Chapter-8: Rampage
Gunshots and flames filled the dark chamber, casting flickering shadows across the walls. The acrid smell of smoke mixed with the metallic tang of blood hung heavy in the air.
Natsu stood at the center of the chaos, twin pistols—Ebony and Ivory—gripped tightly in his hands. Dark blue and black energy coursed through his arms, radiating from the weapons like a living force. His silver eyes gleamed with a deadly light, reflecting the carnage around him.
A group of demons roared and lunged toward him, claws and fangs bared.
With a predatory grin, Natsu raised his pistols. "Let's dance!"
In an instant, he unleashed a hailstorm of bullets, each round imbued with raw Demonic Power. The chamber echoed with the deafening cacophony of gunfire as thousands of bullets tore through the demons, leaving trails of dark energy in their wake. Every impact caused an eruption of energy, disintegrating their twisted forms into ash.
Amidst the carnage, a demon attempted to flank him from behind. Its clawed hand swiped at his back, the attack fast and precise. But Natsu's reflexes were sharper. He spun around with lightning speed, Ebony already aimed at the creature's chest.
"Not gonna work," he growled, his voice carrying a menacing edge.
He jabbed the barrel of the pistol directly into the demon's chest and pulled the trigger. A thunderous shot echoed, the point-blank blast obliterating the creature's torso in a spray of dark ichor.
As the lifeless body crumpled to the ground, Natsu turned his attention back to the remaining demons. His grin widened into something feral, his silver eyes glowing with an unholy light. He peered through the smoldering hole left in the chest of his fallen foe, locking eyes with the terrified group.
The surviving demons froze, their confidence replaced by palpable fear. The mad grin on Natsu's face was all they could focus on—a hunter savoring the thrill of the kill.
"Who's next?" Natsu taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. Ivory twirled in his left hand, while Ebony hummed with stored energy in his right. Flames flickered around him, their chaotic dance a mirror to his unrestrained power.
The demons hesitated, their primal instincts screaming at them to flee. But in the Dark Chamber, there was no escape.
With a flick of his wrist, Natsu gripped the hilt of his sword, Queen, his fingers tightening around the handle as a surge of energy coursed through him. He revved the blade a few times, the flames licking at the air, the blade igniting in a burst of fiery intensity.
"Dark Slayer: Flame Style - Ember Slash!" Natsu bellowed, his voice like a thunderclap in the chamber.
He swung the sword in front of him, the motion graceful yet filled with destructive intent. A massive wave of fire, sharp and jagged like a deadly crescent, tore through the air with blinding speed. The Ember Slash shot forward, its flames crackling and twisting with power as it tore through the demon ranks.
The first demon to be hit by the blast was consumed instantly. Its body disintegrated in a fiery explosion, leaving nothing but smoldering ash behind. The force of the slash continued its path, carving through the demons in its wake, igniting them like tinder in the wind.
The air around Natsu shimmered with the heat of the attack, the flames that enveloped him growing more chaotic and untamed. He let out a low, savage chuckle as he watched the destruction unfold.
"Pathetic," Natsu muttered under his breath, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement. "I thought demons were supposed to be tough."
Taking in a deep breath, he let the energy swell within him, then released it in a deafening roar.
"Fire Dragon Monarch's Roar!"
A massive torrent of crimson flames erupted from his mouth, surging forward like an unstoppable wave. The roar was immense, easily dwarfing even Fairy Tail's Guild Hall in size. The flames engulfed everything in their path, reducing the remaining demons to nothing but ash in seconds. The fire continued forward, crashing into the massive metal gate that stood between Natsu and the next chamber. The heat was so intense that the metal began to melt, warping and bending as the fire burned through it, opening the way to the next trial.
Natsu chuckled darkly, his silver eyes gleaming as he walked toward the newly revealed chamber.
The space was unlike anything he had encountered before. It resembled the interior of a volcano, with molten rock bubbling in the cracks of the ground and heat radiating from every direction. In the center stood a massive tablet-like structure, ancient and foreboding, surrounded by molten pools of lava. But it was the creature standing before it that drew Natsu's attention.
A colossal demon stood in the center, its height towering at least 30 feet. The demon's head was a lion's face, fierce and regal, while its human-like torso gave way to a lower body made of a bull's frame, the legs clawed like a dragon's. Its body was a mass of cooled lava, streaked with veins of molten fire that glowed from its shoulder blades like liquid flame. In its right hand, the demon wielded a massive fireblade, its edge glowing hot enough to melt steel.
Natsu whistled, impressed despite himself. "Well, well, finally, an ACTUAL Demon. Who might you be?"
The demon fixed him with a piercing gaze, then let out a bone-shaking roar that caused the chamber to tremble.
Conquer of the ninth Fire Hell
A Ruler of Fire Demons
A Elemental Demon King
Belial
Natsu raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'm impressed. Bayle managed to get an Elemental Demon King under his command? Shame you're not on par with the old ones."
Belial's eyes flared with rage, the fire coursing through its body intensifying. "You dare question my power, Abomination?"
Natsu smirked, his posture relaxed but exuding confidence. "Yeah, I do. I mean, you're strong compared to the last demons I killed, but... so disappointing. Guess I expected more."
