Chapter-20:
Velmorra
The room hummed with the soft glow of alert lights from various systems.
The newly established V.I.S.C. HQ was abuzz, each corner of the building serving a distinct purpose. Levy and Hisui oversaw the strategic planning—deciding who to attack, when, and where. Ultear and Freed handled the battlefield logistics, while Erza had the final say on every decision. Communication and information gathering, as well as coordination, were left to Lisanna.
In the last few weeks, the HQ had undergone substantial upgrades.
The room was unlike any other—a vast space with a pool at its center, the floor made of a special, powerful lacrima that powered the sophisticated technology around it.
The tables surrounding the pool were lined with screens, all imbued with advanced Archive and Projection Magic, making them capable of processing data and displaying information in real-time.
On the raised platform at one end of the room, Freed stood, keeping a vigilant eye on the monitors. On the opposite side, Hibiki and Milianna coordinated the flow of information. Lisanna stood on the glass floor, a small pillar with a glowing orb at waist height in the center of the room.
Her appearance had subtly changed. Her hair was now longer, tied back in a ponytail with bangs framing her face. She wore a sleeveless white dress with an open back and light blue accents, crystal-like heels that clicked with each step, and a set of rings on her fingers. Her presence was calm but commanding as she surveyed the operations.
"What's the status on Laxus and his team?" Lisanna's voice broke the quiet hum of activity.
"Mard Geer is dead," Freed replied, his tone flat.
"And Gray?" Lisanna pressed.
"Still engaged with Raze," Freed answered.
Lisanna nodded, her eyes focused on the glowing lacrima in front of her. The orb's light flickered, and the remnants of Clover Town appeared in a projection—debris and chaos from the battle they had just endured.
"We've detected Raiden's presence," Hibiki's voice cut through the silence.
"Where is he headed?" Lisanna asked, her tone steady.
"He arrived in Crocus a while ago. We lost his signal after that," Hibiki replied.
Lisanna's eyes narrowed as she considered the situation. "Natsu's just finished his fight with Darius… Can you track Wendy and Lucy?"
"Not yet," Hibiki said, frustration evident in his voice.
Lisanna touched the lacrima again. The orb hummed, and a familiar voice filled the room.
"Lisanna?" Erza's voice was sharp but tinged with fatigue.
"Yes, we know what happened. What's your status?" Lisanna asked.
"Jellal, Orga, Midnight, and Racer are dead. Minerva managed to escape," Erza reported, her voice grim.
"Casualties?" Lisanna inquired.
"None on our side, except… Raiden took Wendy and Lucy," Erza's voice faltered slightly.
Lisanna rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the situation. "We last tracked him in Crocus. We'll need to narrow down his location."
"What about Natsu?" Erza asked, her voice holding a touch of hope.
"He's done with his fight. We'll reach out to him soon," Lisanna replied.
"Good. I'll join him," Erza said. "In the meantime, what can you tell me about Raiden Volk?"
Lisanna hesitated, then spoke, her tone measured. "Raiden Volk… a mage infused with three Dragon Lacrimas, which were enhanced by Irene Belserion and August. But even before that, he was a formidable mage. Some say he already had Dragon Magic, taught to him by Irene herself. The records classify him as a Third Generation Dragon Slayer—like Sting and Rogue—not Second Generation like the rest of the Dragon Division. He's a master of Wind, Water, and Lightning Dragon Magic, which come together to form his Storm Dragon Slayer Magic."
Lisanna paused, considering the next part carefully. "He's widely believed to be Irene Belserion's son, though it's unclear whether he's a biological child or if he was adopted—like Natsu and Gajeel were by their dragons."
Erza frowned, processing the information. "And his power?"
"Immense," Lisanna said, her voice tinged with caution. "He's said to have never been defeated in live combat. At the very least, he's in the same league as Sting and Rogue. He could very well be on par with the Spriggan Twelve."
Suddenly, lights flashed on the screens around them. Lisanna spun around to face Flare. "What just happened?"
Flare's gaze was fixed on the display. "Crocus… it's being surrounded by barriers."
"Barriers? Natsu's?" Lisanna asked, her voice tight with urgency.
"No," Flare replied, shaking her head. "The Empire's barriers. But they're far more powerful than anything we've seen before."
Lisanna's expression darkened. "Contact Natsu now. They're trying to cut off any reinforcements we can send. They know Natsu and Gajeel will attack once they get the information." Her voice held a sharp edge of command.
"On it!" Hibiki responded quickly, already moving to send the communication.
With Laxus, a few hours earlier
Laxus gritted his teeth, his body sprawled on the ground, bleeding heavily. Mard Geer, enraged by Laxus's use of Red Lightning, had transformed into his true demonic form. The demon's wings unfurled, and with a ferocious roar, he stabbed Laxus with a razor-sharp thorn, causing fresh blood to spill.
Sherry, the young girl with pink hair, knelt beside him, her healing magic radiating warmth. "Just a few more moments!" she urged, desperately trying to stabilize his wounds.
Mard Geer—(Etherious Demon + True Form + Full Power)—233 Billion MPL
His true form was a nightmare come to life, armored in pitch-black plating, his wings were large and bat-like, casting a dark shadow over the battlefield.
"Soul Extinctor!" Mira shouted, unleashing a beam of darkness from her demon form. It struck Mard Geer, but his armored form absorbed most of the impact with ease, causing only minimal damage.
Mirajane Strauss—(Sitri Demon Form + Full Power)—130 Billion MPL
Mard Geer retaliated with a brutal punch that sent Mira flying through the air, but just as he was about to turn his attention elsewhere, a burst of light hit him square in the chest.
"Fairy Glitter!" Cana shouted, the powerful light temporarily blinded Mard Geer, stunning him for a brief moment.
Cana took the opportunity to throw a handful of explosive cards toward the demon. The cards detonated in a powerful explosion, but Mard Geer barely flinched. With a snarl, he slapped the cards aside with ease and lunged at her with deadly intent.
But before he could land the blow, a powerful torrent of holy water surged forward, pushing him back.
"Holy Water Magic—Water Torrent!" Juvia cried out, her magic creating a tidal wave that slammed into Mard Geer.
The holy water was effective, but Mard Geer's power wasn't so easily subdued. Roaring in fury, he spread his wings wide, sending a shockwave through the air that dispersed the water and sent Juvia stumbling back.
Laxus remained sprawled on the ground, the sting of blood loss weighing heavily on him. He could feel the searing pain coursing through his body as the thorn Mard Geer had driven into him remained lodged deep within. His breathing was shallow, and every movement felt like a battle against his own failing strength.
Sherry continued her focused healing, her hands glowing with a soft pink light as she worked tirelessly. "Hold on, Laxus. I'll get you back on your feet," she murmured, her voice determined despite the dire situation.
Mard Geer hovered above the battle, his dark wings flapping slowly, his sinister grin growing wider as he surveyed the chaos around him. Mira and Cana regrouped, both visibly exhausted but unrelenting in their efforts to take him down.
"Is that all you've got?" Mard Geer mocked, his voice dripping with malice.
"Shut up!" Mira snapped, launching herself forward again, but Mard Geer's speed was overwhelming. With a flick of his hand, he created a shockwave that sent Mira crashing into the ground, the force knocking the breath out of her.
