Here is the thirty-first chapter of this story released when I wanted it to be in keeping with my self-imposed upload requirements for this series. Finally the day has come, the Grand Magic Games has reached is last event as the Battle Royale, the sole event of the 5th day, is set to begin. It's time to introduce the teams and kick off the climactic end to a Grand Magic Games that will be remembered for years to come. That is all the administrative stuff though and while there were no questions that required answering there was one guest review that requires a response which I will do now. Do keep the reviews coming as I enjoy hearing from those who enjoy my work.
To KGBeastboy (guest), thank you for your review, support and suggestions. I will do my best to answer them but naturally I won't give away any spoilers. The first point will be answered soon enough so you will see if Charmy is in the team or not. The one thing I will say about if Finral and Minerva face off is remember that Langris's Spatial Magic is different to Minerva's. His magic is pure offensive Spatial Magic that he sends out as balls which Finral was able to cancel out with his Fallen Angel's Wingbeat spell whereas Minerva's Spatial Magic is Territory which allows her to switch things within her range, there really isn't a way for Finral to counter that. Langris might with that shield thing he used when possessed and fighting Yami and Jack but I don't see how Finral could cancel her magic. On the consumption of magic, it will be interesting when that happens because I'm sure it will given all that is going to go on in the next several chapters but you will have to wait and see how they find it. Those are interesting spells for Mimosa, I will naturally consider them for when the time comes, all suggestions like that will be useful for sure. As for shipping, I am a staunch Astelle shipper but I do like Mimosa enough to consider her as part of a throuple if it works out in the story but there are a lot of hurdles to clear, least of all Asta's density, before any form of romance can blossom. For me it's more than just Noelle being a great tsundere, it's because of how well the dub does her relationship with Asta and reactions to it but seeing as her VA is married to Asta's in real life that makes sense. Incidentally, while I don't watch subs, I do know that the reason why Alsek and Bisca were married in the manga and had a kid was because their Japanese VAs got married in real life and had a child though they kept it secret from many outside of a few. As for your question, unlike my other two stories in my Black Trio, this one is actually the hardest to achieve that. I do want Asta to get a new sword but based on my interpretation of canon the only way for it to happen is if 1 – the sword is real and not magical and 2 – only via Asta's devil arm as that is when he has enough Anti-Magic to achieve it as Liebe notes that before he took Asta's arm he was only giving him a trickle of power which I interpret as not enough to make a sword or other weapons into an Anti-Magic weapon. Given how Asta got that arm and what was needed for it I just don't see it happening in this story, at least not until the sequel. If I can figure out a way that makes sense I'd probably do it but as of right now I can't so it's unlikely but I have not ruled it out. Do keep reading and enjoying my work.
That is it for the pre-chapter note so it is time to end it so that y'all can sit back and enjoy the thirty-first chapter in Black Bull Banishment.
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to these two great animes.
Chapter 31: Begin the Battle Royale
"This is it folks, the moment that we've all been waiting for is finally at hand!" Chapati said excitedly as fireworks exploded above the Domus Flau Colosseum and the crowd roared in anticipation for what was to come. "After an exciting week filled with shocking upsets, stunning revelations, epic comebacks, and a surprise no one saw coming, along with being filled with magic the likes of which we've never seen before and moments that will be remembered for generations to come it's finally time! It has all been leading up to this very moment when one of the 6 Guilds present is crowned the Number 1 Guild in Fiore when they win the Grand Magic Games!"
At that Chapati paused while the crowd cheered and waved banners for their favorite Guilds. All of the Guilds were represented with supporters as those not on their teams cheered the loudest as the final event, the Battle Royale, was set to start in just a moment.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been my honor to commentate these games with you and so for the last time I welcome my fellow commentator the esteemed Mr. Yajima." Chapati said over the cheers of the crowd. "And thank you for assisting me with your insightful commentary during the games."
"As always it is my pleasure to be here." Mr. Yajima said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how the games will end."
"And for this final event we have a very special guest with us just for it…" Chapati began as the crowd got even more hyped. "You've known and loved him for years but this time we welcome him into the booth with us, presenting the guest commentator for the final event, the official mascot of the Grand Magic Games, Mato!"
"Heya, glad to be here for this." Mato said waving as his image appeared on several lacrima vision screens around the arena. "Pumpkin!"
"Now usually you're down in the thick of it acting as the referee for the events." Chapati said to Mato. "But today is different, isn't it?"
