FT: The Phantom Dragon Slayer Chapter 103: The Final Promise (3)

Chapter 103: The Final Promise (3)

October 10, X780

The chirping of birds woke me once again from another nightmare.

My name is Ranfa Kenbell.

I am a man cursed by a demon of the Book of Zeref.

One year ago.

Up until one year ago…

I lived in a village outside this forest, spending my days as a painter.

The villagers loved my work.

After losing our parents when we were young, my little sister was my only family—and drawing pictures for her became the joy that shaped my life. Before I realized it, painting had become my entire world.

I started as a nameless artist, but over time I grew famous even across the Ishgar continent.

Because of that, I became a wealthy man—and my sister and I lived a comfortable life together.

But eventually, I ran out of inspiration from painting only our village. I began leaving home frequently, traveling all across Ishgar in search of new subjects.

We were never short on money, but as I kept creating new works for patrons who eagerly awaited my next piece, I neglected the most precious person to me—my sister.

Even so, she never once resented me. She always greeted me with a gentle smile.

I loved her dearly. She was my treasure.

Just as I brought happiness to others with my art, she wanted to bring happiness to the suffering. She dreamed of becoming a doctor.

Even without parents, the two of us believed we would build a warm home together and live peaceful, happy days.

Yes… that was before I was cursed.

While searching for a new theme, I accepted a commission to paint a demon—specifically, a demon of Zeref.

During that journey, I learned the truth of what that meant.

A demon of the Book of Zeref—created by the abyssal black mage who plunged the world into chaos 400 years ago.

I became obsessed with finding one. I traveled endlessly, seeking any trace, even resorting to illegal dealings with dark guilds to gather information.

The job was dangerous. My sister begged me to give up.

But I didn’t listen.

I wanted—no, needed—to paint that demon with my own hands. My curiosity and ambition drowned out everything else.

And finally, in an ancient ruin long forgotten by time, I found it.

A discovery that would destroy my life.

Inside that ruin was a book—bound in violet leather.

The moment I touched it, black tendrils sprang from its cover and pierced my body.

They burrowed through every part of me, and at the end, the book embedded itself in my heart.

Black marks began spreading across my skin from my chest outward. I gained a power I could not control.

A power that brought only misery.

My hands, once gentle enough to hold a brush, destroyed everything they touched. Even the slightest grip shattered objects to pieces.

And then… the killing urges. Night after night, the voice of something inside me whispering to destroy—to kill.

In my dreams, I was devoured over and over by a version of myself that was not me.

My fingernails and ears twisted into shapes no human could possess.

This was a curse.

A punishment for a fool blinded by curiosity.

Terrified, I ran home and showed myself to my sister. Horrified but determined, she examined me, but there was nothing she could do.

Desperate, I sought out the greatest magical healer alive—Lady Froschica.

I knelt before her and told her everything, begging for help.

She examined me for a long time before shaking her head.

“I cannot break that curse. No one can. At most, you have half a year. After that, the demon of Zeref will fully take your body, and you will lose yourself—slaughtering and destroying everything in your path.”

“That can’t be! Please, there must be something! I don’t want to become a monster! I want to live! My sister… she’s still so young… I can’t leave her alone in this world!”

“…I’m sorry. But there is nothing I can do.”

“No… No, there must be a way! There has to be!”

The curse could not be undone.

Even the greatest healer of the continent could only confirm my doom.

Just as she warned, the demon gnawed away at me day after day.

The villagers grew fearful of my twisted appearance and branded me a monster, demanding that we be cast out.

In the end, I left my sister behind… and built a shack outside the village to live in isolation.

Someday, I may lose my sanity entirely, and the demon will devour what’s left of me.

With that fear and despair tightening around my throat day after day, he appeared before me.

“So it really is a demon of the Book of Zeref.”

“Who… are you?”

"Ranfa Kenbell. I came on behalf of Froschica, at her request.”

“…Her request?”

“Yes. I came to heal you.”

Ciel Illusian.

A wizard sent by Lady Froschica.