"Fairy Glitter!" Cana cried once more, but Mard Geer was ready this time. He easily deflected the attack with a flick of his massive wing, sending the light blast spiraling off course.
Laxus's vision blurred as his body trembled. He could hear the shouts of his comrades, but they felt distant, like they were fading from his reach. He clenched his fists, trying to push through the pain, but it was too much. His body wouldn't respond.
"Not yet," he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he struggled to stay conscious.
Sherry, refusing to let him slip away, placed her hand firmly on his chest. The magic she channeled intensified, her pink aura swirling around his body like a lifeline. Slowly, the bleeding began to subside, and the thorn that had been lodged in him dissolved under the force of her healing power.
Laxus's heart beat stronger with each passing second, and he felt a surge of life return to his limbs. His breathing steadied, and his vision cleared. Slowly, he pushed himself up, using Sherry's support as he rose to his feet.
"Laxus!" Mira shouted in relief, seeing him stand once more, though his movements were still sluggish.
With a grimace, Laxus flexed his hands, feeling his magic return to him. "Damn demon," he muttered under his breath, eyes glowing with renewed fury. "I'm not done yet."
Mard Geer, seeing that Laxus was back on his feet, sneered. "How resilient," he spat. "But it won't matter."
Laxus's body erupted with power. His magic swirled around him like a storm, and his skin was covered in thick, shimmering scales, marking the activation of Dragon Force. His eyes burned brighter, infused with the wrath of his Dragon Slayer magic.
With a deep, rumbling roar, Laxus unleashed a devastating wave of lightning. Red lightning mixed with the crackling energy, exploding outward in a violent tempest.
Laxus Dreyar - (Dragon Slayer + Dragon Force +Red Lightning Mode + Full Power) - 204.5 Billion MPL
The ground trembled beneath him as he pushed forward, his power surging through the earth with every step. He kicked off the ground and shot toward Mard Geer with light speed. Before the demon could react, Laxus's fist collided with his chest, sending shockwaves through the air.
The impact echoed through the forest as Mard Geer staggered back, his grin faltering slightly. But Laxus didn't pause. He had a plan.
As they crashed down into the forest floor, Laxus flipped midair, landing solidly and immediately unleashing a point-blank roar of pure lightning. The storm of red energy engulfed Mard Geer, the explosion shaking the surrounding trees to their roots.
Mard Geer staggered under the onslaught, pushing through the electrified storm with his wings spread wide. Before he could fully recover, his claws shot forward, clamping around Laxus's mouth to silence his roar. The demon sneered, intending to crush his opponent. But Laxus, with a savage growl, pushed off the ground with his legs, delivering a devastating kick to Mard Geer's stomach, the force akin to a dragon's strike.
Mard was knocked back, momentarily winded. Just as he began to regain his footing, Mira appeared from behind, her powerful leg sweeping toward Mard Geer's head. The kick landed squarely, snapping the demon's head sideways and disorienting him for a moment.
"Lightning Dragon's Piercing Claw!"
Laxus lunged forward, aiming to impale Mard Geer with a strike powerful enough to leave a hole in his chest. But Mard twisted to the left, narrowly dodging the deadly attack. With a wave of his claw, the ground erupted in vines that shot toward his enemies at incredible speed.
Mira soared higher to avoid the attack, while Laxus unleashed a bolt of lightning.
The bolt disintegrated the oncoming vines, sending an explosive shockwave through the area. Yet, Mard Geer was already on the move. He closed the distance in an instant and punched Laxus, sending the Lightning Mage skidding across the ground. Laxus dug his heels in, coming to a halt as he clenched his fists, his magic surging once more.
Raising his arms high, thunder roared above, and lightning crackled as a massive orb of electrified energy formed in the sky.
"Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Thunder Calling – Raging Bolt!"
With a booming shout, Laxus brought his arms down, and the overcharged orb unleashed a colossal bolt of lightning that struck Mard Geer directly. The demon let out a pained roar, his body paralyzed by the sheer force of the attack.
But it wasn't over.
"Soul Extinctor!"
Mira descended from above, unleashing a blast of dark energy at near point-blank range. The attack struck Mard Geer, driving him deeper into the earth with devastating force.
"Mira!" Laxus called out as he positioned himself near the crater. Mira nodded in response, turning toward Cana.
Cana stood a short distance away, her right arm raised, her eyes closed in focus. As the air grew heavy with magic, her eyes snapped open, her power spiking dramatically.
"Fairy Glitter!"
With the spell fully charged, Cana unleashed a massive, blinding beam of light that slammed into Mard Geer, tearing into him with relentless force.
"GAAAH!" Mard Geer bellowed in pain and fury, his defenses faltering under the overwhelming assault.
"One more!" Laxus roared, his voice echoing across the battlefield. He raised his hands, one palm over the other, as magic surged between them. The ground beneath him trembled under the weight of his power.
"Fairy LAW!"
A second, more devastating beam of light descended from above. Unlike the previous attacks, this spell was not meant to incapacitate but to erase its target entirely. Having endured the relentless assaults of Thunder Calling, Soul Extinctor, and Fairy Glitter, Mard Geer's once-impenetrable defenses were utterly shattered, leaving him powerless against the overwhelming force of Fairy Law.
"Curse you humans... curse you all—!"
Mard Geer's final words were cut short as the spell's cataclysmic energy detonated, unleashing a massive explosion that shook the entire battlefield. The sheer force of the blast carved a crater larger than most cities, its edges glowing with residual energy. Flickers of magic lingered in the air, crackling like fading embers.
As the dust began to settle, Laxus landed in the heart of the crater. His boots crunched against the scorched earth as he strode purposefully toward where Mard Geer's body should have been. But instead of a corpse, he found a solitary book lying amidst the destruction.
With a sneer, Laxus picked up the book, its dark cover still pulsing faintly with an ominous energy. "That's what you get," he muttered, his voice filled with grim satisfaction.
Electricity crackled around his hand as he summoned his power. The charged lightning surged through the book, reducing it to ashes in an instant. The remnants scattered on the wind, vanishing into the air as though the demon's essence had been wiped from existence.
New Crocus
Gajeel looked at the man in front of him with a bored expression. The moment Gajeel landed in the arena, Jiemma started rambling about his superiority, his words dripping with arrogance.
"All right, shut the fuck up," Gajeel interrupted, raising a hand dismissively. "Are we gonna fight, or is running your mouth all you've got?"
Jiemma glared at him, his pride visibly bruised. "I will kill you for that transgression, brat."
Gajeel smirked, unimpressed. "You must be blind, stupid, and have no magic sense at all if you think you're gonna win. Hell, you're weaker than the second-class wannabe Dragon Slayers, and you want to challenge me?"
Jiemma scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "I fail to see why Rogue idolized you so much. I suppose all Dragon Slayers lack a working brain."
Gajeel rolled his eyes. "Aaaaaand you're dead."
In an instant, Gajeel blurred into motion, closing the distance between them in a blink. Jiemma raised his arms to block, but the sheer force of Gajeel's strike shattered both arms on impact, sending the older man flying into the arena wall with a deafening crash.
"A whole lotta trash talk for a whole lotta nothing," Gajeel muttered, brushing himself off. "Just an old bastard who refused to see his place."
