Zeref Dragneel

"It's my solemn vow... the suffering I've caused will not repeat in the current era. I will be neutral and isolated, a friend or foe to no one. That said... if the current era should give way to a new one... there's a chance I will take on a far more active role. I had hoped you would destroy me before then... Natsu."

- Zeref Dragneel

Zeref Dragneel, more commonly known by his first name Zeref or title Lord Zeref is one of two main antagonists of the manga/anime series Fairy Tail alongside Acnologia. He was considered one of the strongest and most evil Wizards in the series as he possessed incredibly deadly and destructive Magic Power. He first appeared as a self-hating reclusive youth who could not control his powers and was later revealed to be the estranged older brother of Natsu Dragneel, father of August and creator of Larcade Dragneel along with most of the Demons and possibly other monsters in the series as a whole. He was also the former lover and illegitimate husband of Mavis Vermilion, First Guild Master of the titular organization Fairy Tail.

In the anime he was voiced by Akira Ishida in the Japanese dub and Joel McDonald in the English dub; the former also voiced Ryuunosuke Uryuu and Gaara.

Personality
Zeref was said to have been the darkest, most evil Black Wizard in the history of the Magic World as he mastered the Black Arts of all Magic Power and created many Demons and other monstrous creatures, some of which still continued to wreak havoc in the present. However, the truth behind the most infamous of the Black Wizards was surprisingly far from what had been described in the past.

In reality, Zeref was a calm minded man that was sincere, trustworthy, straightforward and optimistic. Over the years, however, he's found himself in a conflicted state where he wishes to isolate himself from others and have his life be taken away. He regrets all of the sins he has committed and thus wishes to die before he finds himself committing more horrid crimes.

Zeref has shown concern for others when he warned them not to come near him, knowing they would most likely perish if they did; he once told Mavis he never chose to stay in one place for very long or enter extended contact with living creatures. He was also somewhat emotionally fragile and vulnerable as seen when he realized his younger brother Natsu was not ready to eliminate him yet and broke down in tears. Despite Zeref's overall capability for many evils, he was actually a much more tragic character; this extended to the point that Mavis tried to cheer him up with her Illusions shortly after meeting him and while Natsu's opinions on his defeat being necessary didn't change at all after learning the truth behind their relationship and Zeref's then-unexplained familiarity with the Dragon Slayer, his brother seemed to genuinely pity him enough to tell him (if rather angrily) exactly how he was wrong when it came to his own views of happiness.

Zeref had a clear-cut disdain for the "cultists who longed for [his] resurrection", viewing them as "a group of desperate fanatics" with unamusement and spite likely due to seeing those followers (in the loosest sense of the word) as a majority of the negative histories and legacies he left behind before deciding to return and also held similar regards, if not lower for the vast tales told about him, apparently having kept tabs on the Magic World even while inactive as he was visibly appalled with former student and Fairy Tail Second Guild Master Precht Gaebolg and his new Guild Grimoire Heart for taking the stories about how he had already died and the "Keys" to awaken him by unlocking his "Seal" very seriously to the point of considering it a holy script, deeming said legends antiquated fiction and even calling it all "a lie that an old fool put stock in".

Regardless of this, Zeref was vindictive and antagonistic as he would punish those he believed or already knew beforehand to be evil, often killing others without any prior incentive and/or real knowledge. This was shown when he ruthlessly slaughtered Master Precht, now known as Master Hades, whom he correctly thought to have willingly performed or authorized a number of unforgivable sins and horrific atrocities. As a result of the immortality and agelessness that enabled his extended lifespan, Zeref developed a misanthropic loathing for humanity and its repeated idiosyncrasies of hatred, evil and conflict. When confronted by Mavis' spirit, he stated to her his own plans for the world and how he would bring everything as he came to know it crashing down.

After he was defeated for the first (and only) time by Natsu, Zeref contemplated his actions and looked solemn as Mavis hit him repeatedly for his own sins, expressing that he deserved Mavis's hatred for him. As he finally started to die, he showed remorse for his past and wished he could have made amends with his younger brother and everyone else.

Appearance
Though Zeref appears to be a young man, he is actually over four hundred years old. Due to his cursed immortality, however, he retained his youthful appearance throughout his life. In addition to this, he retains some of his characteristics he had back then such as his short black hair, clean pale skin, big dark eyes and abnormally sharp canines.

In terms of his clothing, Zeref wears a high-collared red (black in the anime) and tan robe with gold trimmings nearly identical to the one initially worn by Rogue Cheney with a flowing white toga draped over his left shoulder. He also has a pendant around his neck where he keeps a childhood picture of Natsu and himself. As Emperor Spriggan, leader and founder of the Alvarez Empire he dons a regal and formal version of his usual attire consisting of a white toga lined with golden strings and markings at the edges; underneath this he has a black robe with metal-ringed cuffs reminiscent of those sported by Gajeel Redfox.

When emotionally unbalanced or unveiling his true powers, Zeref's irises become dark red and gain black rings around their pupils, giving him a much more frightful appearance.

Past
At some point in the distant past, stated to be around 400 years ago Zeref witnessed the deaths of many people in the conflicts of the Magic World of Earth Land. Around this time, he also became cursed and unintentionally took the lives of those around him. Zeref was described as having alighted in an ancient land, mastered Black Magic, given birth to tens of thousands of Demons, transformed Acnologia into a dragon and thrown the world into chaos. However, according to Mard Geer Tartaros, Zeref cursed himself for becoming immortal, desiring to die and creating the Etherious to kill him with a "Superdemon" stronger than any of the others before it as his final masterpiece.

In actuality, Zeref was orphaned after Dragons killed his parents and younger brother Natsu which led to him becoming a student at the Mildian Magic Academy where he researched the connections between life, death and Magic Power to revive his brother. After creating things such as the R-System and Eclipse Gate he was expelled from the Academy for breaching the sacred teachings of the God Ankhseram. However, he was cursed by the power of Ankhseram itself and killed everyone around him with his newfound unwanted Curse of Contradictions. After this, Zeref wished to die and wandered around, creating the Etherious in the hopes they would end his existence but instead turned to reviving his brother, having kept his body preserved as an Etherious thus fulfilling the goals of bringing his brother back and creating something that could and would kill him: E.N.D., or Etherious Natsu Dragneel.

Sometime later, Zeref encountered the Fire Dragon King Igneel and the two became friends with Igneel offering to raise Natsu himself and teach him Dragon Slayer Magic. Zeref allowed this after Igneel revealed his dragon comrades' plans of defeating Acnologia which would involve using the Dragon Soul Seal to enter the bodies of five chosen human Dragon Slayers and traveling with them to the future. Zeref helped the Dragons with this by going through with his plan of building the Eclipse Gate and having Celestial Wizard Anna Heartfilia open the gate in the past and her descendant Layla Heartfilia open it in the future.

Zeref lived for at least 400 years awaiting Natsu's arrival, always holding the belief he would be able to destroy him.