Belial's roar shook the chamber again, but Natsu's eyes never wavered. He could feel the heat rising, the power of this demon radiating off of him like a living furnace. But in Natsu's chest, the fires of his own power burned hotter. This would be a fight to remember.
Belial - (Elemental Demon King Massively Weakened by the Demon Realm's Seal Massively Suppressed By Bayle Full Power) - 683 Million MPL
Belial's massive fireblade swung down with incredible force, the air around it crackling and warping with the intense heat. Natsu's instincts kicked in, and in a split second, he ducked under the blazing arc of the sword, feeling the searing heat pass just above his head. The ground beneath him scorched with the remnants of the swing, the blade digging deep into the earth where he had just been standing.
"Ha ha, that's some heat," Natsu grinned, his silver eyes gleaming with excitement. "But you'll need more than that."
Belial snarled, his molten eyes narrowing in fury. "You are bold, little abomination. You won't be so cocky when I turn this whole chamber into an inferno!"
With a roar, Belial spun his fireblade and slammed it into the ground. The impact sent waves of heat surging outward, igniting the very air around them. Blazing arcs of fire erupted from the strike, creating a barrier of flames that threatened to consume Natsu in an instant.
But Natsu was already moving. He leaped into the air, twisting his body as he ascended, narrowly avoiding the explosion of flames that erupted beneath him. His laughter echoed through the chamber, dark and gleeful.
"Nice try!" Natsu taunted, flipping in midair and landing lightly on the edge of the tablet-like structure. "But you've got to do better than that if you want to keep up with me."
The fire around him flared as his power began to rise. His silver eyes burned with intensity, his flames flickering wildly. He gripped his sword, Queen, and the blade ignited into flames that mirrored his own chaotic energy.
"Dark Slayer : Flame Style – Ember Slash!" Natsu shouted, slashing the air in front of him. A massive arc of fire shot forward, splitting the air and heading straight for Belial.
Belial raised his massive sword, the flames cascading off his body, and blocked the attack with ease. The force of the collision caused the fire to explode around him, but his massive form remained unfazed.
"You're stronger than I thought," Natsu muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips. "But I'm just getting started."
Belial's eyes burned with rage, his form flickering with molten energy. "You'll regret underestimating me, Abomination. You think you can take on an Elemental Demon King?"
Natsu's grin widened, his muscles tightening as he prepared for the next wave. "You bet I do."
"Fire Dragon Monarch's Hell Fire Lash!"
Belial roared in fury as the pitch-black flames of Natsu's Hell Fire Lash wrapped around his body, searing through his molten skin like an inferno. The black fire coiled around him, constricting and burning, forcing him back step by step. The searing heat of the attack threatened to burn through his very essence, the fire twisting around him like a living, writhing beast.
"Dance, Belial! Dance!" Natsu's voice echoed through the chamber, taunting the Elemental Demon King as the flames continued to lash and crackle.
Belial's molten eyes narrowed, and with a roar of pain and rage, he raised his fireblade high, the sword glowing brighter with every moment. "Enough!" he bellowed, his voice shaking the very foundations of the chamber.
In an instant, he swung his sword downward with terrifying speed, sending out a shockwave of fire that clashed against Natsu's attack. The resulting explosion shook the entire chamber, sending chunks of molten rock and fire into the air. The black flames dissipated, but Natsu's eyes were still glowing, the fire in his chest burning brighter.
Natsu's grin widened as the air around him seemed to crackle with renewed energy, his body radiating with the power of both fire and darkness. "You're gonna have to do more than that to stop me," he taunted, stepping through the smoke and flames, his silver eyes locked on Belial with an unshakable determination.
Belial swung his massive fire blade again, but Natsu vanished in a flicker of Dark Magic, reappearing behind the demon with blinding speed. His claws, now transformed into dark, reptilian appendages, glowed with an ominous blue and black energy.
With a cruel laugh, Natsu seized Belial's tail in one swift motion, swinging the massive demon over his shoulder with ease. Belial roared in fury, trying to regain his footing, but Natsu wasn't finished.
Natsu's claws began to glow brighter, the dark blue energy intensifying as he clapped his hands together, then spread them wide, unleashing his power. "Darkness Magic - Abyssal Blast!"
A beam of pure, dark purple Demon Energy shot forward at light speed, its intensity threatening to tear through everything in its path. The beam struck Belial squarely in the chest, sending him crashing into the far wall with an ear-splitting roar of pain. The impact left a crater in the stone, but the Demon King wasn't finished yet.
Natsu grinned, his voice a mocking roar as he reveled in the chaos. "Let's go! I'm all fired up! HA HA! Black Art - Demon's Aura Abyssal Claws!"
Two powerful enchantment spells enveloped Natsu. The first, Demon's Aura, cloaked his body in a swirling aura of Dark Blue-Silver energy, pulsating with raw demonic power. The second, Abyssal Claws, activated his Devil Bringers—his demon hands—bringing them to their full, deadly potential. The claws glowed with the same energy as his aura, but with streaks of crimson red and pitch black running through them like veins of pure darkness.
