After Gray and Erza explain the reasons for their espionage to their friends, including Gray's extended absence from Juvia, the five wizards intercept Avatar's entire congregation at the town of Malva to keep the cultists from massacring its citizens. Lucy, Gray and Erza each demonstrate their own improved magical skills by overpowering many of Avatar's soldiers and elites, while Wendy and Carla return to assist their friends, reuniting a healed Juvia with Gray as well. Natsu eventually reaches Avatar's high priest and leader, Arlock, who has anticipated these events and says that the "purification" ritual will begin with the arrival of a being called Ikusatsunagi.