Fairy Tail Zero/Zero arc
In X686, Zeref walked through Hargeon and brushed past a younger Mavis Vermilion and Precht Gaebolg.

Sometime later, Zeref was found taking a bath in the Western Forest near Magnolia by Mavis. He was surprised that someone would want to leave, noting it was a "bad habit" of his own and unwillingly used his Magic which robbed the forest of its lifeforce, Mavis quickly recognizing it as Ankhseram Black Magic. Zeref was surprised and commended Mavis' knowledge, telling her to not feel bad for him. Nevertheless, he felt joy about his conversation with the girl but was also worried about himself unwittingly killing her which he never wanted to do to anyone. Mavis then Cast Illusions of wildlife which initially startled Zeref because of his lack of control over his Powers, but after Mavis explained to him the nature of her own Magic he was happy at the notion and thanked her sincerely. After this, Zeref agreed to teach Mavis and her companions Magic, having noted to Precht in particular that he had an affinity for several different kinds of Magic. After having taught them Magic, Zeref left to seclude himself once more but was happy he made friends, though he acknowledged he would somehow have been responsible for some of the tragedies of the soon-to-be First Master and her future Guildmates.

During the final battle of Magnolia after Yuri Dreyar was affected by the Curse of the Tenrou Orb following the defeat of Phantom Lord's predecessor Blue Skull, Mavis planned to use the "Superspell" named Law to destroy the Orb's evil energies and free the Treasure Hunter from his Transformation into the skeletal remains of a late Dragon that had been towering over Kardia Cathedral. In spite of her illusory friend Zera's warnings that Zeref stated it would take ten years to master the form of Black Magic Power, Mavis sought to use it to break the Spell over Yuri; she had a flashback where she requested Zeref teach her the kind of Magic Spells that would allow her to fight, as her Illusions were proven to be useless against any caliber of true Wizards. After sucessfully Casting Law however, Mavis fell into a coma, the immense strain of Magic Power on her body halting its growth completely.

Ten years later, Zeref encountered Mavis again and actually gave her his name to which she was shocked that he was the infamous Black Wizard of Magic legend. She told him regardless of the rumors about him. Zeref then learned Mavis prematurely used Law and after examining her which confirmed it he informed her she had become Cursed and immortal like him which she refused to believe and ran off in tears.

A year later, he found Mavis in the forest disheveled and hungry albeit still alive due to her Curse. She begged for him to kill her but he said he couldn't as she could not do the same to him and related to her situation by telling her how immortality drove him mad and he created the Etherious to kill him but doubted they could do so. He then told her he was building a country where his people won't die from his curse due to him seeing them as his pawns. Zeref soon stated he was doing it out of enjoyment as it was like a game and could prepare them for war but assured her he detested war and expanding his country wasn't enjoyable either. Mavis noted that Zeref contradicted himself as his Curse began to afflict him as he stated he wanted to see his brother but his head started to hurt from the thoughts and he said the world would reject him but Mavis stated she wouldn't do the same and they would find a way to break it together. He embraced her having found someone to love after centuries before they shared a kiss which placed Mavis in a comatose state to Zeref's dismay.

He took her seemingly lifeless body to Fairy Tail's Guild hall where he encountered an aged Precht asking if he was alone; after confirming he was the Acting Master in Mavis's absence Zeref coldly threw her body down. Shocked, Precht grabbed Mavis asking her to wake up but Zeref told him she wouldn't do so ever again and internally berated himself for falling in love; Precht asked him his name which he gave as Zeref but took it back by saying if Mavis was a fairy he must be a spriggan. He bade Mavis goodnight before returning to his empire where nobody would die because of his powers. Eventually, Zeref somehow learned of Mavis's body being preserved in a non-living yet non-dead state inside a Lacrima crystal which created the Lumen Histoire, or Fairy Heart, an Eternal Magic he sought to obtain for his own purposes especially since he and Anna discovered the Time Lapse which he sealed off until he had Fairy Heart to be able to use the Neo Eclipse to reset time.

Later, Zeref encountered Irene Belserion and was amazed at seeing a real Dragon again before realizing she was a Human. In a flash, he Enchanted her back to her normal form but responded to her elation that she was only a Human physically but still physiologically a Dragon, though she cast off his words.

At another point, Zeref wandered around some more and encountered a young boy who resembled Mavis (unaware it was his and Mavis's son). He decided to make the nameless child his subordinate and gave him the name August after the month in which he met Mavis; he remarked the child reminded him of her.

During one of his stays in Alvarez, he showed a curious younger Invel Yura the pendant he wore that held a picture of himself and his younger brother as children. Eventually, Zeref found himself on the secluded Tenrou Island which was ironically also the place of Mavis' birth and false gravesite, hoping to stay completely cut off from Humanity.

Lullaby arc
The Dark Guild Eisenwald gained possession of the infamous magical flute Lullaby. Their field leader Erigor explained that Lullaby had apparently once been used for casting Death Curses until Zeref remade it as a "Demon Flute" capable of killing all who listened to its song. Fortunately, a team of wizards from Fairy Tail ruined their plans and defeated the Demon hidden within the flute, leaving it to be taken into custody of the Magic Council located at Era. The Council later discussed the use of such power by Dark Guilds, considering it unacceptable and dangerous.

Galuna Island arc
Gray Fullbuster confronted his old childhood friend Lyon Vastia, who wanted to unfreeze Deliora, the Demon from the Book of Zeref responsible for killing Gray's family including his father Silver Fullbuster and later forcing his and Lyon's former mentor Ur to sacrifice herself by using the Ice Magic technique Iced Shell, which not only froze Deliora in its tracks but also turned Ur herself into the ice used to seal the monstrosity away. Unfortunately, Lyon was robbed of any chance to surpass his teacher by the effects of her ice and the amount of time Deliora had been trapped in it; this had drained its energy enough that it crumbled almost immediately after being unfrozen.

Tower of Heaven arc
A series of Zeref-worshipping cults secretly led by Grimoire Heart from behind the scenes sought to use his old creation the R-System to revive him, unaware the Black Wizard was still alive; after a younger Erza Scarlet helped defeat the people running the remaining R-System, now the inappropriately-named "Tower of Heaven", a younger Jellal Fernandes took over and resumed all work on it permanently after fooling the others into thinking Erza betrayed them. However, it turned out Jellal was being manipulated by Ultear Milkovich, who he first thought was the "Spirit" of Zeref and had been in the disguise of "Zalty" on Galuna Island.

