodded before frowning as the last of the mages were taken out.

“Listen up, men! I don’t know why Black Unicorn have decided to attack us, but let this be their last mistake! Support Squadron, take the seventh tunnels and await further orders! Defense Squadron & Attack Squadron, you’re with me! Formation Lunar Cycle!”

“Right!”

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“Keep going, ya idiots! Just a few more and Tartaros will have the slaves needed for their ritual!” A rugged man with a rather large pompadour shouted as he swung around a steel bat, his open leather jacket swaying in the air while he had on a red shirt, a pair of pants that looked similar to school pants and a pair of leather boots.

His lackies that all had the same pompadour & dressed the same as him shouted in glee as they kept charging while the few Rune Knights that stood between them & a group of terrified civilians readied themselves for the battle of their lives.

“Now!” However, the battle shifted into their favour before it began as dozens of hatches opened up around the attacking force, the Dark Mages unable to react in time as numerous spells of all sorts were fired at them.

‘Metal Bat’ Higashikata growled as half of his force were killed with one decisive strike, looking around to see more Knights charging out from in between the houses before swiftly zoning in on Fowley as he killed three mages with one spinning slash.

“Commander Fowley! I should have known you would be here, fucker!” He growled with a grin as he gripped his bat with both hands, Fowley glaring at Metal Bat and readying himself as the mage launched himself through the air.

“Metal Bat! I see you’re still alive!” Fowley growled as he blocked the mage’s strike with his blade, the force of their clash sending the mages around them flying away while the battles around them slowed down as everyone’s focus shifted to them.

“No thanks to you! Did you really think you could take my right eye and live?!” Metal growled as his empty socket looked like a void, Fowley grinning as he shifted to the side before sliding his blade up Metal’s bat, the mage growling as he let go of his bat while ducking under the attack.

Shifting his attack to bring his blade down on his head, Fowley cursed as Metal spun out of the way while catching his bat and pulling it back, flipping over his attack just in time as a barrage of fireballs shot out of the bat & burned everything in its path.

“Well, considering you took my left arm, I thought it was a fair trade.” Fowley spoke with a smirk as his left sleeve fluttered in the air, Metal grinning as he brought the end of his bat before Fowley’s eyes widened as the man cracked open his own skull with it.

‘Fuck! I forgot about his magic!’ The former Knight cursed as he watched a dark red aura surrounding Metal while a green glow emitted from his bat, his wound sealing close before the Guild Master of Black Unicorn grinned as he rolled his shoulders.

“Now, ready for round 2?” He asked as he pulled the bat back, but before Fowley could answer, both of them grunted as the ground in front of them exploded, Metal frowning as sparks of scarlet flames could be seen from inside the dust while Fowley thanked his lucky stars as he turned to his men.

“Retreat! Help has arrived!” He shouted as he sheathed his blade and began running away, his men quickly following his example while Metal & his men were confused by their words before their eyes widened as the dust settled to reveal a very angry Dragon Slayer.

“T-The Dragon Eater.” Metal stuttered as he watched Eric walking out of the dust, scarlet flames radiating from his body while his eyes glowed a deep scarlet and his hands exuded a dark purple miasma.

“I am very pissed, so think of this as me blowing some steam.” Eric spoke and lunged forward before anyone could process what he said, blasting right through a few mages and making blood & organs splatter everywhere as he stopped in front of a mage behind Metal.

“First!” Eric chanted as he slammed his palm into the mage’s chest, the space around them warping before a sea of flames erupted from their bodies & utterly decimated the entire area for miles behind the mage.

As they watched their fellow guild mage collapsing to the floor with a gaping hole where their chest should be, the others tried to run to no avail as Eric slammed his hands onto the ground.

“Second.” He chanted and a giant scarlet magic crest appeared below them all before Metal cursed as flaming chains from hell shot out & incinerated all of his men as they wrapped around them, the bat user quickly shattering his arms & legs with his bat before healing them as the aura surrounded him grew denser & more potent.

“Battle Rush Magic: Tornado Strike!” Metal roared as he leapt into the air while spinning his bat above his head, Eric simply turning around while raising a finger towards the mage just as Metal brought his bat down with a heavy slam.

Yet, as the ground around Eric sunk in, Metal’s eyes widened as the mage was completely unaffected by the attack, the dragon slayer simply pushing the attack away with one finger before Metal gave a silent gasp as a burning hand pierced into his chest.