"You're absolutely correct." Mato said his voice as excited as ever. "My presence won't be needed because this final event is an extra special one, after all the final match has to be so let' get things started and bring out all the competitors for it in reverse order of their current standings!"
The crowd cheered at that as the teams waited in their designated or chosen areas to come out and for both the Black Bulls and Fairy Tail they had a little surprise in store with their teams but they were the top two so they'd have to wait until the end to reveal the surprise. They hype was there, the buildup nearing a fever pitch and now the teams would come out and learn how the final event would work.
"First up and currently at the bottom of the standings, it's the Guild that exudes class, beauty, and a parfum that you'll never forget and can't get enough of…" Chapati began as the crowd roared and the Guild Mark formed in the air for all to see. "Helmed by the one and only Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki, it's the elegant Blue Pegasus Guild!"
As Chapati finished speaking there was a blast of pink smoke that filled the area around it with an indescribable scent that would linger for a few hours before Ichiya, the three Trimens, and Jenny were revealed in it as they took poses beneath a magical projection of their Guild Mark. The first substitution for the final event was now clear as between the clear lack of combat skill and the injuries he was still recovering from, Nichiya was out and Jenny was in. Ichiya himself still had his right arm bound after his loss to Asta but he could fight and besides they were only allowed one reserve so he had to regardless.
"They're in last right now but this is the chance for them to turn it all around and inhale the sweet scent of victory!" Mato said as Ichiya struck more poses on the ground. "Best of luck to them."
"In deed and next in 5th place, a bit behind where they would have but as only three points separate our 3rd, 4th, and 5th place Guilds it's more a matter of semantics at this point." Chapati said as there was an explosion of water from the ground in a geyser that burst and rained down over the area of the battlefield as their Guild Mark shone pink in the sky above them. "It's Mermaid Heel!"
"They are a bunch of beautiful ladies but don't get distracted by that aspect of them, they're as deadly as they are attractive." Yajima said as the Mermaid Heel team walked through the rain and revealed that they were not subbing anyone out and thus confirming themselves as the first Guild to not make a single change all Games. "These aren't delicate flowers, boys, and these girls are here to win it all."
"And at the front of them is their calm leader Kagura Mikazuchi who's intensity burns like a raging inferno." Mato said. "A fire that their current standing is only stoking to burn hotter and stronger!"
"No doubt about it." Chapati said. "And now let's hear it for the shocking fourth place team in the Games as no one saw them rank this lowly coming into the final day."
Chapati paused for a moment for added effect as the crowd roared even louder and the Guild in question simply walked out of their entrance to the cheers ignoring the crowd and commentary. All of them fully healed up from the losses they suffered the day before and were now ready to avenge those loses and win it all though this time with even more motivation than before and that was including their losses in that.
"We don't normally see them playing catchup but after several set backs and one shocking upset this could be an end of an era." Chapati said as the Guild walked to a point and stood while their Guild Mark blazed to life above them. "Between the rivalry that their Twin Dragons have with Natsu and Gajeel of Fairy Tail and the bone that Minerva no doubt has to pick with the Black Bulls' Dragon Slayer Noelle Silva they've got a lot to make up from those defeats that they suffered on the fourth day. The defending Grand Magic Games' Champions…Sabertooth!"
As Chapati finished Minerva stood with the four men of her team on either side of her on battlefield as the crowd continued to cheer for them. To the crowd they looked serious and ready, what no one could know was the turmoil that was raging within the Guild caused by the losses the day before had almost cost Minerva, Sting, and Rogue their spots in the Guild before Lector stood up for them and was almost killed by their Guild Master. At the last moment, but not mentioning it, Minerva saved the exceed and Sting attacked and blew a hole through her father, the Guild Master Jiemma Orland.
Minerva had used that crippling blow to finally kick her own father out and proclaim that after the Games Sting would be the next Guild Master before telling him that that was the strength she wanted to see and that Lector was alive but he'd not be returned until after the Battle Royale. That came first of course and she needed Sting motivated for the Battle Royale so that they didn't lose it and thus lose their status as the Number 1 Guild in Fiore.
Naturally they had a plan for the Battle Royale that started with trying to take out Fairy Tail right off the bat. If that failed then Rogue had a set target and Minerva would just add one more to her own set targets to go after. As for the others, they were to either wait for their challengers to come to them as Minerva predicted would be the case for Rufus and Olga, or biding his time for the right moment to either swoop in and win or at least play spoiler if need be.