With a feral roar, Natsu dashed forward, closing the distance between him and Belial in an instant. The demon barely had time to react as Natsu's left fist shot forward, smashing into the demon's chest with bone-crushing force. The blow sent Belial reeling, but Natsu was relentless.
Without missing a beat, Natsu's right fist followed, slamming into the demon's face with brutal speed. Left, right, left, right—the punches rained down, each blow landing with devastating force. The speed of his assault was nearly impossible to follow, Natsu's claws cutting through the air like a storm of fury. His strikes were a blur, hundreds, if not thousands, of blows landing in rapid succession. Each punch reverberated through the chamber with the sound of tearing flesh and breaking bones.
"How's it feel, huh?" Natsu taunted, his voice dripping with mockery as he slammed another fist into Belial's chest, sending him skidding back across the cracked floor. "I'm just getting started!"
Belial let out a guttural roar, the cracks in his body glowing brighter as he summoned what little fire remained within him. A fiery shockwave erupted from his body, throwing Natsu back several meters. For a brief moment, Belial staggered to his feet, his eyes burning with fury. He unleashed a blast of molten fire at Natsu, but the Fire Demon was too slow. Natsu, his body still cloaked in Demon Energy, flickered out of sight once more, appearing behind Belial.
With a single swift movement, Natsu grabbed Belial by the shoulders, his claws digging into the demon's molten skin. "This is it, you're done." He lifted Belial off the ground and slammed him down with enough force to crack the very earth beneath them.
"Fire Dragon Monarch's Destruction Hell Fist!"
Crimson fire mixed with the Demon Energy that surrounded Natsu, amplifying the destructive power of his punch. With a final, explosive motion, Natsu drove his fist into Belial's chest with enough force to send the massive demon flying across the chamber. Belial's body crashed into the far wall, leaving a trail of broken stone in its wake. The impact left a massive crater where the demon had landed, and the room seemed to tremble in the wake of Natsu's power.
As the dust settled, Natsu stood in the center of the ruined chamber, his breathing heavy but steady. His silver eyes scanned the destruction, and a smirk curled at the corners of his lips. He cracked his knuckles, feeling the thrill of battle still coursing through him.
"Is that all you've got?" Natsu taunted, stepping forward into the wreckage. But when he saw no movement from Belial's broken form, he knew that the battle was over.
Natsu's power, a deadly combination of fire and darkness, had proven to be too much for even the Elemental Demon King.
Without a second thought, Natsu strode toward the fallen Demon King. As he neared the broken body, Belial's remains began to glow a faint red, his energy starting to dissipate. Natsu raised his arm, and the energy surged toward him like a tide. It flowed into him effortlessly, his claws crackling with dark power as he absorbed the raw demonic magic and knowledge that came with it.
"Huh, shame… the Demon was held back by BOTH the seal on the Demon Realm and Bayle… damn," Natsu muttered under his breath, his mind processing the information he had just absorbed. The power of an Elemental Demon King should have been much greater, but Belial had been weakened, and now Natsu could feel the difference in his own abilities. A small frown tugged at his lips, but it quickly faded as he looked at the next challenge before him.
He turned his gaze to the massive tablet in the center of the chamber, its surface etched with intricate markings that pulsed with an eerie, otherworldly glow. His instincts told him it was more than just an ancient artifact—this was a gateway of some kind.
"A Mini Hell Gate?" Natsu speculated aloud, his silver eyes narrowing in thought. He had seen gates like this before, but nothing quite like this one. He could feel the energy emanating from it, a magnetic pull that beckoned him toward it.
A confident smirk spread across Natsu's face as his claws began to glow with newfound power, fueled by the energy he had absorbed. "Let's try this."
With a fierce grin, Natsu raised his hands and called upon his newmagic.
"Fire Devil's Hell Blast!"
A pulse of Silver Fire shot from Natsu's hands, slamming into the tablet with the force of a freight train. The blast tore through the stone, sending fragments flying, and in a fiery explosion, the gate crumbled into nothingness. The room trembled as the magic dissipated, and the eerie glow from the broken tablet flickered out, leaving only silence in its wake.
Natsu let out a satisfied chuckle, his claws still crackling with energy. "Silver? Belial's fire wasn't silver... Must be from my own energy," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He could feel the unique fire coursing through him now, mingling with the dark energy he had absorbed. It was unlike anything he had wielded before—a new weapon in his ever-growing arsenal.
With a confident smirk, Natsu strode out of the volcano chamber and into the open. His gaze fell upon the next gate in the distance, an imposing structure glowing ominously. The air around it pulsed with demonic energy, promising another formidable challenge.
"I'm guessing Bayle has several other demons guarding these gates," Natsu mused, cracking his neck. "Guess it's time to meet the next one."
He stepped into the next chamber, his senses immediately on high alert. The atmosphere shifted—it was darker here, the shadows deeper, the silence oppressive. The room was a dark temple, its architecture ancient and foreboding. In front of him, embedded in the far wall, was another Mini Hell Gate, its surface swirling with faint light.
As Natsu approached, his instincts screamed at him. He moved just in time to avoid an attack—a beam of light that streaked past him at light speed, grazing the edge of his coat.
"Whoa, nearly got me," Natsu muttered, his grin widening with excitement. He turned his head to face his assailant, his silver eyes narrowing.
