As the current number one guild in the Fiore Kingdom, Sabertooth had ample funds, so the inn they had chosen matched their status—luxurious and grand.
In the opulent hall, the entire Sabertooth guild stood solemnly, with the stronger members standing closer to the front. Leading them were the five mages representing the guild in the competition. Their expressions were far from happy; they stood rigidly with grim faces.
Before them, a robust old man sat confidently on a sofa. More than a mage, he resembled a seasoned warrior, with a necklace of fist-sized beads around his neck. His stern face exuded authority without anger. With a wild, unkempt beard, he looked like a fiery warrior. This man was Jiemma, the guild master of Sabertooth.
"Rufus, what was that disgrace today?" Jiemma's commanding voice rang out, his cold eyes fixed disapprovingly on Rufus.
"It was my fault for underestimating them and devising a poor strategy. I shouldn't have waited until the end to act but should have gone all out from the start. I underestimated Fairy Tail," Rufus calmly defended himself. He had prepared these words during the competition, knowing he would need them to face his guild master.
"Is that so? I saw you paralyzed with fear during the match," Jiemma retorted coldly, clearly not accepting Rufus's explanation.
Rufus paused before continuing, "I wasn't scared, just shocked. That guy summoned a dragon."
Rufus chose to lie. He had indeed been frightened by the appearance of the Red-Eyes Black Dragon, but he knew that admitting the truth to Jiemma would only make things worse for him.
"Shocked? That so-called dragon was just a trick, and you were fooled by it. You disappoint me," Jiemma's tone grew harsher. "I'll let it slide this time. Fail again, and you're out of the guild!" Jiemma's voice was fierce as he turned to address everyone, "Listen up! Sabertooth is Fiore's number one guild. I won't accept anything less than first place. Victory is the only option!"
After this reprimand, Rufus walked back to his room alone, his expression cold and his aura icy.
"Hey, rough day, huh? Don't lose if you get drawn for a duel next time," Orga teased, his tone slightly mocking.
Rufus glanced at him and said firmly, "I won't lose!" His resolute tone conveyed confidence, but he then shifted to a resentful tone, "But I despise the guild master's extreme methods. Threatening to kick me out after one failure? He should remember who made this guild the strongest!"
Orga's earlier playful expression vanished, becoming serious. "It's fine to say that to me, but don't let anyone else hear it," he warned before walking away.
...
Back at the guild's tavern, Fairy Tail's members were still reveling, though their energy was waning. The alcohol had made most of them a bit too lively.
As the queen of drinking, Cana, despite having drunk all day and outdrinking Bickslow and Evergreen, was still more sober than most.
"Hehe, you guys are too weak," Cana taunted the unconscious duo. At this moment, a freckled man with sharp eyebrows and a mischievous smile approached her with a glass of wine.
"Hey, miss, you're pretty strong. How about a drinking contest with me?"
His tone and expression were playful and roguish. Seeing someone challenge her in her domain, Cana couldn't refuse. They began their drinking contest.
Unexpectedly, Cana lost. After drinking an enormous amount, she finally succumbed to the alcohol. Her opponent, the mischievous man, seemed close to his limit too. But those watching knew he had looked like this ten minutes ago and showed no signs of actually getting drunk.
Laughing heartily, the man reached for Cana's bikini top, mumbling about claiming his prize. Just as his hands were about to touch Cana, a bone-chilling sensation ran down his spine, sobering him up. A calm voice came from behind him.
"Pascal, I warned you before not to disrespect women. Continue, and Drunken Eagle will become Dead Eagle."
Pascal's hands retracted instinctively, but he was annoyed and turned around angrily, "Disappeared for seven years, and you're still as arrogant as ever, Calvin."
"And you're still a lecher. Just now, you gave me enough reason to kill you," Calvin's eyes were emotionless as he stared at Pascal, his voice equally devoid of emotion.
Pascal broke into a cold sweat, realizing Calvin's threat was serious.
"What's with the murderous intent? And why act like you can kill me anytime?" Pascal retorted, stepping forward with a swift move and aiming a palm strike at Calvin.
As one of the best mages in Four Hounds, Pascal had his pride. But midway through his attack, he found himself unable to move, bound by two rune-formed crosses.
"Amaterasu 20 Rules: Double Cross."
Calvin could now cast this spell almost instantly, as naturally as breathing.
"Pascal, it seems you've forgotten how terrifying I can be," Calvin said, patting Pascal's cheek, his tone chilling.
"What are you going to do?"
"You won the drinking contest and wanted a prize. Now, I'll take my prize," Calvin replied, his smile sinister.
Pascal's memories of a past incident surged, and he screamed in terror.
"No, please!"
That night, many soldiers in Crocus received reports of a streaker running wild on the streets, but they couldn't catch the culprit. Eventually, they gave up.