That was when our paths first crossed.

He said he was a Fairy Tail wizard who had been hunting demons born from Zeref’s books.

“Whenever you can’t suppress your urges, drink this.”

He handed me a potion.

It had no taste at all, but he told me it was very effective.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m not sure… but I do feel calmer.”

“Good. I’m glad it helps.”

After giving me the medicine, he examined my body thoroughly. Before leaving, he promised he would return once a month to bring more of the potion.

Just before he departed, he handed me a small notebook.

“Take care of yourself.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Ah, I almost forgot. Here—take this as well.”

“…A diary?”

“Write in it every day. It will help you stay grounded—so your mind remains your own.”

“…I understand.”

....

December, X780

For the past year… there were countless moments I considered ending my life.

But I could not—I would not—leave my sister behind in this world.

And I had a promise to keep.

“I’m sorry I never celebrated your birthday properly. Next year, I’ll make it grand—something unforgettable.”

“It’s alright. But if you really want to give me something… then I want one of your paintings!”

“A painting? I could give you one right now.”

“Not now. I want it on my 18th birthday. When I become an adult, I want a portrait—drawn by you.”

“A portrait?”

“Yes! I’ll treasure it for the rest of my life.”

“…Alright. Then on your 18th birthday, I’ll give you your portrait as a gift. But can you promise me one thing in return?”

“What is it?”

“Become the doctor you dream of being. A kind doctor who helps everyone. I want to see you live that dream.”

“…Okay. I promise.”

Two months from now—

My sister will turn 18.

I will paint her portrait, just as I promised.

Until that portrait is complete…

I cannot leave this place.

...

February 13, X781

Only one week remains until my sister’s birthday.

With my entire body concealed beneath a hooded cloak, I went into the village to buy paints, brushes, and canvas, then continued working on her portrait.

Even when my strength went wild—breaking brushes, tearing canvases—I refused to stop. I simply kept painting.

At last, after so much effort, the portrait is nearly complete.

Whenever I could no longer suppress the madness, I survived by drinking the medicine the teacher gave me.

To hide my identity, I bought supplies quickly and ate my meals at quiet restaurants, living as discreetly as I could.

But that ends today.

During lunch, after purchasing a large amount of paint and brushes, I became caught in a drunken brawl at the restaurant. In the scuffle, my hood was torn off—and the villagers finally saw what I’ve become.

I had endured until now, but… from this moment on, the village will heighten their guard.

....

February 17, X781

While I was painting, a splitting headache struck—followed by the demon’s will, clawing at my mind and drowning my senses.

When I finally regained control, my body was covered in self-inflicted wounds.

The room was stained red with my own blood. The little canary in its cage… was dead.

I can’t hold out much longer.

It’s true. I will become a demon.

If I stay here, I’ll kill the villagers… and my precious sister.

I must leave. I have to disappear.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“…Teacher.”

“Are you truly going to run away now? If you leave, you’ll never keep the promise you made to your sister.”

“Lilia… Teacher… I… what am I supposed to do…?!”

That night, as I packed my bag to flee, Teacher came.

His words—reminding me of my promise—broke me. I clung to him, sobbing like a child.

He laid me on the bed and told me stories—strange, amusing stories.

His voice was calm and warm.

For the first time in a long time, I slept peacefully.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a dream.

I was walking.

Walking endlessly, with blood-stained hands, searching for something—never stopping, never resting.

What… was I trying to find?

...

February 19, X781

After checking on me again, Teacher said he would remain in the village for a while and continue monitoring my condition closely.

He also told me something else—that he had been visiting my sister in secret whenever he came to give me treatment… and that she wishes with all her heart to see me on her birthday.

After he left, I returned to my work.

The headache returned, and once again my consciousness flickered and wavered.

I don’t care if I forget everything.

I don’t care if I stop being myself.

But no matter what happens…

I must finish this painting.

This is my promise to Lilia.

With pain gnawing at me and the demon whispering at the edges of my mind, I swallowed the medicine Teacher left behind and focused every remaining piece of myself on the portrait.