As he turned to walk away, a flash of light caught his eye. Jiemma let out a grunt—his final breath—before slumping lifelessly to the ground, a smoking hole in his chest.
"What the—?" Gajeel spun around, his gaze snapping to the Dragon Division stands. There, standing tall with an air of authority, was a young man with blond hair and piercing blue eyes, his finger still raised toward Jiemma.
"Apologies, Gajeel," Sting's voice echoed across the arena, calm and composed. "We had... personal business with Jiemma. But I must commend you—good of you not to let that fool cling to the illusion that he held any power here." Sting's lips curved into a wry smile. "Enjoy the games... Metal Dragon." With that, Sting turned and walked away, his presence as commanding as ever.
Gajeel watched him for a moment longer before returning to the VIP booth that Natsu had secured the day before.
"So... one of their Dragon Slayers throws the fight yesterday, and now their commander kills a mage in broad daylight?" Gajeel asked, his tone dry.
"Jiemma had a bad reputation as a Guild Master," Natsu replied, swirling his drink lazily. "A lot of people said he acted like a Dark Mage, humiliating his own members just because he could. His death? Doesn't affect us."
Gajeel nodded. "Fair enough. You're up to fight Darius."
"I'm up to... break... Darius," Natsu corrected with a devilish grin.
Gajeel chuckled, raising his drink. "I guess so."
The two shared a drink as soldiers moved in to clean Jiemma's body from the arena.
Darius leapt from the Dragon Division's stands, his glare fixed on Natsu.
Ever the mischievous devil, Natsu raised his drink in mock greeting and took a slow sip before casually making his way to the arena. He moved at an unhurried pace, tapping his cane against the ground with every step.
The moment he stepped into the arena, the air turned heavy with hostility.
"Silver-Eye," growled Darius, his voice low and menacing.
"Hello to you too... DDDDD—David?" Natsu said, feigning confusion as he dragged out the mock name.
Darius's aura flared in response to the jab, his eyes blazing with fury.
"You will regret mocking me," Darius snarled.
Natsu paused, stroking his chin as though pondering something profound. "Mmm... no. I don't think I will."
The announcer raised his arm, his voice booming across the arena. "And… begin!"
"Diamond Dragon's Roar!"
A blast of sharp, glittering diamonds infused with raw dragon energy shot toward Natsu like a tidal wave of destruction.
Natsu chuckled, his expression amused as he effortlessly dodged the attack, moving to the left with an almost lazy step. For added theatrics, he leaned his face dangerously close to the roaring stream of diamond shards, as if daring it to touch him.
Seeing this, Darius's fury grew. He shifted the trajectory of the roar, forcing it to home in on Natsu's position. But by the time the stream reached its new target, the Dragon Monarch was already gone.
Darius snapped his jaws shut, cutting off the attack. His voice echoed with frustration. "Where are you?!"
"Man, you're kinda slow," came Natsu's voice from behind him. "Both in speed and in the head."
Darius whirled around, fists clenched. He lunged at Natsu with a punch, his right hand encased in sharp, jagged diamond. Natsu raised his arm and blocked the strike effortlessly.
Darius snarled and followed up with a left hook aimed at Natsu's ribs, but once again, his blow was stopped cold.
With a growl of irritation, Darius surged forward, slamming his forehead into Natsu's with a headbutt. The impact echoed like a clap of thunder, and before Natsu could fully recover, Darius delivered a powerful kick to his chest.
The force sent Natsu skidding backward across the arena, his feet digging into the ground to stop himself.
Darius stood tall, his grin dark and triumphant. "Not so talkative now, are you?"
Natsu tilted his head upward, still recovering from the headbutt, then slowly brought his gaze back down to Darius. A sly chuckle escaped his lips.
"Really?" Natsu said, shaking his head. "You think a headbutt would do me in?"
Darius snarled at Natsu's confidence, his aura flaring brighter as diamond spikes began forming along his arms and shoulders. The crowd roared in anticipation, their excitement fueling the tension in the arena.
"Enough games!" Darius bellowed. "Diamond Dragon's Erupting Fist!"
He charged forward, his fists encased in massive, jagged diamond constructs that glinted dangerously in the sunlight. Each step left deep cracks in the ground, a testament to his immense power.
Natsu smirked, tapping his cane lightly against the ground. "Alright then, big guy, let's see what you've got."
As Darius closed the distance, Natsu sidestepped the first strike, the diamond-coated fist slamming into the ground and creating a shockwave that sent debris flying. Before Darius could follow up, Natsu was already behind him, crouched low.
With a swift twist, Natsu's leg swept out, slamming into the back of Darius's knee. The impact was precise and brutal, forcing Darius to stumble forward.
Darius quickly recovered, spinning around with another punch aimed directly at Natsu's face. This time, Natsu caught the incoming attack, his hand glowing faintly as he gripped the diamond-coated fist.
"Not bad," Natsu said, his grin widening. "But you're still too slow."
Darius growled and slammed his free fist into the ground. "Diamond Dragon's Diamond Forest!"
Massive diamond spikes erupted from the arena floor, surging toward Natsu in a glittering wave of destruction. Natsu flipped and dodged each one with ease, landing back on the ground in a fluid motion. He smacked one of the crystalline spikes experimentally, not using his full strength. It didn't even crack.
Darius laughed, his voice ringing with pride. "The diamonds of a dragon are unbreakable! You won't be able to shatter them!"
Natsu stood still, studying Darius for a moment. Then, slowly, his grin widened, matching the arrogance in Darius's tone. He raised an open palm toward the diamond forest.
"Crush."
A pulse of red energy exploded from Natsu's hand, rippling across the arena. In an instant, the entire Diamond Forest disintegrated into tiny shattered cubes that glittered like dust in the sunlight.
"Now, what was that you said?" Natsu asked, his tone dripping with mockery. "Something about how I wouldn't be able to shatter them?"
Darius's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the ruins of his so-called unbreakable Diamond Forest. His confidence wavered for a brief moment, but he quickly masked it with a snarl.
"You… you think that proves anything?!" Darius roared, his aura flaring even brighter. "I'm far from done!"
Natsu lowered his hand, his grin never fading. "Oh, I know," he said, his voice calm. "That's what makes this fun."
Darius blitzed forward with blinding speed. "Diamond Dragon's Erupting Fist!"
The punch came fast, but Natsu smacked it aside like it was nothing. He retaliated with a blow aimed straight at Darius's face, but at the last moment, the Diamond Dragon Slayer summoned diamond scales to protect himself.
The impact sent Darius flying to the other side of the arena, crashing into the wall. But as the dust settled, he stood, mostly unharmed, his diamond scales intact.
"HAHAHA! This is a real defense, Natsu! Enough games! Use your Dragon Slayer Magic already!" Darius bellowed, his voice echoing across the arena.
Natsu chuckled softly, his amusement unshaken. He stomped his cane into the ground in front of him, resting his hands on it casually. "You want to see my Dragon Slayer Magic?" he asked, his tone light and teasing.
"Yeah!" Darius snarled. "So I can show you how weak Fire Dragons are compared to Diamond Dragons!"
Natsu shook his head slowly, as though pitying the man in front of him. "Oh, you pitiful fool," he said, his voice dropping into a dangerous calm. "Fine, then. I'll show you my magic."
He raised his hand to the sky, energy swirling around him, crackling with power.
