Chapter-18: Insight
X792 July 5
The woman stared out the window into the night, her eyes scanning the dark horizon. There was no Blood Moon in sight, and a sigh of relief escaped her lips. She rested her face in her clawed-gloved hands, her body untouched, but the pain she felt was all-consuming, a lingering ache that had plagued her for months.
Outside the palace, the people moved about with dead, hollow expressions. They had learned quickly that they were forbidden from even harboring the slightest trace of resentment toward those who had brought this misery upon them. The civilians and those deemed innocent by the curse had been spared much of its devastating effects, yet they were all affected to some degree, carrying a weight they could not escape.
Irene closed her eyes tightly, trying to banish the gnawing hunger inside her. She had just eaten—a large meal, in fact—but the curse was relentless, leaving her constantly hungry, no matter how much she consumed.
Ajeel had been lost to it first. Madness had claimed him, then hate followed. When they finally managed to free him from the paralysis, the Curse of Truth took him swiftly, for his first lie was his last.
Bloodman had fallen to madness within mere hours, and Zeref had been forced to seal him back in his book to prevent further destruction.
Dimaria, the once indomitable Warrior Queen with the power of a Time God, had been reduced to a trembling, broken mess, tormented by the curses of pain, unable to wield the strength she once had.
Brandish, however, had fared differently. Not because of her power, but because of her nature. Despite her sharp tongue, Brandish was not one to hate, lie, or take pleasure in causing suffering. The cruelest of the curses spared her.
Wall had been spared the Pain Curse as well. His Machias Body, incapable of feeling physical pain, rendered the curse ineffective. But the Curse of Hate still managed to strip him of his ability to move, and soon, the Curse of Truth found him, paralyzing him before ultimately petrifying him. His statue remained in the palace, a constant reminder of his fate—waiting to be freed.
Neinhart had not been so fortunate. He had been struck first by the Curse of Pain, then by the Curse of Truth. He too remained imprisoned in the palace, a shadow of his former self.
Larcade, one of the most powerful Etherious—possibly second only to Natsu himself—managed to combat much of the curse's effects. However, even he wasn't completely immune.
August, Irene, and Zeref were the only ones who had managed to remotely resist the curses. Yet even they had found a hidden curse, one that was simple in its effect, but the most difficult to resist.
The Curse of Space.
This curse only affected August, Irene, and Zeref, binding them to the palace itself. No matter how hard they tried, the curse would warp space itself, dragging them back whenever they attempted to leave. Natsu Dragneel's mastery over Space and Time was truly formidable, even though he often preferred more straightforward magic.
Zeref retreated to his chamber, trying to break the curses faster, but also preparing for the inevitable confrontation with Natsu. He had underestimated Natsu, thinking him to be nothing more than a child. How wrong he had been. Natsu Dragneel was no fool, nor was he an arrogant child. He was a warrior of unmatched will, with a mind sharp as Zeref's own. How else could Natsu curse an entire continent?
At the end of the day, both Natsu and Zeref were both Dragneel—true demons. Both were ruthless and unforgiving toward those who dared challenge them.
And so, as the Emperor Spriggan slumbered, the Black Wizard awakened, for the first time in decades.
New Crocus
The first day of the one-on-one battles had arrived.
In Fight A, Gajeel was set to face Sylvia, the Crystal Dragon Slayer.
In Fight B, the matchup seemed less evenly matched. One participant appeared to have made it this far through sheer luck, while the other was a towering man with a long nose, pitch-white eyes, and an intimidating amount of magic power.
After some inquiries with Lisanna, Gajeel and Natsu discovered the towering man's identity—it was none other than Jiemma, the former master of Sabertooth. A known tyrant and arrogant figure, Jiemma's presence in the tournament raised eyebrows, along with Gajeel's temper.
In Fight C, Darius and Kaden would face off.
Finally, in Fight D, Natsu was slated to fight Lumin, the Flash Dragon.
The winners of Fight A and Fight B would face off the following day.
Similarly, the victors of Fight C and Fight D would meet in the next round.
On the third and final day, the last two winners would fight each other, and the ultimate victor would then challenge the reigning champion.
The stage was set, the matchups locked, and the city of New Crocus buzzed with excitement. For the participants, it wasn't just about winning—it was about proving their strength, legacy, and determination.
Dragon Division
The Second Generation Dragon Slayers were preparing to head to the arena. Sting and Rogue were uncharacteristically silent, as was Yukino. The air was heavy with tension. They had all heard that Jiemma was participating in the tournament, and while they didn't care to face him, a part of them hoped one of the other Dragon Slayers would take him out in the battle royale.
"No matter," Sting muttered through gritted teeth. "At least we'll make it a show."
"Oi, Kaden," Darius began, his voice cutting through the tense silence.
"What?" Kaden, the Magma Dragon Slayer, replied, raising an eyebrow.
"I want you to throw the fight," Darius said bluntly.
"Excuse me?" Kaden's tone sharpened, his eyes narrowing.
"You heard me," Darius repeated. "Throw the fight. I want to face Natsu myself."
Before Kaden could respond, Sting turned, his voice carrying authority. "Why should Kaden give up his chance to fight Natsu? He's earned it just as much as you have."
