The Stage is Set
As the magical residue from the exhibition match finally settled, the brothers parted ways with a firm handclasp, each returning to their respective guild sections. The scoreboard above Domus Flau flickered, displaying the current tournament standings in brilliant lacrima-powered letters:
1. Sabertooth - 30 points
2. Fairy Tail A - 28 points
3. Lamia Scale - 18 points
4. Mermaid Heel - 13 points
5. Fairy Tail B - 12 points
6. Quatro Cerberus - 10 points
7. Blue Pegasus - 8 points
Raven Tail's disqualification had left a noticeable gap in the rankings, their space on the board now dark and empty – a reminder of Ivan's foolish attempt to circumvent the rules. The tension in the stadium remained electric, the aftermath of the dark elves' display still fresh in everyone's minds as Chapati's voice rang out once more.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we move on to today's team portion of the tournament!" His enthusiasm was infectious, drawing the crowd's attention back to the present. "It's time for a challenge that will test our guilds' courage, strategy, and raw power – PANDEMONIUM!"
The very name sent whispers rippling through the crowd. Behind the announcer's booth, a massive magical circle began to form, promising something spectacular to come.
"Would each team please select their representative for this event?" Chapati called out, as the magical circle grew larger and more complex.
The guild sections buzzed with activity as they began their selections, the rankings adding extra weight to each choice. Sabertooth's lead was precarious, especially with Fairy Tail A close behind – and after witnessing the dark elf brothers' display, no one was taking anything for granted anymore.
The stage was set for another crucial battle in the Grand Magic Games, with Pandemonium looming like a dark promise above the arena. The question on everyone's minds: after the spectacular display they'd just witnessed, what other surprises did this day hold in store?
Champions Step Forward
The representatives made their way to the arena floor, each step echoing with purpose. From Sabertooth, Orga strode forward with his typical confidence, though those who looked closely might have noticed it wasn't quite as absolute as before the dark elves' display. Beth of Mermaid Heel followed, her determination evident in her stance despite her small stature.
Lyon descended from the Lamia Scale section with his characteristic grace, exchanging a meaningful glance with Roy as he passed. From Fairy Tail B's section, Cana sauntered forward, her casual demeanor belying the sharp focus in her eyes. Bacchus stumbled slightly as he made his way down, though whether from his usual drinking or lingering awe from the previous display was anyone's guess. Eve represented Blue Pegasus with his usual charm, though even his smile seemed somewhat subdued after witnessing such overwhelming power earlier.
But it was Fairy Tail A's choice that drew the most attention. Erza Scarlet stepped forward, and the very air seemed to part before her. Her teammates – Lucy, Natsu, Odyn, and Gray – watched with unwavering confidence. There was no discussion needed, no debate about their choice. This was Erza's moment, and they all knew it.
"Go get 'em, Erza!" Natsu's voice carried across the arena, his grin fierce and proud.
Odyn crossed his arms, a knowing smile playing across his lips. After his display of dark elf magic, he was particularly interested to see how Erza would demonstrate Fairy Tail's strength in her own unique way.
The seven representatives gathered in the center of the arena, the massive magical circle still expanding above them. Erza stood tall among them, her posture relaxed but alert, as if this were simply another day's challenge. To her, perhaps it was.
"The representatives have been chosen!" Chapati's voice soared over the crowd. "Now, let us reveal the true nature of PANDEMONIUM!"
The magical circle above began to pulse with dark energy, promising a challenge worthy of these chosen champions. But in the Fairy Tail section, not a single member showed concern. They had seen Erza overcome countless obstacles before, and their faith in her was absolute.
As the dark magic began to take shape above them, Erza's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Whatever Pandemonium might be, whatever challenges it might present, the Queen of the Fairies was ready to face them head-on.
Pandemonium Unveiled
The magical circle above the arena erupted in a torrent of dark energy, coalescing into a massive structure that drew gasps from the crowd. A towering castle materialized from the magical miasma, its gothic spires reaching toward the heavens, gargoyles perched on every corner, their stone eyes seeming to follow the movements below.
"BEHOLD!" Chapati's voice rang out with theatrical flourish. "This is PANDEMONIUM – the castle of demons!"
The structure hung suspended in the air, dark and foreboding. Magic crackled around its walls like purple lightning, and an aura of malevolent power radiated from its very foundations.
"Within this castle," Mato, the pumpkin-headed mascot, stepped forward to explain, "dwell one hundred magical monsters! Each of these creatures has been ranked according to their power: D, C, B, A, and S-Class! The stronger the monster, the more points you receive for defeating it-pumpkin!"