In the Stands
Sting leaned forward in his seat, his intense gaze fixed on Natsu. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Show me," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Show me what you're capable of."
Gajeel, sitting comfortably in his booth, grinned widely as he munched on a handful of popcorn. "This is gonna be fun," he said, chuckling to himself.
Arena
The arena fell into an eerie silence, the sky above seemingly frozen in anticipation. Darius's eyes locked onto Natsu's, his body tense, ready to react. But there was an unease in the air—an unshakable feeling that the fight had already shifted out of his control.
Natsu stood still, his smile calm and confident. "Seraphic Dragon Monarch's Divine Lance."
In an instant, a pillar of pure, radiant light descended from the sky, striking Darius with unerring precision. The impact was blinding, the light so intense that the entire arena seemed to vanish within its glow.
Darius's diamond scales, once thought to be unbreakable, shattered like fragile glass beneath the overwhelming force. The light tore through his defenses effortlessly, leaving him defenseless as he staggered back, coughing and clutching his chest.
In the Stands
Gajeel let out a low whistle, tossing another piece of popcorn into his mouth. "Yup, called it," he said with a smirk, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Sting shot to his feet, his expression a mix of shock and confusion. "That was Light Magic? Divine Light?! He's supposed to be a Fire Dragon Slayer!"
Rogue, seated beside him, stared wide-eyed at the arena. "Seraphic Dragon Monarch Magic? I've never even heard of such magic before," he said, his voice filled with awe.
Sting clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles whitening. "This... this means—"
"He forged his own Dragon Magic," Rogue interrupted, his tone calm but carrying an undercurrent of disbelief. "Magic unique to him."
Sting's jaw tightened as the realization set in. "...That implies he's surpassed the King Stage, doesn't it?"
Rogue nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering. "I would assume so... given that it's called Monarch Magic."
The two fell into silence, the weight of Natsu's revelation settling heavily over them. Meanwhile, Gajeel chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Guess the Dragon Monarch's showing everyone why he's at the top," he said, his grin widening.
Arena
Darius struggled to rise from the ground, his body covered in the shards of his shattered diamond scales. His breath came in ragged gasps as he tried to push himself up, his eyes wild with disbelief.
"What... the fuck?!" Darius growled, looking up at Natsu, his once-pristine form now marred by the devastating attack.
Natsu's laughter echoed in the air. "Oh? You didn't understand it? How about I give you a second demonstration?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Natsu raised his left hand, palm open toward the battered Darius. "Seraphic Dragon Monarch's Nova!"
In an instant, a massive orb of crimson fire materialized, crackling with heat and raw energy. The sphere compressed as Natsu pushed all his might into it before hurling it toward Darius.
The orb exploded on impact, a burst of searing heat and blinding light that consumed the entire area around Darius. The shockwave spread across the arena, the force of the blast sending debris flying and leaving nothing but scorched earth in its wake.
In the Stands
Sting's eyes were wide with shock, his voice almost strangled as he watched the explosion unfold before him. "What the FUCK?! He has more elements? H-how?!"
He ran his hands through his hair, his mind racing as he tried to process what had just happened. "It was not Dual Mode," he muttered, his mind in overdrive.
Rogue, equally stunned, narrowed his eyes in concentration. "Seraphic... the magic is named after the Seraphim... I'd wager it's based on Fire Magic, Light Magic—possibly Sun or Star Magic—and obviously some level of Holy Magic."
Sting's expression hardened as the realization dawned on him. "So, that's what he's capable of now... combining all these elements into one devastating force."
Rogue nodded grimly. "And we know for a fact that's not his only magic."
"The magic he used to shatter Darius's diamonds... was Crash Magic, right?"
"Yes."
Sting's eyes narrowed, a mix of awe and concern filling his gaze. "What other magic would he have?"
Rogue took a deep breath, his voice low and measured. "The records Yukino found tell us he also has a sort of Darkness-based God Slayer Magic, most likely something like Night God Slayer Magic. At the very least, he possesses two full elemental Devil Slayer Magics. And as E.N.D., he has access to a lot of other demonic magics. The Yamato, as Invel said, would grant him Space-Time Magic, among other abilities. He even showed that against Lumin when he folded the space between them to bring him closer. Clearly, that was just to show us how easily he can manipulate space."
Sting let out a low whistle, running his hand through his hair in disbelief. "So he's a walking arsenal of magic…"
Rogue's eyes darkened, his concern evident. "And that's just the magic we know of. Who knows what else he's capable of."
Sting's eyes hardened, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "How are the preparations going?"
"Ahead of schedule. They'll be done by the time today's games are over," Rogue replied.
Sting's expression darkened further, the weight of the situation pressing on him. "...You know what's going to happen, right? The moment Raiden shows up and they find out, they'll attack."
Rogue's gaze remained steady, unwavering. "I know. Just as Invel has predicted, the barriers are already being activated around Crocus."
Sting clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "It's gonna be a hell of a fight."
Rogue nodded solemnly. "One we can't afford to lose."
Arena
Darius struggled to rise, his diamond scales shattered and his body covered in burn marks. He staggered, trying to steady himself, his breath labored as he glared at Natsu.
"W-what sort of magic is that?" Darius rasped, disbelief in his voice.
Natsu chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and superiority. "Of course, an ignorant Second Class Dragon Slayer with barely a basic understanding of Dragons wouldn't know about the hierarchy of Dragon Magic."
Darius snarled, baring his teeth. "Enlighten me then."
Natsu crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Dragon Magic follows a certain progression," he began. "It starts with the base Dragon Magic, like 'Fire Dragon Slayer Magic.' That's where you start. Then, there's the Royal Stage. For example, 'Fire Dragon King Slayer Magic,' or what I had, 'Fire Dragon Monarch Slayer Magic.' That's the evolution of Igneel's brand of Magic."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in before continuing, his voice growing more serious. "But, there's a third level, one that only a few achieve—when you create your own type of Dragon Magic. Igneel's Fire Dragon Monarch Slayer Magic was like this. He was the first to use it, and I used its base to create my own Dragon Monarch Magic."
Darius's expression shifted from anger to disbelief, trying to comprehend the magnitude of Natsu's revelation. "You… you created your own Dragon Magic?" he muttered, his confidence waning.
Natsu's smirk widened as he closed the distance between himself and Darius, his presence overwhelming. "Yeah, it's pretty easy when you've got the right tools. My magic? It was forged through my experiences, my connection with Igneel, and, well... my own flair."
Darius's hands trembled, trying to digest the weight of Natsu's words. "You… you think that makes you unstoppable?" he spat, his voice laced with disbelief and growing frustration.
Natsu shrugged lazily, tapping his cane against the ground. "No one's truly unstoppable or invincible. But you can get pretty damn close to it. And compared to you? I might as well be."
Darius's expression twisted in a mix of anger and disbelief. "You're just a damn show-off," he snarled, trying to steady himself. "But power like that is just a crutch. It'll break under pressure."
Natsu chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, you mean like your diamonds?" He leaned in, his grin widening. "That's a terrible comparison. You're just... weak."
Darius's face flushed with rage, his glare sharpening. "You think just because you've got some flashy magic, you're better than me?" he growled, venom seeping from his every word.
