Chapter-80: Day 1 - Hidden
Gray walked calmly through the fake town with his hands in his pockets, a confident smirk playing on his lips. As he moved, his sharp reflexes came into play, allowing him to effortlessly dodge a series of flying... carrots.
He raised an eyebrow, bewildered at first, then snorted with laughter. "Carrots? Really? You should keep that stuff in the kitchen," he quipped, his tone dripping with mockery.
Beth Vanderwood, the representative from Team Mermaid Heel, stepped out from behind a nearby building, her face flushed with anger. "How dare you?! You misogynistic piece of—"
Gray cut her off with a sharp retort, his own irritation bubbling to the surface. "OI! What did you expect when you throw fucking carrots at me? It's food, not a weapon!"
Beth's eyes narrowed, her face flushed with anger. She clenched her fists tightly, clearly offended. "You think just because you're some self-proclaimed 'Dragon King,' you can look down on my magic? My Vegetable Magic isn't something to be taken lightly!"
Gray's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and irritation. "Self-proclaimed? Little girl, I've earned my place and title as Dragon King with my power. I'd rather not hit girls, but it looks like I might have to educate you on some manners."
Beth's eyes flared with determination. "You won't intimidate me with your arrogance!" She thrust her hand forward, summoning a whirlwind of vegetables that spiraled around her like a storm. "Prepare yourself for a true demonstration of my magic!"
Gray's smirk widened, but instead of engaging directly, he blinked out of sight with a burst of speed. Moments later, he appeared behind Beth and delivered a quick, almost casual slap that sent her crashing through a nearby wall. The impact was jarring, and Beth's shocked expression revealed her disbelief at how easily she was overpowered.
"W-what?" she stammered as she struggled to rise, only for her figure to flicker and then vanish from sight entirely.
The arena's voice boomed, "Gray Fullbuster gains one point! Beth loses one!"
Gray brushed his hands off, his smirk returning. "That's how it's done. If you're gonna throw carrots at me, don't be surprised when they get a side of ice."
With Beth out of the way, Gray continued his path through the bustling town, his senses alert for any more surprises.
With Gajeel.
Gajeel was whistling nonchalantly as he walked through the fake town, his eyes scanning the area with a casual air. He spotted Eve trying to hide among the holographic clones, his form barely distinguishable from the rest.
"Oi, brat," Gajeel called out, his voice carrying easily through the quiet surroundings.
Eve, caught in the act, tried to remain composed and still, hoping his hiding spot would go unnoticed. But Gajeel's sharp eyes had already pinpointed his location. In an instant, Gajeel appeared directly in front of him, his presence looming over the nervous mage.
Eve, realizing he had been found, made a desperate attempt to strike out, but Gajeel was quicker. With a swift motion, he delivered a dismissive slap that sent Eve reeling backward.
The announcer's voice rang out across the arena, "Gajeel Redfox gains one point! Eve loses one!"
Gajeel looked down at the now-dazed Eve with a grin. "Trying to hide from me? Not gonna work, brat. Better luck next time."
With that, Gajeel continued his stroll through the town, resuming his whistling.
With Lost
The Mistress of Magic walked with a serene grace through the illusory town, her eyes gliding over the surroundings. She paused and turned to face Gray, her demeanor calm and composed.
"Not trying to hide?What shall I call you?" Gray asked, his smirk unwavering as he adjusted his stance. His eyes tracked her every movement, wary of any tricks.
The Mistress of Magic met Gray's challenge with unwavering composure. "For now, the title 'Mistress of Magic' will suffice. We shall see who will defeat whom."
Gray's smirk remained, though his eyes narrowed with focus. "Alright then, Mistress. Let's see what you've got."
As if on cue, the Mistress extended her hand, her fingers weaving through the air in a graceful, intricate pattern. A shimmering veil of magic began to coalesce around her, manifesting into an array of mystical symbols and swirling energies. Her magic was clearly not just for show—it held a weight and elegance that hinted at significant power.
Gray rolled his shoulders, preparing himself for whatever was to come. "Show me what you're made of," he challenged, his tone confident yet ready for the fight.
As the Mistress of Magic prepared her spell, Gray remained on guard, his icy demeanor a stark contrast to the Mistress's fluid, almost ethereal presence. Both were clearly holding back, neither wanting to reveal their full strength in this preliminary clash.
The Mistress raised her hand, and a series of sparkling runes appeared in the air before her, swirling into a concentrated point. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she sent a beam of radiant magic towards Gray. The beam moved with precision and speed, leaving a trail of shimmering light in its wake.
Gray reacted swiftly, his eyes tracking the incoming attack. With a smooth, almost lazy motion, he conjured a wall of ice that erupted from the ground, intercepting the beam. The magic struck the ice barrier, exploding in a burst of brilliant light and frost. Gray's expression remained focused, but he was clearly evaluating the Mistress's technique and power.
"Nice try," Gray said, his voice cool but laced with a hint of challenge. "But you'll have to do better than that to land a hit on me."
With a delicate gesture, she summoned a series of magical orbs that floated around her, each glowing with a different hue. They began to orbit her, growing in size and speed. The orbs suddenly shot out towards Gray, each one creating a burst of energy that threatened to overwhelm his defenses.
Gray's instincts kicked in, and he moved with fluidity and precision, creating a barrier of ice that expanded and shifted to deflect the incoming orbs. As he maneuvered, he caught sight of a single orb slipping through his defenses, its energy crackling as it made contact with his shoulder.
The impact was minor, but it was enough. The Mistress's magic had found its mark, and the announcer's voice rang out across the arena.
"Gray Fullbuster loses one point! Mistress of Magic gains one!"
As the announcer's voice echoed through the arena, Gray's teleportation caused a ripple of surprise and laughter among the spectators. His chuckle was unmistakable, a genuine reaction to the unexpected twist in the match.
"HAHA, well that was interesting!" Gray laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the moment.
Before Lyon could respond, he was caught off guard by Gray's next move. "It was, and it's about to repeat," Lyon said with a smirk, launching a barrage of ice spurs towards Gray.
