Bait and switch at it's finest. I thought Zeref and Acnologia weren't going to be the manga's final enemies,but still,to Zeref being taken out just like this. Mashima outdid himself here.
Not that I am complaining. Zeref was taken out by Ultear before,so despite all his power,he probably can`t tank much damage. I knew there was a link between Zeref and Layla. What`s most intriguing is that Zeref thanked Layla before thanking Mavis. It confirms they are acquaintances,what Brandish implied when she confirmed she knew her.
I first thought she was one of the twelve after what Brandish said,considering she had enough magic power to easily summon three spirits. Now,I am not so sure. I don`t think she was his lover,either. She was probably a partner or something.
An undying power vs an Immortal. If Zeref is so sure its contradictory enough to kill him,I fail to see him surviving.
Still,Igneel is dead,Zeref dead,Layla is dead,supposedly. Who the hell will inform fairy tail and us,the viewers and readers,about the events in 400 hundred years ago? Plus,who will replace Zeref as Albareth`s emperor,I wonder...