The contestants watched as a magical projection displayed the monster distribution:
- 50 D-Class Monsters
- 30 C-Class Monsters
- 15 B-Class Monsters
- 4 A-Class Monsters
- 1 S-Class Monster
"The rules are simple-pumpkin!" Mato continued. "Each competitor will declare how many monsters they wish to face in their 'challenge right.' They will then enter the castle and must defeat every monster in their declared number to receive points. Should they fail, they will receive zero points for that round!"
A sinister chuckle echoed from within the castle's depths, making several spectators shiver. Even some of the competitors shifted uncomfortably – except for Erza, who stood unmoved, her eyes fixed on the castle with calculating interest.
"The order will be determined by drawing lots," Mato announced, producing a box with numbered sticks.
One by one, the competitors drew their numbers:
1. Erza
2. Bacchus
3. Eve
4. Beth
5. Lyon
6. Orga
7. Cana
"Now then," Mato turned to Erza, who had drawn first position. "Please declare your challenge right! How many monsters will you face-pumpkin?"
The arena fell silent, waiting for Fairy Tail's representative to make her choice. Erza stepped forward, her armor gleaming in the strange light cast by the demon castle. Her voice, when it came, was clear and unwavering, carrying to every corner of the stadium.
"My challenge right will be..." she paused, her eyes sweeping across the demonic structure, "all of them. I choose to face all one hundred monsters."
The silence that followed was absolute. Then the arena erupted in shocked exclamations and protests.
"WHAT?!" Chapati's voice cracked with disbelief. "All one hundred?! Including the S-Class monster?!"
"Erza-san," Mato stammered, "perhaps you misunderstand. Even ten of these creatures would be an enormous challenge-pumpkin!"
But Erza's expression remained resolute. "I understand perfectly. My challenge right is one hundred." She turned to face her fellow competitors with a slight bow. "I apologize, but this castle will likely not be standing for the rest of you to attempt your challenges."
From the Fairy Tail section, her guildmates watched with proud grins. This was Erza, after all. Odyn raised an eyebrow, impressed by her audacity but understanding the confidence behind it. He'd seen enough of her capabilities to know this wasn't mere bravado.
As Erza stepped toward the castle's entrance, her magic beginning to flow around her, the very air seemed to hold its breath. Pandemonium had been unveiled, but it was about to face something far more formidable than it had been designed to handle – the determination of Fairy Tail's strongest female wizard.
The great doors creaked open, darkness yawning beyond them. Erza strode forward without hesitation, requipping into her Heaven's Wheel Armor as she crossed the threshold. The challenge of Pandemonium was about to begin.
Titania Unleashed
The massive doors slammed shut behind Erza, sealing her within Pandemonium's dark halls. Through the castle's magical viewing lacrimas, the audience watched as she stood in the grand entrance hall, her Heaven's Wheel Armor gleaming in the dim light.
From the shadows, the first wave emerged – a dozen D-Class monsters, their forms twisted and grotesque. They lunged at her from all directions, claws extended, maws gaping. Erza didn't even break stride.
"Dance, my blades!"
A circle of swords materialized around her, then shot outward in a perfect arc. Each blade found its mark, and the monsters dissolved into magical particles. But there was no time to celebrate – more were already coming.
"Is this wise?" Lyon muttered from below, watching the display. "Even for Erza, one hundred monsters..."
A C-Class demon crashed through a wall, twice the size of its D-Class brethren. Erza requipped instantly into her Flight Armor, becoming a blur of motion. The monster's massive fist crashed into empty air as she appeared behind it, her sword finding the weak point in its armor.
"THAT'S OUR ERZA!" Natsu's voice boomed from the Fairy Tail section, full of pride.
The battles grew progressively more intense as Erza climbed the castle's levels. She switched armors with tactical precision – Flame Empress for fire-breathing demons, Lightning Empress for those wielding thunder, Black Wing Armor for aerial combat in the castle's vast chambers.
Twenty monsters fell. Then forty. Each victory was hard-won, but Erza pressed forward, her determination unwavering. When a trio of B-Class demons cornered her in a narrow corridor, she revealed her Morning Star Armor, the explosion of light reducing them to nothing.
"Incredible!" Chapati's commentary barely kept pace with the action. "Erza Scarlet has already defeated more than half of Pandemonium's demons!"
But the true challenges were yet to come. On the highest floors, the A-Class demons awaited. Each one was a tactical battle in itself, requiring everything in Erza's vast arsenal. Her Adamantine Armor barely withstood a direct hit from one beast that could have leveled a small town. Her Purgatory Armor's raw power was pushed to its limits against another.
The crowd watched in awe as she fought her way through these titans, her magic never faltering, her spirit unbroken. Even when wounds began to accumulate, even when her breathing grew labored, Erza pushed forward.
Finally, after defeating the last A-Class demon, she stood before the highest chamber. Behind those doors waited the S-Class monster, the ultimate challenge of Pandemonium. Erza paused, catching her breath. Her armor was cracked, her hair disheveled, but her eyes burned with the same determination she'd shown at the start.
