Chapter-6: Slayers
"Damn… it's been years since I felt cold," Gray muttered, his breath visible in the frigid air. His gaze swept over the eerie landscape of Solvang. The town and everything surrounding it were frozen solid—the trees encased in glittering ice, houses buried beneath crystalline layers, and even rivers and lakes stopped mid-flow. To their astonishment, bolts of lightning hung in the air, frozen in time, their icy forms clawing upward toward the heavens.
"So, an Ice Demon, huh? Just our damned luck," Lucy grumbled, tightening her coat against the chill.
"This is… unsettling," Juvia added, her tone a mix of awe and worry. "Even the animals—they're frozen but not dead. It's as if they've been put into some sort of stasis."
Gray knelt, pressing his gloved hand into the snow. His sharp dark eyes narrowed as he closed them, channeling his energy into the icy ground. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath as he stretched his senses, feeling the pulse of magic in the frozen wasteland.
"There's one powerful presence," he finally said, his voice low and tense. "And a horde of lower demons scattered throughout the area. But that presence... it feels strange. Like it's here, but not fully. Almost like a shadow of itself."
Lucy's brow furrowed as she scanned the frosty horizon. "That doesn't sound good. What's the plan?"
Gray stood, his determination etched into his features. "You two take care of the horde. I'll track down that presence and figure out what we're dealing with. Meet me if you can, but don't take any unnecessary risks."
Juvia hesitated, concern flashing across her face. "Gray-sama… please be careful."
He glanced at her, his lips quirking into a faint smirk. "I've got this, Juvia. You two just watch each other's backs."
Lucy sighed, summoning her Celestial Keys with a flick of her wrist. "Alright, Mr. Lone Wolf. But don't go getting yourself killed, okay? I'd hate to have to explain that to Natsu."
Gray chuckled dryly as he began walking toward the heart of the frozen town. "Don't worry about me. Just make sure you two don't get overwhelmed."
As Gray disappeared into the icy mist, Lucy and Juvia exchanged a glance. Lucy summoned Taurus and Virgo, their forms shimmering into existence beside her.
"Alright, team," Lucy said, her voice firm. "Let's clear the path and keep these demons off Gray's back."
The two women advanced into the outskirts of the town, ready to face the oncoming horde. The chilling winds howled around them, carrying the distant sound of cracking ice and the ominous growls of approaching demons.
Meanwhile, Gray ventured deeper into the heart of Solvang. The oppressive cold gnawed at his skin, though his resilience kept him moving forward. The streets were deathly silent, save for the occasional creak of ice underfoot. His footsteps echoed faintly as he approached a frozen wall. Placing his hand against the icy surface, he expanded his senses, letting his magic ripple through the frozen structures around him.
"Where are you?" Gray muttered, concentrating as his magic scanned the area. Through the frosty haze, he could feel Lucy and Juvia engaging the demon horde a few streets away. But deeper within, in the heart of a frozen church, a powerful and unfamiliar presence stirred.
"Interesting," came a deep, resonant voice, echoing in his mind.
Gray's eyes snapped open. "Who's there?" he demanded, his stance shifting as he readied himself.
The voice continued, ignoring his question. "There is one who can connect himself to the essence of ice... fascinating."
"I said, who are you?" Gray growled, his fists clenching.
"Come and see for yourself, Child of Ice," the voice replied. The air grew colder, and the ice beneath his feet shuddered. It shifted and groaned, forming a direct path to the church. The massive doors creaked open, revealing an interior veiled in a frigid wind.
Gray exhaled sharply. "Fine. Have it your way," he muttered, summoning his magic. A spear of compressed, intricate ice formed in his hand as he climbed the stairs leading to the church.
Stepping inside, Gray's eyes immediately locked onto the figure standing at the altar. The being was spectral, yet imposing. He was taller than Gray, with a sharp, almost regal physique. His eyes were an eerie, solid white, and jagged blue horns jutted from his forehead, curling back toward his short, frosty hair. Purple ice marred parts of his face and arms like scars, glowing faintly with magic. He wore a white kimono with dark blue accents, and the air around him seemed alive with biting cold. Scattered around the altar were weapons impaled into the ground, each radiating his immense power.
"Who are you?" Gray asked, gripping his ice spear tightly. "And this time, answer me."