All that was to come though, for now they had to wait and deal with the current humiliation of starting the final day in fourth place but that would only last for a bit as Minerva at least was sure she'd be able to turn the tides. After all, there had to be a way for all to win and Minerva would use every tactic in the book no matter how underhanded they might be to crush her enemies, especially that Black Bull bitch who'd dared to best her in the Naval Battle.
"They've got some serious looks on their faces for the coming Battle Royale." Chapati noted as Sabertooth stood there. "I wasn't expecting that."
"No doubt they realize how much is on the line and how large the gap is between them and the two Guilds who are leading at the moment." Yajima said. "It's a humbling experience for any Guild to go from the heights they've been at for years to on the outside looking in with their current rank on the line. This is where we'll see what Sabertooth is truly made of."
"Well I for one can see that they're keeping cool under the pressure as a top Guild should." Mato said. "So I expect then to rise to this occasion with ease."
One thing that people in the crowd did note as the commentators discussed Sabertooth was that only one of the exceeds was present and that confused them but the team knew why that was the case and Sting couldn't help but think of Lector as he walked. As he did he heard Lector's support for him reminding him that just because they were 15 points behind first place that was nothing for the mighty Sabertooth because they had Sting who'd help make them number 1 in the absence of Fairy Tail. Sting used that memory to fuel him because he wasn't going to let his partner down.
"And now our third place team, they're above Sabertooth this late in the Games and are in striking distance of our leaders but can they close the gap?" Chapati asked to the cheering crowds as the green mark of their Guild appeared above them as the 5 members walked out of the entrance. "With the likes of Lyon Bastia, the Ice Wizard who rival's Fairy Tail's Gray Fullbuster, the Wizard Saint Jura Nikos and the Sky God Slayer Sheila Blendy in their ranks it is a possibility but they are chasing some of the strongest wizards we've ever seen in the top two Guilds. Give it up for Lamia Scale!"
"They were second last year without the three you mentioned." Yajima noted. "So to see them above Sabertooth isn't too much of a surprise as Lamia Scale was the Guild we thought could challenge Sabertooth before the return of Fairy Tail though now we know that there is another Guild that can challenge all Guilds. This just makes things more interesting now that we are seeing Lamia Scale's full power on display so even with the gap between them and the top two frontrunners Lamia Scale is still a Guild that could claim the title today. Really ensures that whoever wins today will truly earn the rank of Fiore's Number 1 Guild."
"Lamia Scale is a team with some real powerhouses to them." Mato noted. "So they could pull it off in the Battle Royale."
"Well it's time to see the first of the two Guilds who are well clear of the pack entering the final event." Chapati said as another explosion filled the stadium and obscured the entrance with smoke. "They are trying to make a historic comeback after their reputation plummeted 7 years ago when many of their top members vanished without a trace but now they're back and are here to reclaim their spot at the very top. Currently though they are in second place so there is one more Guild above them, it's Fairy Tail!"
The crowd roared at that; a reaction that was a lot louder than had been expected but that was noted as it was significantly more positive than the boos they'd received at the start of the Games. Of all the Guilds they were arguably the big target despite being in second place because of their former reputation and comeback that they were trying to complete but as the Fairy Tail team walked out of the smoke there was a gasp with especially attention from Lyon.
"Hold on a second folks, there is a change here." Chapati said just as surprised as everyone else. "One no one could have seen coming."
"This is strange and unexpected." Yajima added even he'd not seen this coming and he'd know Makarov for decades.
"Huh…" Mato said as he trailed off at the end unable to finish what he was saying as he too was shocked by what he was seeing.
"This is unbelievable folks because even after all we've seen Team Fairy Tail is still surprising us with this sudden roster change that will no doubt ruin a lot of teams' strategies for this event." Chapati said as Fairy Tail came to a stop under their Guild Mark. "Against all expectations, the man who singlehandedly defeated the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth has been replaced! Instead of Natsu Dragneel, the reserve Juvia Lockser is the in the team for this critical event!"
"Juvia's here!" Lyon exclaimed at seeing his crush in the event before recovering as Sabertooth noted it as well but to them it was good news that Natsu wasn't present. "Well then I now have even more incentive to defeat my rival and show Juvia that I am the one who she should give her heart to."
