Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Jose Porla returned to Phantom Lord's headquarters in Oak Town with his mind churning.

The meeting in Era had been... illuminating.

He sat in his office now, a vast chamber decorated in dark wood and darker ambitions. The room reflected its master—elegant on the surface, rotting underneath. Awards and accolades lined the walls, proof of Phantom Lord's status as one of Fiore's premier guilds.

All of it felt hollow compared to Fairy Tail's growing reputation.

Jose poured himself a drink, his hand steady despite the anger simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Aiden.

That insufferable, arrogant child who'd somehow become everything Jose should have been. Young, powerful, respected by the Council despite his blatant disregard for their authority. Leading a guild that had completed a Hundred Year Quest—a feat that should have belonged to Phantom Lord.

And the way he'd spoken at the meeting. That casual dismissal of the Oración Seis as beneath his concern. The thinly veiled threat in his words.

Jose's grip tightened on his glass.

The problem was, Aiden probably wasn't bluffing.

Jose had felt it at the meeting. That momentary surge when Aiden had focused on him, just for a second. Like standing before an avalanche, knowing it could bury you and there was nothing you could do to stop it.

He hated that feeling.

Hated the fear it inspired.

Hated that someone so young could make him feel small.

A knock on the door interrupted his brooding.

"Enter," Jose called out, composing himself.

The door opened to reveal Gajeel Redfox, Phantom Lord's Dragon Slayer. The young man's expression was neutral, but there was always an edge of violence lurking beneath.

"You wanted to see me, Master?" Gajeel asked.

"In a moment. I'm expecting a visitor." Jose checked his pocket watch. "He should be arriving shortly."

Gajeel raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He moved to stand by the wall, arms crossed, waiting with the patience of a predator.

The air in the room shifted as  a figure materialized in the center of Jose's office.

The man was tall and thin, dressed in elaborate robes. His face was concealed by an ornate staff topped with a skull. 

Brain. Leader of the Oración Seis.

"Punctual as always," Jose said smoothly, gesturing to a chair. "Please, sit."

"I prefer to stand," Brain replied, his voice distorted slightly by whatever magic he used to conceal himself. "This meeting must be brief. My subordinates are executing the next phase of our search."

"Of course." Jose set down his glass. "I assume you heard about the Council's decision to form a task force?"

"Indeed. A complication, but not an insurmountable one." Brain's staff tapped against the floor. "Several guilds volunteering their strongest members will make our work more difficult."

"Particularly Fairy Tail," Jose said, unable to keep the venom from his voice entirely.

"Ah yes. Your rival guild." Brain's tone carried fear

"You're afraid of him," Jose said slowly, realization dawning.

"I'm cautious," Brain corrected coldly. "There's a difference. Fear is irrational. Caution is survival."

"Tell me, Jose—why do you hate Fairy Tail so intensely? Professional rivalry doesn't explain the depths of your resentment."

Jose was quiet for a moment, then spoke.

"Because they don't deserve what they have."

His voice was low, controlled, but filled with years of accumulated bitterness.

"Makarov built that guild on sentiment and foolish idealism. They're chaotic, destructive, careless with protocol and procedure. They should have been disbanded years ago for their constant property damage and disregard for proper conduct."

He stood, moving to the window overlooking Oak Town.

"But instead, they're celebrated. The Council overlooks their failures because of their successes. The people love them because of their theatrics. And now, under Aiden's leadership, they've become even stronger."

"You believe Phantom Lord deserves that recognition," Brain observed.

"I know we do. We follow the rules. We maintain discipline. We operate with professionalism and efficiency." Jose's hands clenched behind his back. "But we're seen as the dark alternative to Fairy Tail's light. The necessary evil while they play heroes."

"And you want to change that perception."

"I want to destroy them," Jose said flatly. "I want to see Fairy Tail broken, disbanded, forgotten. I want Makarov to watch everything he built crumble to dust. And I especially want to see Aiden humbled, stripped of his arrogance, brought low."

Brain was silent for a long moment.

"Your hatred is useful," he said eventually. "Hatred provides motivation, focus, drive. It can accomplish what mere ambition cannot."

"That's why we're having this conversation," Jose replied, turning back to face him. "You need resources, information, support for your search. I need Fairy Tail destroyed. Our goals align."

"They do." Brain tapped his staff thoughtfully. "Project Nirvana proceeds according to schedule. We've narrowed down the location to three possible sites, all within eastern Fiore."

"Nirvana," Jose repeated. "The ancient spell capable of transforming light into darkness."

"More than that. It's a weapon, Jose. A tool of unprecedented power." Brain's voice carried dark enthusiasm. "The ability to invert morality itself—to transform the good into evil, the virtuous into wicked. Imagine an entire guild of heroes suddenly becoming villains, turning on everything they once protected."

Jose felt a chill of anticipation. "And you believe you can control this power?"