Darius shrugged, his gaze unwavering. "Because he disrespected me. And I don't take that lightly."
"He disrespected all of us," Lumin, the Flash Dragon Slayer, interjected. His voice carried an edge of irritation. "And besides, I'm fighting him first. Why are you already talking about facing him like he's guaranteed to beat me?"
Darius smirked, leaning back against the wall. "You're joking, right? He matched your speed with ease and nearly clawed your face off—without using his fire. Everyone knows you've got the worst offense and defense out of all of us. And clearly, he's fast enough to nullify your one advantage: speed and agility."
"Hey, fuck you too," Lumin shot back, his cheeks flushing with anger.
Sting pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling loudly. "Enough. Save it for the arena. Whether it's Kaden, Darius, or Lumin, one of you will face Natsu. Just make sure you give it everything you've got, or none of you will live down the shame of losing to him again."
Kaden chuckled, his laughter growing until it filled the room. "Fine, Darius, I'll throw the fight. But you better fucking win tomorrow. Take some of your special diamond snacks if you want even a chance to face him."
"I won't need them," Darius replied confidently, crossing his arms.
Rogue's sharp voice cut through the room. "Invel has clearly stated how dangerous Dragneel is. Don't forget, this is someone who killed a Primordial Dragon. Weakened or not, it was still a Primordial Dragon. And that's not even considering all the other things he's known for."
Darius scoffed. "He's just a First Generation Dragon Slayer."
"And you're just a Second Generation Dragon Slayer," Rogue retorted, his tone biting. "Dragneel has been a Dragon Slayer for longer than you've even been a mage. And once again, you're ignoring the fact that he's renowned for having a far larger repertoire of magic than just fire."
"You're giving him too much credit," Darius snapped, his frustration mounting. "He's not invincible!"
Sting raised his arm, silencing them both as his magic pressure flared slightly, asserting his authority. "Enough. If Kaden chooses to give you the fight, that's his decision. But you will take the Diamond Pills with you. Do not embarrass my division, Darius," Sting warned, his voice sharp and commanding.
The room fell silent, the tension thick. Darius glared at Rogue for a moment but said nothing, turning his focus inward. Sting's words carried weight, and none of them dared challenge his authority further.
With Natsu and Gajeel
"Why are you grinning so much?" Gajeel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Why are you grinning so much?" Natsu shot back with a playful smirk.
Gajeel snorted, "Tch. You first."
Natsu's grin widened, his sharp fangs glinting in the light. "Because, to people who know you're dangerous, a smile—especially one like this—can be more terrifying than a snarl. A smile keeps your enemies guessing. Are you just some arrogant bastard? Are you planning something? Or maybe… you're just completely insane?"
Gajeel rolled his eyes. "You do know how weirdly philosophical and dramatic you get sometimes, right?"
Natsu chuckled, leaning casually against the rail. "Runs in the Dragneel blood, I guess. It's just so fun to mess with people like this." He paused, tilting his head. "Want me to give you some pointers?"
Gajeel shook his head with a wry grin. "Nah. I think I've heard enough. I'll just… do my best or whatever."
Natsu laughed, clapping Gajeel on the shoulder. "You'll figure it out, Metalhead. Just don't scare them too much. Save that for the arena."
Gajeel turned his back to the rail, folding his arms over his chest. "Yeah, yeah." Then, without another word, he backflipped over the rail, landing with a metallic thud in the arena below. As he hit the ground, he spun on his heel with a cocky smirk, soaking in the cheers from the crowd.
Sylvia's eye twitched in irritation. He hadn't even bothered to use the stairs, and worse, the audience loved his over-the-top entrance.
"Hello, Gajeel Redfox, Iron Dragon Slayer," she greeted through gritted teeth as they approached one another in the center of the arena.
Gajeel's wicked grin widened at the mention of 'iron.' "You has no idea," he thought, amused.
"Hello, uh... Chick-who-I-totally-did-not-forget-your-name," he replied nonchalantly, his tone dripping with mockery.
Sylvia's glare sharpened, her magic beginning to crackle in the air around her. "Why you—!"
The announcer's voice boomed, cutting her off. "Ladies and gentlemen! Let the battle begin!"
Gajeel chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "C'mon, Crystal Chick. Let's see what you've got."
Neither made a move at first, tension crackling in the air as Gajeel's smirk taunted Sylvia.
"Crystal Dragon's Lance!"
Sylvia conjured a gleaming crystal lance and hurled it at Gajeel with blistering speed. He leaned to his left, dodging it effortlessly.
Wasting no time, Sylvia closed the distance with a powerful leap, her fist encased in crystal and radiating raw Dragon Slayer magic.
"Crystal Dragon's Crystalline Fist!"
Gajeel grinned, meeting her blow head-on. "Metallic Dragon's Hard Fist!"
His arm transformed into gleaming steel as their fists collided, raw dragon energy swirling violently around them. The ground beneath them cracked, and a shockwave erupted, causing the arena to tremble.
Sylvia's eyes widened. "W-what? Metallic Dragon Magic?! You're supposed to be an Iron Dragon Slayer!"
"I was," Gajeel replied, kicking her away with ease. "It's called leveling up!"