The figure chuckled, the sound akin to cracking ice echoing through the frozen church. Rising slowly, he spoke with a voice that carried both weight and resonance.
"I am Blizgor, the once-cold king of ice and snow, as mortals have come to know me. But tell me, Gray Fullbuster, is it not customary to introduce oneself before demanding another's name?"
Gray's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on his ice spear. "Seems like you already know who I am."
Blizgor's lips curled into a faint smile, exuding an air of detached authority. "The moment you connected with my ice, I knew of you. It whispered your name, as well as the potential you carry."
Gray bristled but kept his weapon steady. "If you're trying to intimidate me, it's not going to work. What do you want?"
Blizgor's expression remained calm, his gaze unwavering. "I do not seek to intimidate, young one. I seek to test. Should you prove worthy, you will leave this place more powerful than you have ever imagined. If not... your frozen remains will join the countless others who have failed."
Gray's brow furrowed, suspicion mingling with curiosity. "Why? Why test me? What do you get out of this?"
Blizgor chuckled, a cold sound that seemed to chill the air further. "Is it not obvious? I am dead."
Gray's stance faltered momentarily. "Dead? Then how are you here?"
"I am a Demon, Gray. A very old Demon. Death for us is not the same as it is for your kind. My essence remains bound to this plane, but not by my will. Bayle has taken my relics and stationed them here, guarded by his minions, in the hope that one of them could claim my power. They failed, miserably so. Truly, that Dragon has lost more of himself than he realizes."
Gray's grip tightened again, his mind racing. "What do you mean? Bayle's not... fully himself?"
Blizgor's gaze grew colder, as though recalling a bitter memory. "Bayle lost much to Igneel, millennia ago during the First Great Demon War. Most of his power was stripped away. His Dragon form? Gone. His raw strength? Taken and inherited by another—one who surpassed even Bayle's prime. What remains is a shadow: a cunning Demon, dangerous, yes, but nothing like the Dragon he was."
Gray's jaw clenched. "So, you don't work for him?"
"No," Blizgor said with a disdainful sneer. "I never did. In fact, I once clashed with him myself. I could not best him, but soon after, Igneel ensured his fall. Fortunate timing."
Gray studied the spectral Demon carefully. "You didn't fight for the Demon Realm back then, did you?"
Blizgor's smirk returned, tinged with pride. "No, I did not. Mundus's ambition was never my own."
"Mundus..." Gray said slowly, recalling the name. "That's... one of the Great Demon Kings, right?"
Blizgor laughed, a deep, resonant sound that made the ice shudder. "Calling Mundus merely a King of Demons is an understatement, boy. He is so much more. But his story is irrelevant to us now."
Gray shook his head, trying to process the weight of Blizgor's words. "Alright, back to your... test?"
"Yes," Blizgor replied, his spectral form shifting slightly as though drawing nearer. "I wish to grant my power to one who is worthy. Pass the test, and my power becomes yours. Fail... and you will freeze to death, as so many before you have."
Gray's lips curled into a confident smirk. "Fine by me. I've never been one to back down from a challenge."
Blizgor's icy gaze hardened, his spectral form radiating an oppressive, cold energy. "Good. Then let us begin."
For a brief moment, the two figures stood motionless, the tension between them thickening the frozen air. Without warning, Gray launched himself forward, his spear raised high.
"Frost Gungnir - Ice Geyser!"
The spear sliced through the air, crashing down toward Blizgor. The Demon sidestepped with a fluid motion, narrowly avoiding the blow. However, as the spear's tip struck the ground, Gray spun on his heel, dragging the spear's sharp edge along the ice, creating a dangerous whirlwind of frozen spikes erupting in all directions.
Gray Fullbuster - (Ice Magic Full Power) - 5.7 Million MPL
Blizgor's eyes widened with mild admiration. "Ah, interesting. That spear works as a conduit for your Maker Magic, removing the need for stances or incantations. A clever idea, child."
The Demon backflipped, effortlessly landing atop one of the sharp ice spikes, poised and graceful.
"Frost Gungnir - Ice Arrows!"
Gray slashed the air in front of him, sending a wave of sharp, freezing energy that instantly exploded, creating a barrage of ice arrows that rocketed toward Blizgor. Each arrow was a sharp shard of pure cold, and as they fired, they left a trail of frost in the air. The arrows struck the church's walls, freezing them instantly.