"Control is a strong word. But yes, I can wield it." Brain moved closer. "With Nirvana, I could transform Fairy Tail's strongest members into willing servants of darkness. Turn their own power against them. Watch them destroy everything they've built from the inside."

"But you need more time to locate it," Jose said. "Time that the Council's task force threatens to cut short."

"Precisely. Which is where you come in." Brain's staff pointed at Jose. "Phantom Lord's resources, your intelligence network, your ability to manipulate Council politics—all of this can buy me the time I need."

"And in exchange?"

"Once I have Nirvana, once I've activated it, I will use it on Fairy Tail." Brain's promise carried weight. "I will transform their guild master, their strongest members, everyone Makarov holds dear. And I will give you the opportunity to be there when it happens. To watch Aiden fall. To see Fairy Tail destroyed by its own corrupted strength."

Jose felt satisfaction curl in his chest. "That's acceptable."

"Your guild should... investigate. Send someone to Magnolia. Someone who can gather intelligence without raising suspicion."

Gajeel, who'd been silent throughout the conversation, shifted slightly.

"You want me to infiltrate Fairy Tail?" the Dragon Slayer asked.

"Not infiltrate. Observe." Jose turned to his subordinate. "Phantom Lord maintains a presence in Magnolia already—merchants, informants, legitimate business contacts. Use them. Watch Fairy Tail's movements. Identify their strongest members, their routines, any weaknesses."

"And if I'm discovered?"

"You won't be. You're smarter than that." Jose's tone was firm. "This is reconnaissance only. No direct action. We're not ready to move openly against them yet."

Gajeel nodded slowly. "When do I leave?"

"Tomorrow. Set up in Magnolia. Blend in. Report anything relevant." Jose looked back at Brain. "Will that suffice?"

"For now." Brain's staff tapped the floor, and the air began to shimmer again. "Continue playing your political games, Jose. Cast suspicion on Fairy Tail. Make the other guild masters question their involvement. Create enough doubt that when Nirvana activates, they'll be isolated. Alone."

"Consider it done."

"One more thing," Brain said as his form began to fade. "The boy, Aiden. Don't underestimate him, despite your hatred. He's dangerous in ways we don't fully understand yet. Tread carefully."

"I'm always careful," Jose replied.

"Good. Because if this plan fails, if we move too soon or too carelessly, he will destroy us both. I've seen what happens to those who underestimate opponents like him." Brain's voice grew distant. "We get one chance at this. Make sure we don't waste it."

The presence vanished, leaving only Jose and Gajeel in the office.

Gajeel broke the silence first. "You really think we can take down Fairy Tail? I've heard stories about their guild master. About what he can do."

"Stories are just that—stories," Jose said dismissively, though a part of him wondered. "Exaggerations and rumors. No one is invincible, Gajeel. Everyone has weaknesses, blind spots, moments of vulnerability."

"And if the stories are true?"

"Then we'll find other ways to hurt him." Jose's expression was cold. "Even the strongest can be brought low if you target what they care about. Family. Friends. Guild members. There are always pressure points."

Gajeel looked uncomfortable but nodded. "Understood, Master."

"Good. Start preparing for departure. I want you in Magnolia by tomorrow evening." Jose poured himself another drink. "And Gajeel? Be subtle. If Aiden suspects Phantom Lord is moving against him, all our plans become more complicated."

"I'll be careful."

The Dragon Slayer left, closing the door behind him.

Jose stood alone in his office, drink in hand, staring out over Oak Town.

This plan had been months in the making. An alliance with the Oración Seis, negotiated through intermediaries and sealed with mutual hatred. Brain wanted Nirvana and the power it represented. Jose wanted Fairy Tail destroyed and his guild elevated to its rightful place.

Together, they could achieve both goals.

The Council's task force was a complication, but manageable. Jose would continue his political maneuvering, casting doubt on Fairy Tail's involvement, questioning whether they'd brought back something dangerous from their Hundred Year Quest.

Plant enough seeds and doubt would grow into conviction.

Meanwhile, Brain would locate Nirvana. Gajeel would gather intelligence. The pieces would fall into place.

And when everything was ready, when all the variables were accounted for, they would strike.

Fairy Tail would fall.

Aiden would be humbled.

And Jose would finally receive the recognition he deserved.

He took a long drink, savoring the taste and the anticipation.

"Soon," he murmured to the empty room. "Very soon."

Outside, Oak Town continued its evening routines, unaware of the schemes being hatched in Phantom Lord's headquarters.

Unaware that two of Fiore's most dangerous forces were aligning against a single target.

Unaware that the stage was being set for a conflict that would shake the magical world to its foundations.

In Magnolia, Fairy Tail prepared for the Oración Seis threat, not knowing the true danger came from an enemy much closer to home.

And in his training dimension, Laxus continued learning the Thunder God's techniques, unaware his guild would soon need his power more than ever.

The pieces were moving.

The game had begun.

And only time would tell who would emerge victorious.