Gray's eyes gleamed with mischief as he effortlessly disintegrated the incoming projectiles with a wave of his hand. "Normally, I'd just eat them," he admitted, "but I'm not sure if they'd consider that a landed attack, so not this time."
He took a small breath, focusing his magic. "Frozen Dragon's Roar!" Gray announced, his voice steady. This time, he used the technique with minimal power, just enough to get the job done without causing any catastrophic effects—he had learned his lesson from the Equinox incident, where his overuse of the roar had nearly triggered an ice age.
The icy blast surged through the air at incredible speed, catching Lyon off guard. The spurt of frosty wind and ice struck Lyon with unanticipated force, sending him skidding backward.
"Lyon loses one point! Gray Fullbuster gains one!" the announcer declared, the crowd erupting into cheers and gasps.
Sting's eyes widened from his place in the stands. "He's a Dragon Slayer?!" he exclaimed, shocked by the revelation.
Rogue, standing beside him, nodded thoughtfully. "They did refer to themselves as Dragons," he noted, a hint of understanding in his voice.
Gray's grin widened as he observed Lyon recovering. "Better luck next time, Ice Maker," he called out, a playful edge to his tone.
Lyon, still recovering from the attack, glared at Gray with a mix of frustration and begrudging respect. "This isn't over, Fullbuster," he warned, his voice steady despite the loss.
The battle raged on with intensity, the air charged with magic and anticipation. The arena's atmosphere was electric, with spectators eagerly watching the high-stakes combat unfold. The fake town continued to serve as the battleground, each participant demonstrating their unique skills and strategies.
As the game neared its conclusion, one of the commentators raised a question. "What of Saber Tooth? They've been silent the whole game."
"Yes, I wonder what they have planned?" the other commentator replied, their curiosity piqued.
Sting, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face, leaned in. "It's about to happen."
Suddenly, Rufus's voice echoed throughout the fake town, carrying a confident and almost eerie tone. "I've memorized it all—your spells, your breathing, your heartbeats…"
"Get on with it, brat!" Gajeel shouted, impatient with the delay.
Rufus shot a glare at Gajeel, clearly irked by the interruption. "If you insist on special treatment, so be it!"
With a dramatic flourish, Rufus began his spell. "Memory-Make: Night of Falling Stars!"
The spell materialized as beams of light resembling shooting stars, each one targeting an opponent with pinpoint accuracy. The beams were intense, with the one aimed at Gajeel noticeably larger and more powerful.
"Eve loses one point, Beth loses one point, Lyon loses one point, Rufus gains three points!" the announcer declared, their voice filled with excitement.
Rufus, eyes wide with disbelief, looked around. "Three points? Impossible! I've hit all of them."
However, it quickly became clear that Primal and Lost had effortlessly dodged the spell, as did Gajeel and Gray.
Gray, appearing directly in front of Rufus, delivered a nonchalant slap. "Do you seriously think you can take us out with such a slow spell?" he taunted.
Rufus, unfazed, smirked. "All you've hit is the memory of me—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Gray reappeared in front of him again, and with a swift, decisive motion, delivered a resounding bitch slap that sent Rufus tumbling off the tower he was perched on. Rufus crashed into the street below, creating a small crater upon impact.
"Rufus loses one point, and Gray gets one!" the announcer shouted, the crowd reacting with a mix of shock and cheer.
Gray dusted his hands off with a satisfied grin. "Looks like you're not as special as you thought."
The announcer's voice rang out, filling the arena with a sense of finality. "AND SO THE FIRST DAY'S GAME, HIDDEN, IS CONCLUDED!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the results were displayed on a large screen:
1st Place: Gray Fullbuster with 5 points!
2nd Place: Gajeel Redfox with 4 points!
3rd Place: Rufus Lore with 3 points!
4th Place: Mistress of Magic with 2 points!
5th Place: Knight of Silver with 1 point!
6th Place: Lyon Vastia with 0 points!
7th Place: Beth Vanderwood with -1 point!
8th Place: Eve Tearm with -2 points!
The standings were met with mixed reactions from the participants and their supporters. Some were satisfied with their performance, while others were eager to turn things around in the upcoming challenges.
Gray's grin remained firmly in place as he approached his teammates. "Not bad for a day's work. Let's see what the next challenge has in store for us."
Gajeel clapped him on the back, a smirk on his face. "Good job, Frosty. But don't get too comfy. There's plenty more to come."
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the crowd settled back into their seats, ready for the next phase of the Grand Magic Games. The competitors regrouped, each reflecting on their performance and strategizing for the challenges ahead. The first day had set the stage for what promised to be an exhilarating tournament, with fierce battles and unexpected twists still to come.
With the Dragneel family
In their private stand, the Dragneel family enjoyed a plush, cozy environment with giant ball sofas and large, comfortable couches. The air was filled with the joyful sounds of children playing and laughter echoing around them.
Natsu lounged on one of the large couches, clearly relaxed. Erza sat glued to his right side, her head resting against his shoulder. Natasha, on his left, had her hair loose, with bangs framing her face. Her eyes were focused more on Natsu than on the games unfolding below.
Erza stirred from her nap, stretching languidly. "Is it done?" she asked, her voice still heavy with sleep.
"Yeah," Natsu replied, his hand gently stroking her hair.
Erza blinked, trying to wake fully. "Anything interesting happen?"
"Not really," Natsu responded with a shrug. His fingers continued their soothing motion through her hair.
"Are you trying to put me back to sleep?" Erza asked softly, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
"Didn't you say you wanted to play after the games?" Natsu whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "You might need the rest. You won't get much tonight," he teased, his tone light and playful.
Erza's eyes fluttered open, a playful smile spreading across her face. "You promise?"
Natsu's eyes sparkled with amusement as he met Erza's playful gaze. "I promise," he whispered back, his tone soft but full of promise. "Just rest up. I have a feeling tonight is going to be... unforgettable."
Erza's smile widened, a mixture of affection and anticipation in her eyes. "You better not be teasing me," she said, her voice low and teasing.
"Would I ever?" Natsu asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing lightly against her ear. "Trust me, it'll be worth the wait."