Blizgor dodged the arrows with ease, his body moving with unnatural grace, but the church around him grew progressively colder, the frozen air thickening with every near-miss.
With a fluid motion, Blizgor landed lightly on the ground, his boots leaving no mark in the ice beneath. He stomped his foot once, and the ice surrounding him trembled violently. In an instant, the ice shattered, splintering into hundreds of jagged shards that hovered in the air, held by Blizgor's telekinetic control.
With a twisted grin, Blizgor thrust his hands forward, sending the sharp ice shards flying toward Gray like a swarm of deadly projectiles.
"Ice Devil's Frostbite Storm!"
The air filled with the sound of rushing ice, and the shards darted at Gray from every angle, their edges gleaming with cold malice. Gray's heart raced as he quickly calculated his next move.
Blizgor - (Ancient Ice Demon Base Immeasurably Weekend Massively Suppressed No Devil Arms ) - 15 Million MPL
With a swift motion, Gray's eyes narrowed in focus. His mind raced as the ice shards tore through the air towards him, each one as deadly as the last. There was no time for hesitation. He raised his left hand, freezing the air in front of him as he prepared to counter.
"Ice Make - Frozen Defense!"
Gray slammed his hand to the ground, summoning a massive wall of thick, jagged ice that erupted from the floor. The ice shattered upon impact, the force of Blizgor's attack sending cracks through the wall, but it held.
However, Blizgor wasn't finished. His grin deepened, and with a flick of his wrist, he sent more shards spiraling through the air, their sharp edges flashing in the dim light. The ice wall began to fracture under the sheer force of the barrage, and Gray knew he couldn't hold it much longer.
Gray jumped over the wall, and launched himself at the Demon, he reached him in but a second, mere meters away from the Demon.
"Frost Gungnir - Ice Bringer!"
Gray charged high amounts of Magic into the spear and attempted to delved a two-slash attack, yet, the moment the Speer touched the Demon's skin, it shattered.
"Tch, tch, you'll need more-" Blitzgor tried to say, but Gray immediately, after seeing his spear shattered, leaned into a punch.
The Demon's head was slightly tilted from the blow, annoyance crossing his face as gray stepped back.
"Disappointing." muttered the Demon, before Gray found himself embedded into the wall.
"Fuck….i can't … i can't win like this….He's most likely completely immune to my Ice Magic and i'm nowhere near strong enough to beat him with physical strength, our speed is slightly equal…..wait, that could work!" though Gray.
He slapped his hands together, "Ice Make - Frost Explosion!" Gray created an explosion of ice, filling the church with snow and cold, making it hard to see his movements.
"Is this it? Really child? I expected more."
The Demon raised his hands and the Cold and show began to gather in an orb in his hand, he could not eat the ice like Dragons can eat theri elements, but he could control it and send it elsewhere.
But that was his mistake, focusing on the Spell, not Gray.
The Demon's eyes widened, Gray was once again in his vicinity, but this time, he did not hold a weapons made of Ice, no, he held one of HIS weapons, Blitzgor's, the wepons the Demon Left stabbed in the altar.
Gray held a long sword with a blade that glows in shades of deep blue and frosty white, veined with dark ice. The jagged edges resemble cracked ice, and ethereal runes pulse with a chilling light along its length. The hilt is wrapped in worn, dark leather, with a guard shaped like curled demon wings and a pommel resembling a crown.
With a swift and precise strike, Gray thrust the sword deep into Blizgor's chest, the blade slicing through the icy aura surrounding the demon's body with ease. The sword, humming with power, seemed to resonate with the chilling energy of the demon's own magic. Blizgor's eyes widened in disbelief as the sword's jagged edges tore through his spectral form, the glow of the ethereal runes pulsing brighter with every second.
Gray's heart raced as he drove the sword in further, the blade's energy surging as it absorbed the essence of Blizgor's power. The demon staggered back, a snarl of pain escaping his lips, but his cold demeanor faltered for just a moment.
"Ha ha, once again… bested by my own weapon…" Blizgor chuckled, though his voice was strained, laced with both disbelief and admiration. "Smart choice, Gray Fullbuster."
