Chapter-19:Phantom Part 1

Fairy Tail was in disarray, all of its members angry and seeking retribution. Phantom Lord had attacked them, destroying their guildhall—the same guildhall they had grown up in. It stood for nearly 100 years, since Mavis founded it. But that was not the worst part. No, Phantom Lord did not stop there. Team Shadow Gear was hospitalized; Levy was not so badly beaten, perhaps their attacker took pity on her, but Jet and Droy weren't so lucky.

As the doors to Phantom Lord's guild were blown off, Erza shouted, "You want war? Then prepare for death!"

Both guilds erupted into battle. Phantom Lord had more numbers, but Fairy Tail had better quality.

"Erza! Take charge, I am going to face Jose myself," said Makarov, his aura in full effect.

"Alright," Erza replied, moments later dodging an iron projectile made from Draconic magic.

"What? Was Silver-Eye too busy?" taunted the attacker. He was a tall and muscular young man with long, spiky black hair slicked back, revealing his forehead. His red eyes had slitted dark pupils, and he had no visible eyebrows. Most of his exposed body was covered in sets of simple, round studs. His outfit consisted of a shabby, black, sleeveless tunic with studded edges, a studded belt around his waist, loose beige pants tucked inside studded black boots, and a pair of studded brown gloves paired with similarly studded wristbands.

"And you are?" asked Erza.

"Gajeel Redfox, but call me Black Steel," he said with a cocky grin.

Looking at the iron projectile, Erza said, "Not much of a Metal Dragon, are you?" She grinned at his reaction.

Black Steel's grin widened as he regarded Erza with a mix of amusement and defiance. "You're a feisty one, aren't you? Well, let's see if you can back up that attitude with your swordsmanship."

With a swift motion, Black Steel lunged forward, his movements fluid and precise as he aimed a powerful strike at Erza.

''Iron Dragon's Club!'' he bellowed.

Erza backflipped out of the way and swiftly changed into her battle attire, wielding Blazebringer—a formidable spear with a long, slender shaft made of polished ebony wood. Its gleaming silver tip was shaped like a dragon's head, with fiery red eyes that seemed to smolder with inner heat. Runes of flame adorned the length of the shaft, pulsing with fiery energy.

''Inferno Thrust!'' Erza charged her spear with fire before thrusting it forward, hitting Gajeel and releasing a burst of flames upon impact, engulfing him in searing heat.

However, much to Erza's surprise, Gajeel emerged from the flames relatively unscathed, his iron-clad body shielding him from the worst of the attack.

Gajeel grinned wickedly as he emerged from the flames, seemingly unfazed by the intense heat. "Is that all you've got, Redhead?" he taunted, his voice laced with mockery. "I expected more from Sapphire-Eyed Queen Titania.''

''Hmm, this might be fun,'' she said with a smirk.

''Oh, you're not going to like this next one,'' said Gajeel, preparing his next spell.

Erza chuckled, already anticipating his move. She was prepared to respond in kind.

''Iron Dragon's Roar!'' Gajeel unleashed a powerful tornado of iron shards towards Erza, who grinned confidently.

''Sage Dragon's Roar,'' she countered by sending a powerful torrent of arcane energy, dispersing Gajeel's roar and leaving him flabbergasted by what just happened.

''WHAT? You're a dragon slayer?'' he shouted at her.

Erza's laughter echoed across the battlefield, her confidence unshaken by Gajeel's disbelief. "Dragon slayer? I'm much more than that," she declared, her voice ringing with authority. "I'm a dragon queen, so bow down."

Gajeel's eyes widened in astonishment at Erza's bold declaration, his earlier taunts replaced by a begrudging respect. "You're full of surprises, Redhead," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mixture of admiration and frustration. "But let's see how long you can keep up with me."

As the battle raged on, Erza and Gajeel clashed with relentless intensity, their spells and strikes resonating throughout the battlefield.

''Sage Dragon's Flame Fury!'' As Erza lunged forward, her fists clenched tightly, her movements were swift and precise, closing the distance between herself and Gajeel in the blink of an eye. The air crackled with the energy of her fiery aura, enveloping her in a shroud of intense heat and light that cast an eerie glow across the battlefield.

With a powerful right hook, Erza struck Gajeel squarely on the jaw, the impact sending him staggering to her left. Before he could recover, she followed up with a lightning-fast left hook, the force of the blow propelling him further back.

As Gajeel struggled to regain his footing, Erza was already upon him, her fists moving with relentless speed and precision. With a swift punch to the stomach, she doubled him over, leaving him vulnerable to her next attack. Without hesitation, she delivered a devastating uppercut with her left fist, the fiery aura intensifying the force of the blow.

As Gajeel reeled from the uppercut, Erza capitalized on his momentary weakness, launching into a series of rapid strikes. She delivered a fierce kick under his chin, snapping his head back with the force of the impact. Then, with fluid grace, she followed up with a powerful sidekick from her left leg, sending him hurtling towards a nearby wall with bone-crushing force.

Gajeel crashed into the wall with a resounding thud, the impact sending cracks spidering outwards from the point of impact.

As Erza unleashed her relentless assault on Gajeel, the members of Phantom Lord looked on with a mixture of shock and awe. Gajeel, The Iron Dragon Slayer, was being pushed to his limits by the fiery-haired warrior before them.

"Is that the best Gajeel can do?" one of the Phantom Lord mages muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief as he watched Erza's onslaught. "He's supposed to be one of the strongest among us."

Another mage shook his head, his expression grim. "That woman is no ordinary opponent," he remarked, his eyes fixed on Erza's form as she continued to rain blows upon Gajeel. "She's a force to be reckoned with."

As Erza's flurry of attacks sent Gajeel crashing into the wall, the members of Phantom Lord exchanged uneasy glances. Despite their confidence in Gajeel's abilities, it was clear that Erza posed a formidable threat that could not be underestimated.

,,Hah… well this is interesting , Sage Dragon magic , this got to have something with Silver-Eye .'' said Gajeel as he got up , not unharmed but still ready to fight.

Gajeel flashed a confident smirk towards Erza, his resolve unshaken despite the bruises and burns that marred his body.

"Let's see if you can handle a taste of my iron," he taunted, his voice dripping with defiance as he prepared to unleash his next attack. "Iron Dragon's Sword!"

With a powerful roar, Gajeel summoned a massive sword made of iron, its gleaming blade crackling with magical energy as he charged towards Erza.

Gajeel RedFox - Suppressed Base Form-PL 30.000

Erza Dragneel - Greatly Suppressed Base form-PL 30.000

''Iron Dragon's Hard Fist!'' Gajeel turned his hand into iron and jumped towards Erza only to be met with the same resistance .