Tenrou Island arc
On Tenrou Island, Zeref lays peacefully, asleep, on the ground. When night descends, he is attacked by a pack of wolves. Their efforts to kill the black wizard are in vain as he releases a wave of his Death Magic, killing not only the wolves but much of the surrounding ecosystem. Zeref then apologized and wallowed in misery, wishing to meet Natsu soon. Later, Carla had a vision and saw that Zeref would somehow be involved in Fairy Tail's S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial. During the trial, he ran into Elfman Strauss and Evergreen, warning them to stay away from him as his Magic was beginning to run rampant. However, when it was released Natsu arrived and saved his comrades from the deathly black wave. Zeref was shocked to see Natsu, saying that he had "grown" but Natsu said that he didn't recognize him. When he told the Fairy Tail Wizards he had been expecting Natsu, Natsu misinterpreted the statement as a challenge and rushed towards Zeref, landing a fierce blow to his face. Zeref was unfazed by the punch and stood up, disappointed in Natsu for not being ready to kill him causing him to shed tears of frustration. Zeref then unintentionally released another wave of Death Magic but Natsu's scarf absorbed the blast, saving the lives of everyone present. Zeref then proceeded to make his escape but Grimoire Heart was alerted to his presence and sought to hunt him down. Zeref later rested next to a tree and claimed that the world continued to reject him before crying once more. Later, Zeref was said to be in a "state of slumber". Shortly thereafter, the battle between Fairy Tail and Grimoire Heart officially began causing Zeref to wonder if another war was going to take place.

He then crossed paths with Ultear and commented how sad it was for Grimoire Heart to have angered him. After Zeref asks Ultear if it is power they want, Ultear claims that she wants his entire existence, but Zeref states that he has no intention of assisting them or having anything to do with those in the current era, and that he doesn't want to witness wars or the death of innocent people. Zeref then tells Ultear to stop the attack and leave the island at once, repeating that he is angry, visibly terrifying her with his power. Rustyrose states to Elfman and Evergreen that when they acquire Zeref the current Magic world will end and a new one will begin, a Grand Magic World where those that don't possess Magic Power will suffer and die; the other Grimoire Heart members say similar things. Zeref himself, however, is powerless against Ultear in his "sleeping" state and is defeated by her, being warned to not underestimate her as she is the eldest of the Seven Kin of Purgatory. Ultear then says that they have the key which will awaken him; Zeref begs Ultear to stop, but she ignores him and revels in her victory. As Zeref lies unconscious, Ultear holds onto him tightly, stating that he now belongs to her and that he will become the King of the Ultimate Magic World.

While unconscious, he was seen being dragged around by Ultear and later by Meredy, who ended up heading to the "escape point". While on their way there, they were chased by a persistent Juvia Lockser, who received orders from Gray to keep track of Zeref. The trio was later confronted by Zancrow, who attacked the two girls and tried to take Zeref back to the airship. At this point Zeref stirred, speaking one thing: the name of Acnologia and he briefly awakened. Zeref and Zancrow then locked eyes and Zeref released a wave of Magic directly at the Grimoire Heart Wizard, instantly killing him and knocking out Meredy and Juvia.

After Zeref cast his spell, he regained control of himself and apologized to Zancrow for having killed him, closing his former fellow Black Wizard's eyelids in sorrow. He expressed his relief that both Meredy and Juvia survived and then walked away. As he walked, he stated that he had no reason to come to this era and that, to anyone he was neither an enemy nor and ally. Zeref then added that if the current era was about to end, he might awaken once more and wished for Natsu to kill him before that occurred.

At the end of the war, an enraged Zeref snuck aboard the Grimoire Heart airship and confronted the remainder of the Seven Kin of Purgatory, including their Guild Master Hades about the horrors they brought upon the world. While there, Zeref revealed he was never "asleep", but rather "awake". He also revealed that when he understood the weight of human life his cursed body will eliminate his surroundings; but when he forgets about it, he is able to fully control his Death Magic. He blamed Grimoire Heart for the summoning of Acnologia, claiming that it will now end the current era. He then told the group to repent for their unforgivable sins and cast the Death Pillar on Hades. The power of the Spell caused further damage to the airship and slayed him, sending him plummeting to the sea. Zeref then sensed something and wondered if it was Acnologia. While looking down at Tenrou Island, he pondered if it was time for the island's destruction as an enormous winged beast emerges from the clouds.

After Acnologia started destroying Tenrou Island and attacking the Fairy Tail members, Zeref sensed the Dragon Slayer Wendy Marvell's attempts at communicating with the Dragon. Zeref stated Acnologia saw Humans as little more than insects and added that no dominant being would bother communicating with lesser lifeforms. Zeref then realized that Mankind would once again be embarking on a long arduous journey and bade Natsu farewell. As the airship continued to fly onward, Zeref witnessed Acnologia seemingly destroying Tenrou Island and shut his eyes, tearfully stating that Natsu's journey ended.

Grand Magic Games arc
Zeref was stated to still be at large with the Magic Council trying unsuccessfully to track him and Acnologia down. He was later mentioned by Colonel Arcadios, who claimed Zeref was the one responsible for turning Acnologia into a Dragon. Arcadios said he was preparing something called the Eclipse Project which required Yukino Agria and Lucy Heartfilia's Golden Zodiac Keys; he intended to use Lucy and Yukino's Celestial Magic to travel back in time and kill Zeref before he could transform Acnologia into a Dragon and become immortal, also preventing an alternate future in which Dragons conquered Earth Land and slaughtered most of humanity. However, due to the efforts of the Rogue Cheney from seven years later when he approached Princess Hisui E. Fiore and her father King Toma, the Eclipse Project instead opened up a gateway to the past when Zeref was first due to become immortal and Dragons still ruled the Magic World, allowing the future Rogue to use his Dragon Tamer Magic to control the Dragons that came through the gate after killing the Lucy Heartfilia hailing from the same time period who had approached Arcadios earlier. Thanks to the research of the present Lucy's Celestial Spirit Crux, it turned out that the Eclipse Gate was powered using a combination of Zeref's Black Magic and the Magic of Celestial Spirits and their Wizards. Due to the disastrous implications of this turn of events Magic Council member Doranbolt (previously known as Mest Gryder while in the ranks of Fairy Tail) used his Memory Magic to wipe his cohorts' knowledge of the Dragon assault on the royal capital of Crocus and later scolded the royal family, telling them to never speak of the Eclipse Project to the public lest they face dethronement.

As Fairy Tail celebrated their victory in the Grand Magic Games after returning to Magnolia, Zeref sat deep in thought in a nearby forest; former Raven Tail member Obra ran up his shoulder. Zeref then sensed Mavis behind him and stated that even though he could not see nor hear her, he could sense her presence and imagine the look on her face. With a cold, harsh smirk on his own, Zeref repeated Mavis' statement that they were close to one another seven years ago and answered that he decided on where he was going to die when she asked him about it. Zeref stated that he had lived for centuries and seen the rises and falls of different times and cycles of hatred continuing to fuel new evils and conflicts between people but added he was looking forward to the new age that would end all of it.

With his attitude growing more solemn by the minute, Zeref looked down and asked Mavis how many times people repeated the mistakes of the past but was told despite their flaws Humanity would continue to live on. Zeref countered this statement by explaining that if Humans continued to repeat mistakes then they weren't really living and he was no longer anything Humankind could come to love. Now removing himself from the ground, Zeref told Mavis he reached a conclusion about Humanity: if the world continued to reject him, then he should return the favor; Mavis said that Fairy Tail would be its salvation. Bowing his head, the Black Wizard stated to the First Guild Master it would be his own gift to Humanity, thereby allowing them to start anew. Zeref then said he would not start a war but rather simply a one-sided annihilation of Humanity which no Human Soul survived, earning him a glare from Mavis who told him that Fairy Tail would stop him and he would be the one destroyed. Eradicating the forest with his Magic, Zeref smiled and internally concluded that his and Natsu's final battle was drawing near.