Sylvia blocked the kick, sliding back but remaining upright. She took a few deep breaths to steady herself, her gaze locking onto his with renewed focus. "I admit, I underestimated you. I thought you were just an arrogant Iron Dragon Slayer. But clearly, you're not."
"Good," Gajeel said, rolling his shoulders. "Now, can we start for real?"
"We can."
"Crystal Dragon's Roar!"
"Metallic Dragon's Roar!"
A beam of shimmering crystal energy clashed with a tornado of metals in the center of the arena, the sheer force of their collision causing a massive explosion of light and debris.
Sylvia waved her arm, and the ground beneath them glowed as crystalline figures began to emerge.
"Crystal Dragon's Crystalline Golem Legion!"
In mere seconds, 20 towering 20-foot-tall crystal golems formed around the arena. Sylvia ascended to a crystal throne, observing her army with a cool gaze.
Sylvia Garnet - (Dragon Slayer + Base + Golem Legion + Suppressed) - 5.98 Billion MPL
Gajeel's grin widened as the golems advanced toward him. One swung a massive crystal hammer directly at him, and he raised his forearm in response.
"Metallic Dragon's Scales."
Titanium scales spread across his body like armor, absorbing the impact.
"Metallic Dragon's Club!"
His arm morphed into a giant metal club, smashing through the golem with a single devastating blow.
"One down."
He leapt over another golem just as its hammer slammed into the ground where he had been standing.
"Metallic Dragon's Steel Sword!"
His right arm elongated into a jagged blade, spinning in midair as he decapitated the second golem.
"Two down. No, wait—"
Gajeel stomped the ground. "Metallic Dragon's Iron Spikes!"
Massive iron spikes erupted from the ground, impaling four more golems. "Make that six."
With a burst of speed, Gajeel tore through seven more golems, ripping them apart with his bare hands. He landed in front of another golem and smashed it in the head with a punch.
"Metallic Dragon's Hard Fist!"
The golem shattered into pieces, leaving only six more standing in front of Sylvia's throne.
Gajeel took a deep breath, magic swirling around him.
"Metallic Dragon's Roar!"
A colossal metallic breath attack surged forward, obliterating the remaining golems and the throne itself. Sylvia barely managed to leap away in time, her eyes wide with shock.
"Sixteen seconds… He took down my golems in sixteen seconds," she thought, her heart pounding.
Gajeel pointed a finger at her, his grin wild and mocking. "Are you gonna fight like a dragon now? Or are you just gonna keep proving that you're nothing but a fake and a coward?"
Sylvia landed gracefully on the ground, her crystal throne now a pile of shimmering debris behind her. She clenched her fists, her pride as a Dragon Slayer wounded but not broken.
"You talk a lot for someone who just smashed a bunch of mindless constructs," she said, her tone sharp. "Let's see how you handle a real dragon."
Gajeel laughed, the sound echoing through the arena. "A real dragon? Sure, I'd love to meet one. But you'll have to do for now."
Sylvia's crystal-covered hands glowed brighter as she surged forward, her speed far surpassing her earlier movements. "Crystal Dragon's Shattering Barrage!" Crystal spikes exploded from every one of her blows, but many failed to break through Gajeel's defenses.
Gajeel matched her strikes with his own, shouting, "Metallic Dragon's Piercing Claws!"
The two exchanged blows at high speeds, their attacks creating shockwaves that rippled through the arena. With each strike, Gajeel's grin widened, while Sylvia gritted her teeth in frustration.
She ducked under a left jab, but Gajeel's knee met her face, followed by a straight kick to her stomach that sent her skidding across the ground. Before she could recover, Gajeel followed, his right hand extended like a claw, sharp metallic fingers aiming to pierce her.
"Crystal Dragon's Scales!"
Crystal scales manifested just in time at the point of impact, deflecting Gajeel's claws. However, the force of the blow still sent her crashing into the arena wall, embedding her into it.
Sylvia gasped as she pushed herself back onto her feet, her breath shaky. "So strong..."
Gajeel chuckled slowly, faint heat radiating from the areas of his body where her crystals had failed to breach his skin.
Gajeel Redfox – (Dragon Slayer + Base + Heavily Suppressed) – 9.97 Billion MPL
Dragon Division Stands
"Unbelievable," said Sting, his eyes narrowing. "Natsu is one thing, but Gajeel too? Metallic Dragon Slayer Magic... That could potentially give him access to nearly any metal. He's already used iron, steel, and titanium so far."
Rogue watched Gajeel intently, clenching his fists. "Gajeel… Have I not surpassed you yet? No. No, I must be better—for our division, for our empire, for Lord Zeref. I will defeat you, Gajeel Redfox."
"Sylvia isn't a hand-to-hand fighter," added Yukino, her tone measured. "And Gajeel's defenses seem to be superior to hers. She could lose."
Sting hesitated, wanting to offer some reassurance, but the facts were undeniable. Gajeel had immense power, and he was clearly holding back. On top of that, if the stories about Black Steel Gajeel were true, he possessed an immensely potent Dragon Force—something Sylvia lacked.
Arena
Sylvia slammed her hands on the ground, shouting, "Crystal Dragon's Crystal Cave Emergence!"