Natasha, watching the exchange with a knowing smile, couldn't help but tease, "You two are something else. Just make sure you save a little bit of that energy for the rest of us."
Natsu laughed softly, pulling back just enough to look at both Erza and Natasha. "Of course, we'll make sure to keep the fun going for everyone."
With that, the family settled into their private stand, the Natsu's large wings wrapping around them like a warm blanket.
Later after the break
Later, after the break, the announcer's voice rang out across the arena, drawing everyone's attention to the next phase of the Grand Magic Games.
"And now," Mato began, his voice carrying the weight of anticipation, "the one-on-one fights shall begin!"
The crowd buzzed with excitement as Mato continued to announce the matches.
"Match 1: Fairy Tail Team A's Lucy Vermilion, the Starlight Striker, versus Primal's Knight of Gold, Blade of Flame!"
"Match 2: Blue Pegasus's Ren Akatsuki versus Mermaid Heel's Arana Webb!"
"Match 3: Saber Tooth's Orga Nanagear versus Lost's Knight of Black, Dark Knight!"
"And finally," Mato's voice took on a dramatic tone, "Match 4: Fairy Tail Team B's Gajeel Redfox, the Metallic Dragon King, versus Lamia Scale's Jura Neekis, Iron Rock Jura!"
A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. Someone voiced the concern, "Is it fair to pit Redfox against a Wizard Saint?"
Gajeel, already bristling at the suggestion, turned sharply. "Yes, do you want me to tear your precious Wizard Saint limb from limb?" His voice was low and dangerous, clearly annoyed at the implication of being at a disadvantage.
Jura, his brow furrowing slightly with irritation, responded with measured composure. "I understand you've trained with Silver Eye, but I am still a Wizard Saint—"
"A worthless title, human," came Natsu's voice, cutting through the tension like a blade. His tone was heavy with disdain. "You should be honored to fight Gajeel."
The arena fell silent for a moment as Natsu's words echoed through the stands. The crowd exchanged glances, impressed by the sheer audacity of Natsu's statement.
Jura's expression hardened, his annoyance evident. "Very well, if that's how you feel, I'll give it my all."
Gajeel smirked, his eyes glinting with challenge. "That's the spirit. Show me what you've got, old man."
With the stage set and tensions high, the crowd settled in to watch the fierce battles unfold, each fighter poised to give their best in the Grand Magic Games.
Match 1
In the arena, Lucy entered with a calm demeanor, her gaze fixed on her opponent, the imposing Blade of Flame. She sized him up with a mixture of curiosity and mockery.
"Will you give me your name, or should I just call you 'Blade'?" Lucy asked, her tone light but edged with playful challenge.
The Blade of Flame's response was curt and dismissive. "Knowing my name will not benefit you, Demon."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. "Now, that's a bit rude, don't you think?"
Without further preamble, the match began. Blade of Flame, clad in armor that seemed to flicker with an inner fire, wasted no time. He lunged toward Lucy, his sword engulfed in flames, aimed straight at her. The intense heat radiated from the blade, scorching the ground where it passed.
Lucy, calm and collected, unsheathed Moonfall and swiftly parried the flaming sword. Her blade grazed Blade of Flame's shoulder, leaving a long scratch on his armor. "Good armor," she complimented with a wry smile as she vanished in a burst of demonic light.
Blade of Flame's eyes tracked her movements with calm precision. When Lucy reappeared, her stance was poised and her knight sword held firmly. Her appearance, though deceptively serene, hid the full extent of her exceptional power.
"You are much stronger than you appear," Blade said, his voice carrying a note of grudging respect.
Lucy's lips curved into a playful smirk. "Nice to know I still have my 'Hot Babe' look working for me. Immortality has its perks," she joked, her tone light despite the intensity of the battle.
Blade's expression hardened, but he couldn't completely mask his admiration for her skills. "Enough games. Let's see if you can handle this."
As Blade of Flame unleashed his torrent of fiery energy, the flames roared with an intensity that threatened to engulf everything in their path. Lucy, her demeanor calm and focused, met his attack head-on. The arena's atmosphere crackled with energy as their blades clashed in the center, creating a shockwave that reverberated through the entire stadium.
Spectators gasped in awe and confusion, unable to comprehend the sheer scale of the battle unfolding before them. The sheer speed and power of their movements were beyond light speed. The air itself seemed to tremble with the force of their strikes. To the ordinary onlookers, it was as if the two combatants were teleporting, their auras visible but their true magic power elusive and inscrutable.
Lucy and Blade had intentionally cloaked their immense power, making it invisible to human senses. The magical energy they wielded was so vast that it could overwhelm the minds of even experienced mages if revealed fully.
Lucy Vermilion- (ArchDemon, Base Form) Suppressed- 4.3 Billion
Blade- (Unknown, Base? ) Suppressed- 4.3 Billion
As their swords met, the impact generated a burst of energy so intense that it could be felt even outside the arena. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered from the force of their confrontation. Lucy's knight sword met Blade's fiery blade with a resounding clash, the shockwave from their clash pushing back the surrounding holographic buildings.
Blade pressed his attack. "You're strong, Vermilion. "
Lucy, her gaze steady and her expression a mix of amusement and concentration, parried his blows with equal skill. "Bring it on, Blade. I'm just getting started."
Blade pressed his attack with a relentless barrage of strikes, each swing of his sword releasing a wave of intense heat that scorched the air. His movements were rapid, approaching hypersonic speed, with each swing aimed precisely at Lucy.
Lucy responded with equal fervor, her own sword flashing in a blur of motion. She deflected Blade's fiery strikes with expert precision, her movements so fluid and swift that they seemed to bend the light around her. As Blade's sword came down in a vertical slash, Lucy sidestepped and countered with a horizontal swipe, her blade meeting his with a resounding clang that sent sparks flying.
The arena was engulfed in a dazzling display of light and energy as their blades clashed. Each impact generated a localized shockwave, with their movements creating small rifts in the air. Blade's attacks, moving at speeds just below light, created afterimages that lingered for mere fractions of a second before disappearing.