Gray's grip tightened on the sword, his body aching, but determination burned in his chest. "Your magic is superior to mine… my ice didn't even affect you, and my punches were like flies to you… It was a gamble, using your own weapon against you... but you could have dodged. Why didn't you?"
Blizgor chuckled once more, the sound as cold as the frost in the air. "I told you, I am already dead. I have nothing left to lose. I would have preferred a longer fight, but time is not on your side, boy. I, Blizgor, the First King of Ice, grant you my power, and my blessing…"
Gray's brow furrowed. "What does this… entail for me? For my humanity?"
Blizgor's smile was cold and full of dark amusement. "Humanity is but an idea, boy. There is no humanity to lose. If you're asking whether you'll become a demon, the answer is… up to you. I am granting you my power in the form of Devil Slayer Magic. You will possess demon blood now, but it will be you—and only you—who can decide if you ascend to the state of a full demon… or remain a hybrid. You understand what that means?"
Gray paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Yeah... I know of the Hybrid Effect…"
Blizgor nodded sagely. "You're wise for your age. Good. Embrace it, Gray Fullbuster. You've earned it."
"Thank you, Blizgor. I will wield this strength with honor," Gray responded, his voice steady, despite the weight of the decision.
Blizgor's form began to flicker and fade, the last remnants of his existence breaking apart into glowing particles of magic that spiraled toward Gray and the sword. "You will inherit my weapons, but not all of them will be within your reach just yet. To wield them all, you must surpass your limits. You'll need more power and skill. You will need to reach the level I once held in my prime. If you surpass me, then… feel free to forge your own weapons. Forge your own legacy."
Gray stood still, absorbing Blizgor's words, the power coursing through him now, though it felt distant, yet intimately his. The sword in his hands hummed with the dark energy that was now his own.
"And should you surpass me," Blizgor's fading voice echoed in the stillness of the church, "I will be watching."
The last of Blizgor's essence disappeared into the air, leaving behind only the remnants of the frozen altar and the sword imbued with his power.
Gray took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the power now settling in his veins. There was a new magic inside him, a new power to master. And with it came the responsibility. He could feel it—the presence of a demon, something deep within him. But it was still a part of him, not something that could consume him.
The choice was his.
With Lucy and Juvia
"Water Slicer!" Juvia's voice rang out, and thin, razor-sharp blades of water tore through the air, slicing through demons with deadly precision. Her fluid movements were graceful, yet lethal as she guided her magic with ease. Nearby, Tauros was a whirlwind of power, his massive axe cleaving through demon after demon, his bovine strength unmatched as his axe struck with bone-crushing force.
Lucy, standing tall, grinned as her spirits' power surged through her. She shouted as she punched through a demon, her fist exploding through its chest with an unnatural force. She was now wearing her Star Dress, a transformation that allowed her to channel the immense strength of her spirits. Specifically, she was clad in her Taurus Star Dress.
Her outfit had shifted into something unique—her top was a cow-patterned bra, while matching sleeves ran up her arms, adorned with black and white patterns. Her pants were black, but her right leg was left exposed, showing off her strong, battle-ready form. She wore a brown belt and a bag at her side, and knee-high boots completed the look. Her hair was now tied up in two buns, allowing her to move freely.
"Star Tauros Fist!" Lucy shouted, her blows, now enhanced by the incredible strength of Taurus, were devastating. Each punch reverberated through the battlefield, creating small shockwaves that knocked demons back and shattered their defenses.
Juvia's water magic flowed in perfect synchronization with Lucy's newfound strength. They worked as a team—Juvia's water slicing through their enemies from a distance, while Lucy's punches cleared the way up close. It was a beautiful, lethal combination of elements.
"You're doing great, Lucy!" Juvia called out, cutting down another demon with a graceful flick of her hand.
"You too, Juvia!" Lucy grinned, feeling the adrenaline surge. The battlefield was chaotic, but she was in control. The power she wielded in her Star Dress gave her an edge she'd never had before.
"Tauros, let's finish this!" Lucy shouted as her spirit charged forward, his massive form crashing into a huge demon. With a powerful swing of his axe, Tauros cleaved through the demon, sending it crashing to the ground.
Without hesitation, Tauros leapt into the air, roaring with fury. He brought his axe down with incredible force, creating a massive crater the size of an entire city block as the ground shattered beneath him.