''Sage Dragon's Arcane First!'' Erza's fist was encased in a deep shimmering purple, reminiscent of the enigmatic energy it channels.

The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, the force of their collision creating a brief moment of stillness amidst the chaos of battle. Both combatants remained locked in a fierce struggle, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

As Erza started to walk towards Gajeel, her determination unwavering, a sudden call from Mira broke through the chaos of battle. The urgency in Mira's voice cut through the tension like a knife, snapping Erza's attention away from her opponent.

"Erza! We need to go!" Mira's voice rang out, the urgency clear in her tone as she called out to her friend.

Erza's eyes widened in surprise and concern as she turned to face Mira, her heart racing with a mix of confusion and worry. What could be so urgent that Mira would interrupt their battle?

As she approached Mira, her eyes fell upon the sight of Makarov, unconscious and held by Mira's powerful Satan Soul form. Shock and concern flooded through Erza as she took in the scene before her, her mind racing with questions.

"What happened?" Erza asked, her voice tinged with urgency as she moved closer to Mira and Makarov. "Is Makarov alright?"

Mira shook her head, her expression grave. "He's been injured," she replied, her voice tense with worry. "We need to get him medical attention immediately."

Without hesitation, Erza nodded, her resolve firm as she turned to Gajeel, her gaze meeting his for a brief moment. "This isn't over," she declared, her voice firm with determination. "We'll finish this another time."

With that, Erza joined Mira's side, her thoughts consumed by concern for Makarov as the entire guild made their way towards safety, leaving the battlefield behind them for now.

With Lucy and Seilah

,,We should have gone with them.'' said Lucy as they were walking together through the streets of Magnolia .

,,Someone had to stay behind , its a bad move to leave the guild completely empty , 2 S-class mages and the Master went to Phantom , Natsu is on a mission with Gray , Gildarts is whoknows were and Laxus … he would not help .'' said Seilah.

As they entered a more secluded section Seilah continued ''We can't leave Magnolia undefended.''

Lucy nodded in understanding, her expression reflecting the gravity of their situation. "You're right," she conceded, her voice tinged with concern. "But I can't shake this feeling of unease. What if something happens to them? What if they need our help?"

Seilah placed a comforting hand on Lucy's shoulder, her gaze steady and reassuring. "We have to trust in their strength," she replied, her voice calm and steady. "They're some of the strongest mages in Fairy Tail, and they know how to take care of themselves. Besides, we're not alone here. We'll do whatever it takes to protect Magnolia."

Lucy smiled gratefully at Seilah's words, a sense of determination settling over her. "You're right," she agreed, her voice firm with resolve. "We'll hold down the fort here and keep Magnolia safe, no matter what."

As Lucy and Seilah continued their walk, the gentle patter of rain soon turned into a downpour. The sudden change in weather made them uneasy, and they exchanged worried glances as they realized something was amiss. This wasn't just ordinary rain—it was magic.

Just then, they heard a voice behind them, dripping with a mysterious allure. "Drip, drip, drop," it echoed, sending shivers down their spines. Turning around, they saw two figures emerge from the rain: Sol and Juvia.

Sol, with his sharp green hair and distinctive mustache, stood tall and imposing, his demeanor oozing with sophistication. "Salut, mesdames," he greeted with a charming smile, his French accent adding to his enigmatic aura.

Beside him, Juvia remained silent, her expression emotionless as she observed Lucy and Seilah with an intensity that sent a chill down Lucy's spine. She is a slender, teenage girl with azure blue hair, midnight blue eyes, snow white skin complexion and a curvaceous is wearing a sapphire blue coat, a cream colored fur trimmed navy blue shawl as well as a matching Russian Cossack hat.

Seilah, her demeanor calm and composed, addressed Sol and Juvia with a steady gaze. "What do you want?" she inquired, her voice firm and unwavering despite the tension in the air.

Sol's smile widened, his gaze flickering between Seilah and Lucy with a hint of amusement. "Ah, but of course, ma chère," he replied smoothly, his French accent adding a touch of elegance to his words. "We're simply here to extend an invitation."

Juvia remained silent, her eyes fixed on Lucy with an intensity that bordered on unsettling. Despite her lack of words, her presence spoke volumes, radiating an air of danger that made Seilah and Lucy uneasy.

Seilah's expression remained stoic as she considered Sol's words, her mind racing with possibilities. "An invitation?" she repeated, her tone laced with skepticism. "How about you go back to whatever hole you crawled from, mutt.''

Sol's smirk widened at Seilah's defiance, his eyes gleaming with amusement at her retort. "Feisty, aren't we?" he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But I'm afraid we can't simply turn back empty-handed. Our master has requested Miss Lucy's presence, and we always deliver."

Sol's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of irritation at Seilah's defiance. "You're treading dangerous waters, my dear," he warned, his voice cold and menacing. "You have no idea who you're dealing with."

Seilah eyes start glowing ''No… it is you who does not know who he challenged , I AM the Amethyst-Eyed Midnight Queen , and you have trespassed on my domain.'' some strands of her hair start to softly glow like her eyes .

Sol's smirk faded entirely, replaced by a look of surprise and apprehension at Seilah's revelation. His earlier confidence wavered as he realized the gravity of the situation.

"Amethyst-Eyed Midnight Queen..." he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, his demeanor shifting from arrogance to wariness. "I see... So you're one of them."

Juvia, too, seemed to sense the shift in atmosphere, her expression turning cautious as she eyed Seilah with newfound respect. The air crackled with tension as both parties assessed the other, each fully aware of the power they wielded.

Seilah's eyes blazed with an otherworldly light, her aura pulsating with latent energy as she faced off against Sol and Juvia. "Leave now," she commanded, her voice echoing with authority. "Or face the consequences of your actions."

,,We can't do that, we WILL take Miss Lucy with us, that is our mission.'' he said preparing for battle.

As Sol spoke, the tension in the air thickened, the atmosphere crackling with the promise of imminent conflict. Seilah's resolve remained unshaken, her gaze unwavering as she met Sol's defiant stare.

"You may try," she replied, her voice a quiet yet firm declaration of her determination. "But know that you tread on dangerous ground."

With a flick of her wrist, Seilah summoned tendrils of dark energy that coiled around her like serpents, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Lucy stood beside her, her expression a mixture of apprehension and trust in Seilah's strength.

Juvia, meanwhile, remained silent, her eyes fixed on Seilah with a mixture of wariness and curiosity. Though her allegiance lay with Phantom Lord, she couldn't deny the power emanating from the Amethyst-Eyed Midnight Queen.

''Roche Concerto!'' Sol throws a barrage of massive rocks at Seilah.