The arena floor began to shimmer, rapidly turning to crystal. The crystalline surface spread outward, climbing high above the arena walls before curving inward, forming a massive, cave-like structure filled with jagged crystal spikes.
"Playtime's over!" she declared, her magic power skyrocketing.
Sylvia Garnet – (Dragon Slayer + Base + Full Power) – 16.2 Billion MPL
"In here, I rule."
Gajeel chuckled, his metallic scales glinting in the crystalline light. "Do you?"
Before he could act, Sylvia's body began to merge with the crystals, sinking into the ground as if absorbed. Suddenly, Gajeel was struck in the back by a powerful force, sending him stumbling forward.
"Eh?" He spun around, only to be hit again, this time by a crystal projectile shooting up from the ground.
Sylvia's voice echoed around the cavern, her tone laced with triumph. "I told you, in here, I rule."
With Laxus,
Thunder and lightning roared across the battlefield, lighting up the sky with their intensity.
"Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!"
Laxus's electrified fist collided with Mard Geer's body, creating a shockwave that sent ripples through the forest, tearing trees from their roots.
Mard Geer laughed, dodging Cana's barrage of cards, each one exploding with devastating force upon impact.
Laxus Dreyar - (Dragon Slayer + Base + Full Power) - 36.9 Billion MPL
"Demon Blast!"
Mirajane's voice rang out from above as she released a beam of dark energy at Mard Geer, but he skillfully avoided the strike, using a thorn to propel himself further away.
Mirajane Strauss (Sitri Demon Form + Suppressed) - 46.5 Billion MPL
Cana appeared mid-air behind him, her right fist drawn back, enveloped in white energy.
"Crash Art - Mizuwari!"
Cana struck Mard Geer in the back of the head, sending him crashing into the earth with a powerful blow.
"Take that, you bastard!" she shouted with determination.
Cana Alberona - (Crash Magic + Card Magic + Full Power) - 12.1 Billion MPL
"Good one, Cana!" Mira cheered from above.
Laxus's voice rang out urgently, "Dodge!"
Vines exploded from the ground, sharp thorns nearly impaling Cana, but Juvia's high-pressure water stream slashed through the thorns, cutting them down.
Juvia Lockser - (Holy Water Magic + Mermaid Core + Full Power) - 9.9 Billion MPL
Mard Geer was lifted into the air by a massive thorny vine, his hands clasped behind his back in a calm and almost regal pose.
Mard Geer - (Etherious Demon + Base + Full Power)- 50.6 Billion MPL
"Crash Magic... Mard Geer recognizes this magic. It belongs to the mage Mard Geer killed three months ago. You must be his child... No matter, Mard Geer is kind enough to reunite father and child... in death!"
Cana's face twisted with anger. "So this bastard killed Gildarts?"
Juvia stepped forward cautiously, "We need to be careful. He's incredibly powerful."
"I can see that," Laxus growled, gritting his teeth, his eyes locked on the demon.
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!"
A massive tower of electricity surged from Laxus's mouth, but Mard Geer once again evaded it with surprising agility. Just as he was about to regain control, Mirajane struck again, hitting him square in the back of the head with another powerful blast.
Mard Geer staggered slightly but maintained his sadistic smirk. "You all think you can defeat Mard Geer?" he taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. The dark energy surrounding him pulsed ominously, as if feeding on his arrogance.
Laxus narrowed his eyes, grinning back with equal ferocity. "You think we can't?!"
Mard Geer chuckled, his voice echoing like a sinister melody. "You might possess Dragon Slayer Magic and wield impressive power, but compared to Mard Geer, you are still nothing. Do you not understand? Mard Geer is one of Lord Zeref's Greater Demons!"
Laxus's grin only widened, lightning crackling around his body. "And?"
Mard Geer sneered. "And? Mard Geer's power is beyond mortal comprehension. You cannot hope to challenge me."
Laxus crossed his arms, his tone brimming with confidence. "Listen up, Demon. You might be one of Zeref's so-called 'Greater Demons,' but let me tell you something. We are the friends, family, and Army of E.N.D., a True Demon. None of you fakes hold a candle to him, and you know it."
Mard Geer's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his sneer more pronounced. "And how, exactly, is that supposed to help you?"
Laxus leaned forward slightly, lightning surging more intensely around him. "You think Natsu would send us after you without knowing we could take you down? You think Zeref is the only one who can grant power?"
He jabbed a finger toward Mard Geer, his grin almost feral. "We've got Natsu Dragneel, E.N.D. himself, a True Demon, in the same league as Zeref—no, higher. And if that wasn't enough, we've got someone else. Ever heard of the Goddess of the Night, Magic, and a few other things you don't need to know about?"
Mard Geer's eyes flickered with a hint of doubt, though his composure remained intact. "Empty words. Do you think invoking your allies will intimidate me? Zeref's power is absolute. Mard Geer will crush you."
Laxus's grin stretched wider as the lightning around him grew chaotic, gradually shifting to a deep crimson. "You don't get it, do you? While you fake demons were hiding when Bayle invaded, we…" His voice dropped into a dangerous growl.
"…we killed thousands of True Demons. Demons from Hell itself. You think you fakes can stop us?"
The air vibrated with power as the crimson lightning crackling around Laxus intensified, the very ground beneath him trembling under the weight of his magic. His eyes glowed with unshakable resolve, and he fixed Mard Geer with a piercing glare.