Juvia wasted no time, stepping forward and using her water magic to fill the crater, sending a torrent of water flooding the area where the demons had fallen. She stood, watching as the last remnants of the demon army began to dissipate.
"Now what?" Juvia asked, wiping the sweat from her brow. The battle was far from over, but the demon horde was thinning.
"I'll call Virgo back to cover it," Lucy said, beginning to summon another of her spirits.
"No need," a third voice cut in from behind them. Gray approached, his expression calm and composed, though there was a new, chilling aura surrounding him. He waved his arm casually, and a blast of impossibly cold air swept across the battlefield, instantly freezing the water Juvia had summoned.
With a snap of his fingers, the ice shattered, sending shards of frozen water into the air in a dazzling display.
"Gray, dear? Something happened?" Juvia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
Gray looked down at his hand, his eyes gleaming with a strange new power. "Yeah… the Ice Demon was already dead. His relics were here, and he was looking for someone worthy to pass on his power. Looks like I passed his test."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he flexed his fingers, testing the power coursing through him. "I knew Demon Magic was on a whole other level, but this… this is unreal." He clenched his fist, feeling the intense control over ice and cold that had surged within him. "I've never had this kind of control before. It's like the ice and cold respond to my will."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, noticing the change in Gray's demeanor. "It's not just the magic, is it? There's something… different about you."
Gray glanced at her, his silver eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and determination. "Yeah. It feels like I've just unlocked something new. But we'll see how far this power takes me."
Juvia smiled softly, relieved that Gray was okay, but also sensing the weight of the power now coursing through him. "I'm glad you're safe, Gray."
With a final glance at the frozen battlefield, Gray nodded. "Thanks, but this is just the beginning. Bayle's forces won't stop until we take him down." His voice held a quiet intensity, but his smile remained, a sign that he was ready for whatever came next.
The team regrouped, their bond stronger than ever as they prepared for the trials yet to come. The battle for Fiore was far from over, but with their strength, they would face whatever threatened their world.
With Laxus and Gajeel
Lightning streaked across the shattered remnants of the city, each flash followed by deafening explosions as entire buildings were obliterated. Demons were torn apart, their twisted forms disintegrating into ash with every burst of lightning.
On the other side of the city, a deep, guttural laugh echoed, growing louder and more maniacal.
Gajeel stood amidst the carnage, drenched in blood and torn flesh. His body was a terrifying sight: his skin had turned a dark, polished steel, his arms gleamed like titanium, ending in razor-sharp claws, and his hair was a writhing mass of pitch-black iron sand. His glowing green eyes burned with feral intensity as he tore demons apart with savage glee.
"BWAHAHAHAHAHA! IS THIS ALL?! IS THIS ALL YOU'VE GOT?!" Gajeel roared, his voice reverberating like the clang of hammer against anvil.
Gajeel Redfox - (Dragon Slayer Dragon Force Suppressed) - 13.1 Million MPL
He inhaled deeply, his chest expanding as his body radiated raw power.
"Metallic Dragon's Roar!"
From his mouth erupted a massive vortex of razor-sharp steel, a whirlwind of destruction that tore through everything in its path. The roar shredded demons and debris alike, leaving a gaping scar in the battlefield.
Gajeel slammed his fists into the ground, the earth groaning beneath the force of his strike.
"Metallic Dragon's Titanium Spikes!"
The ground erupted with massive titanium spikes, each one as tall as a skyscraper and numbering in the thousands. They speared through the hordes of demons, impaling them in an unrelenting wave of destruction.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the battlefield, Laxus moved like a streak of light, his speed leaving afterimages in the air as he weaved through the demons. His body crackled with lightning, arcs of energy dancing across his muscular frame.
Laxus Dreyar - (Dragon Slayer Base Suppressed ) 5.9 Million
With a lightning-cloaked arm, he pierced straight through the chest of a towering demon.
"Lighting Dragon's Piercing Claw!"
A massive surge of electricity erupted from his hand, disintegrating the demon's body from the inside out. The force of the attack obliterated an entire city block, leaving nothing but smoldering ruins in its wake.
"Keep up, Gajeel!" Laxus shouted, his voice booming with confidence as he dodged a demon's swipe and countered with a devastating lightning punch.