A beast flashed around him in a blur of movement, its speed incredible. Natsu's eyes tracked it, catching glimpses of dark fur, sharp claws, and glowing wings.
"So, who are you?" Natsu asked, his voice calm but brimming with anticipation.
A Holy Beast
Light Demon
Beowulf the Light Beast
It stepped into the faint light, revealing its full form. Its body was that of a massive, werewolf-like creature, its black fur shimmering with an unnatural sheen. Large, feathered wings extended from its back, their tips glowing faintly with a holy light that seemed at odds with its demonic aura. Its eyes burned with a mixture of feral rage and intelligence, and its snarling maw revealed rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Natsu's smirk grew wider. "A Holy Beast? Didn't expect that here. What are you, some kind of Light Demon?"
The creature let out a deafening roar, its powerful voice reverberating through the chamber like a shockwave. Its wings unfurled to their full span, the glowing feathers casting a searing light that pushed back the darkness. The temple walls seemed to warp in the radiance, shadows dancing erratically.
A deep, guttural voice echoed directly into Natsu's mind, clear and commanding. "I am Beowulf, Guardian of the Gate. You shall not pass. Turn back, or be consumed by light."
Natsu stood unfazed, his trademark grin spreading across his face as he cracked his knuckles. "Well, Beowulf," he said, his voice dripping with mockery, "you've got two options. You can step aside and let me through so I can smash that gate... or I can make a kebab out of you and walk through anyway. Your call."
Beowulf snarled, his golden eyes burning with fury as his wings flared even brighter, the radiant light flooding the temple with an almost unbearable intensity. "Insolent creature. Your arrogance will be your undoing."
Natsu smirked, tilting his head as his claws crackled with energy, a mix of black and silver flames flickering around them. "Undo me? That's rich coming from a glowing dog with wings. Let's see if you've got the bite to match that bark."
Beowulf's growl deepened, and in a flash, he unleashed a devastating breath attack—a concentrated beam of light hurtling toward Natsu with blinding speed. Natsu tilted his head at the last moment, the searing beam narrowly missing him and carving a deep scar into the chamber wall behind him.
Before the echo of the attack could fade, Natsu drew his pistols, their barrels glowing ominously as demon energy charged his bullets. With a sharp grin, he unleashed a barrage, the chamber filling with the deafening roar of gunfire.
Beowulf blinked, his sharp instincts kicking in as the hundreds of bullets hurtled toward him. When his eyes opened, the bullets were mere inches away from his face. With a burst of his incredible light-speed agility, he dodged, disappearing and reappearing in a blur.
"So, he can dodge light-speed attacks and dish them out," Natsu thought, narrowing his eyes as he lowered his guns. "Long-range isn't gonna cut it."
Beowulf wasted no time, leaping toward Natsu with predatory grace. In an instant, he was upon him, his massive claw glowing with demonic light as it arced toward Natsu's throat. The strike was impossibly fast, but Natsu's reflexes flared in time. His speed surged, and he ducked beneath the attack, the light-clad claw grazing the air where his neck had been a moment earlier.
With a feral grin, Natsu countered, swinging his demon-enhanced claw at Beowulf's chest, the energy around his hand flaring dangerously. But just as the strike was about to connect, Beowulf twisted, evading the attack at the last second with the same uncanny speed.
Both combatants leaped back once more, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. The room was a battlefield of scorched stone and lingering energy. Natsu flexed his fingers, his claws still crackling with the residual power of his last attack. His grin grew feral. "This might actually be fun."
Beowulf growled low, his wings flaring as beams of radiant light emanated from his body. The temple trembled with the sheer force of his energy. Without warning, the two charged at each other again, their movements so fast they became little more than streaks of light and flame.
Beowulf came in low, his glowing claws sweeping toward Natsu's legs with blinding speed. Natsu leapt, flipping over the attack with fluid grace. As he landed in a crouch behind Beowulf, his claws dug deep into the cracked stone floor for balance.
"Fire Dragon Monarch's Wing Strike!" Natsu roared, swinging his arms in a wide arc. Massive, blazing wings of crimson fire erupted from his strikes, engulfing the entire chamber in a tempest of searing heat. The flames surged forward, roaring like a living beast.
Beowulf roared in defiance, his light shining brighter than ever. The pressure of his holy aura crushed the flames in an instant, extinguishing them as if they were no more than candles in a storm.
The light demon dashed forward, closing the distance with terrifying speed. Natsu held his ground, letting the beast enter his space. As Beowulf's claws came for his head in a strike that could have ended the fight, Natsu leaned back just enough to dodge, his movements precise and calculated.
In that moment, his left arm ignited in a blaze of silver fire. "Fire Devil's Hell Grasp!" Natsu growled, his voice filled with demonic intensity. His clawed hand tore into Beowulf's ribs, the silver fire exploding upon impact with devastating force.
The blast sent Beowulf skidding backward, his growls turning to snarls of pain. Silver fire clung to his body, eating away at his radiant armor like an unrelenting predator.
Natsu grinned, his claws crackling with silver fire. The power coursing through him felt like a torrent, a raging storm of heat and dark energy. He flexed his fingers, the flames dancing around him as he taunted, "C'mon, if you dare!"
