The immense shockwave rippled across Tenrou Island, shaking the land to its very core. Even from their vantage point on a distant hill, Makarov and Gildarts could feel the raw power behind it. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, and the energy in the air was suffocating.
The two Guild legends stood in silence, their eyes locked on the distant clash of magic. Finally, Gildarts broke the quiet, his tone a mix of astonishment and disbelief.
"Master…" he began, his voice unusually subdued, "those two… they're monsters. But what surprises me even more is Rain. How did someone with that kind of power end up in Fairy Tail? And how has he avoided the grasp of a dark guild all this time? If they had gotten to him first… the magical world would have been doomed."
Makarov's gaze didn't waver from the battlefield. His expression was calm, though a subtle tension betrayed his thoughts. "You're wrong, Gildarts," he replied after a moment. "I didn't 'bring' Rain to the guild. He came to us. Walked right in and asked to join."
Gildarts raised an eyebrow. "He chose to join us? Of his own will?"
Makarov nodded, his tone solemn. "Even back then, when he first stepped through those doors, I could feel it—the sheer, overwhelming magnitude of his magic. Rain is unlike anyone else. But yes, he chose the light on his own. He didn't fall to the darkness."
Gildarts crossed his arms, frowning as he absorbed this. "That's rare enough. But what I can't get over is the fact that he's been radiating the same amount of power since he arrived. It hasn't increased. If anything, it's like he's suppressing himself—holding back, even now. For someone so young to have that kind of control… Master, what happens if he ever lets it all out?"
Makarov sighed heavily. "It's a question I've asked myself many times. He's found a way to seal his strength, but if the day ever comes when he unleashes his full power…"
He didn't finish the thought, but both men stood in uneasy silence, the enormity of the unspoken possibility hanging in the air.
On the Battlefield:
Rain and Laxus faced off once again, their earlier exchange leaving the ground between them scorched and barren. A faint tension lingered in the air, the calm before the storm.
Rain tilted his head, his tone almost playful. "You're holding back, aren't you, Laxus? What's the matter? Scared to give it everything you've got?"
Laxus narrowed his eyes, electricity sparking in golden arcs around his body. "You're one to talk," he shot back. "I can feel it—you're still not taking me seriously. Are you underestimating me?"
Rain smiled faintly. "Underestimating? No. Testing? Maybe."
Laxus growled, his patience wearing thin. "Then let's see how long you keep this act up!"
With a roar, golden lightning exploded around Laxus as his body began to transform. His muscles tensed, and scales formed across his skin, shimmering like polished gold. His eyes gleamed with the intensity of his power.
"Dragon Thunder Mode!" he announced, his voice booming like a thunderclap.
Rain's expression shifted ever so slightly, his amusement giving way to anticipation. Finally, he thought. Show me what you're really made of.
Laxus wasted no time. Energy surged to his mouth, and he unleashed a devastating attack.
"Thunder Dragon Roar!"
Rain responded with practiced ease. Summoning his Lunar Dragon Slayer magic, he conjured a glowing blade of pure energy. With both hands gripping the hilt, he swung it downward, releasing a powerful wave of energy. The crescent-shaped attack cleaved Laxus' roar in two and continued barreling toward him with terrifying speed.
Laxus' eyes widened as he realized the danger. Summoning his lightning, he teleported away just in time, reappearing several meters away. He turned to see the aftermath of Rain's attack—trees within a hundred-meter radius had been reduced to stumps, the ground carved into a massive trench.
For a moment, Laxus stood in stunned silence. That was just one strike, and it wasn't even his full power. A slow grin spread across his face, the realization fueling his adrenaline.
"Rain!" he shouted, his voice filled with exhilaration. "Let's keep going!"
The Battle Intensifies:
Rain raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but firm. "Are you sure? You don't seem to realize what you're asking for."
Laxus smirked, electricity crackling around him. "Stop looking at me like that. I'm not done yet."
"Alright," Rain replied, his tone light yet commanding. "Then come at me with everything you've got. Otherwise, this won't end well for you."
Laxus responded with a fierce grin. "This isn't about winning anymore. I just want to see how far apart we are in strength."
Rain nodded, his eyes narrowing. "If that's what you want… then let's begin."
Laxus raised his hand skyward, summoning a massive magic circle that pulsed with power.
"Furious Volt!"
From the circle descended an enormous lightning bolt, its brilliance illuminating the battlefield. Rain didn't flinch. With a smooth motion, he raised his energy blade once more, releasing another crescent wave of energy. The two forces collided midair, creating a blinding explosion that shook the ground beneath them.
Undeterred, Laxus summoned a golden halberd made of lightning, hurling it with incredible speed. Rain countered with a burst of moonlight energy from his palm, the resulting impact leaving a massive crater in its wake.
The Climax:
Breathing heavily, Laxus summoned every ounce of power he had left. His fists crackled with lightning as he charged Rain, releasing a final attack.
"Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!"
Rain gathered celestial energy in his mouth, releasing it in a devastating blast. The two attacks collided, creating a massive explosion that rocked the entire island.
Laxus, undeterred, coated his fist in lightning and launched a punch at Rain. Rain mirrored the move, enveloping his hand in Lunar energy. When their fists collided, the resulting shockwave sent tremors through the forest, causing the nearby trees to sway violently.
As the dust settled, Rain took a step back, his expression calm but resolute.
"It's time to end this," he said simply.
"I agree," Laxus replied, summoning energy for one last attack.
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!"
Rain responded without hesitation, summoning a radiant blade.
"Hellfire Blade: Ifrit!"
With a single motion, the fiery blade cleaved through Laxus' roar, the energy dissipating as it left a path of scorched earth in its wake. Laxus dodged just in time, his eyes widening as he realized the destructive potential of the attack.
Panting heavily, Laxus raised his hands in surrender. "I… I give up."
Rain lowered his blade, his expression softening. "I can't blame you. But just so you know—that was a weaker version of that attack."
Laxus let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. "I knew it. You've been holding back all along."
Rain turned, his steps light yet purposeful. "Now that I'm done here, I can focus on the second stage of the trial. I'll see you later, Laxus."
As Rain disappeared into the distance, Laxus watched him go, a mixture of respect and determination in his gaze.
"Yeah," Laxus muttered to himself, a grin tugging at his lips. "See you after you become Fairy Tail's youngest S-Class Mage."