The murderous urges in my head keep growing.

No… not yet.

Just a little… a little more…

If I can hold on just a bit longer…

This painting—this one painting—must be finished…!!!

—[incoherent, frantic sounds]

....

February 20, X781

The dawn is creeping up.

I managed, barely, to finish the portrait as I promised. But now… I can’t hold on any longer.

I’ve reached my limit.

The medicine doesn’t work anymore.

Soon the demon will swallow me whole.

This will probably be my last diary entry.

I think I finally understand why Mr. Ciel stayed in the village.

He knew.

He knew I would be consumed by the demon soon.

Perhaps he stayed here to keep his promise to me from the very beginning.

Yes…

On the day Mr. Ciel first came, I made him one request.

“Before I turn into a demon and kill the village… before I kill Lilia with my own hands—please, kill me.”

Teacher, thank you for giving me time to live after telling me I had at most half a year.

Because of you, I kept myself for two more years.

And… thank you for granting my final request.

Please—protect my sister.

Soon I will no longer be myself.

The curse could not be lifted.

But I do not regret it.

Because I kept my promise to Lilia… I was able to remain myself, if only for a little while longer.

Be angry at me—blame me for being a pathetic brother who couldn’t watch you become the wonderful doctor you dreamed of.

Thank you, Lilia.

And I love you.

...

The diary ended there.

When I finished reading aloud, Lilia wiped her tears with a handkerchief and bowed her head.

“Mr. Ciel… my brother did not resent you. On the contrary—he was grateful that you gave him the time to keep his promise, and he faced his last moments with thanks.”

“...I see.”

I still can’t forget.

The day I first visited that village at Lady Froschica’s personal request—

I had intended to kill that man.

Before he became a demon of the Book of Zeref, I wanted to ease the suffering of his soul.

But trapped in his despair, surrounded by broken brushes strewn across his room, something in me made me grant him time.

So I visited him each month to check his condition.

On my way back from examining him at Ranfa’s shack, I once saved his sister from a bandit ambush. After that, each month I’d stop by the village: first to check on Ranfa’s progress, then to visit the clinic where Lilia worked as an apprentice. There I heard stories about Ranfa and learned about Lilia’s everyday life.

Seeing a brother and sister struggle so desperately to keep their promise to each other… I lied to Ranfa, telling him I could cure the curse.

For an entire year, the only thing I truly did for him was give him bottles filled with plain water, then cast hypnosis—telling him it was medicine to help preserve his mind.

It was only a temporary measure. Yet against all odds, he kept his sanity for two years from the moment he was cursed.

But that was all.

On the promised day…

As expected, he lost himself and became a demon. In a frenzy, he appeared in the village.

Then, the moment he saw Lilia on the street, he rushed toward her, madness in his eyes. Without hesitation, my spear pierced his forehead.

“KyaooooOOOOOO!!!”

Ranfa collapsed with a spray of crimson, strength fading from his body.

In his hand… was his finished gift: the portrait of his sister—completed just as he promised.

Even as his sanity crumbled, he must have fought his own instincts… coming to the village just to deliver that painting.

“Brother… is this… a dream?”

“…It is reality.”

“No… it can’t be… Brother… Brother…”

“As requested, the cursed demon has been slain.”

“How… how could you? Why! Why did you kill him?! WHY?!”

The girl shook me by the collar, screaming until her voice shattered.

“My brother would never hurt anyone! If he’d just held on a little longer, someone could have lifted the curse! You killed him… you killed him over a stupid request! I’ll never forgive you! NEVER! You murderer! Why did you kill him? WHY?!”

She collapsed where she stood.

I removed the painting from Ranfa’s body. Lilia clutched it to her chest, sobbing, screaming, breaking.

“He came here… like that… in that condition… just to keep his promise and give me this painting! How could you do something so cruel? I’ll never forgive you! One day the heavens will judge you! Even the gods will never forgive you!”

The only thing I could do was listen to her curse me until her voice broke. Then I turned and walked away from that village.

....

