As Calvin's Black Coffin shattered, the badly wounded Nalputink finally appeared before the audience. However, it was evident that he could no longer continue the competition.
Calvin glanced at the tattered Nalputink, his eyes devoid of any pity. With a cold smile, he said, "Can't accept it, can you? I told you that you wouldn't leave unscathed if you met me."
Before he could finish his words, Nalputink's body vanished, and he was transported to a new area to restart. However, even though he was temporarily away from Calvin, he was in no condition to continue and would likely spend the remaining twenty minutes lying down.
Calvin closed his eyes for a few seconds, once again locating Nalputink. He raised his hand slightly, emitting a faint glow from his palm. It seemed he intended to attack Nalputink directly from where he stood.
However, the glow only lasted a few seconds before it faded entirely. "Never mind. Although I held back with the Black Coffin, another hit might really kill him. Besides, I'm sure those proud mages wouldn't want to score points off him," Calvin muttered, dispersing the light from his hand. He then seamlessly blended into the crowd of duplicates, plotting his next move.
From Calvin's attack to Nalputink being knocked out and transported away, it took only seconds. Expecting a spectacle, the audience was stunned by the rapid and chilling display. When the Black Coffin appeared, everyone felt an overwhelming sense of dread, a testament to the sheer power of Calvin's magic.
"Isn't Calvin supposed to be a summoning mage? What's with that spell?!" Gray asked, cold sweat dripping down his face. Despite being an ice mage, he felt a chill in his heart from witnessing the attack.
"Amazing! As expected of Calvin!" Natsu exclaimed, his face filled with admiration and excitement. Watching the match further fueled his determination to surpass Calvin.
Even Mavis was pleasantly surprised, swinging her little legs excitedly. She turned to Makarov and praised him, "Well done, Sixth Master, for nurturing such a powerful mage!"
Makarov, like a proud child, laughed heartily in response.
It wasn't just Fairy Tail's members discussing Calvin. Other guilds were also seriously talking about him. This brief glimpse of his power gave them a clear idea of his prowess, placing him among the top mages in the competition.
Among those most wary were the remaining members of Raven Tail. A tall man with a high hat spoke in a low voice, "Nalputink was taken down without a fight, and Calvin only used one spell. If we encounter him, we'll likely end up the same."
"No need to worry. He probably won't participate in the next event. As for the duels, it would be foolish to face him one-on-one."
"I actually hope to face him. With his abilities, Makarov might have shared some vital information with him," the golden-armored man said calmly, his voice dripping with sinister intent.
Unaware of the outside discussions, some participants in the competition were also shaken by Calvin's display.
For instance, Hibiki, a member of Blue Pegasus, who had participated in the defeat of the Oración Seis seven years ago, was well aware of Calvin's reputation. The overwhelming magic he sensed reminded him of old memories, causing him to feel uneasy. "That guy is still as terrifying as ever. Is he planning to use such deadly attacks in this competition? This could be fatal!"
"Better focus on finding people first," Hibiki muttered, deciding to prioritize locating his opponents.
From a high vantage point, Rufus had witnessed Calvin's swift defeat of Nalputink. The black fragments of the shattered coffin were a chilling reminder of the mage's power. A cold sweat trickled down Rufus's face.
"Such terrifying magic. But I've memorized it. Next time, I'll make him taste his own spell," Rufus thought, smiling as he continued to hide and observe, planning his strategy.
Meanwhile, Laxus, standing some distance away, seemed lost in thought, facing the direction of Calvin's earlier display of power. He appeared to be paralyzed by the intense magic he sensed.
Nearby, a girl with big eyes and freckles from Mermaid Heel was spying on Laxus, thinking, "It must be him. Only he reacted to that magic."
After a moment's hesitation, Beth decided to attack Laxus. She used her magic, raising the ground next to Laxus. Suddenly, numerous carrots shot out, aiming at Laxus.
Laxus barely glanced at the attack before disappearing in a flash of lightning, reappearing behind Beth. She turned stiffly, facing the tall, cold, and intimidating Laxus. Her eyes brimmed with tears, purely out of fear.
"Boo...ahhh!" Before she could finish, a bolt of lightning struck her, leaving her slightly charred. She vanished and was transported to another area to restart. Just then, an attack surged from the ground towards Laxus.
"Too heavy-handed with a girl, don't you think?" a rough voice called out.
Laxus, surrounded by lightning, effortlessly dodged the attack, instantly appearing behind the attacker with lightning crackling in his hands.
"Too fast!" the attacker, Yago from Quatro Cerberus, exclaimed. He had been targeting Beth but switched to Laxus. Unfortunately, he underestimated Laxus's combat experience.
"Don't worry. It looks scary, but I'm quite gentle. That girl won't die," Laxus said calmly.
"Not die? That's already terrifying!" Yago thought, but he could not voice his thoughts as Laxus's lightning struck him, gaining another point.
After dealing with two opponents, Laxus temporarily led the competition with two points. Seemingly relieved after the attacks, he let his guard down slightly.
"Lowering your guard is not wise!" a cold voice reached Laxus's ears. He felt a chill on his back without needing to turn around.
Laxus smirked, seemingly talking to himself, "What makes you think I've let my guard down?"
An icy attack struck Laxus, but the attacker realized too late that it was merely a lightning clone. Instantly recalling Laxus's earlier methods, the attacker quickly moved, narrowly avoiding a bolt of lightning that struck where he had stood.
Now crouched on the ground, the attacker faced Laxus, who had circled behind him. His eyes were cold but filled with fighting spirit.
"I remember you, Gray's senior. Seems like you're quite capable," Laxus said casually, his tone like an elder addressing a junior, irritating Lyon.
Lyon, proud and self-assured, couldn't tolerate the tone. Coldly smiling, he clasped his hands together, preparing to unleash his Ice-Make Magic.