"And I can now defeat Juvia for taking all your attention." Sheila pouted from behind him not realizing that this reaction was exactly what Mavis had anticipated and would thus take Sheila off the board due to her focus on Juvia. "Looks like I've got my target for the Battle Royale though, you will pay for taking Lyon's love Juvia."
"This is a really baffling decision." Chapati said as they all tried to process the change that Fairy Tail had made. "Do either of you know the reason for this?"
"I can't think of one but I do hope that nothing bad has happened to Natsu to force him to miss the event." Yajima said. "This is classic Maki though; he can be very unpredictable at times."
"Well whatever the case I'm sure it will play out in the Battle Royale because now it's time for our top placed Guild to enter and they've gotten permission for a slightly different entrance." Mato said as within Fairy Tail's suite Makarov and Mavis discussed the plan and why they were going through with it along with Makarov mentioned the little alert system which as they were talking was already flying above the exceeds of Fairy Tail, Natsu, Wendy and Mira to keep an eye on them as they went to rescue Lucy. "So let us introduce them."
"Right you are." Chapati said as a spatial portal appeared under the final Guild Mark that burned black with a gold outline in the air above it. "They're the true shock of the Games, a Guild that only arrived in Fiore two years' ago and yet they've come here and won three of the four events in stunning upsets that coupled with their battle performance has them leading by 3 points heading into this event. Give it up for our current chart toppers, the Black Bulls!"
At that Asta lead out the Black Bulls out of the portal with Noelle and Luck to his sides and Magna on Luck's other side. However, as they portal closed and people noticed it there was a gasp as the Black Bulls revealed their own roster change to everyone, a change made even more stark by the fact that they'd used the portal to arrive on the arena floor in the first place.
"Folks, just like Fairy Tail before them the Black Bulls have shocked us with an unexpected roster change for the Battle Royale." Chapati said as the crowd took in the short girl with black hair in a bun next to Noelle who was for some reason eating as the Black Bulls walked to their position and stood there ready for the event to start. "The Spatial Mage and winner of Chariots, Finral Roulacase, is out of the lineup and in his place is their reserve Charmy Pappitson who we've not seen all Games so this is even more of a surprise as at least we've seen Juvia in a few events over the course of the week. What do you make of this?"
"It's an interesting move for sure but unlike the one that Fairy Tail did this one makes sense." Yajima said as the other Guilds took in the Black Bulls and their change. "Finral showed in his match with Millianna that he's not got offensive magic so they've gone for a replacement to bolster their strength rather than go for a more strategic style. A Spatial Magic user could be useful but Finral's magic is not the same as Minerva's Territory which is a strong offensive application of Spatial Magic. Plus, we really don't know Finral's limitations the way his Guild does so no doubt this was what their Guild Master felt was the right move. How this will play out I do not know, however."
"Well it just means that there is more excitement to it." Mato said excitedly. "I can't wait to see what this newest Black Bull can do seeing as the others have shown some strong and interesting magic in their own rights. This will be good, I know it."
"So, they did change out a member." Erza noted as Team Fairy Tail grouped up for a moment to discuss the big change that had led to the two possible plans from Mavis. "The Cotton Magic user, that's what Mavis said, so that means that Juvia you can't engage her."
"I understand." Juvia said with a nod glad that she didn't have to flirt with Finral to distract him before beating him, she didn't want to cheat on her Gray like that. "My role will remain as is then, I'll make sure that she can't be a threat until my darling Gray can come and aid me in defeating her and that threat to our love."
"I don't know how many times I have to explain all that to you." Gray said with a sigh though as he'd said to Erza earlier in the week he did need to give Juvia the answer she deserved. "But don't worry Juvia, I'll come back you up once I'm done teaching Rufus some manners and then we can deal with the Black Bulls' reserve together."
"Be careful." Erza said as they watched the Black Bulls chat as well while the crowd roared and the commentators took a moment to commentate on some expectations before the final announcements regarding the event. "We know what her magic is but that is it, we don't know how good she is with it, what she can do, the differences between Cotton and Wool Magic, and to add to it all I feel like there's something strange about her."
"What do you mean?" Laxus asked as he looked over the Black Bulls, his own target amongst them smiling like a maniac which was fine with Laxus as he wanted a good challenger in this event. "I can't get a good read on her or any of them for that matter."
"I'm not sure but her magic feels off somehow." Erza said. "I've noticed it with that Black Bull some of us met at their store in Fiore though she didn't say she was a member but this is a different sensation to that. That girl was an exceptionally talented Transformation Wizard on par with Mira I'd say, what I'm sensing from that Charmy girl is something else. I don't know what it is so it is best to avoid trying to find out what it is and end her quick."
