The magical energy that reverberated through the skies could be felt across Ogu City.
Many citizens looked up in awe as a beam of white light pierced through the heavens. The spreading cracks around the light wove across the sky, creating a web-like pattern. Below, the river's course twisted, and the earth trembled as if being torn apart. The sheer force of the magic sent shockwaves, altering the very landscape.
In the city, chaos erupted. The massive earthquake that followed sent citizens fleeing the streets, rushing into open areas in a state of panic.
On the castle platform, Erza dodged another of Juvia's attacks, her eyes wide with shock.
"This magic..." Erza muttered, gazing skyward. She recognized it. She had experienced this terrifying power firsthand before, when it had shattered her black feather armor. But this time, the strength was even greater—several times stronger.
At the top floor of the castle, the once grand room had been obliterated. The walls were gone, leaving nothing but rubble, as the devastating force from Knight's palm continued for a full ten seconds before finally subsiding.
With a heavy thud, Joseph collapsed to one knee, his robes shredded and his hat missing. His face was a mask of blood, with streams flowing from his eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. He coughed violently, spitting more blood onto the already stained floor.
Joseph's eyes, bloodshot and filled with hatred, locked onto Knight. His external wounds were severe, but the real damage was internal. His magic shield had been shattered, causing his organs to bleed heavily.
"President Joseph," Knight lowered his hand, his tone oddly respectful. "I must commend you. You took my four-star super magic head-on."
This was Knight's most powerful attack. If it had hit Ogu City, the entire city would have been left in ruins.
Joseph coughed again, his breathing ragged and labored. Every breath he took seemed to sap what little strength remained in his body.
"Don't get cocky…you brat!" Joseph snarled, forcing himself to stand. His body trembled, the simple act of remaining upright now a monumental effort.
"You've released all your magic power in one attack," he rasped. "If you can't defeat your enemy with that, you'll be helpless. No magician would make such a foolish mistake!"
Yet Joseph had witnessed something impossible today—he had nearly been killed in a single blow.
Summoning what strength he could, Joseph raised a trembling hand. "Darkness Erosion!"
A purple magic circle appeared before his palm, dark tentacles of magic shooting toward Knight.
But Knight simply waved his hand, effortlessly shattering the attack. Simultaneously, his magic power, seemingly drained, surged back in an instant.
"Impossible!" Joseph whispered, his entire body shaking in disbelief. How could this be? Moments ago, Knight's magic was nearly depleted, and yet here he stood, fully restored.
"You seem to forget," Knight smiled calmly, "I can generate as much magic as I need."
As Joseph stared, horror gripped his heart. Was this some illusion? Could Knight truly be capable of this? His mind raced, seeking an explanation. But no matter how hard he tried, none made sense.
Knight began gathering magic again, his hand glowing with a soft white halo.
"Half a star…one star…one and a half stars…" The magic power climbed rapidly, its intensity causing the air to tremble.
Joseph, frozen in terror, felt his very soul quaking. Was this the same attack again? Could Knight really use it without limits?
Just as Knight reached two stars, he suddenly stopped, his head turning.
Makarov, glowing with holy light, descended from above.
"You're in a sorry state, Joseph," Makarov said softly as he landed beside Knight, casting a calm gaze upon his long-time rival.
Joseph's bloodshot eyes burned with rage. "Makarov…"
"You've grown incredibly strong, Joseph. Your magic is formidable. You've earned your place among the Holy Ten." Makarov's voice was warm but firm. "But this magic of yours—if used properly, it could inspire future generations rather than be wasted on meaningless battles."
Joseph's eyes narrowed, veins throbbing on his forehead.
"Are you lecturing me, Makarov?" he spat, his voice thick with venom. His strength was nearly gone, but his hatred for Makarov surged.
Makarov remained calm, drawing a deep breath before placing his hands together. "Knight, your magic is too destructive. It harms the environment, leaving lasting damage."
Knight's six eyes gleamed with curiosity, watching Makarov intently.
Makarov's voice dropped low. "Fairy Tail's super magic follows a strict code. Joseph, I'll give you three seconds to reconsider."
He held out his hands, and a small golden orb of light formed between them.
In Knight's vision, he saw the magical power quickly rise to three stars, then hold steady.
Joseph's face twisted with rage. "Kneel? Repent? NEVER!"
Tentacles of evil purple magic burst from his hands, launching a desperate attack toward Makarov and Knight.
Makarov remained calm as ever. "Three… I'm sorry, Joseph."
He brought his hands together, and a vast golden magic circle formed in the sky, covering half of Ogu City.
Light rained down from the circle, and Makarov's voice echoed, "Fairy Law… commence!"
In an instant, the holy light enveloped the entire area.
Knight watched in awe, his eyes filled with wonder as the golden light spread through the heavens. For a brief moment, the entire city stood still, bathed in the sacred glow.
When the light finally faded, Joseph was left kneeling on the ground, his once dark hair now stark white. He trembled uncontrollably, his body withered and old, as if decades had passed in a single instant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please support me on patreon.com/ihatesakura
To read Chapters in Advance go to patreon.com/ihatesakura
All Advance chapters for $6