Natsu's laughter grew louder, biting and dismissive. "Better than you? Absolutely. You took your power from a Lacrima stolen from a failed Dragon Slayer. And you're still failing. What's worse, you've got the same arrogance and stupidity that Serena had. I mean, really? Even I wasn't even this dumb back in the day, and half my mind was shattered."
Darius's teeth clenched, his temper on the edge of snapping. "Enough talking!" he roared. "It's time to prove yourself!"
Darius – (Dragon Slayer + Base + Full Power) – 16.8 Billion MPL
Natsu's smile remained unchanged, the calm in his voice only adding to Darius's frustration. "Oh, I don't need to prove anything. You, on the other hand, have a lot to prove."
With a furious kick to the ground, Darius dashed at Natsu, his right hand transforming into a large diamond sword. "Diamond Dragon's Sword!"
The massive blade came crashing down toward Natsu, but with a casual swipe of his cane, Natsu shattered the diamond sword effortlessly. Before Darius could even think of retaliating, Natsu struck, sending him flying across the arena with a powerful punch.
Darius forced himself back to his feet, his face twisted in rage. Scales formed across his face and arms, his eyes glowing with renewed fury. His power doubled as the energy surged within him.
Darius – (Dragon Slayer + Drive + Full Power) – 33.6 Billion MPL
"Diamond Dragon's Roar!" Darius shouted, unleashing a massive blast of diamond-coated energy toward Natsu.
Natsu watched the attack approach, his expression one of quiet disappointment. "Gods, I've seen arrogance and stupidity, but this... is unreal. Do these idiots really not understand who I am? They know I'm E.N.D., yet still underestimate me? Now there's stupid, and then there's this."
With a shake of his head, Natsu vanished in an instant. As the roar hit where he had once stood, it tore apart, Natsu blitzing straight through it, unscathed, and reappearing right in front of Darius.
He grabbed Darius by the mouth, forcing it shut with a hand as he loomed over him. "What kind of idiot are you?" Natsu smacked Darius away, sending him crashing to the ground. "I don't even feel like entertaining this fight anymore. I just... I can't understand it. How stupid can you be?"
Natsu walked toward him, his voice cold and disdainful. "You know about me being E.N.D. You know all the things I've done in the past. I'm sure Zeref made sure you understand what I'm capable of. Your boss is definitely aware of it. And yet... you, a Second Generation Dragon Slayer, with a mediocre Lacrima and magic, and a pathetic lack of understanding about the Dragon Race... You think you can challenge me? A Demon with the power of Space-Time, a God, and a Dragon – Yeah, I'm not invincible, but with all my abilities, why, in the names of all Gods and Demons, do you think you stand a chance against me? With diamonds from a stolen Lacrima?"
He took a breath, shaking his head in disbelief. "At least Sting and Rogue can claim they are actual Dragon Slayers, raised by Dragons and trained by Zeref. But you? You're just a nobody. A brat obsessed with proving yourself without even having the decency to earn the power you were given."
Darius's rage boiled over, but the words hit him harder than any physical blow could. He staggered to his feet, his body trembling with frustration. "You... you think you're so much better than me?" he growled, his fists clenching as his body shook with anger. "You're nothing more than a freak! A monster!"
Natsu's gaze was unwavering, his smirk never faltering. "I don't think I'm better than you," he said coldly, "I know I am." He took a step forward, "You're not even worth my time anymore, Darius. I've seen countless people like you. You gain a little power, think you're the strongest, and when those with real power show up and put you in your place... you throw a tantrum like a spoiled child."
Darius's fists tightened, the veins on his arms bulging as his anger surged. "You think you've won?" he spat, trying to keep his composure. "I'm not done yet!"
Natsu's lips curled into a condescending smile. "No, you're done. You were done the moment you stepped into this arena." His voice was icy, every word dripping with disdain. "You're a fake. You think diamonds and magic from a stolen Lacrima make you powerful? You're nothing but a cheap imitation of what true power is."
The atmosphere around them grew thick with tension as Natsu advanced. His presence seemed to dominate the entire arena, and for the first time, Darius began to feel the weight of his own inadequacy.
"You're pathetic," Natsu muttered, his voice dangerously low. "You can barely even comprehend the magnitude of the power you're dealing with."
Darius opened his mouth to retort, but the words caught in his throat. For all his rage, his pride, and his desperate need to prove himself, he knew—deep down—that he was facing something far beyond him.
Natsu's eyes hardened. "You've been given power, but you've never earned it. You've never understood it. That's the difference between you and me. You're just a child playing at being a Dragon Slayer. Me? I am a Dragon Monarch." He took one final step forward, his power radiating out in waves. "And I am done with this game."
Natsu Dragneel - (Demon + Base + Massively Suppressed) - 40 Billion MPL
A silver aura enveloped Natsu, and an immense pressure descended on the arena itself, causing the very ground beneath him to crack and tremble. The air thickened with the force of his presence, suffocating everything in its path.
Darius stumbled back, his feet sinking into the fractured earth, the pressure suffocating him as fear and adrenaline surged in his veins. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his thoughts scrambled in a frantic attempt to regain control. "I-I'm not done!" he spat, his voice shaking with desperation.
Natsu's gaze remained cold, the corners of his lips twitching into a slight, amused smile. "Yes, you are." His voice was steady, final, as if he were dismissing an insignificant annoyance.
In an instant, Natsu was behind Darius. He didn't even flinch as the dragon slayer spun around in panic. Before Darius could react, a single, devastating blow struck the side of his head. The impact sent shockwaves through his skull, and the diamond scales on his head proved to be utterly useless against Natsu's might.
Darius crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he even hit the earth. The force of the blow left no room for resistance, no chance for retaliation. He had been utterly, decisively defeated.
The arena fell into silence, the tension dissipating as Natsu stood tall, his expression unwavering. His power, though suppressed, was an overwhelming force, and it was clear to everyone present that there was no contest. Darius had never stood a chance.
Natsu turned away, his figure casting a shadow over the fallen dragon slayer, his presence a silent declaration of dominance. "Next."
Dragon Division
Sting rose abruptly from his seat, his expression grim as he cast one last glance at the arena before turning away. His voice was sharp, carrying the weight of urgency. "Get Darius out of the arena. Ensure all Dragon Slayers are on standby and at full capacity at the palace. Muster every soldier you can."
Rogue nodded silently, vanishing into his own shadow to carry out the orders.
Yukino, watching Sting intently, spoke cautiously. "Where are you going?"
"To talk with Raiden," he responded curtly, disappearing in an instant.
Palace Tower
Sting appeared in a high chamber of the palace, a room bathed in faint light from the large windows. Seated on a couch, Raiden Volk—the Storm Dragon Slayer—met him with an amused smirk, clearly entertained by Sting's tense demeanor.
"Well?" Raiden asked, his tone casual but taunting.
"Darius lost to Natsu," Sting stated, his voice tight with frustration. "Badly. As did Lumin yesterday. Silvia lost to Gajeel."
Raiden chuckled, leaning back lazily. "What a surprise," he drawled, his amusement only growing. "But you know they're not going to fight each other, don't you? They'll figure it out, and then they'll come straight for us."
Sting's fists clenched. "I know. That's why I need you to—"
"I'm not helping," Raiden interrupted bluntly.