“Third.” That was the last thing he heard before he felt no more, Eric watching as the mage’s body was turned to ash within seconds before dismissing his spell and letting the ash drop to the floor.

“You can all come out now.” Eric spoke while snapping his fingers, a burning inferno appearing & disappearing within the span of a few seconds while also burning away the bodies & leaving only ash behind.

“Y-You are him, aren’t you? T-The Dragon Eater.” Fowley spoke as he was the first to walk out of his hiding spot, the others both too scared & too awestruck to move as Eric sighed & nodded.

“Eric Creed or just Eric. Thanks for not trying to arrest me after all…this and sorry you all had to see that.”

“A-Arrest you? Ha! Why would we try to arrest the Hero of Fiore?”

“The what?” Eric asked with a confused look, to which Fowley blinked as he & the other Knights looked at each other.

“Y-You don’t know?”

“Let’s say that I don’t, Mr…” Eric trailed off before his eyes widened for a split second as Fowley smiled & bowed.

“Nathan Fowley, former commander of the 113th Rune Knight Border Guard. Now retired.”

“W-Well, Mr. Fowley. Let’s say that I do not know. Inform me of what this ‘Hero of Fiore’ title is.”

“A-A mage from Fairy Tail saw you when you killed all of the dragons and ate their hearts, sending their corpses back to their own timeline while also saving Fiore from extinction.” Eric frowned at that before shaking his head as he looked around.

“Hah, and what is this mage’s name?”

“Natsu. Natsu Dragneel.”

‘…Of course, it is.’

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“Can’t eat?” Toma asked with an amused smirk as he watched his daughter stabbing at her dinner with a downed expression, the Queen blinking before blushing slightly as she nodded.

“Yes, it’s been three days since he left so I thought he would have come back, at least.”

“Oh~? Does my daughter finally have her first crush?”

“Please do not jest like that, my King.” Arcadios spoke with a frown and Toma chuckled before both of them blinked as Hisui smiled while blushing slightly.

“W-Well, he was a dashing hero that came and slaughtered the evil dragons like the fairy tales. What girl wouldn’t have a slight crush on him?”

“H-He is a simple mage and you are the Queen, my Queen. Your standards must be higher than that.”

“What higher standard is there than a dragon slayer that killed seven dragons when the entirety of Fiore’s forces struggled to injure one?” Hisui asked with a raised eyebrow, smirking as Arcadios was lost for words before both of them looked at Toma as he cackled.

“Ahahaha! Just like you said, dear daughter! When he returns, I shall ask if he is free to do a relationship.”

“With how my life is right now, a relationship is the last thing on my hand, Toma.” Eric spoke as he flew through the open windows of the dining hall, surprising everyone before the dragon slayer rose an eyebrow as the Rune Knights spun around with their weapons aimed at him.

“Really, guys? You want what the dragons got?” Eric asked, smirking as the Rune Knights hesitated before going back to their guard stances, nodding at the blushing Hisui before sitting down next to the grinning Toma.

“That is King Toma to you. Hero or not, you are to show the King respect.”

“Still as uptight as usual, huh Arcadios? At least you’re still the same in another timeline.” Eric muttered with a sigh, which both royal family members caught while Arcadios gritted his teeth before taking a deep breath.

“I take it you’ve calmed down since you’re not trying to burn down the castle.” Toma spoke with a smirk and Eric chuckled as he nodded.

“Yeah, sorry for that. I just…needed to work some personal stuff through.”

“Care to share?” The former King asked before smiling as Eric shook his head.

“No. I’m going to figure this stuff out on my own, but if I need an ear to listen, I’ll ask you guys.”

“Or a shoulder to cry on.” Hisui added with a smile, blushing as Eric gave her an amused smirk.

“Sure, a shoulder to cry on sounds good too. Hah, anyway, what’s for breakfast? I’m starving.”

“Chefs! Make another plate!”

“So, if you don’t mind me asking, how close were you & I in your timeline?” Hisui asked as looked over at Eric before quickly taking back her question as she saw the flash of sadness on his face.

“Y-You don’t have to say if it’s too much or too personal.”

“It’s not. You and I weren’t that close, to be honest. I was closer to your cousin Veronica.”