Seilah's movements were fluid and precise as she effortlessly dodged Sol's barrage of rocks, her speed and agility far surpassing his expectations. In a swift counterattack, she appeared behind Sol in an instant, her grip firm as she slammed him into the wall with ease.

Sol grunted in surprise and pain as he collided with the wall, his confidence shattered by Seilah's display of strength. "Is this really what an S-class from Phantom looks like?" she taunted, her voice laced with disappointment.

Meanwhile, Juvia pressed on with her assault, her determination unyielding as she closed in on Lucy. However, her underestimation of Lucy's capabilities proved to be her downfall.

Before Juvia could reach her, Lucy swiftly requipped into her battle attire, her movements graceful yet lethal as she delivered a powerful kick to Juvia's stomach. The impact sent Juvia staggering back, her expression contorted in pain and surprise at Lucy's sudden display of strength.

As Lucy and Juvia continued their intense battle, Lucy seized a moment of opportunity. With swift precision, she reached out and grabbed hold of Juvia, channeling her spatial magic to teleport both of them into the dense forest nearby.

The sudden change in scenery caught Juvia off guard, her expression flickering with surprise before settling into determination. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, she wasted no time in launching a counterattack, her water magic swirling around her in a protective barrier.

"What? Not as helpless as you thought?" asks Lucy as she stood on the branch of a tree, her bow already drawn.

Juvia's eyes narrowed in response to Lucy's taunt, her resolve unwavering despite the surprise teleportation. "You underestimate me at your own peril," she replied, her voice calm but laced with determination.

"Me? Why would I ever?" she says, smiling. "Let's do this," she adds, ready for her first fight.

In the heart of the forest, Lucy and Juvia faced off amidst the ancient trees, their magic crackling in the air like electricity. With a fierce determination burning in her eyes, Lucy drew her bow, the sleek black wood gleaming in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above.

"Celestial Barrage!" Lucy cried out, her voice echoing through the woods as she unleashed a torrent of magic-charged arrows. Each arrow split into a barrage of shimmering projectiles, streaking through the air with deadly accuracy toward Juvia.

Juvia's water magic surged around her, forming a protective shield as she braced herself against the onslaught. The arrows rained down upon her like a storm, but she stood her ground, her determination unwavering despite the relentless assault.

As Lucy continued her barrage, Juvia retaliated with her own spells, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air.

"Aqua Stream!" Juvia called out, summoning powerful streams of water that twisted and coiled toward Lucy with incredible speed and force.

With a swift motion, Lucy switched tactics, her focus shifting to precision over quantity. Drawing another arrow, she took careful aim, her supernatural accuracy guiding her shot.

''Lunar Bind!''

The arrow soared through the air, guided by Lucy's keen instincts. As it struck its mark, a brilliant light erupted from the tip, creating ethereal chains that wrapped around Juvia, immobilizing her temporarily.

Realizing she was at a disadvantage, Juvia gritted her teeth, her resolve steeling as she prepared to counterattack. But before she could make a move, a commanding voice echoed through the forest.

"Juvia, retreat!" came the order, cutting through the tension like a knife. With a frustrated glare at Lucy, Juvia reluctantly obeyed, dissipating into a mist and vanishing into the shadows of the trees.

As the sounds of battle faded into the distance, Lucy lowered her bow, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. She may have won this skirmish, but she knew that the fight was far from over. With Juvia's retreat, she had bought herself some time, but she remained vigilant, knowing that Phantom Lord's forces would not rest until they had achieved their objective.

At the destroyed guild hall

Lucy and Seilah regrouped ,Sol having run away .

Seilah turned to Lucy, her gaze probing as she sought to assess the outcome of the encounter in the forest. "What happened out there?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Lucy took a moment to catch her breath before recounting the events of her battle with Juvia. She described the fierce exchange of magic, the intensity of their clash, and ultimately, Juvia's retreat at the command of her superiors.

Entering the guild hall, Lucy and Seilah were met with a scene of defeat and desolation. The members who had gone to attack Phantom Lord looked defeated, their spirits crushed by their failure and the sight of their injured master. Amidst the chaos, Erza stood at Makarov's side, her hands glowing with the ethereal light of her Sage Dragon magic as she did her best to heal their wounded leader. Despite the dire circumstances, her determination remained unyielding.

Seilah's gaze swept over the scene, her eyes narrowing in concern as she took in the extent of the damage. "What happened?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Erza's response was grim. "Someone was able to forcefully extract the Master's magic power and disperse it," she explained, her voice heavy with concern. "We had no choice but to retreat."

With a troubled expression, Seilah nodded, understanding the severity of the situation. "We were ambushed by two S-Class mages from their guild," she added, her voice tinged with frustration. "My opponent was not so impressive, and Lucy was able to hold her own until she was recalled. But they will be back, and we need to be prepared."

As Seilah and Lucy surveyed the grim scene in the guild hall, Mira was engaged in a tense conversation with Laxus. She pleaded with him to lend his strength to their cause, to help defend the guild against the looming threat of Phantom Lord. However, Laxus remained unmoved, his expression stern and unwavering.

"What? Is Natsu too busy?" he said, his voice laced with mockery and dripping with arrogance. "Fairy Tail can handle its own problems, right? I have better things to do than babysit a bunch of weaklings."

As the tension in the guild hall simmered, Cana stepped forward, her expression determined. She focused her magic, the cards in her hand glowing faintly as she attempted to locate Natsu and Gray.

"Come on, you two," she muttered under her breath, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Where are you hiding?"

The guild members watched in anticipation, hopeful that Cana's magic would reveal the whereabouts of their missing comrades. Some murmured words of encouragement, while others held their breath, waiting for any sign of Natsu and Gray's location.

Cana's eyes narrowed as she sifted through the cards, her senses attuned to the faint whispers of magic that emanated from them. She shuffled the deck with practiced precision, each movement deliberate as she sought out the elusive traces of Natsu and Gray's magical energy.

After a tense moment of silence, Cana's face lit up with triumph as she pinpointed their location. "Got them," she announced, her voice ringing out with relief.''They're near Hargeon Town."

As Cana declared the successful location of Natsu and Gray, Seilah stepped forward, a determined look in her eyes. She focused her magical energy, attempting to establish a connection with Natsu through her telepathic abilities.

Her brow furrowed in concentration as she reached out, her mind extending beyond the physical realm in search of Natsu's presence.

For a moment, there was only silence, the tension in the guild hall palpable as everyone waited with bated breath. Then, finally, Seilah's eyes widened in realization as she made contact with Natsu's mind.

"Natsu," she called out mentally, her voice echoing in his thoughts. "Can you hear me love? We need your help. Phantom Lord has attacked the guild, and we're in desperate need of reinforcements."