Sting's gaze darkened as he took a step forward. "What do you mean you're not helping?"
Unperturbed, Raiden gestured to the other couch. Sting's eyes flicked to it, his expression hardening further. Lucy and Wendy sat there, both restrained by anti-magic cuffs. Wendy was unconscious, cradled protectively in Lucy's arms, while Lucy glared daggers at them despite the glowing rune on her neck, forbidding her from speaking.
Raiden's grin widened. "We're going to Ravenholt."
Sting's jaw tightened. "I need you here."
"Well, too bad, kid. My orders come from higher up than you," Raiden retorted lazily, his gaze shifting to Lucy. "What do you think, dear Lucy? Should I stay here and help them fight your friends?"
Lucy's lips moved, but no sound came out, the rune silencing her. Raiden chuckled at her futile effort. "Let me fix that," he said with a flick of his wrist.
"FUCK YOU!" Lucy screamed the moment her voice returned. Her eyes blazed with defiance. "You don't stand a chance! My friends will come, and they'll make you pay!"
Raiden's laughter echoed through the chamber, cold and unbothered. With a snap of his fingers, the rune returned, silencing Lucy once more. He turned to Sting with a wicked grin. "As you can see… Lucy and I are currently having some marital misunderstandings."
Raiden leaned back casually, the weight of his words in stark contrast to his nonchalant demeanor. "Invel is already on his way," he continued, his tone almost mocking. "But it'll take time before he gets here. From what I hear, he's bringing over 100,000 soldiers."
Sting's expression remained firm as he processed the information. "Are we getting support from the Asgard Division?" he asked, his voice sharp with urgency.
Raiden shrugged, his smirk unwavering. "Not sure. You might, you might not. Depends on whether you're still considered useful by the end of this fight."
He leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locking with Sting's. "You do realize, don't you? Your division is the last one left standing, aside from Asgard. The Hunters and Demon Divisions have already fallen. Raze is supposedly still alive, but he's engaged with a powerful adversary. My guess is Gray Fullbuster. If Natsu's here, then Gray is likely making his move against Raze."
Sting's fists clenched at the implications, his frustration mounting. "So, we're supposed to hold the line until Asgard decides whether or not we're worth saving?"
Raiden chuckled darkly. "Exactly. Welcome to the pecking order, kid. Hope you're ready to prove yourself, because if you're not…" He gestured toward the restrained Lucy and unconscious Wendy. "...let's just say things won't end well—for any of you."
With Natsu and Gajeel,
Gajeel greeted Natsu with a sharp grin as the latter approached. "Nice one," he said with a chuckle.
Natsu smirked, lowering himself onto a nearby seat. "Got annoyed at the end."
"I could tell," Gajeel replied, leaning back. "He deserved it."
Natsu nodded. "They'll either have us fight tomorrow or try to rush it for today."
"They're trying to weaken us," Gajeel concluded.
"Most likely." Natsu tapped his fingers against the hilt of his cane.
"Should we fight, though?" asked Gajeel.
"Let's get in touch with Lisanna and Levy first," Natsu suggested. "See how the others are handling their fights."
A familiar voice echoed in Natsu's head, dripping with teasing confidence. "No need to wait any longer, love," Amaris chimed in.
Natsu straightened. "Something happened?"
"I'm working on setting up a connection to Lisanna," Amaris explained. "There are barriers interfering with our tech. It's annoying, but manageable."
Gajeel caught the shift in Natsu's expression. "What's up?"
"Barriers," Natsu replied. "They're blocking Lisanna's tech. Someone doesn't want us communicating."
Gajeel's eyes narrowed. "They're hiding something."
Before Natsu could reply, Lisanna's voice cut through the mental haze. "Natsu? Gajeel? Are you all right?"
"Yeah," Natsu responded quickly. "What's going on?"
"I've been trying to contact you ever since you finished your fight with Darius," Lisanna explained. "Mard Geer is dead. Gray is still fighting Raze. The Hunter Division is wiped out, but…"
"But what?" Gajeel pressed.
"Raiden Volk," Lisanna said grimly. "One of the Sentinels from the Dragon Division was there. He's far stronger than the Hunters. Erza engaged him, but he managed to escape—he took Lucy and Wendy with him."
"What?!" Gajeel shouted, his magic flaring momentarily.
"Raiden said the Empire needs Lucy," Lisanna continued. "He also took Wendy as leverage and because of her Dragon Slayer Magic. We tracked their presence to Crocus, but they vanished moments ago."
"The barriers," Gajeel muttered darkly.
"They're blocking reinforcements and communications," Lisanna confirmed. "Freed and Levy are already working on breaking them. Laxus and Erza are on their way, but until those barriers come down…"
"We're on our own," Gajeel finished grimly.
Natsu's fists tightened, a dangerous edge creeping into his tone. "Focus on finding Lucy and Wendy. Break the barriers. Gajeel and I will handle the Dragon Division."
Their attention snapped to the arena announcer as the microphone crackled to life.
"Attention, please!" the announcer called out. "Since both Gajeel Redfox and Natsu Dragneel finished their matches so quickly, the final battle will take place today!"
"Called it," Natsu muttered, his expression darkening.
The announcer continued, "Can Redfox and Dragneel please report to the arena?"
Natsu and Gajeel locked eyes before glaring at the Dragon Division's booth. Sting and Rogue sat there, their faces unreadable.
With a sharp stomp of his cane, Natsu sent a tremor rippling through the arena. The cane shifted in his hand, transforming back into the legendary Yamato. His silver eyes glowed as a wicked grin spread across his face.
"No," Natsu said, his voice echoing with finality.
Suddenly, both Natsu and Gajeel's magical auras flared to life, flooding the arena with overwhelming energy. In the blink of an eye, the pressure vanished, and so did they.
Sting slammed his fist into the wall, turning to his soldiers with urgency. "They know, they fucking know! Get ready. We've got minutes left."
Sting and Rogue returned to the palace, gathering all the Dragon Slayers in a single room. Darius, now fully healed, stood silently among them.
Rogue placed a case on the table in front of them, opening it to reveal Lacrima filled with their respective elemental magics. "You will not make the same mistake as Darius and refuse to feed before the fight," Rogue began, his tone sharp and commanding. "Gajeel and Natsu possess more power than all of you combined in their base states. Natsu has at least two ways to massively amplify his base power, and Gajeel can, at minimum, access Dragon Force."
He scanned the group, pausing briefly on each face. "Lumin, Darius, Sylvia, Kara, and Kaden—you will fight against Gajeel."
Kaden frowned, crossing his arms. "Five of us against one? Don't you think that's—"
"Necessary," Rogue interrupted, his gaze hardening. "Gajeel is at least as strong as Sting or I. His base power surpasses all of you combined. Darius and Lumin have already lost to Natsu—Gajeel is no less of a threat. Kaden," Rogue continued, locking eyes with him, "your fire magic is leagues below Natsu's. Your magma and fire will be useless against him. His abilities to control the environment are vastly superior to your earth magic. If you see an opening to attack, take it—but Gajeel is your priority."
Darius clenched his fists, his teeth grinding in frustration, but he said nothing.
"What about Raiden?" Kara asked, breaking the tense silence.
"Raiden will not be here," Rogue replied. "He's been called to Ravenholt and has already left. Invel is on his way, but we don't know when he'll arrive. Until then, we're on our own."