Gajeel smirked, his sharp teeth glinting as he glanced in Laxus's direction. "You're the one who better not fall behind, Spark Plug!"
Above the City
High above the shattered cityscape, two figures hovered ominously. One was an amorphous entity of pure shadow, its flickering form pulsing with tendrils of purple energy that glowed where its eyes should have been. The other was a demon of wind, his ethereal yet corporeal body composed of swirling air currents that gave way to light green skin. His glowing red eyes burned with malevolent intent, framed by short, wind-tousled white hair. Dressed in dark green battle attire, he exuded an aura of predatory elegance.
"They've torn the demon horde apart… literally," the wind demon muttered, his voice carrying an undertone of both amusement and irritation.
The shadowy figure didn't respond, its chaotic form rippling like a restless flame. Instead, it began to descend toward the ground, its intent clear.
The wind demon sighed, his tone sharp. "Fine, we'll kill them now."
With that, he plummeted from the sky, landing atop a crumbling building. The impact sent debris flying as his piercing red eyes locked onto the battlefield below.
Gajeel's eyes snapped toward the intruder, a sharp grin spreading across his bloodstained face. He cracked his knuckles, his metallic claws glinting under the dim light.
"Finally! Was startin' to think you two bastards got scared."
The wind demon narrowed his glowing red eyes at Gajeel, his calm demeanor cracking slightly as a sneer spread across his face. "The name is Vaelus, you brat. You'd better remember it for when you're groveling in hell."
Gajeel burst into a raucous laugh, his jagged teeth bared in a wicked grin.
"Yeah? Nah, I'm not plannin' on payin' your homeland a visit anytime soon. Maybe after, if Dragneel convinces his chick to let him start a counter-invasion or somethin'."
Vaelus's sneer deepened, the winds around him howling in response to his rising irritation.
"Your insolence will cost you dearly, Redfox. Let's see how long you can keep laughing when I tear you apart."
Gajeel's grin didn't falter as he crouched slightly, his metallic claws gleaming in the light of the burning city. The iron sand swirling around him thickened, dark and menacing, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
"Big talk from someone who's all hot air. Let's see if you can back it up, Vaelus."
The wind demon raised a hand, the air around him spiraling into a deadly vortex. His voice cut through the chaos with chilling clarity.
"I'll carve that smug grin off your face, human."
"Oh, barely a human, jackass," Gajeel growled, a mix of amusement and fury in his voice. His glowing green eyes locked onto Vaelus's, the malice in his gaze unmistakable. "I'm a FUCKING dragon."
With a guttural roar, Gajeel launched himself at Vaelus, the ground trembling beneath his weight as his claws slashed through the air. The clash of power sent shockwaves rippling through the ruined city.
"Metallic Dragon's Titanium Claws!" Gajeel shouted, slashing at Vaelus with deadly precision. Vaelus deftly dodged the strike, but the ground left in Gajeel's wake erupted with metal spikes, lashing out like the teeth of a beast.
"Ghihihihihihi!" Gajeel laughed darkly, relishing the destruction he wrought.
Vaelus, ever composed, raised an arm and coolly uttered, "Wind Storm."
A colossal blast of sharp winds tore toward Gajeel, cutting through the air with deadly intent. The storm slammed into Gajeel head-on, yet, to Vaelus's surprise, he merely stood there, the wind barely making him flinch.
Vaelus's crimson eyes widened slightly, his confident smirk faltering for the first time. "You're joking…" he muttered in disbelief.
Gajeel's grin only widened, his jagged teeth gleaming like a predator's. "Jokin'? Nah, I'm dead serious. Wind against metal? You really screwed up, dumbass."
With a flex of his claws, Gajeel's iron-clad body seemed to grow even more formidable, his raw power emanating like an unstoppable force. The ground beneath him cracked and buckled under the pressure.
Gajeel Redfox - (Dragon Slayer Dragon Force Less Suppressed) - 23.1 Million MPL
"Guess I gotta teach you what happens when you mess with a Dragon Slayer, especially one who eats crap like you for breakfast."
With a fierce roar, Gajeel stomped his foot into the ground, sending waves of jagged metal spikes hurtling toward Vaelus.
"Metallic Dragon's Spire Barrage!"