“Back then,” Lilia said through trembling lips, “I was blind. I hated you more than anything. I wanted revenge. But after learning the truth… I realized what a fool I was. You only gave my brother the time he needed to keep his promise. Yet I…”

“Don’t apologize,” I answered quietly. “Even if you hated me, I could not refute you. I did kill your family with these hands.”

“No. My brother—he wanted to thank you, even in his final moments. So please… don’t carry the guilt anymore. And as for me… I forgive you.”

“Lilia…”

Then—

“Ciel! You didn’t do anything wrong!”

“…Huh?”

“Eh—?!”

Even though the room should have only held Lilia and me, Mirajane suddenly appeared behind me—clinging to my shoulders, teary-eyed, and hugging me tightly.

“Mi–Mira? How did you even get in—?”

“Mr. Ciel! I had no idea you went through something so heartbreaking…!”

“Ciel… you made such a painful choice.”

“Huwaaaaaah! Why is this so sad?! This backstory is TOO SAD!”

“Juvia has come to appreciate Mr. Ciel’s kindness even more… sniff…”

“Illusian, you did what only you could do.”

“Lucy, Erza… Nightwalker… and Juvia and Levy too…?”

When I came to my senses, Nightwalker and Lucy’s group were flooding the room—tears streaming down their faces—as they flung themselves at me.

Their sudden appearance made my pupils widen in surprise.

Watching me like that, Lilia gave a small, wry smile and then rose from her seat.

“Mr. Ciel, you have family… and comrades who care for you… just as your brother did.”

“Lilia?”

“I’ll be going now. I want you to keep the diary and the Book of Zeref. Your brother would have wanted that.”

“…All right. Thank you.”

With that, the weight of past guilt that had pressed on me began to lift, and Mirajane and the others’ misunderstanding of me dissolved.

As she left, Lilia placed Ranfa’s diary and the Book of Zeref—the tome that had devoured his body—down and went away.

The Book of Zeref had already been sealed by Blue Pegasus’s master Bob, so it no longer posed a danger, but I burned it anyway.

I didn’t want another tragedy like the Kenbell siblings’ to happen again.

After Lucy’s group and Nightwalker left, Mirajane and I remained alone.

She sat down on the sofa, offered me her lap as a pillow, and gently stroked my hair.

Her gesture was an apology of sorts for her earlier misunderstanding, yet her expression suggested she’d been thinking about what she’d heard.

“Ranfa must have truly loved his sister, Lilia,” she murmured.

“Yes. I first found him a year after Lady Froschica’s examination. If he hadn’t had that love and stubborn devotion toward Lilia, the demon that ate away his body would have consumed him earlier—and the village would have been drowned in blood before I could ever reach him. He held on by his own will long before I arrived.”

“…Ciel, um—about what happened this morning—I’m sorry.”

“Kuhuhuhu… what do you mean? What happened between us?”

I smiled and touched Mirajane’s cheek as she apologized with pained expression.

I didn’t want to see that same distressed look on Mirajane that Lilia had worn. I had the faint sense that this feeling was something different from the affection one feels for family.

But... was it right for me to harbor these kinds of feelings toward a girl I’d come to treat like family?

We looked at each other for a long, silent moment. Then I reached into my coat pocket, took out a ticket, and handed it to her.

“Here — take this.”

“What is it…? A ticket?”

“Yes. Lately you’ve been looking worn out, so I was thinking we could go on a quiet trip, just the two of us. It’s a sightseeing ticket to Licorice—a small eastern town known for its red-toned architecture, a picturesque sulfur lake, and hot springs. It’s off the beaten path, quiet enough for just the two of us.”

“Ciel… I didn’t expect this…”

“We leave in two days. What do you say?”

“Yes! I’d love that! A trip with just the two of us—sounds wonderful!”

Mirajane threw off the gloom and beamed, and my chest thudded at the sound of her laughter.

I invited her on the trip to decide where these feelings inside me were heading—to find the answer to my hesitation.

What I didn’t know then was that this trip would be dangerous—one that could end up hurting Mirajane.