"Can do." Gray said. "And the rest of us know what's up as well."
"Yeah follow the First Master's plan." Gajeel said. "Take care of business and then meet up at the end to win the event as a team. We've got this."
"There are some tough matches ahead of us but should we win them we will truly earn back our spot at the top." Erza said looking around and seeing the faces of those who'd be true challenges. "Kagura, Minerva, Jura, and Asta, those are the big 4 we must defeat to win this, or at least we cannot fall to them. Outside of them Rufus, Olga, Noelle, Millianna, Sheila, and Lyon won't be easy either. Stay alert and stick to the plan. We will be back on top by the end of the day."
The others nodded at that as they set themselves for what was to come. The Black Bulls making a change wasn't going to interrupt their plans as it had been a possibility that they'd factored into their strategy. The big thing that it changed was Juvia's role as she had had a strong chance against Finral but they had faith in the First Master's plan for this Black Bull configuration, in themselves, and in their friends and guildmates that they could do this and do this they would.
Plus they had the inspiration of Natsu, Wendy, Mira, Carla, Happy, and Lily all going to rescue Lucy from where she was effectively being held hostage. They were still the underdogs even after all their successes in the Grand Magic Games and now they just had one more obstacle to overcome to be back on top and that obstacle was the Black Bulls.
Naturally as they were discussing the change to the Black Bulls, the other Guilds were as well as they adapted their own strategies for the new member of the Black Bulls' team. The notable discussion was in Mermaid Heel where Kagura had to calm Millianna down because the girl had really wanted to make Finral suffer for what he put her through in their battle and how this could be better for them given the tactical advantage a Spatial Mage would have given the Black Bulls that they'd seemingly thrown away for more power,
Of course the Black Bulls had their own reason for the change they'd made and while the other Guilds were discussing said change, they in turn were discussing the change in Fairy Tail's team that they'd noticed. It wasn't hard to miss it and given what Makarov had told them when he'd come to ask for Nero's assistance they knew why the change had taken place.
"We should have expected that that would be the change they made though the reserve could have been Cana, Wendy, Elfman, Mira, or that guy was saw on the first day and haven't seen since." Noelle said as they grouped up and kept their voices low. "It's clear that there's some special bond between Natsu and Lucy if he'd rather rescue her than participate in this Battle Royale but from what I've seen that is clearly the case."
"A shame, I wanted to see what their fire user was all about." Magna said. "He was really impressive in that battle with Sabertooth's Dragon Slayers."
"Same." Asta agreed. "He's strong and it would have been fun to face him."
"Yeah I was hoping to get a piece of all of them." Luck added. "But the lightning guy is still my priority and it's good to see that he's still in the team."
"You still get a tough opponent Asta." Noelle pointed out as it was pretty much set that Asta had to fight one of Fairy Tail's team as he was the only one who could possibly beat her. "And without Natsu that's one less threat to deal with. Now Juvia is something different."
"What do you know about her?" Magna asked.
"She seems strong like the rest of them." Luck said happily as he finally got a sense for Juvia's mana. "She's going to be fun to fight I think."
"You've got your own challenging opponents you two, leave Juvia to us girls." Noelle said. "Though given that they know about my own change in magic I doubt that they will allow Juvia to be near me in the Battle Royale. I am immune to Water Magic now and Juvia's a highly skilled Water Mage so they'd want to avoid that matchup though we're seeking that out which isn't great but Luck's going to do it regardless. Anyway, best to leave Juvia to Charmy. Cotton can work well against water."
"Leave her to me." Charmy said with a nod. "I'll set up and make sure I can act should she cross my path."
"Good then we're ready." Noelle said as they broke apart. "Lets see what we're up against."
"Alright folks, all the Guilds are present and it's been one hell of a week but at long last we are at the end of the Grand Magic Games so let's take a look at the current points that our Guilds have going into this event so that you all know what they're aiming for." Chapati said ending any chatter and getting the full attention of the crowd and competitors though the former was still cheering as he spoke. "Our 6th place Guild, Blue Pegasus, has 27 points. Then there is just three points in it for the next three as Mermaid Heel has 32, Sabertooth, 33, and Lamia Scale at 35. After that though there is a big jump up in points as Fairy Tail is 10 clear of Lamia Scale with 45 and the Black Bulls top the points after four days with 48!"