Beowulf's golden eyes flared with fury. With a roar, he shot forward, his wings glowing as bright as the sun. In a split second, the light demon was upon Natsu, his claws slashing through the air at light speed. But Natsu was ready. With his enhanced reflexes, Natsu met Beowulf's attacks with equal ferocity. Their claws clashed in the air, each blow echoing like a thunderclap.
The two combatants locked in an explosive dance, the air crackling with raw energy as their blows rang out in rapid succession. Natsu's silver fire met Beowulf's holy light in a fiery collision, each strike sending shockwaves through the chamber. Thousands of blows were exchanged in the blink of an eye, but Natsu's eyes never wavered, always scanning Beowulf's movements. He was anticipating every strike, reading the demon's next move before it even happened.
"There!" Natsu roared, ducking just as Beowulf's claws came down on him. With a twist of his body, Natsu's left fist shot forward, landing square on Beowulf's chest with a force that shook the very foundations of the temple. The impact sent the light demon flying, crashing into the ceiling with a deafening bang. The force of the blow created a massive crack in the stone, and Beowulf was left suspended in the air, dazed and disoriented.
Natsu's eyes gleamed with ruthless satisfaction as he took a step forward, his body alight with the combined power of Eternal Flames and Devil Slayer magic. "You're a tough one, I'll give you that... but it's time to end this."
Beowulf roared, shooting himself at Natsu with blinding speed. The Devil Slayer remained calm, his posture unwavering. In his left hand, the Yamato materialized, the blade's dark presence emanating power. In an instant, Natsu unsheathed it with a swift motion, his movements fluid and precise.
"Dark Slayer: Shattered Fate – Void Slash!"
The words rang out in the air as Natsu's blade sliced through the space between them. The slash was so fast, so silent, that it seemed to freeze time for a moment. Beowulf's golden eyes widened in shock as the Yamato's edge cleaved through his form with perfect precision.
In a smooth motion, Natsu landed, his body now poised and calm. The sound of the Yamato's sheath clicking echoed throughout the temple, a mark of finality. The fierce, chaotic battle that had just ensued was over in an instant.
Beowulf, still suspended in mid-air, began to disintegrate, his body cracking apart as if his very essence were unraveling. The light in his eyes faded, and with one last, guttural roar, the Light Demon split cleanly in two. His body collapsed to the floor, leaving only the remnants of smoldering light and shadow in its wake.
A silence fell over the room, broken only by the crackling of Natsu's Eternal Flames and the hum of still air. Natsu stood unmoving, his expression calm, the thrill of the battle still pulsing in his veins. He didn't feel satisfaction, but the undeniable thrill of the fight—the need to push forward, to face the next challenge.
With deliberate care, Natsu sheathed the Yamato, the blade's edge still gleaming with the dark power that had cleaved Beowulf in two. The demon's energy swirled in the air, seeking to escape, but Natsu raised his arm without hesitation. The energy surged toward him, merging seamlessly with his own. For a brief moment, he felt the weight of Beowulf's magic within him, a fleeting sense of the power that had once belonged to the Light Demon.
"Impressive," Natsu muttered, his voice low and contemplative as he turned his attention to the Mini Hell Gate before him. "But not enough."
Minutes later, Natsu stood before the third gate, his boots striking the ground as he kicked it open and stepped through. The atmosphere around him shifted instantly. He could tell immediately that he had returned to Earthland.
A grin spread across Natsu's face. "So, this is the main portal... the one that leads to the TRUE Hell Gate in Bayle's City... good."
His senses sharpened, and he felt it—the unmistakable presence of Bayle somewhere within the city. But it wasn't just him. Out on the outskirts, near the protective barrier, Natsu could sense the energy of the Fiore Resistance and several guilds gathering.
Fairy Tail.
Natsu felt them all—Gajeel, Laxus and the Thunder Legion, Mira and her siblings, Erza… his smile softened for a brief moment when he felt Erza, Lucy, Juvia, and Gray.
"So, Gray's a Devil Slayer now? Nice one, Brain Freeze," Natsu thought with a chuckle.
Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, Mermaid Heel, and a few other guilds also gathered near the barrier.
"So today's the day, huh?" Natsu muttered, his grin widening. "Well, I should break the barrier, then."
Natsu moved forward, walking out of the tunnel and into the tower. The room was vast, the air thick with demonic energy. In the center stood a massive stone tablet, much larger than the ones he had destroyed before. The runes etched into it pulsed with an unmistakable dark power.
"No one here?" Natsu raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Seems stupid to leave it unguarded, but oh well."
With a smirk, Natsu drew the Yamato, his fingers wrapping around the hilt with deadly precision. He raised the sword high and brought it down in a powerful slash aimed directly at the gate.
At first, nothing happened. The tablet remained intact. But then, something strange occurred.
A dark portal opened before him.
Natsu's eyes widened in surprise. "What?!"
He felt the barrier around the city crumble, but the gate didn't shatter as he'd expected. Instead, it opened fully, a gateway of pure darkness.
"FUCKING BAYLE!" Natsu's voice roared with fury. "IT WAS A TRAP—"
"Of course, it was a trap," a voice interrupted from behind.