"Let me make it clear, Demon. You've got Zeref backing you up? We've got E.N.D. and a Goddess. And that makes you nothing but a footnote in this war."
Laxus's voice thundered through the battlefield, his presence exuding raw, electrifying power.
With a primal roar, crimson and golden lightning surged around him, intertwining like serpents. His speed and strength skyrocketed as he vanished from sight, reappearing mere inches in front of Mard Geer in the blink of an eye.
"Red Lightning Dragon Mode!"
Mard Geer's eyes widened, his body frozen for a split second—a moment too long to evade. Laxus's fist, radiating destructive energy, closed the gap with terrifying precision.
"Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!"
The impact was cataclysmic. Laxus's fist connected squarely with Mard Geer's jaw, the raw force behind the punch sending shockwaves rippling through the forest. Trees were obliterated in a fiery cascade of red and yellow lightning, the ground splitting apart as Mard Geer was launched backward like a cannonball.
The demon crashed through countless trees, each impact reverberating across the battlefield, leaving a glowing trail of destruction in his wake. Red and golden lightning crackled and danced along the path of devastation, scorching the earth with raw magical power.
Laxus stood tall amidst the chaos, his lightning aura roaring like a storm given form.
Laxus Dreyar - (Dragon Slayer + Base + Red Lightning Mode + Full Power) - 66.9 Billion MPL
Far in the distance, Mard Geer groaned as he pushed himself back to his feet. His left hand cradled his face, blood dripping from his lips and chin, sizzling as it hit the scorched ground. His healing factor kicked in, the gory damage already beginning to mend, but his expression had changed.
Gone was the smug superiority. Now, his eyes burned with a mix of rage and disbelief, the crimson streaks of blood a stark contrast against his pale skin.
"...You dare…" Mard Geer hissed, his voice low but seething with fury. His pride as one of Zeref's Greater Demons had been struck just as deeply as his jaw.
Laxus rolled his shoulders, red lightning sparking wildly across his body. He grinned, a feral look in his golden eyes. "What's wrong, Demon? You were talking a big game a minute ago. What happened? Lose your nerve?"
Mard Geer wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, his healing complete, but his rage only grew. "You… will regret that, Dragon Slayer."
Laxus chuckled darkly. "Bring it on, big guy. Let's see if you can back that up."
The stage was set for an even fiercer clash, the air around them charged with power and tension.
With Erza,
"The traps are set. We let the intel slip that we're here," Ultear said, her voice calm but laced with anticipation.
"Maybe we should throw a few attacks, let them sense us faster?" Kagura suggested, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
Erza shook her head, her Sun-patterned eyes narrowing as she scanned the horizon. "No need. They're already here," she said, her Dragon Senses tingling with the distinct signatures of their enemies.
Thunder rumbled overhead, and bolts of black lightning occasionally split the sky.
"Orga?" Erza asked, her gaze sharpening.
"Yes," Ultear confirmed, her tone even.
Suddenly, a streak of golden light cut across the darkened sky, blazing like a meteor and leaving an intimidating trail of magical energy.
Erza scoffed, crossing her arms. "Trying to act impressive, is he?"
At the entrance to Clover Town, the Hunter Division soldiers began to gather, their numbers forming an imposing line.
"Only five dangerous presences among them. The rest are weak," Kagura concluded, her senses attuned to the approaching forces.
Jellal zoomed through the air, his magical energy leaving faint trails as he circled above. The soldiers, now emboldened, pressed forward into the town.
"Wait for it," Ultear said, holding up a finger as her lips curved into a knowing smirk.
A mocking female voice broke through the tense air. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?"
Ultear sighed, not bothering to turn around as she responded. "There she is."
Minerva sauntered forward, her dark eyes glinting with amusement as her smirk widened. "Why, hello, Ultear. How have you been? Are those wrinkles I see on your face?"
Ultear smiled coldly, turning to meet Minerva's gaze. "I've been well, thank you. What about you? Still letting soldiers run trains on you?"
Minerva's smirk dropped in an instant, her amusement replaced by venom. "Watch your words, scum."
Ultear's grin widened, her tone dripping with mockery. "Like you watch everyone fuck you?"
A blast of magic shot toward Ultear's head, but she tilted her head effortlessly, dodging it by a hair's breadth. Her smirk didn't falter. "Got her," she thought.
Kagura, meanwhile, was already on high alert, her grip on her blade tightening as her senses picked up a presence moving rapidly around them. Without hesitation, she turned and reached out, grabbing Racer by the throat in one swift motion.
"You've been caught," she said, her voice steady as she charged her Gravity Magic.
With a powerful leap, she slammed both herself and Racer into the streets below. Dust and debris erupted from the impact, but Kagura wasted no time. She flipped midair, tossing Racer into a nearby building with a resounding crash before following up with a downward slash, her blade gleaming with intent.
Racer barely managed to dodge the strike, stumbling out of harm's way. He looked at her, shocked. "You… you hit me!" he said, as though accusing her of a crime.
"I did," Kagura replied coldly, her stance unwavering. "And next, I will cut you."
Racer sneered, his cocky demeanor returning as he recovered. "You won't catch me."
