Three days one to go. But first, an explaination. And some unfamiliar faces... Reviews and constructive criticism is welcome. Enjoy!
Chapter 35: A Threat
"The third day of the Trial Of Magic is over. Those going through are "Salamander" Natsu, "Meteor" Jellal, "Titānia" Erza, "Taker" Rider, "Black Steel" Gajeel, "Lightning" Laxus, "Mixed" Todoroki, "Shadow" Rogue, "Champion" Zarya, "Little Knight" Erika, "The Strongest" Elemental and "Mountain" Blackward!" Lola yelled to everyone. "That leaves only Sting, Gray, Juvia, Sho-Ju, Minerva, Ichiya, Sherria and Ghost fighting for the final four spots in the tournament. However, before tomorrow's final fights, Mest and Yajima will help us break down both Rider's and Blackward's magic to see how they'll fair in the upcoming fights. Mest, if you would."
"I'd like to break down Rider. He's someone... scary. I have heard whispers of his power, again, up north he's very famous, but I never knew the full extent of what he could accomplish. Now, as for his magic, Grasp, it's obviously very effective. He did take my magic during the fight, which left me feeling a lot weaker than normal. However, once he stopped using my magic, it's like it returned and restored that weakness. Obviously taking from many mages is a dangerous power, but, I did notice he never took from Mira. Her being an S-Class mage in the strongest guild means he probably should've taken her magic along with Erza's and Laxus'. Maybe that's just me, but I think he can't take magic from those he's in combat with. Of course, with over a thousand mages in the stands and the city or Crocus alone, I don't think that'll be an issue for Rider."
"Interesting, but it's also good to know you feel back at full strength. Now Yajima, what do you have to say about Blackward?"
"Honestly, I don't have much, if anything. According to him, we haven't even seen him use any form of magic. His armour prevented Ren from landing physical attacks, and he shook off magical attacks like it was nothing. All we've seen is him move very quickly to get behind Ren in an instant, delivering a powerful blow. I don't even believe that speed magic is his magic, just that he's very fast."
"That leaves us with how they'll fair against others. Rider is obviously looking to be one of the top fighters here, his magic being incredibly versatile, and him changing battle tactics in literally seconds. Blackward is the dark horse here, with no one actually knowing what he would be able to accomplish in the tournament. He could be really weak and Ren just got unlucky. Time will tell." Like smiled. "Everyone, the third day of the tournament is over, thank you for joining us.
"Have you heard?" She asked the man as she approached.
"What is it?" He groaned, turning to look at her.
"Some sort of tournament going on in Ishgar."
"And I care because?"
"Because the winner would claim the title of strongest mage."
"Which is a load of crap." The man yawned, running a hand through is messy, brown hair. "Ishgar's strongest mage is here in Alvarez. And anyway, I doubt God Serena would appreciate someone else taking his title. He'd kill them in seconds."
"Not that point Ajeel." The woman muttered. "More of the fact that I want a tournament too."
"Really. Brandish, you can't be serious. We don't hold tournaments here. It'll be boring to watch."
"We wouldn't watch it, we'd join in, stupid." Brandish sighed. "A tournament between the twelve, not random people in the country."
"You really want a tournament? Emperor Spriggan is planning something big and you want to mess around?"
"Emperor Spriggan is in Ishgar at the moment, in contact with a few followers of his. He won't be back for a while."
Ajeel shrugged. "Still, we need to prepare that revival thing in case his plan does work. We could do it without him, but I still respect his leadership."
"Fine... whatever..." Brandish grumbled, turning and walking away. "Just wanted some fun."
"Have you heard from anyone else recently?" Ajeel called to her, making her stop.
"Last I checked Wall was roaming the perimeter of the whole empire, August was practising magic and... that's it. I don't know about the rest."
"Why is August practising magic?" Ajeel questioned.
"He likes learning." Brandish guessed.
"He's learnt like, everything. Might as well send him alone to do Emperor Spriggan's plan."
"Don't you want to have some fun?"
"Fun?" Ajeel laughed, almost as if it was a joke. "Fun? You know how boring the whole thing would be. Ishgar is so weak it would be pathetic."
"God Serena is from there and he's on the twelve."
"Yeah but he's number one over there. Number two doesn't even come close to his power. Don't get my hopes up with this whole thing, it's a joke."
"It needs to be done Ajeel. Stop complaining." Brandish walked away again.
"Whatever. I promise Ishgar won't know what hit them."
Alverez have been introduced in the anime, so I'm following suit. Don't get your hopes up just yet though. That was just a teaser. Hopefully you all enjoyed!