Natsu spun around, his silver eyes locking onto the figure standing in the doorway.
Bayle.
The Black Dragon.
Before Natsu could react, Bayle moved with inhuman speed, his claws lashing out with terrifying force. The strike hit Natsu with immense power, sending him hurtling backward.
But Natsu was ready. He flipped backward in mid-air, landing with his feet firmly planted on the ground, his body tense, eyes burning with defiance.
"Grr, bastard dragon!" Natsu growled, his voice filled with a mix of anger and excitement. "I'll tear you apart!"
Bayle chuckled darkly, the sound like a low rumble in the cavernous room. "Oh, I'm sure you want to, Son of Igneel."
Natsu's eyes narrowed, his claws crackling with demonic energy. "So, before I tear your heart out and shove it down your throat, how about you tell me your big, bad plan?" His voice was laced with mockery, but there was a sharp edge to it, a dangerous promise hidden beneath the bravado.
Bayle's grin widened, and he stepped forward, his massive wings unfurling behind him like a blackened storm. "Fine then, I'll amuse you, child. You… just opened the Hell Gate fully. You see, on my own, I could never do it. But you?" Bayle's finger pointed to the Yamato. "Oh, you can. Or more specifically, that can."
Natsu's eyes flared with confusion and suspicion as Bayle's words sunk in. His grip tightened around the Yamato, the sword pulsing with dark energy. He had always known the sword had immense power, but hearing it from Bayle made him realize how much he still didn't understand about its true potential.
Bayle chuckled darkly, the sound echoing in the space between them. "Oh yes. You see, your little toy, that blade, has the power to manipulate not just space and time, but also the very barriers between worlds. It was you who just unlocked the Hell Gate completely, whether you knew it or not."
Natsu's gaze flickered between Bayle and the Yamato, his mind racing. "There's no way... I didn't even have it when we first met. You couldn't have known of its abilities!" he spat, frustration mounting.
Bayle's smirk was full of malice, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "Oh, you think you're the first to wield it? No, child, you were not. The Yamato existed long before you, and as for how it ended up in your soul? That's a mystery only Igneel could explain. But in the end, it doesn't matter."
Natsu clenched his fists, his eyes glowing with determination. "...You're right. It doesn't matter. All I have to do is kill you, and seal the gate."
Bayle's laugh was low and menacing. "Harder than it sounds, brat. I can promise you that."
Natsu's aura flared, crackling with raw energy, and his expression hardened, filled with a new, unyielding resolve. "Can you?" He took a step forward, his power surging as his Demon Claws manifested, claws radiating with destructive energy. His silver eyes burned even brighter, his hair turning white as gravity seemed to lose its grip on him. The very air around him began to warp with the intensity of his energy.
His aura exploded, a maelstrom of dark blue and silver, shot through with strands of pitch-black lightning and black flames. The ground beneath his feet trembled as his full power unleashed in a wave of sheer force.
Natsu Dragneel - (Demon Yamato Full Power) - 1.5 Billion MPL
"I'll see for myself just how much you can handle," Natsu growled, his voice a low rumble filled with both menace and excitement. His eyes locked onto Bayle, ready to finish this battle once and for all.
With Erza and the rest
Erza and Mira arrived at the city, their mission complete, and met up with the others, who had gathered near the outer edge of the city.
"Are you all right?" Erza asked, her voice filled with concern for her comrades.
"Yeah, our fights were easy," Gajeel said with a shrug, leaning against a nearby wall. "I had a wind demon, Laxus dealt with an incorporeal shadow demon."
Juvia and Lucy stood next to them, Lucy speaking up, "We fought a demon horde while Gray—"
"I fought an old demon who fought in the first Great Demon War," Gray interrupted bluntly. "And it gave me his power."
"...So that's why I sensed demonic power," Mira said, raising an eyebrow. "Nice work, Gray."
Erza nodded, her expression serious. "Now we have to wait for the barrier to drop."
"What exactly was the plan for that?" Juvia asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Natsu figured out where Bayle's demons were coming from without opening the barrier," Erza explained, her tone firm yet steady. "The portal must be linked to the city in some way. That's why Natsu took that route."
"You think he can handle it?" Lucy asked, a flicker of doubt in her voice.
Erza's eyes softened as she looked into the distance, her senses reaching out, as though she could already feel Natsu's presence. "He's already in the city. I can sense him."
And as if on cue, the air around them rippled, and the barrier in front of the city shattered with a thunderous crack, sending a wave of power through the surrounding area.
Erza's grin widened, her determination clear in her eyes. She let out a short, confident laugh. "See? I told you."
She turned toward the gathered guilds, her voice rising with authority. "Alright, listen up! You'll handle the demon hordes and protect the civilians. Mira and I will head straight for Bayle's palace. We end this today, together!"
The guilds nodded, their resolve unwavering. Each guild, whether it was Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, or the others, was ready for the battle ahead. The streets of the city were a war zone, demons of all shapes and sizes flooding the area, but the guilds knew what needed to be done.
Juvia, her expression fierce, looked toward the battlefront. "We won't let them take the city."