Kagura smirked, her blade steady. "Try me."
Erza stood motionless as the sound of footsteps approached behind her, followed by the slow, deliberate clap of hands. She didn't turn, her fiery hair swaying slightly in the breeze as the tension in the air thickened.
"Congratulations, Erza," came Jellal's voice, laced with mockery and a faint smile. "You managed to crawl back from the dead. Quite the feat."
Erza finally turned to face him, her Sun-patterned eyes locking onto his with a cold, piercing gaze. But instead of the hatred he expected, there was something else—disappointment.
She shook her head slowly, her tone sharp and cutting. "A slave to the very end."
Jellal raised an eyebrow, his smirk faltering for a moment. "A slave? What makes you say that?"
Erza scoffed, the sound dripping with disdain. "I thought you wanted to be better, Jellal. To atone for your mistakes, to fix what you broke. And yet, the first chance you get, you turn your back on that promise."
Her words hit harder than he anticipated, but Jellal quickly masked it with a sneer. "You talk as if you understand."
"Oh, I do," Erza replied, her voice growing colder. "You're nothing but a mutt. A mongrel who betrays anyone and anything for the side he thinks will win."
Jellal's smile returned, sharper and more defensive. "Bold words coming from a rebel."
Erza's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer, her presence radiating unyielding strength. "You think aligning yourself with the Empire makes you a winner?" she asked, her tone heavy with scorn. "You're not a winner, Jellal. You're a coward. A slave."
Her voice grew more biting, each word hitting its mark. "Twice now, you've chosen the easy path. Twice, you've betrayed everything you claimed to stand for. I can't even bring myself to hate you anymore."
She shook her head again, her disappointment palpable. "You're just… pitiful."
Jellal's smirk twitched, his fists clenching at her words. For a moment, he couldn't speak, the weight of her judgment cutting through his defenses.
Jellal's smirk twisted into a scowl, his fists glowing faintly with magic as his pride flared. "You speak so high and mighty, Erza. But don't forget who you're talking to. I'm not the same man you once knew."
Erza's gaze remained cold, unflinching, as she met Jellal's glare. Her voice was calm, but the weight of her words hit with devastating precision. "You're right," she said quietly, but with unmistakable venom. "You're worse. At least the old Jellal had the decency to hide his cowardice behind delusions of grandeur. This one? You're not even trying to hide that you're a coward."
Magic crackled in the air around Jellal, his aura flaring with barely contained frustration. His fists clenched at his sides as he took a step forward, his voice sharp with disdain. "And what about you?" he spat, his eyes darkening. "Do you think you're any better, standing against the Empire? You're nothing but E.N.D.'s whore."
A Scarlet aura flared around Erza, and for the briefest moment, her expression twisted into a humorless smile—a look so reminiscent of another Scarlet-Haired Dragoness, "Is that your way of throwing a tantrum?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. "Because I'm not some pathetic fool who gave herself to you? What, you thought I'd fall at your feet just because you apologized?"
She shook her head, her lips curling into a smirk that barely masked the disgust in her eyes. "You can scream all you want about me and Natsu, but at the end of the day, you're nothing but a mongrel. A puppet who can't see past his own misguided loyalties."
Erza took a step closer, her gaze narrowing as the words flew with lethal intent. "Tell me, Jellal," she began. "How does it feel to know you were beaten to within an inch of your life by Natsu? And he wasn't even using a fraction of his true power. How does it feel to know that you were crushed in that tower, your misguided beliefs about resurrecting Zeref torn apart by someone who shares Zeref's blood?"
The silence that followed her words was thick with tension, as the magnitude of her statement hung heavy in the air.
Jellal's body tensed, the deep frustration in his eyes flaring into something far more dangerous. The humiliation, the anger, and the deep-seated jealousy he had carried for years were all bubbling to the surface now, each word from Erza cutting deeper than any blade.
Jellal's voice trembled with bitterness, dark and low. "You really think you're so much better than me?" His words came through gritted teeth, frustration and hurt mixing into his tone. "You think you're free just because you stand against the Empire? You're nothing but another puppet, playing at being the hero while the world burns around you."
Erza's eyes hardened, her gaze locking onto his with unshakable conviction. Her voice was ice-cold, cutting through the tension like a blade. "Heroes? You misunderstand us, Jellal." Her words rang out with a quiet but dangerous fury. "We are not heroes. We are not trying to be. The Empire has taken everything from us—our home, our family—and we will make you all pay a thousand times over, in blood."
A fiery glow ignited in Erza's eyes as the very air around her began to crackle and shimmer with raw power. "Alvarez will fall. Zeref will die at Natsu's hands. That is inevitable, whether you accept it or not." Her voice was sharp, unwavering, as she stepped forward. Her presence was overwhelming, her aura an oppressive force, "You chose to stand against us, Jellal. Now, you die. No more mercy. This is the end of the line."
Jellal scoffed, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his unease. His magic shifted, growing darker, more chaotic. "You think you can defeat me? You couldn't even do it at the Tower of Heaven."
Erza's lips curled into a humorless smirk, her expression colder than steel. "At the Tower, I was a mere girl. Now, I am a woman… I am the Scarlet Dragon, and I will take your head as retribution."
