User blog comment:IamJakuhoRaikoben/Chapter 464: Natsu vs Zeref, Review./@comment-24546844-20151130220956/@comment-4829046-20151201103331

"I'd rather she be related to Acnologia and the dragons instead of Zeref."

Well, Zeref is connected to Acno and the Dragons so technically it fits. I'm positive that the END plot is the biggest factor of the series right now since it was indeed what brought the Dragons back. And if you think about it, none of the major events of the main story-line are separate. It started off with Ultear playing a part in most of the early arcs and then that was tied to Grimoire Heart and since Brain was responsible for Ultear's descent and also recruited people from Tower of Heaven, the OS were linked as well. Throw in the fact that GH and Tartaros were both gunning for Zeref(for different reasons but still), and we got the whole Balam Alliance interconnected by the plot rather than just political factors. The GMG connected Acno to Zeref and also showed that Zeref was the one who first came up with the technology and was observing the whole thing as well. It was those events that made him decide to start his annihilation and he was eagerly waiting for the moment to take the book of END during Tartaros arc which is likely necessary for his plans with Lumen Histoire. It goes full circle now that all the mysteries of the series are connected in a huge way in this climactic arc.

Also, Layla being involved was hinted from early on the moment the 777x was mentioned. No author makes such a point unless it is plot-related so I can't really feel anything but relief now that the cards are finally on the table. I can only be hyped since this is what fans have been speculating about for years.