With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 59

Erza was nearly finished with the cure. Just a few more chemicals to combine, then let it burn. She carefully measured the next ingredient, her hands steady—until the sudden flicker of the TV caught her eye.

Breaking news. Footage rolled across the screen: two men, bloodied and torn, being rushed into an ambulance.

"It appears to be the work of a large predatory animal," the reporter announced, her voice tense. "But experts say the extent of the injuries far exceeds anything expected from local wildlife. Police are investigating the zoo for any escaped animals, while others continue the search for this unknown threat. Civilians are advised to remain indoors until further notice."

Erza froze, the vial trembling between her fingers.

"No," she whispered. "Please, no..."

The report continued.

"And in other news, local photographer Gray Fullbuster has gone missing. Authorities fear he may have fallen victim to the same creature."

Her heart dropped.

"Oh god... I'm too late," she breathed, horror dawning in her eyes.

Just then, a sharp knock at the door startled her. She rushed to open it—and there stood Jellal. Relief crashed over her. Without a word, they embraced.

"Oh, Jellal, I'm so glad you're here!" Erza exclaimed as she threw her arms around him.

"Sorry it took me so long," he said, returning the embrace. "You know how I am with air travel... and big cities. Now—what's the emergency?"

Erza didn't waste a moment. As she returned to her workstation, hands moving with practiced precision, she explained everything—about the attack, the news report, and Gray.

Jellal listened carefully, eyes narrowing. "So... your friend's fallen victim to the darker side of science. Just like I once did."

She shook her head. "No, Jellal. What happened to you was mild compared to this. If I'm right, Gray has taken on the form—and the instincts—of a tiger. A full transformation. By now, he likely doesn't even remember being human. He won't hesitate to hurt anyone who crosses his path."

His expression hardened. "How can I help?"

"I'm close to finishing an antitoxin. If it works, it should reverse the mutation. But until then, Gray needs to be contained. Natsu's out searching, but even with his powers, he can't do this alone. You're the only one I trust to track and restrain Gray without killing him. Will you help?"

Jellal stepped forward, eyes gleaming with resolve. "My Titania, you have nothing to fear. I may no longer have the brute strength of a scientifically created mad-man, but I haven't forgotten how to hunt. Natsu might have a Komodo dragon's senses—but he only understands that creature. I've spent my life studying the instincts and behaviors of beasts. Including the Sumatran tiger."

He glanced toward the door, already bracing for the mission ahead.

"Finding Gray will be the easy part. Stopping him... that's where it gets dangerous."

"I know... tigers are among the most dangerous big cats in the world," Erza said quietly. "Even more dangerous than lions."

Jellal nodded grimly. "Far more dangerous than most people realize. Unlike other predators that avoid conflict unless provoked, tigers kill without reason. They don't retreat. They fight until their opponent stops breathing. If Gray's fully changed—body and mind—he won't hesitate. Anyone who crosses his path is as good as dead. And if the police see him like that..." He trailed off.