Her aura surged, expanding outward in a wave of sheer dragon energy. It enveloped her, growing larger and denser with every passing second, before exploding outward. The force of her power alone sent Jellal hurtling backward, smashing him through the remains of a crumbling building. Her magic continued to rise, its intensity undeniable. The very ground beneath them groaned as gravity itself grew tenfold, warping and pressing down on the battlefield.
Jellal staggered to his feet, his eyes wide with disbelief as he struggled to remain standing under the crushing force. "S-such power?" he stammered, his voice barely audible over the roar of her magic.
Hovering above what was left of the battlefield, Erza looked down at him, her dragon energy blazing like an inferno. Her gaze wasn't filled with hatred or anger. It wasn't even the look of a warrior facing an equal. It was the cold, detached stare of a predator observing prey, or a titan regarding an ant about to be crushed.
Jellal clenched his fists, his face twisted with fury and desperation. "I'm not done yet!" he roared, his own magic surging as he prepared to retaliate.
Jellal Fernandes - (Heavenly Body Magic + Full Power) - 942.9 Million MPL
But Erza's power dwarfed his like a raging storm against a candle's flicker. Her voice cut through the chaos, calm and resolute. "You should have stayed in the shadows where cowards belong."
Erza Scarlet - (Scarlet Dragon + Base + Massively Suppressed ) - 5 Billion MPL
Jellal gritted his teeth, summoning his magic with desperation. "Meteor!" he roared, vanishing in a burst of speed as he hurtled straight at Erza, his right arm pulled back, glowing with the fury of his attack.
Erza didn't flinch. With effortless precision, she caught his punch mid-strike, nullifying his magic entirely. Jellal's eyes widened in shock just as her leg shot upward, striking him under the chin with brutal force and snapping his head back.
"Scarlet Dragon's Blaze Fist!" Erza roared, her left arm engulfed in a radiant scarlet energy that blazed like solar fire. A magic-enhanced left hook connected with devastating precision, sending a shockwave rippling through the air. The blow crushed the air from Jellal's lungs and cracked his ribs, leaving him gasping in pain.
Before he could recover, her right fist slammed into his face, the sheer force breaking his nose with a sickening crunch. Blood spattered the ground as Jellal staggered, his senses reeling.
Erza didn't relent. She twisted her body, her next attack a spinning kick aimed directly at his stomach. Her boot collided with him like a battering ram, sending Jellal flying through the air. He crashed through several houses, the structures crumbling under the force of his impact.
Dust and debris filled the air as Erza stood tall, her aura blazing like an unyielding sun. She didn't move, didn't gloat—her eyes remained cold, fixed on the destruction before her. For Erza, this was not about rage or revenge; it was about justice.
Jellal groaned, coughing up blood as he dragged himself from the rubble, his body battered and broken. Every muscle screamed in agony, yet the weight of the truth crushed him even more than his injuries. The realization of the gap between their power struck him harder than any of her blows.
"How… how is she this much stronger?!" he muttered through gritted teeth, rage and disbelief boiling inside him.
With a defiant snarl, Jellal staggered to his feet, his magic flaring violently. "HOW?!" he roared, pouring his frustration into his power.
"Jiu Leixing!"
Nine swords of lightning materialized behind him, crackling with raw energy. With a flick of his hand, they shot forward like vengeful bolts aimed directly at Erza.
But Erza didn't flinch. Her movements were deliberate, almost effortless, as she sidestepped each blade with an elegance that made the entire scene resemble a deadly dance. The air seemed to hum with the precision of her steps, her scarlet hair and aura flowing in harmony with her controlled power.
The first sword zipped past her, striking the ground in an explosion of lightning. The second and third followed, carving deep furrows into the earth as Erza twisted gracefully out of their paths. Each subsequent blade met the same fate, unable to even graze her.
"Is that it, Jellal?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with unshakable confidence. Her tone cut deeper than any insult. "Disappointing."
Jellal's body became wreathed in golden energy as he began to move faster, zipping around the battlefield in an erratic blur.
Erza smiled, unfazed. "Scarlet Dragon's Lightning Cloak," she said softly.
A bolt of lightning descended from the heavens, striking her directly. The impact enveloped her in an aura of red-black lightning, mingling with her raw dragon energy in a breathtaking display of power.
Jellal saw his opportunity and charged at her back, his speed breaking the sound barrier. But just before he made contact, she vanished.
Even with his heightened senses and time seemingly slowed by his own velocity, Jellal could barely track her.
Erza appeared behind him in an instant. Before he could react, she caught his leg mid-air and used his momentum against him. Swinging him like a club, she slammed him into the ground with earth-shattering force.
The resulting impact obliterated a massive portion of the city and carved a deep ravine stretching from the ruins to the nearest mountain, splitting it in two.
Jellal coughed, blood pooling in his mouth as his vision blurred. His body screamed in pain, his head spinning. Barely a few moves, and only two spells on her part, and yet his insides felt as though they were on fire.
Still, his ego refused to let him yield.
"Well," Erza said, her arms folded, her expression cool, "at least you have some pride left."
Jellal forced himself to his feet, glaring at her as he ascended into the sky. Moving in a zigzag pattern, seven magic circles appeared above him, each glowing with radiant energy.