"It hurts to see our score so low." Hibiki said with a sigh. "We've fallen hard over the last few days."
"This does hit right in the pride." Ren added. "We started strong and faded which is unacceptable."
"Then let's just step up our game." Jenny said as she quickly bounced back. "I know I did badly in the Naval Battle and I let Mira outsmart me so I have a lot to make up and I fully intend to do that."
"This is but a new beginning and new parfum to enjoy as we push to come back to win it all." Ichiya said confidently as he struck a few more poses. "Fairy Tail started low with one point between their two teams at the end of the first day and are now second, we can use them as inspiration to win this now as we show the world the parfum that out Guild is made of, they will be intoxicated by its pungent aroma."
"Well said Master." All three Trimens said in unison as they clapped. "Well said."
"It would appear that everyone is ready and rearing to go." Jura noted as Mermaid Heel just glared around now that Millianna had been mollified as they showed how determined they were to improve and win this. "This will make everything interesting for sure."
"Don't let any of this go to our heads." Noelle said as the mood shifted with all combatants ready so that the mix of battle crazed morons, regular punk morons, and gluttons that comprised the team understood the gravity of the Battle Royale. "We may lead but we've not won yet. They wouldn't have us all here if there wasn't a way for all of us to win the Games."
"Yeah I get it." Asta said with a grin as more fireworks went off above them. "This will be fun though. Let's see what the other Guilds have in store for us now that we're at the top for once."
"I can't wait to fight some strong people." Luck added licking his lips. "I know who's first."
"I'm with your there buddy, I've got my own little payback to have against that person." Magna added as he cracked his knuckles. "This is ours."
"I hope there are some tasty nums to enjoy out there." Charmy said. "A hearty mid battle snack will help and I'll be there to replenish your mana when you need it."
"That is good, your mana replenishing food could be a game changer if we can locate you Charmy." Noelle said. "Let's just focus and see how this will work as we only know what we've been told and they left out the points system when they explained the setting for this event."
"We'll win this, don't worry." Erza said reassuring the team as they prepared to head out to the location that Mavis had marked on the map would be their starting point for the Battle Royale. "And as we do we'll get Lucy back so we'll be whole again to celebrate our return to the top."
"Alright it's time for our competitors to show us their skills, their magic, and the bonds that they share as guildmates!" Chapati said to the roaring crowds as all the participants got ready the seriousness of Chapati's tone showing that the time for the rules had come as so far all they knew was the battlefield and that this would be a Battle Royale. "This is all that is left in the Games, the final round Battle Royale which will take the form of a full-team survival game!"
"A what?" Asta asked a little confused as the more fireworks went off and more cheering could be heard from the crowd. "I thought this would be like that thing in the Undersea Temple, that old man called it a Battle Royale back then as well."
"It is the same as that Battle Royale." Noelle said with a sigh. "Only the number of teams is 6 not 2 and we have less per team."
"Alright, it's time to head out so go to your spots." Chapati said. "And stay tuned everyone because soon the rules of this Battle Royale will come."
Asta was still confused at that but a portal opened and he and the other Black Bulls walked through it and to a point in the city that they'd decided upon as their starting one though this would be the last time Finral would be allowed to create a portal for them as the event had yet to start. It had been revealed to them after the fourth day ended that the final event would take place in Crocus and the whole city was the field so they'd used their time wisely to plan their starting location and strategy for how to deal with the Battle Royale pending the precise rules which seemed to be just the standard ones for such an event.
They'd also been told to select a leader and report their selection to the officials monitoring the Battle Royale though when asked they were met with silence about the other leaders. That was odd but they chalked it up to the overall rules and chose Asta for that role as he was the one who inspired all of them to be better and get stronger so it made sense that he'd be their designated leader.
The reason for the leader would be revealed soon as they stepped out of the portal and huddled up in the square that they'd selected as their starting point to go over their plan one last time while the other Guilds went to their own desired starting points. They had Spatial Magic on their side to get there so they got there quickly but the others weren't far behind thanks to various transportations spells or brooms that had been bought from the Black Bulls getting them to their own selected starting points.
Soon all were in position and the time to start was almost upon them but as the commentary resumed they still had a few more minutes to prepare. They did so as magical speakers carried the commentators' voices through the city.
