Chapter 397: Thought Projection? Wizard Saint?
When the twin blades carved through Jellal’s magical defenses and struck his chest, he truly believed that would be the end.
A searing pain exploded across his torso as the blades left behind an X-shaped gash. His shirt tore open, and blood poured from the wounds. For a brief moment, consciousness nearly slipped away.
He knew it, he was no match for Erza in this state. But he couldn’t afford to die. Not yet.
Clang! Clang!
The two swords slammed into the floor on either side of his neck, stopping just short of taking his life.
Erza exhaled sharply and sat down beside him. "What’s your real goal here, Jellal? I’ve studied the R-System. Sure, the structure and theory are plausible... but the most important requirement is impossible to meet."
Despite everything, she was still trying to reach him with reason. That was just like Erza—unable to bring herself to finish off a former friend.
Jellal let out a sly chuckle, lips curling into a dangerous grin. "Didn’t I already say it? The key requirement... is you, Erza. The perfect living sacrifice."
"It’s not about the sacrifice!" Erza’s voice sharpened, frustration flaring. "It’s the magic power! You need 2.7 billion units of Ethernano to activate the R-System! Even if we gathered every wizard across the continent, we still might not have enough!"
Jellal fell silent. If he said any more, he’d risk giving something away. Better to change the subject. "Still planning to stay? In a few minutes, Etherion will fall."
"Jellal! Your dream ends here! Do you really want to die like this?" Erza pleaded. She still hoped to save the boy she once knew, the boy who’d lost his way.