Vaelus leaped into the air with supernatural agility, narrowly avoiding the spikes, but Gajeel was already in motion, his massive frame closing the distance with unexpected speed.
"Metallic Dragon's Iron Hammer!"
Gajeel's fists came down like a hammer of destruction, creating a shockwave that shattered nearby buildings and sent Vaelus crashing into the earth with a force that cracked the ground beneath him.
Dust and debris clouded the air, but Gajeel's voice cut through the chaos, laced with triumphant amusement.
"Still think I'm just a pretender, 'Vaelus'?"
The dust settled, and Vaelus slowly rose from the crater, his crimson eyes burning with fury. For the first time, his calm demeanor was completely gone, replaced with seething rage. His body was battered, the edges of his clothes torn, but there was no sign of surrender in his posture.
"You insufferable human," Vaelus snarled, the wind swirling around him violently, his energy flaring as his aura crackled. "I'll rip that grin off your face and make you regret ever thinking you could challenge me."
Gajeel grinned wider, unphased by the demon's threat. "Keep talkin', Windbag. You haven't even touched me yet." He cracked his knuckles, his body gleaming like an unbreakable fortress.
The air around Vaelus began to distort, the winds picking up into a furious vortex that howled as it tore through the city. His voice dropped to a low growl. "Wind Tornado."
A massive whirlwind spiraled toward Gajeel, the winds whipping with lethal force, aiming to tear the metal dragon apart. But Gajeel was ready.
With a roar, he stomped his foot once more, sending a shockwave of metal spikes up from the ground, creating a shield of jagged titanium around him. The tornado struck with full force, but the metal shield held strong, the winds colliding with the wall of iron.
"Is that all you've got?" Gajeel scoffed, stepping forward through the storm, his claws scraping against the metal shield.
Vaelus's eyes widened in disbelief as Gajeel barreled through his windstorm, each step leaving craters in the ground.
With a snarl, Vaelus rose into the air, his body turning into a blur as he prepared for his next attack. "You want more? I'll show you real power!"
He slammed his hands together, creating a massive burst of wind energy that ripped through the earth, a whirlwind of devastation heading straight for Gajeel.
But Gajeel was already on the move. His claws flashed, and with a roar, he slammed both fists into the ground.
"Metallic Dragon's Titanium Quake!"
The ground trembled violently as Gajeel's attack collided with Vaelus's whirlwind. A massive shockwave of metal erupted from the impact, sending chunks of earth flying. The entire battlefield seemed to quake as Gajeel's attack overpowered the wind demon's, sending Vaelus spiraling backward with a crash.
As the dust settled, Gajeel's grin returned. He took a step forward, his body vibrating with power.
"Now it's my turn."
Vaelus slowly rose from the rubble, his form distorted by the sheer force of Gajeel's attack. His clothes were tattered, and his expression, once filled with arrogance, was now twisted in rage and disbelief. The wind around him swirled violently, like an angry storm reflecting his fury.
"You're insufferable!" Vaelus hissed, his body crackling with power. His eyes, glowing bright crimson, fixed on Gajeel, narrowing with pure malice. "I'll make sure you regret this, Metal Dragon!"
With a burst of energy, the wind demon shot toward Gajeel, his body surrounded by a whirlwind that seemed to bend reality. His movements were a blur, faster than Gajeel had anticipated. Vaelus swung his hand, summoning a razor-sharp gale that sliced through the air toward the metal dragon.
"Wind Slash!" Vaelus roared.
Gajeel reacted instinctively, slashing at the wind with his claws, the force of his strike clashing with Vaelus's attack. The air around them exploded in a shower of sparks and wind, the shockwaves shaking the city.
"You'll have to do better than that," Gajeel growled, his grin widening. He crouched low, preparing to launch himself at the demon.
Vaelus's eyes burned with intensity as he raised his arm high, his body radiating with the sheer force of his power. "Sky Cleaver!"
A massive tornado formed around Vaelus, growing larger and more violent with every second. He hurled the whirlwind straight at Gajeel, the winds themselves turning into deadly blades, cutting through the air with unimaginable speed.
But Gajeel wasn't about to back down. With a loud roar, he punched the ground, sending a wave of jagged metal spikes surging upward, forming an impenetrable barricade around him.