Lucy's reflexes matched Blade's pace, her sword moving at sub-relativistic speeds. She performed a series of rapid parries and counterattacks, her strikes so quick that they left trails of light in their wake. When Blade attempted a powerful overhead strike, Lucy vanished from sight, reappearing a split second later behind him. She executed a precise thrust aimed at his back, but Blade spun around in a blur, blocking her attack with his own blade.
Blade's fiery aura intensified, his attacks becoming a whirlwind of flame and steel. He unleashed a series of rapid thrusts and slashes, each move calculated to overwhelm Lucy. She responded with a fluid dance of defense and offense, her sword movements weaving through the onslaught with astonishing speed. She employed light-speed bursts to reposition herself, creating the illusion of multiple duplicates that blurred the line between reality and illusion.
Lucy's strikes were a blur as she pressed her attack, her sword moving with such speed that the air crackled with each swing. Blade's fiery aura intensified, flames roaring around him as he matched her pace. His blade cut through the air with precision, each slash aimed to break through Lucy's defenses.
As Blade launched a powerful overhead strike, Lucy vanished from sight, reappearing behind him in a fraction of a second. Her blade swept through the air with a decisive thrust aimed at his back. Blade spun around with blinding speed, his sword meeting hers in a clash of steel and fire. The force of the collision sent a shockwave through the arena, but Lucy's superior speed allowed her to maintain her offensive.
Blade's attacks became a whirlwind of flame and steel, each move more aggressive than the last. He unleashed a rapid series of thrusts and slashes, his fiery aura creating a blazing storm around him. Lucy danced through his onslaught, her sword cutting through the flames with effortless grace. Her movements were a seamless blend of defense and offense, using light-speed bursts to reposition and create illusory duplicates that blurred the line between reality and illusion.
In a sudden burst of speed, Lucy delivered a powerful strike that seemed destined to end the battle. Her sword cut through Blade's armor, sending him crashing to the ground. The impact created a crater in the arena floor, and for a moment, it seemed that Blade had been defeated.
Blade slowly rose to his feet, his fiery aura flickering but still intact. Despite the visible damage to his armor, he appeared unharmed. His expression was calm, "This will do for now," he said, his voice steady. "You've won."
Lucy stood, her sword still glowing with residual energy, and nodded in acknowledgment. The crowd erupted into applause, impressed by the extraordinary display of skill and power. Blade's surrender marked Lucy's victory, and she sheathed her sword.
"Why did he surrender now? We just got started," Lucy murmured to herself, a touch of curiosity in her voice. "No matter."
At the Dragneel stand, Ava turned to Roxy, who was intently observing the arena.
"What do you think?" Ava asked, her gaze shifting between the arena and Roxy.
"Illusion," Roxy responded immediately, her tone confident. As a master of illusion magic, she had an acute sense for detecting such tricks.
"I figured as much…but it's very subtle," Ava remarked, impressed by the complexity of the illusion.
Roxy focused her attention on the stands of Lost and Primal. "There are only eight real beings there," she said, her eyes narrowing as she studied the 'guild members' of both teams. "The rest are illusions."
Ava's eyes widened. "That's why it felt off. It's not just the magic in the arena but the entire setup. Clever."
"Indeed," Roxy said, her expression thoughtful. "It's a complex strategy, using illusions to mislead and confuse. We'll need to stay vigilant. The real battle might be more complicated than it seems."
The two of them turned their attention back to the arena, prepared for whatever might come next. The Grand Magic Games had just taken an intriguing turn, and they were ready to see how the rest of the matches would unfold.
Match 2 turned out to be somewhat disappointing. The battle between Ren from Blue Pegasus and Arana from Mermaid Heel was lackluster, showcasing the fight between two relatively average mages. Ren emerged victorious, which was a boost for Blue Pegasus but did little to stir the excitement of the crowd.
Match 3, however, was more captivating. Orga Nanagear, a so-called 'God Slayer,' faced off against the Knight of Black. Despite Orga's claim to divine power, his magic leaked a noticeable divinity, revealing the falseness of his title. His arrogance did little to mask his lack of actual skill. The Black Knight dominated the fight effortlessly, and the crowd was unimpressed when Orga, attempting to save face, claimed that he had intimidated his opponent. It was evident to everyone that the Black Knight had controlled the fight from start to finish before ultimately conceding the victory to Orga.
Now, with anticipation building, the final match began.
Match 4
Jura Neekis, the Wizard Saint from Lamia Scale, strode into the arena with a palpable air of annoyance. His frustration was evident, fueled by the perceived disrespect from both Natsu and Gajeel. His gaze was fixed and stern as he prepared for the impending battle.
Gajeel Redfox made his way into the arena with a casual, almost bored expression. His demeanor contrasted sharply with Jura's tense posture.
"I hope you've prepared an apology, Redfox," Jura said, his voice carrying an edge of irritation.
Gajeel smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. "So you didn't learn your lesson when we took care of the Council?"
Jura's eyes widened in confusion. "What do you mean? The Council was destroyed by Zeref and his demons in an attempt to—"
"Zeref had nothing to do with it," Gajeel interrupted with a dismissive wave. "Those worthless fools decided to drop Etherion on Tenrou Island while Natsu was fighting Zeref and Acnologia. Natsu stopped the Etherion, and after that, we dealt with those idiots ourselves."
Jura's expression turned to one of disbelief. "The dragons that were seen there—"
"Were me, Gray, and two of Natsu's Queens," Gajeel said with a smirk. "We were in our Dragon Forms. Natsu didn't take his because he opted for his Demon form."
Jura's face showed a mix of shock and realization. "So, you were the ones responsible..."
Gajeel nodded, his smirk widening. "Yep. And don't forget it. Now, let's get this over with."
Jura's frustration deepened, his jaw tightening. "You think you're above the Wizard Saints, don't you? It's one thing to disregard us, but to come here and belittle us in front of everyone is another."
Gajeel chuckled, unbothered. "Disregard? Nah. I just don't see the point in respecting titles that don't mean much in the face of real power. You think being a Wizard Saint makes you untouchable?"
