Chapter 31: Ch 31 : The King’s Return
In the misty, smoke-filled bathroom, Erza stood silently under the stream of hot water, letting it cascade over her body.
Yet, despite the comforting warmth, her heart remained cold and unsettled.
( Master has lost his magic... Laxus, Mystogan, and Noel are all absent... So many people are injured... Can we even continue this war?)
Bracing herself against the wall with one hand, Erza recalled the moment when Makarov had gone alone to confront Phantom Lord's Guild Master, Joseph.
A deep sense of regret spread through her heart like a silent, creeping shadow.
(If only... If only I had gone with him... I was so pathetic... It's all my fault... Now, all I can do is wait for Noel to return... He will come back, I know it. Until then, I must protect the guild at all costs.)
A fleeting image of golden hair flashed through her mind—the figure that always brought her an unshakable sense of security.
With that thought, the doubt in her heart slowly faded, replaced by a newfound resolve.
Her once-clouded eyes now burned with unwavering determination.
BOOM. BOOM.
A deep, rhythmic sound, like the footsteps of a massive entity, suddenly echoed into the shower room, sending a chill of unease through Erza's heart.