Seilah waited anxiously for a response, hoping that Natsu would hear her plea and come to their aid.

,,How much longer can you keep on ? We have 3 more bases from Phantom Lord to clear.'' he responded

Seilah let out a hopeful breath. Of course her husband already knew of their situation and was crippling Phantom lord.

"We'll manage, Natsu," Seilah replied, her mental voice projecting determination. "Just make sure you take care of those bases. We'll hold down the fort here until you can join us."

As the hours passed, the tension in the guild hall gradually eased, replaced by an atmosphere of weary determination. Members of Fairy Tail worked tirelessly to repair the damage caused by Phantom Lord's attack, their efforts fueled by the knowledge that Natsu and Gray were out there, fighting alongside them in their own way.

Makarov was taken to Porlyusica, she was the best doctor they knew.

Porlyusica's reputation as the guild's most skilled healer brought a semblance of comfort to the worried members of Fairy Tail. With Makarov in her capable hands, they could only hope for the best as they focused on their own tasks at hand.

As the members of Fairy Tail worked tirelessly to repair the guild hall, their efforts were suddenly interrupted by the unmistakable rumble of approaching footsteps. Confusion and alarm rippled through the guild as they turned to see the source of the disturbance.

Their eyes widened in disbelief as they beheld the Phantom Lord guild hall, a colossal structure moving towards them with the eerie grace of a spider. Six gargantuan mechanical legs propelled the building forward, casting a foreboding shadow over the surrounding area.

As the guild hall came to a stop some distance away from the shore, a commanding voice echoed from within its walls. Jose Porla, Phantom Lord's leader, stood atop the structure, his imposing figure clad in a long, grayish coat adorned with the guild's emblem. His presence alone sent a shiver down the spines of those gathered below.

"Fairy Tail! You have one chance!" his voice boomed, carrying across the open space. "Give us Lucy Heartfilia, and I may spare you!"

The ultimatum hung heavy in the air, eliciting murmurs of concern and defiance from the Fairy Tail members. They knew that yielding to Jose's demands would mean betraying one of their own, a notion they refused to entertain.

The demand reverberated through the guild hall like a thunderclap, igniting a chorus of angry protests and defiant shouts from the members of Fairy Tail.

"No way in hell!" shouted Lisanna, her voice ringing with fiery determination.

"Yeah, you can forget about that!" added Cana, her eyes blazing with righteous anger as she clenched her fists in defiance.

Mira's usual composed demeanor shattered in the face of Jose's demand, her pent-up frustration boiling over. "FUCK YOU! YOU OLD PRICK!" she roared, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Jose's face twisted into a mask of fury at the guild's defiant response. With a menacing glare, he issued his ominous warning, his voice dripping with venom.

"You insolent fools! If you won't comply, then you'll face the consequences of your defiance!" he spat, his voice booming throughout the hall.

With a sweeping gesture, Jose signaled to his subordinates, who sprang into action, preparing the massive Cannon for activation. The air crackled with dark energy as the cannon began to hum ominously, its colossal form looming menacingly over the guild hall.

,,BEHOLD THE JUPITER CANON! '' he announced.

As Jose's words reverberated through the guild hall, a wave of dread washed over the Fairy Tail members. The sight of the massive Jupiter Cannon being readied for activation filled them with a sense of impending doom.

With a determined stride, Seilah advanced towards the menacing Jupiter Cannon, her gaze unwavering as she approached its ominous form. Erza followed closely behind, her own resolve mirrored in the steely determination etched upon her features.

"I will block it," Seilah declared with unwavering certainty, her voice cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade.

Erza regarded her with a mixture of admiration and concern. "You think you can?" she questioned, her tone laced with skepticism.

"I know I can," Seilah affirmed, her conviction unwavering. "I am Seilah Dragneel, the Amethyst-Eyed Midnight Queen, bride of E.N.D. I will not be defeated by the likes of a mere mortal."

Her words echoed with a fierce determination, resonating with the unwavering spirit of a warrior ready to face any challenge head-on.

As Seilah stood before the towering cannon, her posture unwavering, she raised her hands, channeling her magic in preparation to intercept the impending blast. The air crackled with anticipation as the tension reached its peak, the fate of the guild hanging in the balance.

With a surge of power, Seilah summoned forth a weaving dark energy into a barrier that stretched before her like a formidable wall. It extended to her left and right, enveloping the guild hall and its inhabitants in a protective embrace.

As the hum of the Jupiter Cannon reached a deafening crescendo, Seilah closed her eyes, her focus unwavering as she directed her magic to fortify the shield. The cannon roared to life, unleashing a devastating blast of energy aimed directly at Fairy Tail's guild hall.

''Abyssal Shield!''

But Seilah stood firm, her Abyssal Shield pulsating with dark energy, the barrier quivered under the force of the impact, but it held firm, deflecting the destructive energy away from its intended target.

The guild hall trembled under the strain, but Seilah's barrier remained steadfast, its dark energy crackling with power as it repelled the onslaught. As the dust settled and the echoes of the blast faded into the distance, Seilah lowered her hands, her expression a mix of small exhaustion and triumph.

"We're safe," she announced, her voice ringing with conviction. "Phantom Lord may have their Jupiter Cannon, but they'll never break the spirit of Fairy Tail."

For a brief moment, Jose's mask of confidence faltered, replaced by a glimmer of uncertainty. The realization that Fairy Tail possessed formidable defenders capable of thwarting his plans sent a chill down his spine.

However, Jose quickly masked his surprise with a sneer of disdain, attempting to regain control of the situation. "Impressive, Fairy Tail," he scoffed, his voice laced with a hint of begrudging respect. "But don't think for a moment that this changes anything. We'll see who emerges victorious in the end."

As the Jupiter Cannon began to charge once more, a sudden beam of silver light streaked across the sky, targeting the cannon and obliterating it in an instant.

"Tsk, tsk, tks… really, Jose?" Natsu's voice boomed, interrupting Jose's arrogance as he and Gray appeared from a swirling vortex of black feathers."Acting like a child after your little toy got stoped? Pathetic."

The guild erupted into cheers as Natsu and Gray stood before them, their presence a beacon of hope in the face of Phantom Lord's tyranny. Fairy Tail would not be defeated so easily.

,,And you are ?'' asked Jose.

,,The Devil.'' said Natsu as he turned around going towards his wives, ignoring Jose and giving him the middle finger.

Natsu's bold response left Jose speechless, his arrogance deflated in the face of such brazen defiance. As Natsu turned away, dismissing him with a gesture of contempt, Jose seethed with frustration quickly realizing who that was.

He heard tales of The Silver-Eyed Devil, of his arrogance and pride, but Jose refused to believe that Silver-Eye was more powerful than him.