"It's time to strap in pumpkins because this final fight won't be occurring in the usual area but a very special one…the entire city of Crocus!" Mato said though as all teams knew this to be the case this was more for the edification of the cheering crowd that would be watching the fight on lacrima visions inside the stadium. "So expect this to be a great time and don't worry about damage, the Royal Family has already pledged to pay for any repairs that need to be done and the magical staff is already prepared to begin work the moment the Battle Royale ends."
"The teams are now spread out throughout the city and are making final preparations." Yajima said as the Black Bulls made sure they all knew their objectives the moment the event started. "And now they are just waiting for the go order to begin the final event."
"That is good to know because in this event the combatants will have to make their way through the city and battle any members of the other Guilds that they encounter along the way until only one Guild has members remaining." Chapati said as the rules were finally announced. "They will have to knock out or incapacitate them and doing so, as judged by our referees who have been specially selected for this event while those in the Colosseum watch the event unfold on lacrima vision. As for the battles themselves, the victorious wizard will net one point towards his or hers Guild's total on the board while the loser is eliminated from the Battle Royale."
"However, before this started each Guild had to elect one member of their Guild as its leader but there is a little catch to this choice." Yajima said. "Care to fill us in on that?"
"Well the big catch is that none of the other Guilds will know who the other Guilds' leaders are." Mato said. "Only the organizers know that fact."
"Correct and that is because if you can defeat one of the team leaders your Guild gets 5 points rather than just one so you'd better try to wipe out the whole Guild to find that leader." Chapati said and that really got the Black Bulls' attention as it both explained why they had to choose a leader and why the other leaders weren't known to them. "And as such it is possible to score a theoretical maximum of 45 points in this event and as such all Guilds have a shot at winning the Grand Magic Games and the title of Fiore's Number 1 Guild."
"So that begs the questions of how to play this event." Yajima said. "Should they stick together as a team or split up and cover more ground as they seek to take the gold? Also should they go for the chart topping Guilds or aim lower for the points? Should they try to guess who the other 5 leaders are or should they just go for any opponent they meet? These and many more questions will plague our teams today."
"Strategy is going to be massive in the Battle Royale." Mato said. "It will be the key to winning it, along with strength of course."
"Get ready." Asta said taking his role as leader seriously now that he knew what was at stake if he fell and he turned to look at his squadmates. "We're going to win this and take the top spot. We may be new to this world but we came here to get stronger while the Wizard King sorts things out back home so that Nero and I aren't executed, we can't let him down and fail to do so by not winning these Games."
"Couldn't have said it better myself." Magna said with a nod. "You've really grown since you joined Asta."
"I'm going to have fun in this and win for the Black Bulls." Luck said grinning as lightning coursed around his body.
"And when we win we'll feast on the sweet treats that come to the victors." Charmy added. "They'd better throw a banquet in our honor."
"This is not just for us but for all our Squad, to show Earth Land that the Black Bulls are number 1." Noelle said. "We've come together for great challenges in the past and once again we'll come together for this one. This is for all of us here in Fiore, for the Black Bulls."
"Then let's do this!" Asta said with a roar that Magna, Luck, and Charmy all joined in on though Noelle was at least more refined with her cheer.
"It's time to find out who will gloriously stand at the pinnacle of Fiore's magical world!" Chapati said as 6 fireworks went off the number not being insignificant. "Begin the Battle Royale!"
"Go!" Asta yelled as the final event began and the Black Bulls, like almost all the other Guilds, broke and rushed off in three groups in three different directions in accordance with their plan.
The culmination of the Grand Magic Games had coma at last, the quest to find Fiore's Number 1 Guild was reaching its climactic end and the Black Bulls were going to win that quest but they weren't the only ones aiming for it and the opening salvo was upon them as the Guilds scrambled for early points. Many great battles in the Grand Magic Games Battle Royale were about to occur as the final event began in earnest.
I feel like that's a good place to end this chapter on. I had initially planned on having the opening moments in this chapter as well but it was easier to break it up (which does mean that the Battle Royale arc is now one chapter longer) because it really is two separate events and by breaking the chapters up I am able to release two this month rather than one as I'd initially feared. That applies to all the stories in my Black Trio so expect the next one in two weeks' time. Other than that there really isn't much to note in this chapter, it's a good set up and start to what is about to come as we kick off the Battle Royale. As such I will leave this chapter off here. If you liked this please favorite, follow, leave a review, or let me know in a PM and I will try to answer any questions posed in reviews and PMs as best I can. Until next time.
Stringdog