Jura's eyes narrowed, his voice icy and resolute. "It's not about being untouchable. It's about respect for those who've earned their place through skill, dedication, and power. If you have a problem with that, take it up in the arena."
Gajeel's smirk persisted, but his eyes grew colder. "Why is it so hard to understand? We. Are. Not. Humans. We are literally Higher Beings. You're ants to us. Your so-called 'skill, dedication, and power' are nothing compared to what our kids are capable of. You think you can challenge Higher Beings with such arrogance? You have no idea what true power is."
Jura's expression hardened, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Your arrogance is astounding, Redfox. The strength of a Wizard Saint is not something to be dismissed lightly. We've proven ourselves through countless trials and challenges."
Gajeel's gaze remained unyielding, his eyes cold with contempt. "Proven yourselves? Sure. But we've surpassed that level long ago. Our power isn't just about strength; it's about transcending what you know. What really pisses us off is how you refuse to acknowledge that you're at the bottom of the food chain. Your sheer stupidity is infuriating. Why did we kill the council? Because they were weak and misguided. Why did you allow yourselves to take orders from non-mages who didn't understand magic? Did you know there were only two real magic users on the council? And those two wouldn't even pass as average mages. The leaders are supposed to be the strongest, yet you had weaklings put on the throne. You still do. Your kings are kings only because they were born into it, not because they earned it. When was the last time a king was the strongest warrior? When was the last time a king led his army into battle instead of sending someone else? We follow Natsu. He is the King, and he is the strongest of us all, as all kings should be. Not these false kings you bow to."
Jura's expression hardened as he listened to Gajeel's harsh critique. "You're missing the point. Leadership requires more than just strength. It involves the capacity to unite and lead people, to make decisions that affect the greater good. The council had its flaws, yes, but it was not simply about power."
Gajeel's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Those who separate intelligence from power will never understand true leadership. How can someone who doesn't grasp the fundamentals of magic command those who have mastered it? The council was all about maintaining their own control and power. They were scared of Natsu because they couldn't manipulate him, couldn't bend him to their will. It wasn't about balance or the greater good—it was about their own false sense of superiority and control."
Jura's fists clenched, frustration evident. "You speak of control and power, but you're overlooking the bigger picture. True leadership is about guiding people towards a common goal, not just flexing raw strength. The council's decisions were made with the intent of maintaining order, even if they were flawed."
"Are you fucking deaf? They did not care for you, they did not care for your family, they never did. All they cared about was staying in control, tell me, do you know by who the council was created hundreds of years ago?"
Jura's face tightened with a mix of anger and confusion. "The council was established to bring order to the chaos. We've always had a system in place to ensure stability. What are you implying?"
Gajeel's eyes flared with intensity. "Wrong. The council was created by the same people who painted Zeref as the Black Wizard."
Jura frowned, struggling to understand. "What do you mean by that?"
"Zeref taught them magic when he was still young," Gajeel explained. "He wanted humans to use magic to better their own lives. But they grew greedy and demanded the secrets of his immortality. When he refused, they tried to subdue him—overconfident and blind to the consequences. That ended horribly for them. Since then, they've blamed everything on him."
Jura shook his head. "Zeref is evil personified. His demons—"
"Demons he created? Yes, but they were mostly failures," Gajeel cut in. "Zeref created enough Etherius to fill an entire continent. Do you see them around? No. He and the successful demons dealt with the failures themselves to prevent them from wiping out humanity. Zeref's actions were a desperate attempt to protect a world that turned against him."
Jura looked troubled, his convictions wavering. "So, you're saying that the council's actions were based on a lie?"
Gajeel's expression was stern. "Not just based on a lie, but on a distortion of the truth. The council's entire foundation was built on suppressing the real history and maintaining their control. They wanted to keep everyone in the dark about the true nature of magic and power. I'm not calling Zeref a benevolent Being, he is not, and neither are we. I'm simply telling you that the world is not what you think, and to remind you the world does not revolve around humans. You just love to be victims."
Jura's expression was one of profound contemplation, his anger tempered by the weight of Gajeel's words. "Zeref has created numerous vile projects, orchestrated countless schemes. How do you explain that?"
Gajeel's gaze was unyielding, his tone calm but intense. "As I said, the world doesn't revolve around you or your petty concerns. Zeref has been on this planet for 500 years. He possesses the power to wipe out all humans with a mere flick of his wrist if he wanted to. If he were truly bent on destroying humanity, he'd have done it a long time ago. The reality is, you don't matter in the grand scheme of things. This is just a single country, on one planet, in one solar system, within one galaxy, in an expansive multiverse. Humans are not being held back by demons, dragons, or gods; you're holding yourselves back."
Jura's eyes narrowed as he grappled with Gajeel's perspective. "If what you're saying is true, then it changes everything we've been led to believe. It suggests that our struggles are not just battles against external forces but also conflicts within ourselves."
Gajeel's gaze was unwavering, his voice steady. "Exactly. Humans are both power-hungry and terrified of it. You crave power, yet you've constructed this idea of losing your 'humanity,' a concept you don't even fully understand. I could explain the very existence of humans, why you exist, and even why you can use magic. But doing so would shatter your beliefs entirely, and that's not my goal here."
Jura's expression remained conflicted, caught between disbelief and contemplation. "So, you're suggesting that our entire understanding of power, our struggles, and even our very existence are based on misconceptions?"
Gajeel nodded slowly. "Yes. But I've said enough. I'm not here to awaken humanity or change your worldview. My purpose was simply to remind you of your place on the cosmic scale."
Jura looked away, the weight of Gajeel's words heavy on his shoulders. The arena, now felt like a stage for a deeper, more profound conversation.
Jura took a battle stance, as Gajeel stood casually.
The Announcer gulped, the conversation was a rather brutal combination of undeniable facts about the human race.
With a shaky hand he started the fight.
With Natsu and Gray
Natsu glanced over at Gray, a playful smirk on his face. "Gray?"
"Yeah?"
"You're not my favorite anymore," Natsu said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Gray looked at him with mock hurt, raising an eyebrow. "Bro?"