Frustration boiled within Jose as he watched Natsu's confident stride, his mind churning with plans for retaliation. Despite the setback, he refused to concede defeat, his pride driving him to reclaim control of the situation.

"Prepare the troops!" he barked to his subordinates, his voice tinged with a mixture of anger and determination. "We may have lost the cannon, but we will not be humiliated by Fairy Tail. Show them the true might of Phantom Lord!"

With a wave of his hand, Jose spurred his guild members into action, rallying them for another assault. The battle was far from over, and Phantom Lord would stop at nothing to emerge victorious. The looming threat of another attack hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the momentary relief of Fairy Tail's members.

Meanwhile, Natsu approached Seilah, relief evident in the smile that spread across his face as he reached out to embrace her. "You did it," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You protected the guild."

As Erza joined them, Natsu enveloped both of his wives in a tight embrace, lifting them off the ground in a display of affectionate exuberance. "Oh, my precious wives, how I've missed you!" he exclaimed, his joy palpable.

Erza couldn't help but chuckle at Natsu's enthusiastic embrace, her laughter mingling with Seilah's. "It's only been a day, sweetheart," she teased, holding him tightly, though her actions betrayed her playful words. "Oh, screw it, praise me too, love! You know I love it," she added with a smirk.

Seilah's laughter joined Erza's, her heart warmed by Natsu's praise and the playful banter between her and Erza. "You're such a goofball," she teased, planting a kiss on Natsu's cheek before settling back down, feeling grateful for their unwavering support and love.

As Natsu, Seilah, Erza, and the rest of Fairy Tail shared a brief moment of respite, their peace was shattered by the sound of Phantom Lord's forces regrouping for another assault. The guild members braced themselves for the impending onslaught, knowing that they couldn't afford to let their guard down for even a moment.

Jose's voice echoed across the battlefield, commanding his troops as they charged towards Fairy Tail with renewed determination. Amidst the chaos, Jose unleashed a formidable magic, Abyss Break, a devastating spell that threatened to obliterate Magnolia and everyone within it. A massive magic circle manifested in front of The Phantom guild, ominous and foreboding.

"Abyss Break? Is he really that obsessed with winning that he would destroy an entire city over nothing?" Erza exclaimed, her disbelief evident as she surveyed the unfolding catastrophe.

Natsu couldn't help but scoff at Jose's audacity. "And the magic council calls ME an egotistical bastard!" he shouted back at Jose. "At least I don't go around blowing up cities just because someone pissed me off—okay, I MAY have done that but I had actual reasons! Not like you, Jose, just bitching and moaning like a brat that got told off for being class rep! Learn to take an L if you can't get a W," he finished, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he mocked Jose's reckless behavior.

Natsu's taunting words cut through the tension like a knife, his voice laced with both amusement and disdain. His mockery of Jose's ego struck a chord with the members of Fairy Tail, eliciting a mixture of laughter and cheers from the guild.

Jose's face contorted with rage at Natsu's words, his arrogance crumbling in the face of such brazen defiance. He clenched his fists, his knuckles white with fury as he struggled to maintain his composure.

"You dare to mock me, Fairy Tail?" Jose growled, his voice dripping with venom. "You'll regret those words when Abyss Break obliterates this pathetic town and everyone in it!"

But Natsu remained unfazed, his smirk unwavering as he faced down his adversary. "We'll see about that, Jose," he retorted, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.

"Listen up, everyone!" he called out, "Jose's activated Abyss Break. In 15 minutes, this entire town will be wiped off the map!"

The guild members gasped in horror at the dire news, their faces pale with shock. But Natsu wasn't finished. "But Abyss Break requires at least four of the five elements to power it up," he continued, his mind racing with possibilities. "That means the Element 4 are probably powering up the spell as we speak!"

Natsu's bold declaration echoed across the battlefield, cutting through the chaos with unwavering determination. The guild members rallied around his words, their fear replaced by a steely resolve as they prepared to face Phantom Lord's most formidable adversaries.

"Alright, you heard him!" Erza shouted, her voice commanding attention amidst the commotion. "We take down the Element 4 and put an end to Abyss Break once and for all!"

With renewed purpose, the Fairy Tail members split into teams, each group focusing on a different target. Natsu, Seilah, Erza,Lucy and Gray set off towards their designated adversaries, their hearts set on victory.

As they moved into action, Natsu turned to address Phantom Lord's forces directly, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "Now... I heard Metalicana's brat is fucking around," he taunted, his words dripping with disdain. "So I'll go ruffle the brat a bit. You guys take care of the Element 4. I'll deal with the Dragon Hatchling and the egotistical mage."

With a smirk of confidence, Natsu spun on his heel and dashed towards his chosen opponent, leaving his guildmates to face their own challenges. The battle for Magnolia had reached its climax, and Fairy Tail stood ready to fight until the bitter end.

As phantom lord mages closed in towards them Lucy quickly prepared a spell.

''Cosmic Rain!'' Lucy chanted, unleashing a volley of celestial arrows into the sky. They soared high before descending upon her enemies like meteors from the heavens, scattering them with explosive force.

As the frozen bridge stretched out towards Phantom Lord's guild hall, Gray's mastery over his newfound water magic left the Fairy Tail members in awe.

"Nice one, Gray," Lucy chimed in, a smile of admiration crossing her lips. "Now let's make our way towards Phantom."

Gray nodded in agreement, his expression focused as he led the charge across the icy bridge towards their ultimate target.

Cana watched the spectacle with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Was that water magic?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder at Gray's display of elemental control.

Macao, standing nearby, shook his head in amazement. "I heard Lucy and Gray were training with the Dragneels, but to learn new magic and control them to this degree in just one month is insane," he remarked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Their progress is truly remarkable."

"Let's go!" Erza's voice rang out, her command echoing across the battlefield. Without hesitation, she and Seilah manifested their wings, soaring into the sky and heading straight for the heart of Phantom Lord's guild hall.

Jose watched with a mixture of astonishment and fury as Fairy Tail's members surged forward, their determination palpable even from a distance. His arrogance wavered for a moment, replaced by a grudging acknowledgment of their strength and resolve.

"Those pests," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with frustration. "They think they can defy me and waltz right into my guild hall? They'll regret ever crossing Phantom Lord."

With a clenched jaw, Jose issued orders to his remaining forces, rallying them for a final stand against Fairy Tail's onslaught. Despite his anger and disbelief at their audacity, he knew that victory was still within his grasp. The battle was far from over, and he was determined to crush Fairy Tail's resistance once and for all.

With Natsu

As Natsu's teleportation spell whisked him directly to Gajeel's location, the Iron Dragon Slayer's surprise was palpable. He couldn't shake off the chill that ran down his spine upon hearing Natsu call out his father's name with such familiarity.

