The battlefield was chaos. The sky churned with blackened clouds as bolts of lightning and waves of golden flames tore through the land. Laxus stood, his body crackling with barely contained energy, his golden hair sparking like a live wire. Opposite him, Yukari's Phoenix Mode radiated intense heat, her fiery wings stretched wide, her glowing golden eyes locked onto her opponent.
"You've got guts, kid," Laxus growled, electricity arcing from his fingertips. "But guts don't win fights. Power does."
Yukari smirked, brushing soot from her cheek. "Power's great and all, but it's nothing without style. And let's face it, Sparky you've got the personality of a damp towel."
Laxus clenched his fists, his grin returning. "Keep talking. See if it saves you."
Without warning, he launched forward, his fist crackling with energy. Yukari barely dodged as he shouted, "Lightning Dragon's Iron Hammer!" His punch struck the ground, sending a massive surge of lightning in all directions, the earth splintering under the raw force.
Yukari leapt into the air, her fiery wings propelling her higher. "You're getting desperate," she called, a teasing edge in her voice. She extended her hands, golden flames spiraling outward. "Sacred Fire Rain!"
A storm of fiery droplets fell toward Laxus. He crossed his arms, his lightning surging outward in a protective barrier. The ground sizzled as fire and lightning clashed, the air growing thick with smoke.
"Desperate? You wish!" Laxus roared, stepping through the flames. "Let's finish this."
Electricity surged around him, brighter and wilder than ever before. He slammed his fist into his open palm, the force sending a shockwave outward. "You wanted my best? Fine. Here it is!"
Yukari's smirk faltered slightly as Laxus raised his fist, now glowing with blinding energy. "Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Roaring Thunder!" he shouted, launching forward at impossible speed. His fist, charged with devastating lightning, aimed straight for Yukari's chest.
Time seemed to slow as Yukari met his charge. Her fiery aura blazed brighter than ever, her wings glowing like molten gold. She spread her arms wide, summoning every ounce of her remaining magic.
"Secret Art?" she called out, her voice steady despite the chaos. "Two can play that game. Phoenix Ascension!"
Golden flames erupted around her, spiraling upward in a massive column that roared like a living entity. From within the fire, Yukari shot forward, her body encased in brilliant flames, her hands forming a spear of condensed fire.
The two forces collided. Lightning and fire met in a cataclysmic explosion that shook the heavens. The battlefield was consumed by light so intense it turned night into day.
When the smoke cleared, Yukari stood in the center of the devastation, her Phoenix Mode flickering before extinguishing completely. Her fiery wings vanished, and her hair returned to its usual black. Her breathing was ragged, her body bruised and battered, but her wounds were already healing before the others' eyes.
Behind her, Laxus lay sprawled in a crater, his body smoking, his aura gone. He groaned, forcing himself to sit up, his face twisted in disbelief. "You… actually beat me," he muttered, his voice rough.
Yukari turned to him, smirking despite her exhaustion. "What can I say? Guess lightning doesn't always strike twice." She gave him a mock bow. "Thanks for the workout, Sparky."
Laxus glared at her but managed a faint grin. "Cocky brat…"
Without another word, Yukari walked away, her steps unsteady but determined. As she approached the edge of the battlefield, the scene ahead unfolded.
Without another word, Yukari walked away, her steps unsteady but determined. As she approached the edge of the battlefield, the scene ahead unfolded—a stark contrast to the chaos she'd just left.
Hinote stood tall, her presence impossible to ignore. Her crimson hair flowed like molten fire, and her eyes burned with an intensity that could set the world ablaze. Her sleek, magma-like outfit glimmered faintly in the light, embers flickering with each subtle movement. She was an unshakable force of nature, radiating both menace and an unspoken warmth.
Beside Hinote stood Makarov, Gildarts, and a cluster of familiar faces, each reflecting a spectrum of emotions. Gray looked utterly defeated, his gaze fixed downward, as if the ground held the answers to his loss. Cana, standing near him, appeared no better her posture slumped with an air of disappointment. Mirajane, in stark contrast, wore a serene smile, looking entirely unscathed and far too composed, suggesting her path had been suspiciously easy.
Wakaba leaned against a tree nearby, grumbling under his breath about running into "that blasted Hinote." His bitterness was laced with reluctant respect as he muttered something about being "completely roasted." Yukari couldn't help but smirk. "Classic Hinote," she thought, her mood lifting slightly.
Gray and Cana broke away from the group as Yukari approached, their expressions turning curious.
"You don't look like you walked out of an easy fight," Gray commented, eyeing her battered state. "What happened to you?"
Yukari shrugged nonchalantly. "Ran into Laxus. Took him down."
Their reactions were immediate. Gray's jaw dropped, and Cana's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. Even Mirajane, who'd been quietly radiating smugness, turned to give Yukari an incredulous look.
"You're joking," Mirajane said flatly.
Before Yukari could respond, heavy footsteps announced Laxus's arrival. His usually commanding presence was diminished by the extent of his injuries. Bruises and burns covered him, and his gait was unsteady. Yet, even in defeat, he exuded a grudging respect.
"She's not lying," Laxus grumbled, his voice low but firm. "She beat me."
Silence followed his declaration, broken only by a low chuckle from Hinote. She stepped forward, her blazing eyes locking onto Yukari.
"Well done, little ember," Hinote said with a rare smile. Her voice carried a mix of pride and teasing. "Not bad for a human who spent half the fight stumbling around like a drunken bird."
Yukari rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Thanks for the encouragement, Mother of the Year."
As they waited for the last competitors to arrive, the air was thick with anticipation. Minutes later, Erza appeared, carrying Macao on her back. It was clear who the victor had been. Macao looked like he'd fought a volcano and lost.
With everyone gathered, Makarov stepped forward. His small stature did nothing to diminish the gravity of his presence as he addressed the group.
"The first phase of the trial has concluded," he announced, his voice carrying across the clearing. "Three of you have proven yourselves worthy to advance to the final stage."
He paused for effect, his gaze sweeping over the gathered mages. "Yukari, Erza, and Mirajane you are the finalists."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Yukari caught the briefest flash of disappointment on Gray's face before he quickly masked it. Cana gave her a hesitant thumbs-up, while Mirajane maintained her serene expression, though a glint of competitiveness flickered in her eyes.
Makarov raised a hand to quiet the whispers. "The final trial will test not only your strength but your resolve, cunning, and willpower. You'll need everything you've learned to succeed."
He leaned forward, his tone dropping to something almost conspiratorial. "The details of the trial will be revealed tomorrow. For now, rest, recover, and prepare yourselves."