"Grand Chariot!"
Seven beams of light shot downward, converging on Erza with the intent to erase both her and the remnants of the town from existence.
Erza stood firm, her expression one of disappointment rather than fear. As the beams descended, she leaned back slightly, puffing her chest and cheeks, and inhaled deeply.
"Scarlet Dragon's—" The light beams closed in, blinding and devastating. "—Roar!"
The moment her breath attack was unleashed, the sky itself seemed to ignite. A colossal beam of scarlet fire, hotter than the sun's core, erupted from her mouth. Its size dwarfed the incoming light beams, expanding rapidly to engulf them. The town trembled beneath its sheer intensity, and the heavens blazed with its radiance.
The fire consumed the light magic, obliterating it effortlessly. The roar continued, tearing through the air with unstoppable force.
Though she had deliberately aimed to miss Jellal, the beam passed mere feet from him, the residual heat and raw power shaking him to his core. His body trembled as sweat poured down his face, the overwhelming pressure of her magic forcing him to face the reality of his inferiority.
Far away, the shockwave from the attack rattled the mages of the Hunter Division, leaving them stunned and wide-eyed at the display of her devastating power.
As the flames dissipated, Erza stood tall, her aura still blazing, a warm and soft smile gracing her lips. Her thoughts briefly turned to her beloved Natsu—the man who had shared this power with her. His gift, Igneel's flames, had become her own: fire that could burn anything, even magic itself.
The battlefield fell silent as her voice echoed with unyielding authority:
"Alvarez will fall. Zeref will perish. And this war will end with your defeat."
SSS-Class 'Rebel' Mage
Former S-Class of the lost Fairy Tail Guild
The once Titania Queen of the Fairies
Dragon Hybrid
Dragon of War
The Scarlet Dragon
Bride of The Silver-Eyed Demon E.N.D.
Erza Scarlet
Jellal, still suspended in the sky, struggled to keep himself aloft. His body trembled, not just from the pain of her attacks, but from the undeniable truth: he was completely outmatched. His pride, his bitterness, and even his hatred seemed to crumble under the weight of her overwhelming presence.
With the others
The colossal beam of fire from Erza split the sky apart, dispersing the lightning storm in an instant.
"Wow... Erza's so strong!" Wendy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with awe and a newfound determination to reach such heights.
Lucy nodded, her celestial keys in hand, ready for battle.
Elfman had already cut off the Hunters' escape route, by punching the ground and creating a massive ravine. While it wasn't as grand as the one Erza had carved, it was wide enough to trap anyone without significant magical enhancements.
Black lightning crackled and nearly struck Lucy, but she stood unfazed, her left arm raised protectively in front of Wendy. The young Dragon Slayer clenched her fists, wind swirling around them as she prepared to fight.
"A child and a Celestial Mage? How boring!" sneered a large man with green hair—Orga, the Lightning God Slayer. "I'll just kill you and switch with Minerva afterward."
Before he could move, a firm hand grabbed his shoulder. Elfman loomed over him, meeting his eyes with a fierce glare.
"Yeah? You want a real fight?" Elfman growled. "I'll give you a manly fight!" He swung his fist, landing a powerful punch that sent Orga tumbling down the street.
Turning to Lucy and Wendy, Elfman cracked his knuckles. "I'll take this guy out."
Lucy nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "We'll handle the rest!" She and Wendy sprinted off, leaving Elfman to his duel.
"All right," Elfman said, his fists tightening. "Time to fight… like a man!"
With Lucy and Wendy
Lucy and Wendy came upon the remaining Hunters' forces—hundreds of soldiers, both mages and regular fighters, filling the streets.
"Time to shine!" Lucy grinned, holding up her celestial keys.
"Open! Gate of the Golden Bull, Gate of the Lion, Gate of the Scorpion, Gate of the Archer!"
In flashes of light, Taurus, Loke, Scorpio, and Sagittarius appeared around her, each ready for combat.
Lucy smiled confidently, feeling the power surging through her. She wasn't stopping there.
"Star Dress: Sagittarius Form!" she declared, her attire transforming as a magical bow appeared in her hands.
"Preserving energy, Lucy?" Loke asked, throwing a playful smirk her way.
"Hm, no need to use my Celestial Ascended form just yet," Lucy replied, notching an arrow and aiming at the soldiers. "Let's clear them out. Star Shot!"
A volley of glowing arrows rained down, some from Lucy, others from Sagittarius. Each arrow struck true, dispersing the enemy ranks. Meanwhile, Taurus, Scorpio, and Loke dove into the fray, tearing through the remaining forces with their unique skills.
"Sky Dragon's Roar!"
Wendy unleashed a powerful tornado that ripped through a large group of soldiers, the force shredding an entire city block before slamming into a nearby mountain, leaving a path of devastation in its wake.
Wendy stared wide-eyed at the destruction she'd caused. "Uhh… I didn't mean to do that!"
Lucy couldn't help but laugh, a teasing grin on her face. "Looks like you've picked up Natsu and Erza's destructive tendencies! It's like you're their daughter!"
Wendy blushed, puffing her cheeks indignantly. "Lucy!"
Their banter was short-lived as more soldiers approached. The two mages exchanged determined glances, ready for the next wave.