"There you are," Natsu stated, his voice cutting through the chaos around them. Ignoring the attacks aimed at him by other members of Phantom Lord, he strode confidently towards Gajeel, his aura radiating with intense heat that seemed to engulf everything in its vicinity.

The air crackled with tension as Natsu approached, his presence causing even the boldest of Phantom Lord's mages to hesitate. With each step, his power became more apparent, making them feel like insignificant ants before a being of inconceivable power.

"Silver-Eye," Gajeel greeted, his voice steadying despite the palpable tension.

"Brat," Natsu retorted, his tone carrying amusement as he faced down his adversary.

"Tsk, how do you know about Metalicana? I told no one," asked Gajeel.

"Oh, Metal face? A friend of my dad Igneel, you know? The King of all Dragons?" said Natsu.

Gajeel's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and realization flickering across his features as Natsu's words sank in. The revelation that Natsu was the son of Igneel, the King of all Dragons, caught him off guard, his mind racing to make sense of the connection.

"So, the rumors are true," Gajeel muttered under his breath, a sense of respect creeping into his tone despite himself. "Igneel's son... No wonder you're such a pain in the ass."

Natsu grinned in response, his confidence unshaken as he squared his shoulders. "Yeah, that's me," he replied, his voice laced with pride.

Natsu's grin widened at Gajeel's challenge, his fiery determination burning brighter than ever. "Let's finish the chit chat," he agreed, his voice brimming with anticipation. "I want to see what you can do, and then I gotta smack Jose around, remind him he's just a human being."

Gajeel slowly entered a fighting stance, his senses telling him that Silver-Eye was not to be underestimated.

With Lucy

Lucy's heart raced as she stepped into the room where Jupiter had been, only to have to take a step back to evade a sudden blast of fire from her left that narrowly missed her.

"So, do you just not say hello? Or are you scared of women?" Lucy quipped, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and determination. Peering through the dissipating smoke, she locked eyes with her assailant: Totomaru.

Totomaru regarded Lucy with a smirk, his flames dancing around him in a mesmerizing display of power. "Scared of a little girl, me?" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You're out of your league here, princess."

Lucy's eyes flashed with defiance as she met Totomaru's gaze. "And what league is this? Femboys unlimited?" she retorted, her words laced with sarcasm. Despite the danger she faced, Lucy refused to back down, her resolve burning brighter than ever.

Totomaru's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flash of irritation at Lucy's quip. "Watch your mouth, little girl," he growled, his flames flickering with renewed intensity. "You'll regret crossing paths with me."

Lucy remained unfazed, her determination unwavering as she prepared to face off against her fiery adversary. With her celestial spirits at her side and her magic at the ready, she was more than ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

With Erza

As Erza calmly made her way through the Phantom guild hall, her keen senses alerted her to an approaching threat. Without hesitation, she spun around and delivered a swift kick, sending her assailant tumbling backward.

The man who had been knocked down was tall and imposing, with a blindfold covering his eyes. He rose to his feet, unfazed by Erza's attack, and regarded her with a sense of respect.

"And you are?" Erza inquired, her voice firm and commanding.

The man straightened himself, his demeanor composed despite the encounter. "Saint Makarov did not see that coming," he remarked with a hint of admiration. "You are an exceptional mage, Titania. As for your question, I am Aria of the Element 4."

Erza's expression hardened at the mention of Master Makarov's name, her resolve strengthening with each passing moment. "It's Sapphire-Eyed Queen Titania to you, peasant," she corrected him sharply. "And I will take retribution for Master Makarov."

Aria's lips curled into a confident smirk as he prepared to face Erza's challenge. "Is that so?" he replied, his tone tinged with arrogance.

With her Twin Fang Blades in hand, Erza stood ready to engage in battle, her determination burning brighter than ever. The clash between these two formidable opponents would surely shake the very foundations of the guild hall.

With Seilah

Seilah's voice echoed through the chamber, dripping with disdain as she called out her adversary. "Come out, Sor, or whatever your stupid human name is!" she spat with contempt.

From the shadows emerged a figure, his presence exuding an eerie calmness despite Seilah's hostility. "Actually, it's Sol," he corrected her calmly, his tone betraying no hint of irritation.

Seilah scoffed at his correction, her indifference clear in her response. "Sol, Sor, what's the difference? You're all the same—weak and insignificant," she sneered, her disdain for him palpable.

Sol remained unfazed by Seilah's disdain, his expression impassive as he prepared to face her in battle. Despite her insults, he remained steadfast in his resolve to prove himself against her formidable magic.

With Gray

As Gray strode across the roof of the guild, he was suddenly met with a downpour, seemingly conjured out of thin air.

"Hello," he greeted, not even bothering to glance behind him.

"Hm," responded Juvia, her voice carrying a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

"Don't I get at least a greeting?" Gray continued, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "I know we're supposed to be enemies, but you don't need to be that cold. And a smile would do your pretty face some good, don't you think?"

Juvia remained silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on Gray's back as she grappled with conflicting emotions. Despite their adversarial relationship, she couldn't help but feel a pang of longing at his words, a desire for connection that she struggled to suppress.

Back with Natsu

Back with Natsu, the clash of Gajeel's and Natsu's fists sent shockwaves reverberating through the air with each strike.

"Impressive," Natsu remarked, his tone casual as he lazily caught Gajeel's arm and effortlessly threw him aside like a sack of potatoes.

Gajeel grunted as he hit the ground, the impact sending a cloud of dust billowing into the air. Despite the ease with which Natsu had dispatched him, Gajeel rose to his feet with a determined glint in his eye.

"Don't underestimate me, Silver-Eye," he growled, his voice laced with defiance. "I'm not about to let you walk all over me."

"Hm… show me," Natsu responded, his expression unreadable.

''Iron Dragon's Roar!'' Gajeel unleashed a powerful blast of iron-infused breath from his mouth, aiming it directly at Natsu.

"Fine, I'll humor you for a bit," Natsu said calmly, preparing to retaliate. "Fire Dragon's Roar!" His own roar matched Gajeel's with equal force, the flames erupting from his mouth meeting the iron-infused blast head-on.

Gajeel grinned, thinking that Natsu was actually struggling to match his power.

"Not so tough now, eh?" he taunted, feeling a surge of confidence.

Natsu chuckled in response, his amusement evident in his tone. "Ha, you will have to do much better than that. That was simple Fire Dragon Magic. I have seven elements in total, all of them at the King stage. You won't have an 'easy fight,' brat," he retorted confidently, revealing the extent of his abilities.

''Iron Dragon's Scales!'' Gajeel covered his entire body in iron scales .