Yukino stepped forward, her expression grave. "As Invel has warned us before, we must not allow this fight to extend into nighttime. Natsu already possesses a form superior to conventional Dragon Force. On top of that, his powers grow significantly stronger in the night. We cannot let it come to that."
The tension in the room was palpable as Yukino's words sank in. Rogue closed the case with a sharp snap, signaling the end of the discussion.
"We're out of time for debates," Sting said firmly. "We've all seen what they're capable of. If we don't coordinate, they'll tear through us one by one."
Darius spoke up, his voice laced with bitterness. "So what's the plan? Just throw ourselves at them and hope for the best?"
Sting's gaze bore into him. "The plan is to use every advantage we have. The barriers around the palace keep their reinforcements out. They're isolated. That's our only edge, and we need to make it count."
"Let's go," he said, leading the group. They each took a lacrima and absorbed the magic within before exiting the room.
As the door closed behind them, a low, sinister chuckle echoed through the empty chamber. "Gihihihi..."
With Natsu
Natsu stood on a rooftop overlooking the palace. The Yamato was strapped securely to his lower back, while Queen rested casually against the wall beside him. In his hands, he twirled Ebony and Ivory with practiced ease, performing tricks to pass the time.
Behind him, there was the faint sound of a soft landing.
"What do you have, Gajeel?" Natsu asked without turning, his voice calm but sharp.
"They ate some lacrimas to boost their magic. Sting and Rogue are gunning for you, while the rest will focus on me," Gajeel reported, stepping closer.
"Anything else?"
"Raiden's not here. He left for a place called Ravenholt."
"Hm," Natsu mused. "We'll need to talk with Levy and Hisui about that later. Any other notable plans?"
"They know about your Blessing of the Night ability. They're aiming to take us out before nightfall. Also, Invel's on his way with an army."
"How many forces do they have now? Excluding Invel and his reinforcements?"
"Roughly 14,000 soldiers already mobilized," Gajeel replied. "And barely any civilians left in the city—most have been evacuated."
Natsu nodded, spinning the guns on his fingers before holstering them. "Well then, shall we give them a show, Gajeel?"
Gajeel grinned, the metallic sheen of his coat catching the light as he cracked his knuckles. "Damn right. It's gonna be one hell of a good show."
Without another word, the two Dragon Slayers jumped from the rooftop, landing gracefully in the empty street below. Their steps were deliberate, the weight of their presence palpable as they made their way toward the palace.
Around the palace, a platoon of soldiers stood guard, their ranks circling the grand structure like an iron wall. One of the officers stepped forward, raising a hand to halt them.
"HALT! In the name of the Emperor, identify yourse—"
A single gunshot rang out, cutting through the air like a whip crack. The officer dropped to the ground, lifeless, as Natsu calmly lowered Ivory, a wisp of smoke curling from the barrel.
"Let me handle this," Gajeel said with a grin, stepping past Natsu.
The remaining soldiers barely had time to register the threat before Gajeel stomped his foot into the ground. The earth beneath them erupted with jagged iron spikes, impaling them where they stood. Their cries were short-lived, leaving only silence in their wake.
Natsu chuckled, his silver eyes glinting mischievously. "Next time we meet with Tenebrae Susuri, I'll introduce you to Alucard. I think he'd really appreciate your… creative approach to impaling."
Gajeel chuckled darkly, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. "When it comes to making a statement, subtlety's overrated."
"Indeed it is," Natsu replied, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he grasped Queen firmly. Driving the blade into the ground, he channeled an overwhelming surge of fire magic into the earth. The ground rumbled beneath his feet as the fiery energy surged outward.
"Come out, come out… wherever you are!" he taunted, his voice carrying like a sinister melody.
In an instant, the ground erupted, a massive pillar of fire spiraling into the sky, consuming the palace above. The structure crumbled into molten rock and ashes, the inferno reducing it to nothingness in less than a second.
The air crackled with energy as a blast of white light shot toward Natsu's head. He reacted instantly, deflecting it with Queen in a smooth motion, the clash ringing out like a sharp bell.
"Well, hello there," Natsu greeted, his tone casual as if they'd just met on a sunny day.
Sting's eyes narrowed, his magic flaring as a faint glow enveloped him. "Natsu Dragneel," he growled, his voice steady but charged with tension, "I reckon this is the first time we talk face-to-face."
"You realize why we're here then?" Natsu asked, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable edge.
"...I am aware," Sting replied, his fists tightening.
"Where are they?" Natsu pressed.
"Not here."
"I know that," Natsu shot back, his grin sharp. "I'd have killed you by now if they were. So, where are they? And what does the Empire want with Lucy and Wendy?"
"I don't know, and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you," Sting answered coldly.
Natsu chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You've got some guts, I'll give you that. But tell me, kid, what will you do when your loyalty to this screwed-up empire costs you everything?"
"It won't come to that," Sting replied firmly.
"Are you sure about that?" Natsu's grin widened, though his eyes remained calculating.
Sting clenched his fist, falling into a battle stance. "I am."
Natsu shook his head, his smirk never faltering. "Weisslogia would be disappointed."
Sting's eyes glared with a dangerous intensity. "How do you know that name?"
"Why are you surprised I know it?" Natsu replied, his voice low and knowing.
Sting growled, his expression darkening. "It doesn't matter. Weisslogia is dead. I killed him myself."
Natsu's eyes narrowed, but the amused smile never left his face. "Is that so?"
"Yeah," Sting spat. "Now enough talk. You came here for a fight, and it's a fight you'll get!"
The tension between them was palpable, each preparing for the battle ahead. The stage was set, and there was no turning back now.
Fatal Battle against the Alvarez Empire
Prelude of the Dragon King Festival
Battle of the Dragons
"White Dragon's Iron Fist!"
"Shadow Dragon's Haste!"
Sting and Rogue lunged at Natsu, their fists enveloped in their respective elements.
Natsu grinned as his hands ignited with crimson fire, meeting their strikes head-on. For a brief moment, he felt them actually push him back.
He jumped back, puffing out his chest.
"Oh, we're doing it!" Gajeel exclaimed excitedly as he followed suit, leaping into the fray. Sting and Rogue did the same, followed by Darius, Sylvia, Kara, Kaden, and Lumin.
"Seraphic Dragon Monarch's Roar!"
"White Dragon's Roar!"
"Shadow Dragon's Roar!"
"Crystal Dragon's Roar!"
"Flash Dragon's Roar!"
"Darkness Dragon's Roar!"
"Diamond Dragon's Roar!"
"Magma Dragon's Roar!"
"Metallic Dragon's Roar!"
Light, Fire, Darkness, Diamond, Crystal, Magma, and Metallic Elemental Magic collided and fused into a chaotic orb of pure magic, exploding to the north of their current positions.
The explosion obliterated half of Crocus in an instant, carving a path through the mountain range to the north for miles and miles. Hundreds of acres of land were reduced to nothing more than ash in mere moments.
"HAHAHA!" echoed Natsu's laughter, his grin widening. "This MIGHT be fun after all!"
The shockwave of the explosion reverberated through the very air, a torrent of magic so powerful that even the ground beneath them trembled. Crocus lay in ruins, the once-bustling city now reduced to a smoldering wasteland. Yet, the battle was far from over.