The wind blades collided with the metallic shield, creating a violent clash of forces. The air screeched with the intensity of their battle, the earth trembling under their might. Gajeel's wall held, though the sheer power of Vaelus's attack caused cracks to form in the metal.
"Is that all you've got, Windy?" Gajeel taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "I thought you were supposed to be the big bad demon, not some breeze."
Vaelus growled, the wind around him growing even more chaotic. With a flick of his wrist, he called upon the full force of his powers, causing the surrounding wind to swirl into an even more intense vortex. "I'll show you true wind power, Metal Dragon!"
With a sudden flash of movement, Vaelus disappeared, his form turning into a whirlwind of death. Gajeel's eyes widened in shock as Vaelus reappeared directly in front of him, his hand crackling with the raw force of a hundred tornadoes.
"Demonic Storm!"
Vaelus's fist collided with Gajeel's chest with a force that sent the metal dragon flying backward, crashing through several buildings. Gajeel's body slammed into the ground, creating a massive crater. He spat out blood, grinning all the while, even as the wind howled around him.
"Damn, that one actually hurt," Gajeel said, wiping the blood from his lips. "You've got some bite, I'll give ya that."
With a roar, Gajeel sprang back to his feet, his iron body pulsing with power. "But I'm not done yet, Windbag."
Vaelus smirked, sensing the determination in Gajeel's eyes. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But spirit won't save you when you're facing me."
Gajeel let out a savage laugh, his form now surrounded by a fierce aura of metallic energy. "Maybe not. But I've got something better than spirit."
With Laxus
Laxus gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting as his lightning passed straight through the shadowy figure of Malmor. The demon's form flickered like a mirage, only to reform faster than Laxus could strike. Malmor was an incorporeal being of pure darkness and malevolent energy, his glowing purple eyes the only indication of his presence in the vast emptiness of the ruined city.
"This is getting annoying," Laxus muttered under his breath, his fists crackling with raw electrical power. His muscles tensed, preparing for another strike. "I'm done playing games, Malmor. Time to show you what real power is."
Malmor's voice echoed from all directions, low and guttural, as though it was coming from every shadow in the city at once. "Your lightning is nothing. My form is beyond the reach of mere energy. You cannot touch me, Thunder Dragon."
A massive lightning bolt shot from Laxus's hand, tearing through the city and disintegrating a building in its path. "You're wasting your energy," Malmor sneered, his voice like a dark whisper in the storm.
Laxus narrowed his eyes. "And you? You haven't hit me once, demon."
Malmor's tone darkened with contempt. "Is that so?"
Before Laxus could react, the demon unleashed a blast of seething shadow that rushed toward Laxus's head. Laxus tilted his head slightly, eyes never leaving the shadowy form. He yawned, unimpressed.
"Unimpressed. And bored." Laxus shook his head, cracking his knuckles. "I'm done with you."
The demon's form shuddered for a brief moment, before he scoffed. "And what do you intend to do to rid yourself of me, Thunder Dragon?"
Laxus's lips curled into a grin. "Y'know… if you and the wind bastard had swapped places, maybe you'd have had a chance. But now? You're at a serious disadvantage."
The air around Laxus crackled with energy as his aura began to intensify. Scales manifested on his face, chest, ribs, and legs, while his eyes blazed with an electrifying blue glow. The transformation into Dragon Force was complete.
Laxus Dreyar - (Dragon Slayer Dragon Force Suppressed) - 25.6 Million MPL
Malmor's voice was tinged with disbelief. "You think that more raw power will give you victory? You are more foolish than I thought."
Laxus chuckled darkly, his confidence unwavering. In the blink of an eye, he vanished, reappearing in front of the demon in an instant. With a casual swipe of his hand, he sent Malmor flying through the air, crashing into a building.
"I-impossible! How!?" Malmor gasped, his form flickering wildly, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Laxus grinned, his eyes glowing with the electric power surging through his body. "Soul Targeted Lightning. When our magic was upgraded, Gajeel got to control metals, but me? I got Soul Lightning. My lightning doesn't just target the body—it targets the soul. And your soul? It's as good as fried."
Malmor's form wavered in horror as he felt the intense, soul-piercing energy. His existence, once untouchable, was now vulnerable to Laxus's enhanced lightning.
"So you see," Laxus added, his voice dripping with satisfaction, "you're fucked."