Tartaros arc
Zeref later appears at Tartaros' headquarters. As Natsu is cleaning out the troops of Tartaros, his enemies are suddenly stopped in midair and Natsu finds himself standing in front of Zeref. The black wizard smiles, noting that he expected Natsu to come this far and then states that Tartaros was his "library": where all of his "books" resided. Zeref continues by explaining that he wasn't the one to establish Tartaros, but was rather a Guild made by the Demons that he created, namely their First and Founding Guild Master E.N.D. Natsu catches on to the name of the Demon, noting it to be the one that Igneel wanted to kill, but Zeref corrects him stating that the Dragon couldn't. Natsu then takes out the Heat Blade, claiming that he will be the one to defeat E.N.D. to inherit his father's will. However, his attack is deflected by the aura surrounding Zeref, cutting the blade in half. Zeref then encourages Natsu, however, he also warns him that E.N.D. is the strongest Demon he created and that he, too, will face the decision of whether to let the Demon live or to kill it. The black wizard gets ready to leave, leading Natsu to protest. Zeref explains that he cannot show himself in front of Tartaros as they have gone through so much trouble to find him; just appearing would be a "killjoy". Bidding farewell, Zeref notes that only Natsu or E.N.D. will be able to destroy him, vanishing shortly afterward.

Sometime later, he retrieved the book of E.N.D. right out of Gray's hand, while the Ice Demon Slayer Wizard and Natsu were arguing about destroying E.N.D., claiming that it is very important to him. Zeref praised Mard Geer Tartaros for his attempt to revive E.N.D. But when Mard states that he can realize what the Dark Mage wished for, Zeref turned Mard into a book and burns it. Zeref then tells Natsu that he wanted to finish their fight today, but can't since Acnologia was in the way. Before vanishing with the book of E.N.D. in his hand, he warns Natsu that if he can survive this desperate situation, he will give him even more despair. Later, in a dark room, Zeref remarks that Natsu has to try and overtake him, calling the Dragon Slayer "Etherious Natsu Dragneel".

Avatar arc
Zeref, with E.N.D.'s book beside him, wakes up from a dream about his time in the Mildian Magic Academy and addresses the book as Natsu, explaining that the once had a younger brother that died several years after birth, which resulted in him beginning his research into the connection between life, death and Magic. He then begins to reminisce about his creation of the R-System and the Eclipse Gate, both of which ultimately lead to his expulsion from the Academy and obtaining of the Curse of Contradiction from the Mildian deity Ankhseram, which killed his fellow students and teachers. Zeref continues to monologue, citing his immortality as being his key to continuing his research, which ultimately led to the creation of the Etherious in the hopes that they would be able to end him, and the revival of his dead brother Natsu as an Etherious. Zeref then ceases talking with Natsu's tome, citing that he must go meet "someone".

Zeref then traveled some distance, ending up near a cave in a remote mountain range where he greeted a cloaked Human figure sitting on a rock, assuming the Human appearance was his preferred form before sarcastically asking if his severed arm was healing and addressing the man as Acnologia. Zeref was immediately questioned by the Dragon King as to what he wanted and Zeref noted Acnologia craved destruction but caused very little of it, citing he could rule the whole world if he wanted to but did not, calling his motives unclear. Zeref then told Acnologia he would not side with or against him, but would rather simply kill him alongside everyone else and pondered that he had been waiting for someone to give him a true challenge; Zeref said he would be the challenger he desired provided he wait patiently for the impending clash between Humanity, Dragonkind and immortals which caused Acnologia to smile.

Alvarez Empire arc
Zeref returns to Alvarez Empire after a year of absence, cheered by his subjects coming out to meet him. As he approached Makarov Dreyar and Yazir, the latter notes his youth as being "envious", while the former is visibly shocked by him being the Emperor Spriggan of Alvarez.

He is greeted by Invel Yura and asks him to gather the rest of the Spriggan 12. As they converse, Dimaria Yesta and Ajeel Ramal appear and Invel chastises them for the manner in which they speak to Zeref. At that moment, August walks in asking Zeref about Ragnarok, to which Zeref replies that Ragnarok is called the Dragon King Festival in Ishgar. Yajeel then enters the palace and greets the Emperor, but backs away as he remembers the effects of Zeref's curse. He introduces Makarov to him and says that he is seeking an audience with the emperor. Makarov and Zeref then converse privately about the Dragon King Festival, Fairy Heart and the Alvarez Empire's origin. Afterward, Zeref subdued an angry Makarov before noting he was grateful to him, thanking Makarov for raising Natsu and prepared to kill him, but at that moment Mest appeared and teleported himself and a critically-injured Makarov away. Through this, Zeref learned of Natsu's presence in Alakitasia and smiled.

Zeref is later seen at a meeting with the Spriggan 12 where he states that the time has finally come to begin the invasion of Ishgar. He proceeds to ask if God Serena has any objections, to which the former Wizard Saint replies that he has none. Wall Eehto then reproaches Zeref for his selfish motive of trying to recover his former lover's body, but is told that Fairy Heart is a Magic and that Zeref's main motive is the annihilation of Ishgar. Ajeel then says that Zeref should leave the mission to him, however Zeref declines and states that he can't just leave it to Ajeel alone. Zeref continues and says it has more meaning to go on an all-out offensive with all their armies. Zeref ends by stating that the Dragon King Festival Begins and gives this Spriggan 12 the order to begin advancing their troops. Later, as Zeref marches with his troops towards Magnolia, Invel informs him that the two Spriggan in charge of the first assault, Ajeel and Brandish μ have both been eliminated. Zeref, still smiling, says that it is to expected and that he would be disappointed if Mavis and her guild couldn't at least manage to handle such an attack. While Yajeel grieved over his grandson Ajeel's supposed death and Invel remarked that not just one, but two Spriggan Shields were killed Zeref shut them off, telling the two that neither Brandish nor Ajeel were actually dead and therein lied the enemy's weaknesses. Eventually, Invel makes Zeref aware of the fact that Natsu is heading straight for their location, causing the Black Mage to grin in a vicious manner. Zeref watches as the Fire Dragon Slayer takes out a portion of his army before warping into the fray himself to face the Fairy Tail Wizard.

As the brothers stare each other down, Zeref tells Invel to have the army retreat several kilometers to the west, as he is the only one that can deal with Natsu, something to which Invel complies. He then taunts Natsu very briefly, but expresses shock upon seeing a draconian tattoo on Natsu's right arm; after sensing the Magic Power and heat created from the tattoo, Zeref is repeatedly beaten around by Natsu, even having his very Magic burned away by the other Dragneel's fire. Zeref, however, manages to find an opening and the fight momentarily becomes equal, until Zeref learns from Natsu that the power he has is the finite remainder of Igneel's Magic Power left inside him. Understanding that the power comes from the dead, and that such a power may truly be able to kill him, Zeref thanks those who helped him get to where he is today as Natsu enters Fire Dragon King Mode and unleashes what he hopes to be the final blow.