Natsu's grin only grew wider as he stretched his arms, the excitement surging through him. His fire raged, burning hotter with every passing second, the aura around him pulsing like a beast eager to break free.
He pulled his guns out, pointing them at Sting and Rogue. "HAHAHAHA!" he laughed, his voice booming as the sound of bullets flying through the air at light speed filled the space around them.
Rogue melted into the shadows, while Sting danced and dodged, his movements sharp but struggling to keep pace.
"Shadow Dragon's Slash!" Rogue emerged from the shadows, his katana wrapped in darkness, slashing at Natsu.
With a swift motion, Natsu placed his hand on Queen, spun around, and met the attack head-on.
"Dark Slayer: Flame Style - Ember Slash!"
The large blade of Queen collided with Rogue's katana, the resulting explosion of fire and shadow lighting up the battlefield. But Natsu proved dominant, throwing Rogue aside with a force that rattled the ground.
"Holding back will do you no good. Enter Dragon Force," Natsu said, resting Queen on his shoulder, his grin widening.
Sting appeared next to Rogue in a flash of light, grit in his teeth. "He's right. We can't afford to hold back and let this fight stretch until midnight."
Rogue regained his footing, his gaze sharp. "Alright then."
Their power surged in an instant. Scales formed across their faces, arms, and chests. Their eyes shifted to Draconic slits.
Sting Eucliffe - (Dragon Slayer + Dragon Force + Lacrima Boost + Full Power) - 103.3 Billion MPL
Rogue Cheney - (Dragon Slayer + Dragon Force + Lacrima Boost + Full Power) - 99.6 Billion MPL
Natsu chuckled. "That's more like it."
Without a moment's hesitation, Sting shot forward, his speed almost blinding. He kicked off the ground, his foot descending with terrifying force.
"White Dragon's Talon!"
Natsu blocked with his right arm, the impact rattling his bones. His eyes snapped downward, seeing Rogue mere feet away.
"Shadow Dragon's Haste!"
Rogue's fist connected with Natsu's chest, sending him sliding across the ground. Natsu remained on his feet, his eyes locked on Rogue, an amused grin still playing across his face.
"Gonna need to do better than that."
Without warning, Natsu swiped his arms forward like wings, unleashing a devastating wave of energy.
"Seraphic Dragon Monarch's Wing Attack!"
A massive surge of Solar Energy tore through the streets and buildings surrounding them in an instant, erasing everything in its path. Sting leaped into the air with lightning speed, avoiding the blast that decimated the rest of Crocus.
Rogue, however, had already vanished, emerging from a shadow four miles away in a small forest clearing, completely unscathed.
"Such power..." Rogue murmured, awe in his voice.
"I know, right?" came Natsu's voice from behind him.
Rogue's eyes widened as he turned around, seeing Natsu standing in front of him. Shadows began to swirl around his fist.
"Shadow Dragon's—"
But Natsu was faster.
"Night God's Cataclysmic Fist!"
Natsu's fist, wrapped in darkness, crashed into Rogue's stomach with overwhelming force, sending him flying through the air. The shockwave from the impact obliterated what was left of the forest, the earth trembling beneath their feet.
"Such a shame…" Natsu muttered, his voice laced with a tinge of regret. "Even after Alvarez, Crocus was a beautiful city."
"White Dragon's Holy Ray!"
Beams of Holy Light descended from the heavens like a storm, crashing down with explosive power. Each ray shattered the ground and evaporated the remnants of the forest in an instant.
But Natsu was already there. His aura flared as the beams neared, his body surging with energy. Flames erupted around him, burning away the Holy Light as he advanced, unscathed.
"Holy Ray?" Natsu chuckled darkly, raising his hand to block the incoming attack. "Is that supposed to hurt me, kid?"
A massive burst of crimson flame shot from Natsu's palm, colliding with the Holy Light in mid-air. The two forces met with such ferocity that the shockwave rippled through the earth, sending a violent tremor through the surrounding mountains. Natsu's flames overwhelmed the Holy Light, nullifying the beams and sending a shower of sparks into the air as the power of the collision echoed across the battlefield.
Sting descended from the sky with his fist drawn back, eyes locked on Natsu.
"White Dragon's Iron Fist!"
With a swift motion, Natsu held out his left arm and caught Sting's punch with ease. The impact sent a massive shockwave through the air, hurling debris in all directions, but Natsu remained unfazed, a grin spreading across his face.
"C'mon, kid. Couldn't think of anything better?" Natsu teased, his grin widening as he looked down at Sting.
Sting broke free from Natsu's grip, taking a step back to gather his magic. He charged his left arm, a sphere of magic swirling around his fist before he hurled it directly at Natsu's chest.
"White Dragon's Claw!"
Natsu raised an eyebrow, unamused. "That's it?"
Sting smirked, "No Slayer Magic."
Natsu's face shifted slightly, realization dawning on him. "What's that supposed to—oh, oh my, HAHAHA, good one, kid!" Natsu burst into laughter. "An Enchantment-Rune Type Spell that restricts Magic, combined with Holy Magic? And against a Demon like me, it's supposed to be very effective, right?"
"New and Improved Version, straight from Alvarez, special for you," Sting responded, still smirking.
Natsu chuckled and shook his head. "You do know that not ALL my magic is Slayer-based, right? And that spell won't last forever."
Sting's smirk faltered slightly. "Yeah, but it's still a hard hit on your arsenal."
Natsu leaned slightly forward, the air around him charged with power as he waved his arm dismissively. "Mistake number one," he said with a grin. "Should have restricted my use of Demon Power, because without it..."
With a flourish, the Yamato manifested in his left hand, its dark aura pulsing ominously.
"I can't use this," Natsu finished, his smile widening as the sword glimmered with demonic energy.
Sting fell into his battle stance again, his mind racing. "He's right… but I can't restrict something like that now."
Sting's eyes narrowed as he adjusted his stance. "Yeah, maybe. But with your God Slayer and Dragon Slayer Magic gone, your resistance to Holy Magic decreases, and it targets the Demon even more."
Natsu raised an eyebrow, his grin unwavering. "Eh? Yeah, that would be correct, smart. Maybe you are more than meets the eye, brat."
His Silver Aura pulsed around him, his power still immense despite the restrictions placed on his Slayer Magic. The energy surged with every breath he took.
Natsu Dragneel – (Demon + Base + Slayer Magic Restricted + Full Power) – 120.3 Billion MPL
Rogue, emerging from the shadows beside Sting, wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed Natsu's blazing aura.
"Even with his Slayer Magic gone, he's still this strong?" Rogue muttered, his voice laced with disbelief and frustration.
Natsu chuckled darkly, his gaze shifting to Rogue and Sting. He lazily pointed his katana towards them, the blade glinting in the light. With a flick of his thumb, he slightly unsheathed the Yamato, the dark aura swirling around it like a malevolent storm.
"Where's your motivation?"
Finally getting into the REAL start of the battle:
Natsu vs. Sting & Rogue
Gajeel vs. Darius, Sylvia, Kaden, Lumin, and Kara
Gray is still fighting Raze
Raiden has escaped his battle for now, but what will happen with the Dragon Division?
What is Acnologia doing?
What about Ignia?
Better yet, what are Cain and Zeref planning?