"I'm sorry, Gray," Natsu said, trying to keep a straight face but clearly amused. "Gajeel's speech was epic and flawless. I'm sure you understand."
Gray chuckled, shaking his head with a smirk. "So you're just going to ditch me for Gajeel now?"
Natsu laughed, nudging Gray with his elbow. "Not ditching you, just giving credit where it's due. Gajeel's got the whole cosmic perspective thing on point. Of course, he learned from the best," Natsu added proudly, knowing he'd successfully guided Gajeel in the right direction.
Gray raised an eyebrow, feigning annoyance. "Oh, really? So you're taking credit for Gajeel's cosmic speech now?"
Natsu grinned, giving Gray a playful shove. "Guilty as charged. I like to think I had a little influence on him. But hey, don't worry—there's always room for more than one favorite."
Gray smirked, crossing his arms. "Guess I'll have to step up my game. Can't let Gajeel have all the fun."
Back with Gajeel
As Jura stomped his foot, the ground trembled and massive rock pillars erupted towards Gajeel, their jagged edges aimed with precision. Gajeel's eyes narrowed as he assessed the incoming threat.
In a swift response, Gajeel unleashed a wave of iron spikes from the ground, the titanium spears shooting up with incredible force. They collided with Jura's rock pillars, shattering them into rubble and sending debris scattering across the arena.
Jura's frustration grew as his rock pillars were effortlessly shattered by the spears of titanium that erupted from the ground. His face reddened with a mix of anger and determination as he tried to outmaneuver Gajeel, who remained unfazed, barely moving from his spot.
Jura attempted another strategy, this time causing a massive fissure to open in the ground, sending a wave of jagged rocks and debris toward Gajeel. But as the debris surged forward, it was intercepted by a wall of steel that Gajeel had conjured effortlessly, the rock fragments splintering harmlessly against it.
Gajeel's gaze remained calm and disinterested. He casually flicked his wrist, sending a wave of metallic shards toward Jura, each moving with precision and speed. Jura blocked the attack with a shield of rock, but the force of the impact pushed him back, nearly causing him to lose his footing.
"You done yet?" Gajeel's voice was a low growl, laced with boredom and disdain. "Or do you need more time to realize how outmatched you are? Has everything I just told you gone in one ear and out the other?"
Jura gritted his teeth, feeling the weight of Gajeel's words sink in. He knew he was outclassed, but his pride as a Wizard Saint wouldn't allow him to back down so easily. Gathering his strength, he slammed both palms onto the ground, sending a wave of seismic energy rippling through the arena. The earth beneath Gajeel's feet cracked and buckled, attempting to throw him off balance.
Gajeel didn't even flinch. He simply lifted one foot and stomped it down, sending a shockwave through the ground that nullified Jura's attack entirely. "Pathetic," Gajeel muttered. "Is that really all a Wizard Saint can do? You're not even worth getting serious over."
Jura's frustration mounted. "You underestimate me, Gajeel. I still have plenty of fight left!" With a swift motion, he raised his arms, pulling a massive boulder from the ground and hurling it toward Gajeel with all his might.
Gajeel yawned and extended his arm, effortlessly catching the boulder with one hand. His grip tightened, and the massive rock crumbled into dust. "I'm getting bored, Jura. I thought a Wizard Saint would be more of a challenge." He glanced up at the stands where the Dragneel family sat, giving Natsu a knowing smirk.
Jura, panting and exhausted, realized he had no chance against Gajeel. Every attack he had thrown had been effortlessly countered, every strategy rendered useless. He looked up at Gajeel, who hadn't even broken a sweat. "Is this… is this the true power of a dragon?"
Gajeel shrugged. "This? Nah, this is nothing. I'm not even trying." He stepped forward, and the ground trembled beneath his feet. "But if you keep pushing me, I might just have to get serious. And trust me, you don't want that."
Jura, feeling desperation and adrenaline coursing through him, surged forward with all the speed he could muster. His fists flew in a flurry of punches aimed at Gajeel's face and torso, each strike filled with the intent to land a decisive blow. Gajeel, however, stood his ground, his expression unchanged, and allowed Jura to get within striking distance.
Jura launched an uppercut with all his might, his fist connecting squarely with Gajeel's jaw. But Gajeel didn't even flinch. His head barely moved, and his smirk remained firmly in place. The crowd gasped, expecting the hit to have some impact, but it was as if Jura had punched a solid wall of iron.
Jura recoiled slightly, shaking his hand as he felt the painful recoil of his own attack. He winced but pushed forward, refusing to back down. He unleashed a series of rapid punches and kicks in a desperate flurry, trying to find any weak point in Gajeel's defense. His fists pounded against Gajeel's chest and stomach, and his kicks aimed for the sides of Gajeel's knees, but each strike felt like hitting solid steel.
Gajeel stood motionless, his eyes lazily following Jura's movements. His expression was a mix of boredom and mild amusement. As Jura's blows continued to rain down on him, Gajeel finally spoke, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Is that it? Am I not just some arrogant bastard in front of a Wizard Saint?"
Jura gritted his teeth, frustration building with every strike that failed to make even a dent in Gajeel's defense. Sweat dripped down his brow, and his breathing grew ragged. He had thrown everything he had into his assault, but it was like attacking a mountain with a wooden stick.
Gajeel's smirk widened. "Come on, Jura, You Saints are 'tough' no? This isn't even a warm-up." His tone was mocking, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and disdain.
Jura's determination flared. He knew he couldn't afford to let Gajeel's taunts get to him, but he was running out of options. With a roar of frustration, he raised his hands and summoned a massive wave of rock and earth magic, sending a barrage of jagged stones flying toward Gajeel.
Gajeel didn't even bother to move. He stood still as the rocks came hurtling towards him, and at the last moment, he swiped his hand in a casual backhand motion. A burst of iron magic erupted from his body, and the rocks disintegrated into dust before they even reached him. The sheer force of his magic caused the arena floor to crack and quake.