Zeref ultimately survives the blast, albeit heavily wounded and praises Natsu for having attained the strength to kill him. Before he dies, Zeref resolves to tell his foe everything, and finally reveals that he is Natsu's older brother to the latter's shock. Zeref goes on by revealing that Natsu and their parents died 400 years ago during a Dragon attack, resulting in Zeref creating the Etherious and succeeding in reviving his dead younger brother as E.N.D. Hearing that Natsu doesn't believe anything he is saying, rebutting Zeref's claims with statements he has heard elsewhere, Zeref reveals that Igneel couldn't kill Natsu because he loved him too much, and that Mard Geer was the one who created Tartaros after finding E.N.D.'s tome by accident, using the book as a rallying point to unify the Etherious under a common cause, though he does cite Natsu as an unintended assistant in the creation of Tartaros. When Natsu still doesn't believe, Zeref shoots a hole through E.N.D.'s tome to inflict pain unto Natsu, thus proving their link and his story.

Citing that Natsu was hard to handle initially, Zeref explains that Igneel was a friend of his and resolved to take Natsu under his wing and teach him Dragon Slayer Magic, as well as groom him and use him to travel 400 years to the future (via the Eclipse Gate) by hiding inside Natsu's body to recover enough Ethernano to kill Acnologia. Zeref continues on, revealing that four other pacifistic Dragons contributed to the plan and that five orphans were selected, them being Natsu, Gajeel, Wendy, Sting and Rogue and that they are all children from 400 years ago who were sent through the Eclipse Gate, which was opened by the Celestial Spirit Mages Anna (of the past) and Layla Heartfilia (of the future). It is then that Zeref tells Natsu that July 7, X777 wasn't the day Igneel and the other Dragons disappeared, it was really the day they all arrived in the future. He then expresses his sorrow, however, at the pain he had to go through while waiting for the 400 years to pass so he could see Natsu again. Zeref is then approached for the kill by an irritated Natsu but says that when he dies, Natsu will die too, for he is his creation. Natsu voices his lack of care for his death as Zeref remarks this is his only chance to stop him but the dragon slayer is stopped by Happy and whisked away back to the guild. With Natsu now gone and Igneel's power faded, Zeref tearfully states that Natsu has lost his one and only chance to kill him, and bids his brother farewell.

His brother now gone, Zeref is approached by Invel as his wounds instantly heal and he exclaims that no one can stop him and he has any reason to hesitate. After declaring for Invel to get their troops moving again, he tells his chief of staff to produce him clothes more fitting for an emperor. In his new outfit, Zeref receives a report regarding the standing of their army. Hearing that 5 of the Spriggan 12 have been defeated, Zeref only smirks knowing one of them was Acnologia's doing, before threatening to crush Natsu and Mavis. As he and his army start marching towards Fairy Tail Guild, he soon notices the change in the quality of the land's Magic and correctly pinpoints the reason for that to be Irene Belserion, worried about her intentions.

As light covers all of Fiore, he is shocked about the spell being cast called Universe One, a magic that causes all of Fiore to be reconstructed with the intention to put him near the Fairy Heart, as he explains to Mavis after she finds him sitting in an empty guild hall. He then notes it's been 100 years since they have met like this, however, before their discussion can continue Mavis's body is frozen by Invel. After Zeref expresses his disagreement, Invel then decides to control Mavis mind instead. Zeref then takes her to show her guild's predicament: His army and the Spriggan 12 themselves, their Emperor wondering if Mavis' comrades can break through. Having noticed the 12 great Magic, Zeref points out Larcade Dragneel to be his trump card against Acnologia and proceeds to ask Irene to take Fairy Heart from Mavis, praising her ability in this kind of Magic. Wondering if Fairy Tail dares to approach this impenetrable battle formation, Zeref promises no tomorrow to his enemies.

As the war rages on, Zeref watches Irene attempt to remove Fairy Heart asking how long it will take as he expresses distaste at seeing her in such a state. Irene tells him that if wishes to defeat Acnologia he would need to rid himself of that soft nature to which he agrees and walks before briefly staring at Mavis. He later looks out the window noticing the blizzard caused by Invel.

He soon returns to tell Irene to briefly stop the extraction so he could speak to Mavis one last time though Irene tells him it is a foolish decision he stands by it. However, it turns out this was an illusion created by Mavis's magic as the real Zeref shows up to tell Irene this. It is too late as it Mavis created an illusion of herself as well to escape and Zeref remarks on how proficient she is and orders Irene to go after her which the latter gladly obliges to.

After Makarov's casting of Fairy Law eradicates half his troops, Zeref asks Irene the status of the remnants which Irene states while the Spriggan 12 were unaffected, their troops' numbers have been reduced to seventy and eighty percent. Zeref praises Makarov for his use of the spell he taught Mavis so many years ago.

Much later, Zeref sits affected by Larcade's magic and sensing that his army is most likely being affected he telepathically contacts Larcade to stop. He later sits solemnly as he senses Larcade's defeat at the hands of Sting.

After Irene's death, Zeref notices a light which indicates the effects of Universe One have worn off and remarks the world is returning to normal. He remains in the guild and is approached by Gray who he admits he is surprised to see as Laxus Dreyar or Jellal were his first guesses and muses an apology to his brother Natsu for what will happen.

Zeref and Gray stare each other down as the black mage immediately identifies Gray as one of Natsu's closest friends and reveals his knowledge of Gray's tragic past. Gray is surprised Zeref knew of him before the latter goes on by revealing he is aware of Lucy, Happy, Erza, Wendy and Gajeel as one must know of their enemy.

Zeref then tells Natsu he is experiencing a new emotion which he can't tell is due to his curse or his own emotion but admits he is enjoying himself. When Natsu is overcome by a sensation, Zeref notices this and is surprised to see it was caused by Larcade who calls out to him. Larcade then tells Zeref that while Natsu is flustered, he should hurry and kill him to be rid of his influence and revels in the chance to kill Natsu but his actions only anger Zeref. Infuriated, Zeref blasts a hole through Larcade telling not to interrupt the fight.

When the wounded Larcade asks why he attacked him while calling him father, Zeref coldly stomps on Larcade's wound stating he has no son and states Larcade is an Etherious who was one of his many attempts at reviving Natsu and since he came out the best he was given the name "Dragneel" as a reward. Zeref then expresses his anger at Larcade for interrupting the fight between him and Natsu as he was finally enjoying himself before he calls Larcade a failure and kicks him away. Natsu tells him to stop as Zeref tells him they should restart their fight. Before they could do so, Larcade writhes on the ground in pain still calling Zeref "Father" as the latter tells Larcade that he is nothing but demon he created from a book. He blasts Larcade once more telling him to get out of his sight, as he slowly dies Larcade calls Zeref "father" before he is disintegrated. Disgusted by this, Natsu asks Zeref how could do so to his own comrade as Zeref states Larcade wasn't his comrade or child before he receives a punch from Natsu for his actions.

