Fairy Tail: The Dark Swordsman

102 - War for Edolas

[X784, Edolas, Royal City]

— Dannis Martell —

Standing on a ridge that overlooked the Royal City of Edolas, Dannis narrowed his eyes.

It was truly worthy as the seat of an entire empire. From this vantage point, the capital sprawled like a vast, glittering labyrinth.

The city itself was circular, its outermost walls made of grey and black stone. From there, a spiral of terraces wound upward toward the heart of the kingdom, each level separated by colossal ringed walls over a hundred feet high.

At the center loomed the Royal Palace, a monumental tower that pierced the clouds. It was crowned with the sigil of Edolas, a burning sun encircled by six stars. The main spire reached so high it nearly brushed the lowest of the hovering islands above the world.

The area around the palace is divided into zones, each of which is fortified by a wall and positioned slightly above the previous one, forming a spiral structure around the palace. In each zone, there are numerous towers of different inconsistent sizes.

Even from here, Dannis could see the glint of magic crystals embedded into every street and structure. Dannis scowled.

"A city built on the corpses of others... how fitting."

With all of its defenses, it was no wonder why people considered the palace to be nearly impenetrable. Even when they discussed the plan back in New Magnolia, it was said to be almost impossible.

Almost.

Because those walls only serve to hamper the non-magical people of Edolas. In the face of an S-Class mage of Earthland, they were paltry.

The sound of soft footsteps drew his attention as Edolas Dannis stepped up beside him.

"Are you prepared?" Edo Dannis asked, his crow perched on his shoulder as always. His tone was calm, but the underlying edge of anticipation betrayed his composure.

Dannis didn't turn immediately. "Yes," he said simply, before glancing at his counterpart. "Are you?"

Edo Dannis' mouth curved in a faint, sardonic smile. "This is the day the Black Band Rebellion has been waiting for. Years of blood and suffering have led to this moment. We always lacked one thing, firepower." His one eye glinted. "With you Earth Land mages here, that problem is obsolete."

His crow let out a low caw, wings rustling.

Edo Dannis tilted his head. "That is, of course... assuming you weren't lying about what you can do."

Dannis merely smirked, a faint chuckle rumbling from his throat. "You'll see soon enough."

At that moment, a golden shimmer appeared above him, a string of words streaking through the clouds. It twisted in midair, then dissolved into motes of light that sank into Dannis' mind. Levy's voice echoed clearly in his thoughts.

Dannis straightened. "Prepare your men," he said firmly to his counterpart. "The crystal should be deactivated soon."

Edo Dannis gave a curt nod. "Understood." With that, he turned and strode back down the ridge, barking orders to his lieutenants.

In the distance, the rebel encampment began to stir, their banners rising.

Dannis remained still, reviewing the plan one last time in his head.

It was exceedingly simple. When Gajeel and Levy successfully disable the magical barrier, Laxus would go on and blast a hole in the western wall.

Edo Dannis and his army would surge through the breach, spearheading the assault.