"Look, Jura, I get it," Gajeel continued, stepping forward with a relaxed gait. "You're trying to prove a point. But you're out of your league. I'm not just some arrogant bastard standing in front of a Wizard Saint. I'm a Transcended Dragon, the Metallic Dragon King. And much more."
Jura gritted his teeth and decided to make one last desperate attempt to go on the offense. He channeled all his remaining magic into his right arm, enveloping it in a powerful aura, and sprinted toward Gajeel with everything he had.
Gajeel, seeing Jura's determination, simply took his hands out of his pockets and spread his arms wide, as if inviting the attack. Jura's fist collided directly with Gajeel's chest, the force of the impact sending shockwaves throughout the arena.
But instead of causing any damage to Gajeel, the impact backfired. Jura's eyes widened in shock and pain as he felt a sharp, sickening snap—his own arm had broken from the sheer hardness of Gajeel's body. He stumbled back, clutching his broken arm, agony clear on his face.
Gajeel didn't even flinch. He stood there, completely unharmed, looking down at Jura with a mix of pity and indifference. "See what I mean?" he said, his voice calm and cold. "This is the difference between us. Your strength isn't enough. It never was."
Jura staggered back, clutching his broken arm, pain etched across his face. Gajeel raised his hand, positioning his fingers as if preparing to flick something away. "You think—" Jura began, his voice strained, but he didn't get to finish his sentence.
With a simple flick of his finger, Gajeel sent a shockwave barreling toward Jura, striking him squarely in the chest. The force was immense, far beyond anything Jura could withstand. He was hurled across the arena like a ragdoll, slamming into the far wall with a deafening crash. The impact left a deep crater in the stone, dust and debris flying everywhere. Jura slumped to the ground, barely clinging to consciousness, his body broken and battered.
The crowd fell into a stunned silence, the sheer disparity in power leaving them speechless. Gajeel stood tall in the center of the arena, his expression unchanged, as if the entire fight had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. "Pathetic," he muttered under his breath, turning away from his fallen opponent.
The arena was filled with a heavy silence as the dust settled around Jura's crumpled form. The audience members, many of whom had cheered loudly at the start of the match, now exchanged nervous glances and whispered among themselves. The sheer brutality of the fight left them in shock. The reality of Gajeel's overwhelming power was sinking in, and for the first time, many realized the true extent of the difference between a human mage and a being of his caliber.
In the stands, the members of Lamia Scale looked on in stunned disbelief. Lyon's face was a mixture of anger and concern. "That… that was completely one-sided," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Jura didn't stand a chance."
At the Dragneel stand, Natsu chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Gajeel didn't even break a sweat," he remarked, his tone light.
Gray nodded in agreement, a smirk on his face. "He's definitely come a long way. But you have to admit, he has a flair for the dramatic."
Erza chuckled. "We all do, thanks to Natsu."
"Love you too," Natsu said with a playful grin.
"Yes, yes, I know, dear," Erza replied with a smile. "You did promise to."
Back in the arena,
Jura slowly regained his footing, his body trembling from the impact of Gajeel's flick. He was battered and bruised, but his spirit was still intact. His eyes were filled with a mixture of frustration and a dawning realization.
The referee, seeing that Jura was still able to stand but clearly outmatched, hesitated for a moment before raising his hand. "This match is over! The winner is Gajeel Redfox!"
The crowd erupted again, this time with a mixture of awe and unease. Jura, one of the Ten Wizard Saints, had been defeated so easily.
Gajeel gave one last glance at Jura, his expression softer now, almost as if acknowledging Jura's tenacity. "You've got heart, old man," he said, his tone almost respectful. "But heart alone isn't gonna cut it in this world anymore."
Jura nodded slowly, the words sinking in. "Perhaps… perhaps you're right," he admitted, his voice low but steady. "There's much I still don't understand about the power you wield. But I will not stop seeking the truth, no matter how painful it might be."
Gajeel gave a small, approving nod before turning his back and walking away from the arena, leaving Jura to contemplate his next steps. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, the air buzzing with excitement and uncertainty about what the future held for the world of mages.
Later
Later that evening, Gajeel found himself in a more relaxed setting, surrounded by family. Mia, bubbling with excitement, recounted the highlights of his match to anyone who would listen.
"And then you went BAM, and the old man went foosh towards the wall and it was awesome!" Mia's hands were animated as she described the fight, her eyes wide with admiration.
Gajeel listened intently, a proud smile on his face as he ruffled Mia's hair. "I'm glad you liked it, Mia. It was quite a show, wasn't it?"
Lysandra, watching the scene with a warm smile, sat nearby. She appreciated these moments of family bonding, especially after the intensity of the day's events. Zane and Ragnar were also part of Mia's enthusiastic recounting, both listening with varying degrees of amusement and pride.
Ragnar leaned in with a grin. "You sure know how to put on a show, Dad."
Zane chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, you really showed them what a dragon is made of."
Gajeel, basking in the praise, ruffled Ragnar's and Zane's hair playfully. "Glad you think so. But remember, it's not just about showing off. It's about proving that even when things get tough, we stand our ground."
Mia, beaming up at her father, added with excitement, "And you did it so cool! Like, when you flicked him, it was like—" she paused for dramatic effect, "—like a comet hitting the wall!"
Gajeel laughed, pulling Mia into a hug. "Well, I guess you could say I made a big impression."
Lysandra leaned closer, her lips brushing Gajeel's ear as she whispered softly, "You've earned a reward, my dear."
Gajeel's eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint as he winked back. "It's what I do, dear."
With the Dragneels
In the private suite on the Cube, the Dragneels were unwinding after a long day. Wendy was sprawled on a couch, clearly bored out of her mind.
Wendy lay sprawled on a couch, clearly bored out of her mind. "Uhhhhhhhhhhh, I want something to do. I'm soo bored," she whined.
Scaha giggled, Wendy's mischievous personality still shining through despite her transition into a stunning young woman.
"You could take part in tomorrow's games. The challenge is supposed to be a race," suggested Samikel, who was flipping through a list he had found who knows where.
Wendy sprang up immediately. "A race? How do you know? We're only supposed to find out tomorrow!"