As Gajeel lunged forward, his muscles tensed with the weight of his iron-enhanced blows, Natsu met him with an agile sidestep, his movements fluid like a dancer's. The clash of their fists reverberated through the air, each impact sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield.

Natsu's fighting style was marked by its agility and versatility, his punches and kicks delivered with lightning speed and impeccable timing. Gajeel, on the other hand, favored a more brute force approach, relying on his immense strength and durability to overpower his opponents.

''Iron Dragon's Hard Fist!'' As Gajeel unleashed his Iron Dragon's Hard Fist, aiming for Natsu's face with brute force, Natsu swiftly ducked under the attack, his movements fluid and precise. He countered, delivering a powerful punch directly to Gajeel's chest, knocking the wind out of him. The impact staggered Gajeel momentarily, leaving him vulnerable to Natsu's next onslaught.

Without hesitation, Natsu followed up with a left hook to Gajeel's ribs, exploiting the opening created by his initial strike. The blow landed with resounding force, eliciting a grunt of pain from Gajeel as he felt the impact reverberate through his body. Sensing an opportunity, Natsu then executed a swift kick to Gajeel's right foot, destabilizing him and causing him to falter.

As Gajeel stumbled forward, Natsu capitalized on his momentary imbalance, delivering a precise strike to his knee, forcing him down onto one knee. With Gajeel momentarily immobilized, Natsu seized the opportunity to press his advantage. He grabbed Gajeel's right hand, preventing him from regaining his footing, and delivered a powerful double kick to his chest, driving him back with staggering force.

Using Gajeel's own body as leverage, Natsu propelled himself upward, launching into the air with a burst of fiery energy. As he descended, he unleashed a searing fireball towards Gajeel, the flames crackling with intense heat and power. The fireball hurtled towards Gajeel with unstoppable force, leaving him with little time to react as it closed in on its target.

As Gajeel slammed his hands onto the ground, conjuring an iron shield to deflect Natsu's fiery onslaught, a grim determination settled over him. Despite the searing pain coursing through his body, he refused to yield, his ironclad resolve unbroken.

"Okay... that hurt a lot," Gajeel grunted as he rose to his feet, his voice tinged with a hint of begrudging respect. "But I'm not gonna fall that easy."

Natsu regarded Gajeel with a mixture of amusement and anticipation, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Ah, of course. I expect no less," he replied, his voice brimming with confidence.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Gajeel braced himself, his magic power surging to new heights as he tapped into his reserves of strength. He knew that to stand any chance against Natsu, he would have to push himself to his absolute limits.

"So... done with playtime?" Natsu taunted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Should we get started? This bores me."

Gajeel's response was a low, guttural growl, his determination burning brighter than ever. "Yeah, playtime's over," he declared, his voice resolute.

As Gajeel's magic power continued to rise, Natsu's senses sharpened, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. He could feel the unmistakable surge of energy emanating from Gajeel—a power unlike anything he had sensed before.

"Hmm, he's not that bad," Natsu mused inwardly, his grin widening with anticipation. "He's almost as strong as Erza in her base form."

But as Gajeel's aura intensified, Natsu's eyes widened in realization, a thrill coursing through him. "Does he have it? Yes, the feeling is unmistakable—Dragon Force," he thought, his excitement building.

Natsu couldn't contain his excitement as he beheld Gajeel's transformation, his voice ringing out with genuine admiration. "HAHA, I'm impressed! To think you have this state? Even if it's incomplete, it's still a massive achievement to have attained it by yourself!" he shouted, his excitement palpable.

Gajeel Redfox-Full Power-Incomplete Dragon Force -Power Level-65.000

Natsu Dragneel- Massively Suppressed Base Form-Power Level-70.000

With Erza

As the tremors of Gajeel's Dragon Force transformation reverberated through the Phantom Guild, the realization of what was happening dawned on various combatants across the battlefield.

In the midst of her fierce duel with Aria, Erza's sharp eyes caught sight of the escalating power. "Is that Dragon Force?" she questioned, her voice laced with a mix of astonishment and concern.

Aria's confident smirk widened as he confirmed Erza's suspicions. "Yes, the highest state a Dragon Slayer can achieve," he affirmed, his tone dripping with confidence. "Silver-Eye will soon be dead."

"HA, he may have the power and the fact that he achieved Dragon Force is surprising," said Erza and continued "But... he IS fighting my dear husband Natsu. That was his greatest mistake. Natsu is his superior in both power and status, after all. He is the son of the King of all Dragons."

With Lucy,

"None of you stand a chance now that Gajeel has entered his Dragon Force!" Totomaru boasted, his confidence unwavering. "He's never lost a fight in that state!"

Lucy couldn't help but chuckle lightly at Totomaru's proclamation. "Well, he's about to," she countered with a smirk. "He's fighting a Dragon King after all."

With Seilah,

"Quite surprising for Gajeel to achieve Dragon Force by himself... He will be a great asset once this is over and he joins us," Seilah remarked, her tone thoughtful as she observed the unfolding battle.

"Do you think you will win now? Do you think Gajeel will change sides?" Sol questioned angrily, his frustration evident.

Seilah met Sol's gaze with a steely resolve. "Natsu is his kin, a King of Dragons. Gajeel would be a fool to waste any more of his time in a guild ruled by a fool like Jose," she stated firmly.

With Gray,

"Your friend is in danger now that Gajeel has entered Dragon Force," Juvia expressed her concern, her voice filled with worry for Lucy's safety.

Gray acknowledged Juvia's concern with a nod. "Appreciate the concern, but it's your friend that is in danger," he replied calmly. "Natsu is quite... brutal. Gajeel may have Dragon Force, but Natsu is a Dragon King through and through."

Juvia's concern deepened as she voiced her fears. "Is... is he going to kill Gajeel? I've heard tales of Silver-Eye and his brutality," she admitted, her voice trembling with worry.

Gray's expression softened as he reassured Juvia. "No, if Natsu wanted to kill him, he would have done so by now," he explained gently. "And I think he would rather have a fellow Dragon Slayer with him than in the ground."

Back with Natsu and Gajeel

As Gajeel's Dragon Force surged, his shirt ripped apart, leaving him clad in only his pants and waistcoat. Metallic scales covered his exposed skin, shimmering with power, while his eyes glowed with an eerie green light. His hands and lower legs transformed into gleaming greaves and gauntlets, each digit ending in razor-sharp claws. With every movement, the ground quaked beneath him, and his scales formed a formidable armor, ready to face any challenge.

"YES! C'MON BR- no, Gajeel, Son of Metalicana, let's have some fun!" Natsu exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.

