In a huge pit on Tenrou Island, Kana and Lucy were trembling, their expressions changing as they looked at the man in front of them.
The latter remained expressionless, his disdainful gaze fixed on the two women as he spoke indifferently, "Let me repeat, tell me where Mavis's grave is."
Kana and Lucy exchanged glances but didn't respond. Instead, they silently held onto cards and keys.
Seeing their actions, the man understood their intentions. Without a trace of emotion, he furrowed his brow and extended his arm, pressing down on them once again.
Instantly, an immense, almost unbelievable pressure descended upon the two women, crushing them along with the ground, shattering it once more.
Both women coughed up blood and fell to the ground, their injuries exacerbated.
"So strong... no chance to even fight back..." Kana's gaze started to blur, feeling a sense of regret. She thought, staying conscious at this point was already remarkable, let alone mounting a counterattack.
Lucy, not far away, could only emit faint cries, obviously unable to battle.
Trembling, Kana held up a card, and a brilliant light erupted, creating thick smoke. However, the man didn't even move. The smoke seemed to be held back by an unknown force, lingering near the ground, unable to get close to the man.
"Still won't talk? Fine, after I kill you both, I'll just ask Makarov directly. He probably isn't dead yet." The man's expression remained unchanged, as if taking lives was an inconsequential matter. He slowly approached Kana, reaching out to strike.
However, just as he was about to act, a figure dashed forward and stood in front of Kana, extending an arm towards the man.
Instantly, a surge of magic burst forth. The man's face changed, and he quickly retreated.
He had felt a deadly threat from the person in front of him, a sensation he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Upon seeing the newcomer, a middle-aged man in a black cloak with dark red hair, it was indeed Kildas.
His eyes widened, veins bulging, an expression of wordless fury on his face.
Almost, just almost, he could've watched his daughter die right in front of him. How could this not enrage him?
"Dad... Dad?" Kana uttered in pain but with a hint of joy in her tone.
Seeing Kana in such a state only fueled Kildas's rage further. He wished he could eliminate the man right then and there.
"Oh! So, you're the famous Kildas! If it's you, you should know where Mavis's grave is. Can you tell me?" The man seemed oblivious to Kildas's fury, asking in a mocking tone.
Kildas didn't respond, gently saying to Kana, "Can you still move?"
Kana hastily nodded.
"In that case, take Lucy and leave immediately!" With that, he charged towards the man.
Kana, hearing this, dared not delay. She struggled to reach Lucy and carried her away.
At that moment, a seismic vibration shook the surroundings. The ground was upheaved, rocks shattered, as if it were doomsday. Kildas struck with indescribable fury, as if intent on obliterating everything.
Seeing this scene, Kana dared not linger any longer and quickly left.
As Kildas and the man's fists clashed, an astounding magical power erupted, creating a wave of force that made it impossible to stand steady.
Both sides took a step back, staring at each other intensely.
The man's expression turned grim, murmuring to himself in disbelief, "I, Brunoet, am actually at a disadvantage?"
Brunoet, this man's reputation was no less than any grand mage. As the Vice President of the Heart of the Devil, his strength was only second to Hades.
Throughout his existence, aside from Hades, he had never encountered an opponent capable of matching his power. Although he didn't underestimate Kildas, it was only now, in direct combat, that he realized the true extent of Kildas's strength.
"Whoever you are, daring to disrupt this exam and attack my beloved daughter, you shall pay with your life!" Kildas roared in anger, readying himself for another attack. He was about to unleash his most ruthless shattering magic.
Previously, he made Kana leave, not only to avoid involving her but also because he didn't want her to witness him using his full power. Generally, his shattering magic would cause the enemy to be torn apart, excessively gory. He rarely used it on humans, and if he did, he didn't want the younger generation to witness it.
Just before the intense battle between Kildas and Brunoet, another fight had reached its conclusion.
Provoked by Melty's words, Juvia displayed an unparalleled strength. Her feelings for Gray fueled her magic, combined with the weather advantage, rendering young Melty defenseless.
However, Juvia's love for Gray also gave Melty an opportunity. The Lost Magic she used connected Juvia's and Gray's senses. Moreover, it extended to link Melty herself with both Juvia and Gray's senses. All of this stemmed from her hatred for Gray.
As a result, no matter who would die among the three, Gray was destined to perish. Melty's hatred for Gray was enough to make her sacrifice her life to kill him.
It was a hopeless deadlock, but ultimately, it was Juvia's tears that saved the three. Her love for life and her feelings for Gray were conveyed through the sensory link to Melty.
This emotional connection made Melty unable to fight any longer. Eventually, both of them exhausted their magic and collapsed.
Simultaneously, due to the sensory link, the injuries Juvia and Melty sustained from their battle were transmitted to Gray. Caught off guard, he stirred, and Ultear noticed him.
However, no battle erupted between them. Upon finding Gray, Ultear persuaded him to use Absolute Zero to defeat Hades. Under her deceptive words, Gray seemed to believe her and swiftly vanished into the dense forest.
Meanwhile, carrying Jellal's body, Ultear arrived where Melty was.
She intended to kill Juvia, who had also fallen there.
Just as Juvia was about to meet her end at Ultear's hands, Gray appeared like a hero and saved her.
Yet, the escape from conflict wasn't possible. Ultear entrusted Jellal to Melty, while Gray asked Juvia to pursue Melty.
After the tumultuous events, Gray had no choice but to face Ultear in battle. She bore a striking resemblance to his most revered mentor.
The battles on Tenrou Island were gradually reaching their conclusion. Fairy Tail had mobilized all its members, while the forces in the Heart of the Devil had only a few capable of fighting.
As these four battles determined their outcomes, it marked the end of this war.