Samikel looked up from the list with a slight smirk. "I got bored, so I went exploring. I found a door labeled 'Staff,' so I went in," he said, gesturing to the list. "I found this there."
Wendy's face lit up as she wrapped Samikel in a warm hug. "Oh, Samy! You're such a sweetheart for looking out for me!" She planted kisses on his forehead and cheek, much to his protests.
"Wendy, put me down," he demanded, though his face was flushed with embarrassment.
Wendy let him go but teased him, "Maybe in a few years, you can be my husband."
"What? N-no, I don't—" Samikel stammered, only to be cut off by Wendy's laughter.
"What? You don't think I'm pretty?" she asked with mock hurt.
"Of course you are! Wait—" Samikel started, realizing he had been tricked.
Wendy laughed, enjoying his flustered reaction. "You trickster!" he accused, his face turning red.
Scaha giggled, watching the exchange with amusement. "Come on, Wendy, stop teasing him. Or else, when he gets older, you might have to pay for it."
"Maaaaybe," Wendy replied with a playful wink.
As the playful banter continued, Natsu leaned back in his chair, amused by the lively interactions. "You two are something else," he said, shaking his head with a grin. "Always up to mischief."
"Gotta say, I already miss when Samy was still trying to explain to us why vegetables were evil," Natsu continued with a chuckle.
"Hey, I blame you for my genes. It's not my fault that one day I'm acting like a toddler and the next I'm a genius," Samikel argued. Natsu and his wives were well aware of Samikel's unique development. Natsu himself had experienced rapid maturation due to his power and physiology, and Samikel had similarly evolved, transitioning from childish behavior to a more mature mindset. This transition was also why Wendy took every opportunity to tease him.
Scaha wrapped Samikel in her arms, a loving smile on her face. "No matter what, you'll always be my baby."
"Moooooom," Samikel whined, knowing there was no escaping his mother's affection.
Scaha was surprised when she felt a pair of soft arms wrap around her waist. She looked down and saw scarlet hair as Erza lifted her off the floor with a warm embrace.
Scaha laughed, "Well, aren't you in a good mood, Erza?"
Erza giggled, her eyes twinkling with delight. "That I am."
After Erza set them down and Samikel escaped being smothered by both of his moms, he managed to slip away, sighing in relief. "Ah, sweet freedom."
Before he could get far, Wendy swooped in and scooped him up once more. "Curses!" he exclaimed, realizing he was trapped again.
Wendy giggled, her voice light and teasing. "Time for bed, Samy."
"I know how to get to my room," he protested.
Wendy shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "I want to cuddle. You're coming with me."
Samikel looked resigned but still amused. "You're not giving me much of a choice, are you?"
"Nope," Wendy said with a mischievous grin, holding him close as she led the way. "Now let's go. I've got a good spot all set up for us."
As Wendy and Samikel headed off, the laughter and warmth of the group continued to fill the room.
Erza's gaze lingered on the door where Wendy and Samikel had just left, her thoughts clearly focused on the promise she had received. She then turned towards Natsu with a playful smile.
"Playtime. You promised," she purred in his ear as she teleported directly to him.
"I did," Natsu replied, his voice low and full of anticipation.
Erza, her hands resting on Natsu's shoulders, leaned back and locked eyes with Scaha, who was watching with a warm smile. "Are you going to stay?" Erza asked.
"No, not this time, love," Scaha replied, giving Erza a soft kiss on the cheek. She then looked at Natsu with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Natsu, have fun, but make sure she'll be ready to fight in the coming days. She might need to."
"Understood, dear. I won't break her," Natsu joked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Oh, we're immortals; I'll recover," Erza countered with a teasing bite of her lip, her sapphire eyes locked with Natsu's silver ones. This look never failed to get a reaction from him.
"Bye," Scaha said with a wink before disappearing.
With Scaha gone, Natsu and Erza teleported into a private room. As soon as they arrived, Erza leapt into Natsu's arms, her legs wrapping around his waist while he supported her by her thighs. They kissed passionately, their lips moving in perfect sync as they tumbled onto the bed.
Their hands roamed each other's bodies, exploring with a mix of urgency and tenderness. As they separated, breathless and flushed, Erza gasped softly as Natsu's lips traveled to her neck. His gentle nibbles elicited a shiver of pleasure from her, her fingers running through his hair as she leaned into his touch.
"Mine." she whispered.
Natsu bit her softly, getting out another moan, his hands went to her still clothed chest.
"Don't let clothes stop you, my love." she teased as her own arms began to unbutton his shirt.
He grabbed her thighs pulling her close before doing the same as her.
Natsu's hands roamed over Erza's back, his touch a blend of reverence and desire. He traced the curves of her body with a mix of tenderness and intensity, savoring each reaction from her. Erza's breath came in soft, eager gasps as she clung to him, her fingers tangled in his hair and her body arching into his touch.
As their kisses grew deeper and more passionate, Natsu's lips continued their journey from Erza's neck to her collarbone, each touch igniting a trail of warmth. Erza's body responded eagerly, her breaths quickening with every caress.
In a moment of pure love, Erza's wings manifested, unfurling gracefully behind her. The luminous wings enveloped both of them, creating a cocoon of warmth and intimacy. The gentle, radiant glow of the wings cast a soft light around them, adding an ethereal quality to their embrace.
Erza moaned, her voice laced with desire as she clung to Natsu, savoring every touch and sensation. "Yesss."
Natsu delivered a soft yet playful spank, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from Erza. "Mmm, yes my love," she said as she bit her lip, his hands trailing along her curves.
Moans of pleasure filled the air as Natsu's hands roamed her body, exploring every curve and contour with reverent attention. With each touch, Erza's desire surged.
She shifted to straddle his lap, a playful glint danced in her eyes, "My turn," she whispered seductively, her voice husky with desire
Placing her hands on his shoulders, Erza guided Natsu's lips to her chest, his kisses igniting a fiery passion within her. His hands roamed over her thighs sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her body.
Their bodies moved in perfect synchrony, their passion igniting like a flame, burning brighter with each passing moment.