Gajeel grinned in response, his anticipation matching Natsu's enthusiasm. "Yeah, show me the King of Dragons, show me the Silver-Eyed Devil," he challenged.

Their fists collided with explosive force, sending shockwaves rippling through the guild hall and obliterating everything in their path. As they fell to the ground, they wasted no time in launching into a relentless exchange of blows, their shouts of excitement echoing throughout the battlefield.

"AAAAAAAAAA!"

"AAAAAAAAAA!"

Their laughter mingled with the sounds of battle, filling the air with an electrifying energy as they moved with unparalleled speed and agility. With each strike, the ground quaked beneath them, the sheer force of their blows leaving craters in their wake.

Natsu's chuckles escalated into an outright maniacal laugh, his voice reverberating with unrestrained joy. Gajeel's own laughter matched his, the sound resembling the roar of dragons locked in combat.

"Iron Dragon's Hard Fist!"

"Fire Dragon King's Iron Fist!"

Their fists collided once more, unleashing a shockwave that obscured the battlefield in a shroud of smoke. As they soared into the sky, Natsu summoned his wings and propelled himself towards Gajeel, seizing him by the face and hurtling him into the distant mountains.

Undeterred, Gajeel quickly rose to his feet, his determination unwavering. With a powerful incantation, he conjured a colossal sword made of iron, its sheer size matching the distance he had been thrown from the guild hall.

"Karma Demon: Iron God Sword!"

The massive sword descended from the heavens, hurtling towards Natsu with unstoppable force. With a resounding crash, the blade struck Natsu, sending him crashing back to earth. But despite the impact, Natsu's laughter continued, his spirit unbroken in the face of Gajeel's onslaught.

As Natsu crashed back to earth, the ground trembled beneath him, but his laughter remained unyielding. His resilience in the face of Gajeel's onslaught garnered admiration from those watching the battle unfold.

As Natsu effortlessly blocked Gajeel's attack with his hands, Gajeel's grin widened, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "Not bad, Silver-Eye," he remarked, his voice laced with approval. "But let's see if you can keep up with this!"

With a surge of power, Gajeel launched himself back into the fray, meeting Natsu head-on with another barrage of blows. Their fists clashed with thunderous force, the impact echoing across the battlefield as they danced through the air.

Natsu's laughter rang out, a mix of exhilaration and anticipation. "Is that all you've got, Gajeel?" he taunted, his voice brimming with confidence. "I was hoping for a challenge!"

Gajeel chuckled in response, his eyes flashing with determination. "You asked for it, Silver-Eye!" he retorted, his own laughter joining Natsu's in the symphony of battle.

As Natsu and Gajeel's battle intensified, their movements continued to dazzle with speed and precision. Each strike was a testament to their mastery of combat, their bodies weaving seamlessly through the air as they clashed with relentless fervor.

Natsu's sudden appearance in mid-air caught Gajeel off guard, his kick aimed directly at Gajeel's head. With no time to react, Gajeel braced himself as the blow connected, sending him hurtling half a kilometer away, crashing into the side of a mountain.

As Gajeel regained his footing, he grinned at Natsu, a glimmer of admiration shining in his eyes. "You're quick, Silver-Eye," he remarked, his voice tinged with respect. "But let's see how you handle this!"

With a resounding incantation, Gajeel slammed his hands into the ground, pouring his magic into the earth below. In response, massive spears of iron erupted from the ground, towering several stories high.

"Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Iron God's Rampart!"

Gajeel declared, his voice echoing across the battlefield. The ground trembled with the force of Gajeel's spell, the towering iron spears becoming visible from the battlefield they had just departed. Natsu grinned in surprise at the spectacle before him, his admiration for Gajeel's power growing with each passing moment.

Dodging the spears that erupted with surprising speed, Natsu found himself in a deadly dance with the towering constructs. They followed his every movement, closing in on him with deadly precision.

Despite the danger, Natsu laughed heartily as he evaded the barrage, his confidence unshaken. However, a well-placed strike sent him careening towards a barrage of spears, each one poised to strike. Yet, even in the face of imminent danger, Natsu's laughter echoed through the battlefield, a testament to his indomitable spirit.

Suddenly, Natsu ascended into the sky, the spears unable to match his speed and altitude. "FINE! YOU SHOWED ME YOUR SECRET ARTS, SO I WILL SHOW YOU ONE OF MINE! PREPARE YOURSELF, GAJEEL!" his voice boomed with amusement as he raised his hand towards the sky.

"Dragon King's Secret Art: Storm Sovereignty!"

With a commanding gesture, Natsu summoned a raging lightning storm, dark clouds swirling above him. Dozens of massive lightning bolts descended from the heavens, each one even larger than Gajeel's spears. The bolts struck the iron spears with thunderous force, igniting a cataclysmic explosion that obliterated the mountain and left behind a massive crater, its size rivaling that of a town.

As the dust settled and the echoes of the thunderous explosion faded away, a tense silence descended upon the battlefield. The once-mighty mountain lay in ruins, reduced to nothing more than a smoldering crater that stretched as far as the eye could see. In the aftermath of Natsu's devastating attack, the air crackled with residual energy, a potent reminder of the sheer power he wielded.

Gajeel lay on his back, staring up at the sky with a mixture of exhaustion and contemplation. Despite the bruises and wounds that adorned his body, his gaze held a newfound clarity, as if the intensity of the battle had granted him a moment of insight.

"Such power... the power of a King," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Natsu materialized beside him, "This was fun," he remarked, a hint of excitement in his voice. "But I can take you even further beyond, Gajeel."

Confusion flickered in Gajeel's eyes as he turned to face Natsu. "What... what do you mean?" he asked, uncertainty creeping into his tone.

Natsu's grin widened, "I'm going to make sure you join Fairy Tail," he declared, his words carrying the weight of a promise. "Your guild will not stand after today. Then, you're going to train with me if you want power, that is. Tell me, do you want to become a Metal Dragon instead of a mere Iron Dragon? Do you want to become a King of Dragons?"

Gajeel's mind raced as he processed Natsu's offer. For years, he had been bound by duty and loyalty to Phantom Lord, but now, faced with the prospect of transcending his limits, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

After a moment of contemplation, Gajeel nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "I accept," he said, his voice steady. "And... I apologize for what I did to Team Shadow Gear. I tried to hold back, but I was following orders. I never meant to hurt them so much."

Natsu's reassuring smile widened, and he extended a hand to help Gajeel up. "You'll have the chance to make amends," he assured him. "I'll put in a good word for you, but you'll need to apologize to them yourself."

Gajeel grasped Natsu's hand firmly, pulling himself up with a newfound sense of purpose. "Thank you," he said sincerely, his gaze meeting Natsu's with gratitude. "I'll make things right, I promise."