Zeref reflects on his past stating that he tried to find happiness but was not allowed to have it as his curse forbids it. This causes Natsu to grab him and yell that he is to make his own happiness in order to have a family. He tells Zeref that if he will claim he doesn't have a family any bond they shared was gone before finally acknowledging and referring to Zeref as his older brother. Slightly speechless at Natsu's words, Zeref shrugs it off by remarking on the possibility of their bond to which Natsu states it is emotion as Zeref agrees calling Natsu E.N.D.

The fight continues with Zeref binding Natsu and revealing his goal of using Mavis's power to harness Neo Eclipse to reset time and undo all his actions which would possibly erase the current world. Mavis steps in and gives Zeref a final chance to stop everything. Zeref grabs Mavis and explains to her and Natsu that he needs the power of Fairy Heart to stop Acnologia from destroying the world and to erase his own mistakes. He states that, if he does not have Fairy Heart, Acnologia will bring ruin to Earth while using Zeref and Mavis as immortal chew-toys for eternity. He begins absorbing the power of Fairy Heart from a screaming Mavis and plans to reset the world back to before he was immortal and undo everything he's done to a point where everyone will be much happier in the new timeline.

Before Mavis passes out, she reminds him that this is the world where they met and his victory means that they will never know each other. Zeref agrees and says that it will be his one and only regret in the new world before dropping her to the ground and stating that he has cut off any lingering affection for her. Enraged, Natsu runs to Mavis but Zeref tells him that she is not dead but has lost too much magic and won't be able to stand. Natsu prepares to attack him once again but is stunned by an explosion of light as Zeref finally uses Fairy Heart to become the White Wizard of infinite power.

Natsu resumes his fight with the now-White Wizard, yelling that he will destroy him, however, Zeref reminds him that he failed to do it before. Natsu's final attack destroys Zeref's body and obliterates the Guild Hall, and he apologizes to Makarov for destroying it again, but Zeref rewinds time and repairs himself easily, and he ends the fight by punching a hole through Natsu's chest. As he let Natsu fall, he said he needn't apologize to Makarov, who he stated was already dead and bade Natsu farewell.

Zeref opens the Ravines of Time in the door of Fairy Tail and smiles he prepares to leave an unconscious Mavis and a dying Natsu behind once and for all by crossing through the Neo-Eclipse door, until Natsu's injuries heal thanks to Lucy rewriting the book of E.N.D. and he takes on a surprised Zeref one final time, this time evenly matching the power of Fairy Heart. Mavis regains consciousness and tries to sit up as she watches the finale unfold.

Eventually, Natsu begins far surpassing Zeref at long last and his arm starts burning up as he delivers one final incredible strike to the White Wizard. Zeref realizes that Natsu is powered by the flames of his own wild emotions for everyone in his Guild family and is sent crashing into the floor.

Zeref tries to stand and realizes that for the first time in his entire existence, even though he still has Fairy Heart his body cannot move an inch. He feels disbelief that he may truly be dying and reasons with himself that this doesn't necessarily mean death for him, and he will surely recover in a little while.

However, his hair returns from white to black and Fairy Heart's power presumably leaves him. Mavis finally stands up and Natsu asks her to finish it for him, and she agrees. Natsu says that he's tired and he wants to see the faces of Happy and the others soon before leaving Zeref with "Later, Big Bro" and walking off.

Zeref is left lying immobile on the floor and says Mavis' name as she walks over and looks down upon him. He expresses his amazement at how he cannot move and actually lost to Natsu but says that it doesn't matter as he will regenerate in a few minutes. Mavis says that she feels both hate and love for him and, that the same time she wants to erase him from the world, she also doesn't want to. He taught her and her friends magic and was indirectly responsible for the formation of Fairy Tail. However, he's also caused suffering in everyone and supposedly even got Makarov killed.

Mavis realizes that her "death" happened because she didn't believe the love they shared, and it backfired on her. Now that she does believe in it, she screams again that she hates him (he only smiles and agrees that she should) and wants him gone but at the same time loves him and wants to be with him forever. Zeref thanks Mavis for granting him one final understanding - that Love can overcome the Curse of Contradictions entirely.

At last, she kisses him, he returns it, and both finally lose their immortality. A white beam of light absorbs both of them and begins to transport them to the afterlife. At first, Zeref is upset that she is coming with him but realizes that it is her wish for them to leave together. With the Ankhseram Curse erased for good, the Black Wizard and the First Guild Master of Fairy Tail both disappeared into the light. After Zeref and Mavis disappeared the only thing remaining was Zeref's pendant containing the picture of Natsu and himself.

As a result of his death, Natsu seemingly disappeared as well due to the link between him and Zeref. Unfortunately, Natsu turned out to still be alive as he, along with the other remaining Dragon Slayers were taken by an empowered Acnologia into his domain of time while the dragon's body, separated from his soul remained in the real world causing havoc but also freeing a weakened Anna and Ichiya from the time domain.

After the final battle against Acnologia is over both Zeref and Mavis are reincarnated as regular civilians, a reporter and writer named Arios and Mio attending a celebration party of Lucy's book award while befriending and dating each other, also wanting to get Lucy's autograph at the same time.

