Soaring rapidly through the sky hundreds of meters high, Erigor's face was etched with unmistakable tension and lingering fear.
Thinking back to that peculiar man just now, Erigor felt an indescribable eeriness emanating from him.
His outfit, entirely unseen before on this continent, exuded an oppressive aura akin to that of a ferocious beast.
Even though no trace of magical energy could be sensed from him, he had somehow, inexplicably, destroyed the Wind Wall.
Erigor, who had traveled far and wide and made his name in the dark magical world for many years, had encountered countless strange people and spells. But he had never seen anyone like Roy.
It completely shattered his understanding.
Roy felt to Erigor like a black hole—a complete unknown. And this unknown was far more terrifying than anything visible or tangible.
That was why, after his initial shock, Erigor immediately donned his Storm Robe and fled.
Had he stayed, he would not only have had to face that bizarre man but also the Fairy Queen, Erza.
One-on-one, perhaps he had a chance, but against the two of them? Erigor knew he stood no chance.
And so, he fled as fast as he could.
Erigor still had dreams, ambitions. He still sought vengeance against those hypocritical guild masters. He couldn't let himself fall here.
Gripping the wooden flute tightly in his left hand, Erigor's gaze turned fierce as he muttered to himself.
"Just wait! Once I've dealt with those guild masters, I'll come back for you and make you pay!"
Erigor believed that with the speed granted by his Storm Robe, there was no way that man could catch up to him. That confidence gave him the courage to spout such victorious rhetoric.
Whether he would actually seek revenge on Roy afterward depended entirely on the power of the *Lullaby* he held in his hand.
For now, though, Roy wasn't here, so why not talk big?
But to Erigor's shock, just as he finished speaking, a clear male voice sounded by his ear.
"No need to wait. Let's settle it now. I'm curious to see how you plan to make me pay."
It was him—the man from earlier!
Caught red-handed while talking tough behind someone's back, Erigor was instantly terrified, freezing mid-flight.
Since his initial leap, Roy had relied entirely on the Wind Magic he had learned from Fairy Tail's library to continue flying.
While Roy didn't lack offensive or defensive abilities, he had chosen to learn Wind Magic primarily for its flight capabilities.
After all, being unable to fly would put him at a severe disadvantage in certain situations.
At this moment, the Wind Magic he had mastered was proving its immense value.
Surrounded by gentle currents of air, Roy hovered effortlessly.
Arms crossed over his chest, he gazed calmly at Erigor before him and asked:
"Where do you think you're going?"
Although Roy's face was completely hidden beneath his mask, and his massive crimson eyes revealed no expression, Erigor could feel the mocking tone in his gaze.
"Damn it! How did this guy catch up so quickly?!" Erigor glared at Roy, who stood there with unshakable confidence, his expression turning into one of frustration and rage.
But now that Roy had caught up, there was no escape.
If it was one-on-one, Erigor wouldn't back down.
Strike first!
With a savage gleam in his eyes, Erigor hid the wooden flute behind him and launched his first attack on Roy.
"Storm Wave!"
A fierce tornado erupted from Erigor's hand, howling as it rushed toward Roy.
"That's it? Are you trying to tickle me?"
Roy didn't even bother activating his *Defense Form*. Watching the approaching tornado, he channeled wind magic into his right fist and punched forward.
A wind vortex far stronger than Erigor's roared forth, completely engulfing and obliterating Erigor's weak tornado.
After dispersing Erigor's attack, Roy retracted his fist, and the vortex he created vanished without a trace.
Rather than following through to defeat Erigor outright, Roy started critiquing his moves instead.
"Your attacks are too exaggerated, lack power, and are all show without substance."
Shaking his head in disdain, Roy's tone was full of contempt.
*This is the caliber of a Dark Guild mage?*
*Pathetic.*
*Let's toy with him a little.* Let him experience the utter despair of facing an insurmountable opponent.
With that thought, Roy crossed his arms over his chest again, choosing not to attack further.
Though Roy had stopped attacking, Erigor was already drenched in cold sweat, utterly shaken.
First, the Wind Wall. Now, the Storm Wave.
Two of his spells, effortlessly crushed.
Eyes wide with disbelief, Erigor couldn't comprehend what he was witnessing.
Even the Fairy Queen Erza, renowned for her immense power, couldn't have handled this so easily, could she?
Could it be... this unknown man was far stronger than Erza?
"No! Impossible!"
An unknown nobody couldn't possibly be stronger than Erza.
Erigor refused to accept this reality.