While she and the others recuperate from their failed attack on Blue Skull, Mavis encounters Zeref alone in the forest. Oblivious to his true identity, Mavis takes sympathy on him when she fathoms that he is cursed with black magic that kills everything around him. After Mavis presents him a display of illusory animals in a show of friendship, Zeref whimsically agrees to assist her and her friends' fight against Blue Skull by teaching them magic. Yuri and Precht prove themselves naturally adept at using magic for combat, while Warrod discovers his talents are supportive and non-combative. As soon as the three feel confident in their abilities, Zeref leaves and muses over the cherished time he has spent with Mavis.