Inside the battle circle, Natsu and Erza squared off, their expressions taut with determination as they prepared for the clash that had been anticipated for weeks. The cherry-pink hair of Natsu shimmered under the sunlight, and Erza's fiery crimson hair was tied back, accentuating the fierce glint in her eyes.
"How many years has it been since we last went head-to-head like this?" Erza asked, her tone calm but charged with energy.
"I was just a kid back then," Natsu grinned. "But now it's different! I'm gonna beat you today!"
Erza's eyes lit up, her competitive spirit fully ignited. "Then show me how much you've grown. I'll give you no mercy!"
"Bring it on!" Natsu roared, his fists igniting in brilliant flames.
"Requip: Flame Emperor Armor!"
In a flash of magic, Erza's outfit transformed. The dark red armor, lined with black and orange patterns, shimmered as the wings on her back fluttered slightly. Designed specifically to counter fire-based attacks, the Flame Emperor Armor was one of her most iconic sets.
"Looking good as always, Erza!" someone from the crowd whistled.
"It's the one she uses to fight Natsu! I've missed this showdown!" someone else chimed in.
"Start!" Markov declared, standing on a barrel for a better view of the duel.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Natsu launched the first attack. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
The punch, wrapped in searing flames, blazed toward Erza with incredible speed. But Erza, ever the seasoned warrior, sidestepped the blow with ease, her movements fluid and precise.
Natsu wasn't discouraged. Using the momentum from his missed strike, he twisted mid-air and followed up with a fiery kick aimed at her head.
"Predictable," Erza murmured, raising her sword just in time to parry the attack. Sparks erupted as the blade clashed with Natsu's flaming foot.
The fight quickly became a whirlwind of strikes and counters. Natsu's relentless offense clashed with Erza's impeccable defense, each move executed with precision. The crowd cheered, their excitement building with every exchanged blow.
"Wow!" Lucy gasped, her hands clasped together. "They're both amazing!"
Gray crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Hah, don't get carried away. Erza hasn't even started taking this seriously yet."
Nearby, Kira observed the fight with keen interest, his analytical gaze scanning the movements of both combatants. "Natsu's holding his own," he remarked. "But Erza's just warming up. Things are about to get serious."
In the arena, Natsu grinned, flames licking up his arms. "Looks like you've been practicing!"
Erza's expression didn't waver. "Of course. But you'll have to do better if you want to stand a chance."
With a powerful swing of her sword, Erza unleashed a wave of energy, forcing Natsu to retreat momentarily. "Switching gears already?" Natsu teased.
"Consider it my way of acknowledging your progress," Erza replied.
Natsu didn't waste any time. He inhaled deeply, flames flickering around him as he prepared to unleash a more devastating attack.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
A massive torrent of flames surged toward Erza, the heat so intense that it singed the ground beneath it. But Erza stood her ground. With a graceful pivot, she raised her sword, slicing through the flames with precision. The crowd gasped in awe.
"She cut through the roar?!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Of course she did," Gray said, smirking. "This is Erza we're talking about."
The exchange of blows grew more intense. Natsu's fists, feet, and flames struck out with untamed ferocity, while Erza's sword deflected and retaliated with the skill of a master. The clang of metal against flame echoed through the air, mingling with the cheers of the onlookers.
"Ding! Ding! Ding!"
The fierce duel showed no signs of slowing down. Both fighters moved at such speed and precision that even the seasoned wizards in the crowd struggled to keep up.
"They're incredible," Lucy murmured, her eyes wide with admiration. "Every attack feels like it could end the fight, but they just keep going!"
"They're evenly matched," someone whispered from the sidelines.
"Not even close," Gray muttered. "Erza hasn't used half her strength yet."
Kira, standing nearby, chuckled. "True, but look at Natsu. He's adapting with every move. His instincts are sharper than ever."
Despite the grueling pace, neither Natsu nor Erza showed any signs of backing down. Natsu's flames burned brighter, and Erza's movements became even more refined. Each clash of sword and flame sent sparks flying, the intensity of their battle captivating everyone watching.
"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!" Natsu shouted, spinning mid-air and releasing arcs of flame toward Erza.
"Nice try," Erza said, sidestepping the attack before countering with a powerful swing of her blade.
The sheer force of her strike sent a shockwave rippling through the air, forcing Natsu to dig his feet into the ground to keep from being pushed back.
"Time to kick it up a notch!" Natsu declared. Flames erupted from his body as he unleashed a flurry of attacks, each one more aggressive than the last.
Erza smirked, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Come at me, Natsu!"
The battle raged on, neither fighter willing to give an inch. Sweat dripped from their brows, their breathing heavy but steady. The crowd watched in awe, their cheers growing louder with each passing second.
"Unbelievable," Lucy whispered, her heart racing. "This is more than just a duel—it's a clash of wills!"
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the battlefield, Natsu and Erza paused momentarily, their eyes locking in mutual respect.
"You've gotten stronger, Natsu," Erza admitted.
"And you're as tough as ever," Natsu replied, grinning.
With renewed determination, the two prepared for the next exchange, their spirits burning as fiercely as the flames surrounding them.
"Let's finish this!" Natsu roared, charging forward.
"Come and try!" Erza countered, her blade gleaming in the fading light.
The crowd leaned forward, their anticipation reaching its peak. Whatever the outcome, one thing was certain—this battle would be remembered for years to come.
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