Powers and Abilities

 * Black Arts (黒い魔法, Kuroi Mahō): Zeref was able to master all forms of Black Magic Power at a very early age and brought countless Demons and monsters to life. His Magic Power was so enormous that he could not consciously control it at all times, though whether this was always the case remains unknown. Zeref's lack of control over his abilities seemed to come from his emotional state; he stated that when he cared about the lives of others or the world around him his Magic became uncontrollable and randomly burst outward usually killing, if not severely injuring all around him but when he no longer cared about anything, he gained complete control over his Magic and projected an image of the ruthless and cold-hearted Zeref spoken of in legend.
 * Tower of Heaven (楽園の塔, Rakuen no Tō): Also more appropriately known as the R-System or Revive-System, Zeref sought to use it to bring Natsu back at first but was forced to abandon the idea at the request of the Academy's faculty due to the requirement of sheer Magic Power and human sacrifices needed to revive any single being. Unfortunately, a series of cults led by Grimoire Heart worshiping his name took Zeref's creation and used slave labor to construct more than one with the intent of reviving the Black Wizard, who they thought was deceased at the time; thankfully, the last one in existence was destroyed by the efforts of a small group of Fairy Tail Wizards.
 * Eclipse (エクリプス, Ekuripusu): This was a Magic device in the form of a giant gate that utilized Time Magic created by combining Celestial Magic with the Book of Zeref's Black Magic to travel through the Gate to any time period possible, though this also required a large amount of Magic Power to function and could be forced closed by sufficient Celestial Magic. The seven year-future's Rogue would have this reconstructed from Magic Power-resistant Magitanium alloy and activated under a blood-red full moon to bring forth an armada of Dragons 10,000 strong from over 400 years in the past to destroy the world and kill Acnologia. However, this was destroyed by the combined might of Natsu and Atlas Flame after knocking both Rogue and Motherglare into it, sending everything that had traveled to the present back to their own respective timelines.
 * Ankhseram Black Magic (アンクセラムの黒魔法, Ankuseramu no Kuro Mahō): It was a Black Art that allowed Zeref to kill any living thing he desired. This Magic seemed to be uncontrollable at times causing it to come forth randomly and kill anything within a certain radius. However, when Zeref forgot the value of and no longer cared about life in general he could fully control this Magic. Certain Magic Items could protect people from the effects of Ankhseram's power such as Natsu's scarf, though it turned this particular object completely black after being absorbed, much to the Dragon Slayer's dismay. This Magic also appeared, contrary to other forms of Magic Power unable to be learned as Zeref only gained this Death Magic and possible form of Curse Magic (呪いの魔法 Noroi no Mahō) by upsetting the God Ankhseram, who bestowed these Powers upon Zeref due to his making light of the Magic connections between life, death and people in his race to bring his brother back. The only known side effects of this Magic were immortality, the inability to physically age or die and the user normally producing waves of darkness that killed everything around them depending on their emotional state.
 * Immortality: Approximately 400 years ago, Zeref successfully attained immortality which was a byproduct of him being cursed by the Black Magic of the God Ankhseram. In addition, he was also physically unaging.
 * High-Speed Regeneration: Owing to his status as an immortal, if Zeref had gone at least a short amount of time with receiving damage occurring in successive intervals his wounds healed without a trace.
 * Immense Durability: Zeref was extraordinarily physically durable and resilient, partially due to his immortality as he was able to take a direct punch from Natsu and return to his feet completely unfazed. In his altercations with Natsu, none of Natsu's attacks, while damaging him were able to cause him pain and only when using Igneel's Power was Natsu able to do so. Even then, Natsu needed to put all of his own Power behind himself and Zeref still survived.
 * Death Predation: Use of this Spell created a dark wave that killed everything in the user's immediate vicinity.
 * Death Orb: A Spell that destroyed everything in its path.
 * Death Pillar: Zeref swiped both of his arms in a circular motion until the bottom of his hands met. The hand on top had the index and middle fingers pointing upwards while the other hand had the little and index fingers pointing downwards. While doing this, he was surrounded by a dark wind-like aura. This Spell created a huge vertical explosion and its blast radius was seemingly controllable. It was used to kill Master Precht, then known as Master Hades.
 * Stygian Blast Circle: Zeref gathered flame-like dark matter in his palm and struck his target with a powerful attack.
 * Restriction Orb Magic: Zeref was able to use an unknown Black Art to encase an individual in an orb of Magic Energy. It was easily potent enough to render Master Makarov, one of the most powerful Wizards recognized as a member of the Ten Wizard Saints on the continent of Ishgar completely helpless.
 * Black Tendrils: Zeref was able to emit black tendrils of darkness which were strong enough to keep Natsu at bay for a prolonged period of time.
 * Immobilization Magic: A Black Art of Zeref's that allowed him to freeze time for all except those he specifically chose to remain mobile. After casting this Magic, the surrounding area and all those affected by the Magic appeared inverted in color whilst those unaffected remain as they are.
 * Law (ロウ, Rō): Although he was never shown to use it, Zeref was the one who taught this supreme type of Black Magic to Mavis in order for her to be able to fight. Unfortunately, the use of this Magic (which became a precursor to the Spells Fairy Law and Grimoire Law) caused Mavis to share Zeref's virtual immortality; it should be noted the circumstances were due to Mavis's haste in preparation for Casting it at such an early point just after learning it.
 * Living Magic (生活魔法, Seikatsu Mahō): Zeref was capable of using this ancient, long-forgotten form of Lost Magic that breathed life into an object. Some of Zeref's creations were sentient and sought to further his former, as-of-yet unknown evil desires. As he was their creator, Zeref could kill any of them apart from E.N.D. as E.N.D. was made specifically to kill him instead. His Demons were said to have come from the Books of Zeref, his library of works in Black Magic.
 * Deliora (デリオラ, Deriora): One of Zeref's (possibly earlier) creations, Deliora was a monstrous Demon that attacked icy villages in the North, killing many people including Silver and leaving his near-infant son Gray orphaned. Deliora was then imprisoned in a block of ice by the Ice wizard, Ultear's mother and Gray's mentor Ur, though virtually at the cost of her own life due to her use of Iced Shell, an Ice Magic Spell that turned the caster themselves into ice. Lyon, one of Ur's former students and Gray's former childhood friend tried to unfreeze it so he could kill the Demon for good himself and surpass his late teacher; however, after years of being imprisoned in Ur's living ice the Demon's life force was greatly reduced; so much, in fact that it died simply upon being released.
 * Lullaby (ララバイ, Rarabai): An ironically-named flute that transformed into a giant Demon at will. Whoever heard Lullaby's song (aside from the caster) would immediately die. Erigor, supposed leader of the Eisenwald Dark Guild hoped to use it to murder the Legal Guild Masters at one of their meetings. As Kageyama ultimately failed to carry out the mission, Lullaby turned into its true Demon form to feast upon the Souls of those present. However, Natsu, Gray and Erza were able to defeat the Demon flute. It was later confiscated and landed in the Magic Council's possession.
 * E.N.D. (ＥＮＤ, イーエヌディー, Ī Enu Dī) or Etherious Natsu Dragneel (エーテリアス・ナツ・ドラグニル, Ēteriasu Natsu Doraguniru): The strongest of the Demons and true Guild Master of Tartaros, originally his younger brother Natsu whom Zeref resurrected and was said to be able to kill the Black Wizard.
 * Nemesis (裏魔法・天罰, ネメシス, Nemishisu): This spell created Demons from rubble and could create an entire army with just a few other random materials. This spell was used by Precht while battling his former Guild Fairy Tail; he learned it from Volume 4, Verse 20 of one of the Books of Zeref.
 * Tartaros (冥府の門, タルタロス, Tarutarosu): It was said by Erik that all of the Dark Guild Tartaros' members were almost solely Demons he created.
 * Mard Geer Tartaros (マルド・ギール・タルタロス, Marudo Gīru Tarutarosu): One of the strongest Demons from the Books of Zeref and co-founder of Tartaros.
 * Bradman (ブラッドマン, Buraddoman): One of the Spriggan 12 who wielded all the Curses possessed by the Nine Demon Gates and their leader Mard Geer.
 * Larcade Dragneel (ラーケイド・ドラグニル, Rākeido Doraguniru): One of the most powerful Demons that was an early "prototype" of E.N.D. and later a member of the Spriggan 12 who held Zeref as his father.
 * Teleportation Magic: Zeref was able to use this Magic, disappearing into a black orb and reappearing elsewhere.
 * Fire Magic (火の魔法, Hi no Mahō): Like his brother, Zeref was shown to be capable of using this type of Magic that allowed him to control and manipulate Fire. He used it to burn Mard Geer's tome.
 * Telepathy (念話 Terepashī): Zeref has shown to be capable of using this Magic, contacting Larcade in order to get him to cease his Power.
 * Enchantment (付加術, Fukajutsu): Zeref was shown to be a very capable Enchanter, being the one who morphed Irene's Dragonized form into the physique of a Human as she, an incredible Enchanter could not even do it herself.
 * Fairy Heart Transformation: Zeref, after activating the Magic of Fairy Heart accessed a Mode that he himself called "surpassing a God of Time and Space". In this form he became fully white overall with an intricate clothing design as well as wings. Due to Fairy Heart's infinite Magic Power he was able to control time and space, as when Natsu blew him back he reformed his being as well as the area that was destroyed with ease.
 * Divine Magic Power: Having completely absorbed the source of unlimited Magic Power, Zeref's power had become so immense that it completely transcended normal Human comprehension to the point of instantly elevating it to a Divinity.
 * Time Magic (時の魔法, Toki no Mahō): After accessing Fairy Heart's power Zeref was said to have control over time, shown by reversing the debris of the destroyed part of the Guild hall when attacked by Natsu.
 * Neo Eclipse (ネオ・エクリプス, Neo Ekuripusu): With the power of Fairy Heart and the Space Between Time, Zeref was able to merge both into one to create this Magic. With it he could relive life again, destroying the current world while a new one replaced it. Neo Eclipse was in the form of a door (walking through it would induce the Magic) as Zeref merged it with Fairy Tail's Guild hall door.
 * Sensory Capabilities: Zeref was able to sense Acnologia approaching Tenrou Island from quite a fair distance as well as talk to Mavis Vermilion despite not being able to see or hear her at the time.
 * Charismatic Disposition:
 * Teaching & Instruction Capabilities: Zeref was shown to be a highly capable Magic instructor, being the one who taught Mavis and Fairy Tail's founding members Precht, Yuri and Warrod Sequen how to first wield Magic, something made more impressive by the high levels of skill and Power these individuals demonstrated later in life.
 * Leadership Capabilities: As showcased during his tenure as the Alvarez Empire's leader, he amassed a large group of devotees whom he all treated as mere pawns so as to not kill them with his Power. Each of his subjects displayed a respect and fear of him, carrying out his orders with little-to-no complaints and mostly putting their absolute trust in him, rarely making the risky choice of questioning his motives.
 * Hand-to-Hand Combat Skills: Zeref proved to be extremely skilled in martial arts as he could easily fight Natsu despite the latter being a proficient fighter himself and was able to gain the upper hand at times, even going as far as to mock his brother for the reduction of Power compared to their previous encounter.
 * Immense Magic Power: Zeref held extreme levels of Magic Power as he was considered to be one of the most powerful Wizards of all time known and feared by all. Zeref's Magic could be exerted into a purple or black aura capable of easily intimidating Grimoire Heart members Precht, Rustyrose and Kain Hikaru, all extremely powerful Wizards in their own rights. As a testament to his Power, he was able to fight evenly against Natsu while using the late Igneel's Power although he was gradually overwhelmed and effortlessly overpowered Makarov, one of the most powerful Wizards from Ishgar and was only prevented from killing him by Mest's interference. According to Jellal, the only known Wizard with power equaling his own was the White Wizard Touka while it seemed that only Acnologia and the Five Dragon Gods held Powers superior to him.