“Cousin? Did I have a cousin, father?” Hisui’s question threw Eric for a loop as he looked at the confusion in her eyes before looking at Toma to see his eyes wide.

“V-Veronica? S-She lives?”

“Used to. You know, before the whole timeline erasure and all that.”

“R-Right. A-As for your question, Hisui, you did have a cousin. However, she passed along with the other members of her family when former Prince now King Cream launched a coup and took control of the Principality of Veronica.”

“I see. So that happened in this timeline as well?” Eric asked, humming as Toma sighed & nodded.

“Yes, a regretful event, indeed. Although, I was glad to hear that Fairy Tail managed to destroy the family’s heirloom before the King could use it for his own benefit. Did the same happen in your timeline?” Toma asked, blinking as Eric smirked & shook his head.

“No, Quatro Cerberus & I saved Veronica a year ago in my timeline along with the Phoenix Stone & its guardian, taking care of the group the King sent to try & take them both back.”

“Hah, at least she managed to live in your timeline. And the stone?”

“Sealed away and its former guardian was the only one who knew how to activate it, so she removed herself from society & hid away. No one knew exactly where she was, which we saw as a good thing.”

“Excellent.” Toma spoke with a nod, Eric smiling before he turned as he heard Hisui speak.

“You said you & Quatro Cerberus saved my…cousin. Does that mean you were a Quatro mage?” She asked and Eric blinked as he looked down at his right bicep before frowning as it was completely empty.

‘Either, F. Eric reconstructed my body as it was sent flying through the time branches…or all evidence of a previous timeline is erased the moment you cross over into a new one. Hah, I guess that’s just another reason to make sure the timeline lives on through me.’

“I guess all magic in the previous timeline was erased when I erased the timeline.”

“You…erased a timeline?” Arcadios asked with wide eyes, the others looking just as shocked while Eric frowned as he gave a hesitant nod.

“Not me, but a future version of me. It’s a lot more complicated than that, but basically, he destroyed me by using the Eclipse Gate and three sources of nigh-infinite ethernano but since I was the centrepoint of the timeline, he destroyed the timeline itself while also sending me flying into another one.”

“C-Could the same be done for us?” Toma asked before they all let out relieved sighs as Eric chuckled & shook his head.

“Not in the slightest. Someone can reset a timeline if they had enough ethernano, but destroying a timeline requires not only in-depth knowledge of the space-time continuum, master levels of ability in Space Magic & Time Magic and four sources of infinite ethernano from four different points in the timeline itself.”

“…So, what you’re saying is that your future version decided to do all that just to destroy the timeline?” Arcadios asked and Eric sighed as he nodded.

“Let’s just say that the seven dragons I killed are nothing compared to the army that would have come through if I didn’t. Also, if they did the same thing he did, we would have had thousands of timelines in trouble because they would have found a way to leapt from timeline to timeline.”

“I-I s-suppose we can call you a Hero of Heroes, then.” Hisui spoke with a nervous giggle, Eric smirking as he shook his head.

“Truthfully, I wish I could go back and not do it if just for the fact that I could spend my last moments with my fiancée and my friends. Unfortunately, I also know that doing that would just put innocent people in danger. Sacrifice a few to save a million.” He spoke with a sad smile, Hisui smiling as she nodded while wiping a tear away as Toma gave a soft smile.

“Then, on behalf of Fiore and all those that will never hear your side, we thank you, young Eric. You did what no one else would and for that, you have my utmost respect.” Toma spoke with a bow of his head, surprising everyone before they were even further shocked as Hisui did the same while Eric smiled & nodded in thanks.

“Thank you. Now, please, raise your heads. It wouldn’t look good for the former King & current Queen to be bowing their heads to a normal mage like that.”

“Hahaha! With what you’ve told us, you are no normal mage! Allow us to treat you with the respect you deserve! Chefs, cancel our breakfast and prepare a feast! In Sir Eric’s honour!”

“…Really?” Eric asked, watching as Toma grinned while Hisui giggled.

“It’s the least we can do.”

‘…I guess a small feast wouldn’t hurt.’

A/N: Sorry for the late upload, but I just finished a course meeting an hour ago that I was in from 14:00.

Continuing on, Eric now goes on a journey of healing & self-discovery in this new timeline.

Anyway, as always, read, enjoy, review and until the next chapter...

Ba-Bye~!