"Remarkable," Odyn commented from the Fairy Tail section. "She's not just fighting – she's demonstrating mastery over every aspect of her magic."
The doors to the final chamber burst open, revealing a demon that dwarfed all others. It radiated magical power that made the viewing lacrimas crackle with interference. This was what Pandemonium had been building toward – a monster designed to be unbeatable.
Erza looked up at the creature, her expression serene despite her exhaustion. This was what it meant to be Fairy Tail's strongest female wizard. This was what it meant to be Titania.
"Come," she declared, requipping into her most powerful armor. "Let me show you the true meaning of strength!"
The final battle was about to begin, and not a single person in Domus Flau dared to look away.
Titania's Triumph
The S-Class demon towered in the chamber, its form a nightmarish fusion of crystalline armor and writhing darkness. Each movement sent tremors through the entire castle, its magical pressure so intense that the viewing lacrimas struggled to maintain their connection.
"Behold," Chapati's voice wavered, "the ultimate monster of Pandemonium!"
Erza stood before it, her Japanese Cloth armor gleaming despite the countless battles she'd already endured. Blood trickled from several wounds, but her stance remained perfect, unwavering.
The demon struck first, its crystalline claws tearing through the air with impossible speed. Erza moved like liquid lightning, her blade meeting each strike with precise parries. The impacts echoed through the chamber like thunder.
"Even after ninety-nine battles," Yajima commented, his voice filled with awe, "her form is perfect."
The demon unleashed a roar that shattered windows throughout the castle, dark magic condensing into a beam of pure destruction. Erza requipped instantly into her Adamantine Armor, crossing the shields just as the blast hit. The barrier held, but the force drove her back, leaving deep gouges in the floor.
From the Fairy Tail section, Odyn watched with professional appreciation. "She's not just fighting with power – she's reading its patterns, adapting to its magic."
The battle escalated as the demon revealed more of its abilities. It could manipulate space itself, turning the chamber into a maze of twisted dimensions. But Erza had fought Jellal in the Tower of Heaven – spatial magic couldn't confuse her. She requipped into her Flight Armor, using its incredible speed to stay ahead of the distortions.
"Is this truly the limit of an S-Class demon?" Erza's voice carried clearly through the lacrima feeds. "Then let me show you something beyond S-Class!"
Her magic exploded outward as she requipped again, this time into her Armadura Fairy armor. Pink light filled the chamber, driving back the demon's darkness. The creature responded with a bellowing roar, gathering all its remaining power into one final attack.
"This is it!" Chapati screamed. "The final clash!"
The demon's ultimate attack and Erza's Fairy Burst met in the center of the chamber. For a moment, reality itself seemed to bend under the collision of such powerful magics. The viewing lacrimas whited out completely.
When the light faded, only one figure remained standing.
Erza stood in the center of the devastated chamber, her sword pointed skyward, the dissolved particles of the S-Class demon drifting away like dark snow. She had done it. One hundred demons, including the ultimate monster of Pandemonium, had fallen before Fairy Tail's Queen.
The silence in Domus Flau lasted for exactly three seconds before the arena erupted in deafening cheers. Even rival guild members couldn't help but applaud. They had witnessed something legendary.
"ERZA SCARLET HAS COMPLETED THE ONE HUNDRED MONSTER CHALLENGE!" Chapati's voice cracked with emotion. "PANDEMONIUM HAS FALLEN!"
As the castle began to dissolve, its purpose fulfilled, Erza walked calmly toward the exit. Her shoulders were straight, her head held high, despite her exhaustion and injuries. This was more than just a victory – it was a statement about Fairy Tail's spirit, about never backing down no matter the odds.
In the Fairy Tail section, her guildmates roared their approval. Natsu was literally on fire with excitement. Lucy wiped tears from her eyes. Gray grinned proudly. Odyn nodded in deep respect, understanding completely why Fairy Tail was considered Fiore's strongest guild.
The competition for second place would need a different challenge now – Pandemonium itself was no more. But that hardly seemed to matter. Everyone knew they had just witnessed something that would be talked about for years to come.
Erza Scarlet had reminded them all what it truly meant to be an S-Class wizard of Fairy Tail.
After the Storm
As the last remnants of Pandemonium faded from the sky above Domus Flau, the tournament organizers huddled together in urgent discussion. The remaining competitors stood waiting, a mix of awe and resignation on their faces – all except Orga, who seemed more irritated than impressed.
"Well," Chapati cleared his throat, "given the... er, complete destruction of Pandemonium, we need an alternative way to rank our remaining competitors!"
Mato stepped forward, producing a strange device from his pocket. "Fear not-pumpkin! We have just the solution!" The device began to float, expanding into a large magical instrument. "This is the Magic Power Finder, or MPF! Each competitor will strike it with their most powerful spell, and it will give us a numerical value to rank you by-pumpkin!"