Gray, his newfound demonic power swirling inside him, gave a determined nod. "Let's make sure Bayle regrets ever starting this war."
Laxus cracked his knuckles, a surge of lightning building around him. "If anyone's going to stop Bayle, it's us."
Erza turned back to Mira, who was already readying her magic. "Let's go."
With a shared understanding, the two women raced toward the heart of the city, their presence like a storm. The battle to end all battles had begun.
15 minutes Later
Fifteen minutes later, Erza, Gray, Mira, Laxus, Gajeel, Juvia, and Lucy ran at full speed toward Bayle's palace, the once bustling city now eerily silent. The streets were deserted, no demons in sight, their absence unsettling.
"Where are all the demons?" Gray muttered, scanning the surroundings. "Surely Bayle had more forces here?"
Erza's expression hardened. "Natsu must have done something. We need to move faster."
The group pushed onward, reaching the obsidian steps that led up to the imposing palace. The massive doors swung open on their own as they approached, casting an eerie silence over the group as they entered.
Inside, the palace was as quiet as the city. Shadows stretched across the marble floors, and the only sound was the soft echo of their footsteps. Despite the unsettling emptiness, the unmistakable aura of Bayle's presence was still palpable, a suffocating weight in the air.
"Stay alert," Erza ordered, her voice steady, but her gaze flicking warily around the darkened halls. "Bayle's here. I can feel it."
The mages moved cautiously through the palace, their senses heightened, each of them knowing the final confrontation was close. The walls were adorned with twisted, dark art, the eerie glow of demonic runes lighting their path as they moved deeper into the heart of the palace.
"I don't like this," Mira said, her eyes narrowed. "It's too quiet. Bayle's not the type to leave his palace unguarded."
Gajeel snorted. "He must be waiting for something, or someone."
Juvia's eyes flickered with concern as she scanned the surroundings. "It feels like we're being watched."
"Let's just get to the throne room and end this," Laxus growled, lightning crackling at his fingertips.
As they ascended the final staircase, the unmistakable sensation of Bayle's presence grew stronger. The throne room was ahead, the doors looming large before them.
Erza's hand gripped her sword tightly. "We're close. Bayle's in there, waiting for us."
The group nodded, their determination evident in their eyes. They could feel the tension building, the moment of reckoning fast approaching. This was the endgame.
Without hesitation, Erza pushed open the doors, revealing the vast throne room. The walls seemed to pulse with dark energy, and there, sitting on a massive obsidian throne, was Bayle, his wings unfurled like a dark storm cloud, his eyes glinting with malevolent amusement.
"Well, well," Bayle's voice echoed through the room, rich with dark satisfaction. "It seems you've made it. Too bad you're too late."
Erza's sword gleamed with righteous fury as she stepped forward, her eyes narrowing with intensity. "We've had enough of your games, Bayle. This ends now!"
Bayle's eyes flickered with amusement, his dark grin widening. "So loud, little Belserion. Were you always like this, or did you learn it from your mate?"
Erza's breath caught as her gaze snapped around the room, searching for Natsu, but he was nowhere to be seen. Her heart skipped a beat.
"You're looking for Silver-Eye?" Bayle's voice dripped with malice. "You won't see him. Ever again. He's gone."
Erza's grip on her sword tightened, but her expression remained steely. The weight of his words hung in the air like a noose, but she refused to let doubt creep in. Natsu had been through so much before, and if anyone could survive this, it was him.
"You're lying," Erza said, her voice unwavering, though her hands trembled slightly. "Natsu's not done yet. And when he gets here, you'll regret underestimating him."
Bayle chuckled darkly, the sound reverberating through the throne room like a growl. "Oh, he got here already. He was strong, but not strong enough." With a swift motion, he reached behind his throne, retrieving something and tossing it at Erza's feet.
It was Queen.
Natsu's sword, the one she had gifted him. Her heart sank as she saw the blood staining the blade, the familiar scent hitting her senses. It wasn't Bayle's blood—it was Natsu's.
"No... no, no, no, NO!" Erza cried, her voice breaking as she fell to her knees, her trembling hand reaching out to touch the sword. "Natsu... Natsu!" Her cry of anguish transformed into a roar of fury. "RARH!" she screamed, her power exploding outward in a massive shockwave.
Laxus and Gajeel locked eyes with Bayle, their auras surging with fury and power. The two Dragon Slayers entered Dragon Force simultaneously, their bodies crackling with raw energy. Gray's right hand was covered in intricate black markings, the markings snaking up his arm and face. His eyes glowed a piercing blue, his Devil Slayer magic swirling around him, ready for battle.
Mirajane's form shifted as she entered Satan Soul: Sitri, her eyes glowing with unbridled rage. Her demonic aura wrapped around her like a storm, and she glared daggers at Bayle, her power rising.
Lucy stood firm, summoning her Celestial Spirits, Leo, Taurus, and Virgo. She then donned her Leo Star Dress, feeling the surge of power flow through her. Her gaze was determined, unwavering.
Juvia's magic surged within her, her body enveloped by the power of her water magic. Her eyes glistened with resolve as she prepared for the fight ahead.
