Both time-traveled characters ended up as villainous henchmen.

Chapter 106 No Need to Revive Zeref, I Will Surpass Zeref

"You really are different, Henia."

Gerald did not show much panic or surprise when his purpose was exposed.

On the contrary, his gaze toward Henia held even more admiration.

Jellal then gestured to Ultear beside him with his eyes, and Ultear nodded in agreement. She quickly used magic to create a special space that was isolated from others' detection.

Juvia then recognized the woman in the white dress next to Gerald.

She remembered seeing him on the outskirts of that dark swamp; at the time, he seemed to have been driven away by Lord Henia.

So, is the other party here seeking revenge?!

Upon realizing this, Juvia's expression turned fierce as she looked at Urutia.

Urudia and Gerald paid no attention to the sudden hostility Juvia displayed.

Henia merely offered a brief reassurance to Juvia before turning her attention to Gerald and Ultear, who had made a sudden appearance.

"If you've gone to all this trouble to meet me tonight just for that empty and boring Tower of Paradise, I advise you to give up as soon as possible."

Besides, can't you show some sincerity? Are you still trying to fool me with this "thought body" trick?

Henia had little interest in Jellal, who was currently under Ultear's magical spell.

However, his interest in the Tower of Paradise was not as indifferent as he claimed.

More precisely, Henia has a very high interest in the Tower of Paradise R system, which has absorbed the power of magical spirits.

In the original work, Natsu awakened his dragon power for the first time after consuming the magic crystal that absorbed the power of magical spirits.

Faced with such highly precise and pure magical energy, Henia naturally wanted to absorb and devour it to further promote the growth and evolution of her own dragon power liberation state.

Even so, he would not reveal his true intentions to Gerald and Ultear too soon.

"No, Henia, you've misunderstood."

"Using a thought form is unavoidable. After all, I'm still a full member of the Magic Council, and I have many trivial matters to handle. Using a thought form to meet you is a last resort."

Gerald wasn't angry at Henia's disdain. Instead, he seemed to have met a kindred spirit, sincerely apologized, and then enthusiastically explained the Tower of Paradise to Henia.

"The Tower of Paradise is not a phantom castle in the air, but a powerful and tangible resurrection magic."

"Once the Tower of Paradise is successfully built, I can resurrect Zeref, thus bringing true freedom to the world!"

Gerald's face was flushed with fervor, and when he spoke of his deepest purpose, he displayed an unprecedented level of fanaticism and madness.

"You and I, like each other, received guidance from Jelf after suffering immense pain."

I was thus freed from the miserable fate of slavery, and you, too, have utterly destroyed the Ghost Barclays division.

Henia looked at Gerald speechlessly, as the latter seemed to attribute his sudden increase in strength to Zeref.

And they regarded him as the only kindred spirit in this painful world who could understand each other.

After a brief moment of thought, Henia had an idea.

Since Gerald attributed his increased strength to Zeref, Henia was not prepared to explain.

After all, he himself couldn't explain it clearly.

Without further ado, he went along with it and tricked Geralt into helping him absorb the magical spirit's power in the Tower of Paradise.

Henia silently turned to glance at Ultear, making the latter tremble slightly, before turning back to Jellal and saying, "There's no need to revive Zeref; I will surpass Zeref!"

Upon hearing this, not only was Jellal, who was in a frenzy, stunned, but even Ultear, who had been standing next to him and dared not look directly at Henia, raised her eyes and showed an incredulous expression.

Henia ignored the two's stunned gazes and continued to explain his thoughts: "Even if Zeref, an ancient relic, were resurrected, he wouldn't be of much use."

The magical world is changing rapidly, and naturally needs a more powerful and intelligent leader.

It's just dark magic. Once I reach the pinnacle of this world, Geralt, I'll give you as much as you want.

The pain and darkness you feel are simply because you haven't yet grasped the essence of magic.

"And I have seen the profound truths that you cannot fathom!"

"Lady Henia is right!" Juvia echoed enthusiastically.

Although this behavior seemed like a pipe dream to Gerald and Urudia, Juvia still unconditionally trusted Henia.

"Since the Tower of Paradise can revive people, let's not waste our chance on that old man Zeref."

"Geralt, if you trust me, leave this chance of resurrection to me."

Henia looked at Gerald and patted his chest.

Gerald was clearly stunned for a while before he finally came to his senses.

"Although our goals are different, it is clear that we both support the construction of the Tower of Paradise."

The cooperation can be discussed gradually; there's no need to rush it.

Here's what I'll do: to show my sincerity, I can completely smooth over the negative impact on Phantom Lord and the Magic Council for you.

"Besides, you don't seem to have anywhere else to go right now. If you'd like, why don't you consider the Magic Council?"

Gerald regained control of the conversation; he had no intention of reaching a deal with Henia in one go that night.

My arrival tonight is merely laying the foundation for more interactions in the future.

"The Magic Council?"

Henia wasn't concerned about the Ghosts or the Magic Council's warrant for his arrest, but the Magic Council position promised by Jellal piqued his interest.

As is widely known, although the Magic Council has been thoroughly infiltrated by the three major dark guilds, it is undeniable that the Magic Council still possesses most of the hidden magical knowledge in the Fairy Tail world.

This esoteric knowledge was very useful to Henia.

"Sure, give me a time, and I'll come to interview you in person then."

"Haha, no need to worry about that. I'll send someone to invite you after I've resolved your public image issue."

After a brief conversation with Henia, Gerald and Ultear disappeared back into the shadows of the alley.

"Lady Henia, these two—"

"As you can see, they are both important figures in the Magic Council, so once we join the council, we won't have to worry about food and drink."

"Is that so?"

Juvia's real question wasn't about those things, but rather about the Tower of Paradise and the Dark Mage Zeref that Jellal had mentioned earlier.

"If you want to know more about Jelf, I can tell you about him slowly when we get back to the hotel."

For example, a dark mage and a little girl's untold secret past.

Henia changed the subject and easily piqued Juvia's interest.

However, after returning to the hotel, Juvia was overcome by the effects of the alcohol and fell asleep before Henia could recount her secret past.

Just then, a graceful woman in a white dress quietly appeared by the window of Henia's room.

Urudia leaned against the huge floor-to-ceiling window, the moonlight shining on her as if she were draped in a dreamy veil.