Quotes
"To be quite honest, my indecision is what kept me out of the frame. Should I side with humans to do battle with you or would the opposite better suit my needs? But I've come to the conclusion that the question itself is flawed. After weighing my interests, I am on neither side. Both you and mankind should be wiped out. What do you think? You have been waiting for a serious challenge correct? I am the one who will bring that to you. The world will bare witness a human, a dragon, and a immortal will constitute this final battle."

- Zeref Dragneel meeting with Acnologia.

"Long ago, 400 years to be exact, I witnessed countless human conflicts and the devastation they wrought. But then... one day, as if by a miracle, I learned the true value and glory of life. I gained peace and serenity. However, since that fateful day, the more I valued life, the more this cursed body of mine would steal the souls of those around me. If I'm to stop taking people's souls, I must forget how to appreciate the sanctity of human life. This burden... is a wretched one indeed."

- Zeref Dragneel vaguely explaining his origins to Second Master Precht Gaebolg.

"This shall be my gift to no one, Mavis. A brand new world purified and sweet... (First Master Mavis: I assume that there will be fighting?) Not quite. More like a one-sided annihilation. Not a man, woman or child shall be spared."

- Zeref showing his more wicked side to First Master Mavis Vermilion.

"Close. Spriggan is the name of an ugly little Fairy."

- Zeref to Third and Sixth Master Makarov Dreyar.

"I'm sorry. It's not as though I want to steal anyone's life... but the world rejects me. I want to see you soon, Natsu."

- Zeref to his surroundings.

"I see... so you people are the Apple of Discord here. It's sad, how you've managed to anger me."

- Zeref to Ultear Milkovich.

"(Rustyrose: Who goes there?!) (Kain: Show yourself!) It's people like you who made me what I am today... (Kain and Rustyrose gasp and look on in shock) ...and your wicked thoughts that have summoned Acnologia. (Second Master Precht also shows surprise) This day shall forever mark the end of the current era... it can no longer be stopped. This miserable world will come to an end here and now! (Second Master Precht: Lord Zeref!)"

- Zeref approaching Second Master Precht, Kain Hikaru and Rustyrose.

"(Rustyrose: No! What did you do to our master!?) (Kain: He's... dead as a doornail... oh god.) Death is too good for you... may you suffer in the afterlife!"

- Zeref Dragneel to Second Master Precht after killing him with Kain and Rustyrose commenting as they watch helplessly.

"I've lived for many centuries and watched the rise and fall of different ages. People hate and evil causes conflict, but I'm looking forward to a new age that will purify all of this. How many times has this happened...where people make the same mistakes over and over again?"

- Zeref to First Master Mavis.

"If this world continues to reject me, then I shall reject the world."

- Zeref to First Master Mavis.

"The real Dragon King Festival is about to start. Black Wizard, the Dragon King, and you humans. It is time to decide who will survive."

- Zeref to Third and Sixth Master Makarov.

"My name is Zeref Dragneel. I am your older brother. Natsu."

- Zeref to Natsu Dragneel in their first real fight.

"Could this too be caused by the curse of contradictions...? Or is it my own emotions? I'm not entirely sure."

- Zeref to Natsu.

"All my doubts have been cleared. Natsu... Mavis... I'll paint over your very existence with the darkest of black!"

- Zeref during the Alvarez Empire's invasion of Fiore.

"This belongs to me. I'll be taking it back, now. It's really important, you know."

- Zeref reclaiming the book of E.N.D. from Gray Fullbuster.

"You don't need to apologize to Makarov. He's already dead. I hope you two meet in heaven. Goodbye, Natsu."

- Zeref to Natsu.

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