Chapter 401: I want to take on an S-level mission
Although Rhodes had been on the opposing side earlier and his actions were justified under the circumstances, he still offered a sincere apology to Simon.
Naturally, Simon didn’t hold any resentment. For him, rescuing Erza and breaking free from the shadow of the Tower of Heaven were far more important than anything else.
The same held true for the rest of their companions.
As for Jellal, after suffering a direct hit from a dragon’s breath and enduring the full blast of the Magic Council’s Etherion cannon, it would be difficult to locate him now—let alone confirm if he survived.
Erza felt deep sorrow that she hadn’t been able to reach him in time to bring him back. Her heart ached over what he had become and what he had done.
Simon, too, held a silent regret. Despite Jellal’s fall from grace, he had once been their friend and a spiritual guide.
Neither of them said his name. They simply stood quietly, gazing toward the sea where the tower once stood, lost in thought.
The image of the meteorite, the roar of the Mountain Dragon, and the blinding power of Etherion still echoed vividly in their minds—along with the look of madness in Jellal’s eyes.
Trying to lift the mood, Mira stepped in with a gentle suggestion, "Why don’t we head back to the inn first? Everyone’s banged up and needs bandages."
"Alright," Erza nodded and gently hoisted Hugh onto her back.
Gray picked up Wally, slinging him over his shoulder.