Erza's power exploded again, her body taking on a more draconic form. Scales appeared along her face, and her hair glowed with a fiery intensity. The grief in her heart fueled her rage, and she was ready to end this fight once and for all.
Erza Scarlet - (Dragon Hybrid Dovahkiin Form Full Power) - 345 Million MPL
Laxus Dreyar - (Dragon Slayer Dragon Force Full Power) - 295.8 Million MPL
Gajeel Redfox - (Dragon Slayer Dragon Force Full Power) - 294.9 Million MPL
Gray Fullbuster - (Devil Slayer Demon Mark Adapting Full Power) - 337.8 Million MPL
Mirajane Strauss - (Take Over: Sitri Full Power) - 280.3 Million MPL
Lucy Heartfilia - (Celestial Mage Leo Star Dress Full Power) - 3.1 Million MPL
Juvia Lockser - (Water Mage Full Power) - 3.2 Million MPL
Bayle's grin stretched wider, the dark amusement evident in his eyes as he watched the united front of mages charge at him. "What a show," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Are you sure you want this?"
Erza's eyes blazed with fury, but she didn't dignify him with a response. Her anger was beyond words. She gripped Queen tightly, her entire body burning with righteous wrath as she rushed at the Black Dragon.
"Dragon Magic: Sword Art - Fire Torrent!" she shouted, igniting her sword with a torrent of flames. She slashed through the air, the blade tearing into Bayle's chest with scorching force. But the Black Dragon merely looked her dead in the eyes with an amused smile, unaffected by the blow.
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!" Laxus's voice boomed as he unleashed a devastating bolt of lightning from his mouth, hitting Bayle's throne with explosive force.
"Metallic Dragon's Roar!" Gajeel roared, his own dragon roar crashing through the room. The combined attack rattled the throne, but Bayle's grin never faltered.
"Not good enough, children," he said coldly, his voice echoing with condescension.
"Ice Devil's Rage!" Gray shouted as he released a blast of freezing cold, pure ice surging toward Bayle. But once again, Bayle stood unharmed, his body seemingly impervious to the attack.
Mira, her eyes burning with frustration, clenched her fists. "Soul Extinctor!" she cried, releasing a raw surge of Darkness Magic toward Bayle. The attack smashed into him, only for Bayle to open his mouth wide, devouring the raw energy with an unsettling ease.
"Have you forgotten?" Bayle chuckled darkly. "I am the First Black Dragon. All Darkness Dragons tie back to me, child. Darkness does not work on me."
Mira gritted her teeth, a mix of anger and disbelief flashing across her face. She descended toward Bayle, determined to land a blow. But before she could, Bayle's massive claw shot out and swiped at her, knocking her backward with brutal force.
The mages didn't stop. Streams of sharp, high-pressure water came crashing toward Bayle, courtesy of Juvia's relentless magic. Yet the attack barely fazed him, only serving to annoy the Black Dragon.
Then, Lucy's Celestial Spirit, Taurus, rushed forward, his axe raised, ready to strike. But Bayle was faster. With a swipe of his claw, he tore through Taurus's form effortlessly, sending the spirit crashing back into the Celestial Realm with a violent shockwave.
"Amusing," Bayle sneered, watching the mages try and fail to land a decisive blow.
The room was thick with tension, each mage standing firm despite the overwhelming presence of Bayle. The Black Dragon's power had been evident, and none of their attacks had even left a scratch. Yet, despite the odds, the mages of Fairy Tail refused to back down.
"You won't live to see tomorrow!" Erza shouted, her grip tightening on Queen as her eyes burned with fury.
Bayle sneered, his confidence unshaken. "And what makes you think that? You're no threat to me, and Dragneel is dead."
"You're wrong!" Erza's voice rang with conviction, her spirit unyielding. "Natsu isn't dead, and he will come back to tear you apart, Bayle!" Her words were sharp, her anger fuelling the fiery determination in her eyes. "He's not done yet, and neither are we!"
Bayle's grin turned cold. "Such raw loyalty and drive. A rare thing, even among demons," he mused darkly, but his expression quickly shifted back to disdain. "It's all for nothing. The boy served his purpose. He opened the Seal to the Demon Realm, and once it fully breaks, I will claim my power, and this entire realm, for myself."
As Bayle spoke, the ground trembled beneath them. The tower where the Hell Gate was located began to shake violently, a pillar of raw, dark magic rising from it and engulfing the sky.
"You see?" Bayle's voice was filled with satisfaction, "In mere moments, the Seal will be shattered, and I will reclaim what is rightfully mine."
The immense surge of magic rattled the air, a low, guttural sound echoing from the gate. Then, a violent roar followed by an overwhelming magic pressure flooded the room, nearly knocking the mages off their feet. Bayle ignored them entirely, his gaze locked onto the pillar.
Erza's expression shifted from anger to a confident grin. "You were saying?" she asked, her voice laced with a taunting edge. "Seems like... something's not going as planned."
Bayle scoffed, brushing off her words. "You think this means anything?"
But before he could finish, a deafening roar rang out, cutting him off. The ground shook violently beneath them, and the pillar of magic began to dissipate, the oppressive force suddenly vanishing.
Bayle's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing in disbelief as the air around him grew heavier with anticipation. The battle was far from over.