The remaining competitors gathered around as Mato explained the scoring system. Cana, who had drawn the last lot earlier, would now go first in this new challenge.
"Cana Alberona from Fairy Tail B!" Chapati announced. "Please step forward!"
But Cana wasn't moving immediately. Instead, she was... removing her jacket? A collective gasp went through the crowd as they saw what was revealed on her arm – the fairy glitter mark!
"Is that...?" Makarov's eyes widened from the Fairy Tail section.
"The fairy glitter mark..." Odyn mused, leaning forward with interest. "Master Mavis must have bestowed it upon her for this very moment."
Cana stepped up to the MPF, her usual playful demeanor replaced by intense focus. She raised her arm, the mark beginning to glow with golden light.
"Gather! O river of light that's guided by the fairies!" Her voice rang out clear and strong across the arena. "Shine! In order to perish the fangs of evil! FAIRY GLITTER!"
Brilliant golden light erupted from her arm, engulfing the MPF in its radiance. When the light faded, the number displayed on the device caused another wave of gasps:
9999
"INCREDIBLE!" Chapati screamed. "The counter has maxed out! This is unprecedented!"
From the Fairy Tail section, the ethereal form of Mavis smiled serenely. Her faith in Cana had been well-placed.
The remaining competitors went in turn, their scores impressive but nowhere near Cana's:
- Orga: 3825
- Jura: 8544
- Eve: 2305
- Lyon: 3889
- Beth: 1899
- Bacchus: 3089
"And there we have it!" Chapati announced. "The rankings for this portion of the tournament are clear! First place goes to Fairy Tail B's Cana Alberona, second to Lamia Scale's Jura Neekis, third to Sabertooth's Orga Nanagear..."
In the standings display above the arena, the points were already being added. Fairy Tail was closing in on Sabertooth's lead, and the tension in the air was palpable. The day's events had shown everyone that the old order was changing – first with the dark elf brothers' display, then Erza's conquest of Pandemonium, and now Cana's overwhelming show of power.
The message was clear: Fairy Tail wasn't just back – they were ready to reclaim their place at the summit of Fiore's magical world.
The Tides Turn
The scoreboard above Domus Flau flickered as it updated with the latest points. After Erza's conquest of Pandemonium and Cana's display with Fairy Glitter, the standings had shifted dramatically:
1. Fairy Tail A - 38 points
2. Sabertooth - 33 points
3. Fairy Tail B - 22 points
4. Lamia Scale - 26 points
5. Mermaid Heel - 15 points
6. Quatro Cerberus - 12 points
7. Blue Pegasus - 10 points
The reactions across the guild sections were as varied as they were intense.
In the Sabertooth booth, the atmosphere was electric with tension. Jiemma's face had turned an alarming shade of purple, his massive hands gripping the railing so hard it began to crack. First the dark elf brothers' display of ancient power, then Titania's complete dominance of Pandemonium, and now they'd lost their lead – it was too much.
"Minerva," his voice rumbled dangerously. "This afternoon's battle portion... failure is not an option."
His daughter's eyes narrowed, a cruel smile playing at her lips. "Of course, Father."
In the Lamia Scale section, Ooba Babasaama was spinning in agitation. "Not good enough! Not good enough at all!" But her complaints were somewhat tempered by pride in Jura's second-place showing in the MPF challenge.
Roy watched the proceedings with thoughtful interest, his mind still processing everything he'd witnessed. "Fairy Tail truly is something else," he murmured, earning a knowing look from Lyon.
Blue Pegasus's members were huddled together, their usual sparkle somewhat dimmed. "Men... we need to step up our game," Ichiya declared, striking a pose that didn't quite hide his concern.
Mermaid Heel's Kagura sat in stoic silence, though her hand rested on Archenemy's hilt with slightly more tension than usual. The day's displays had made it clear – if they wanted to make their mark on these games, they would need to show something extraordinary.
But it was in the Fairy Tail sections where the energy was most palpable. Their members were practically glowing with pride and excitement. They'd reclaimed the lead, but more than that, they'd demonstrated why they were once considered Fiore's strongest guild.
"Nice work out there," Odyn said quietly to Erza as she finally rejoined their section, her wounds treated by the medical team.
She nodded in acknowledgment, a small smile playing at her lips. "The day isn't over yet. We still have the battle portion to come."
Makarov beamed at his children, tears of joy streaming down his face. Next to him, Mavis's ethereal form smiled serenely. "The fairy heart beats strong," she whispered, though only those bearing the guild mark could hear her.
In the stands, the crowd buzzed with excitement. The power dynamics they'd taken for granted were shifting before their eyes. Sabertooth's seven-year reign at the top suddenly seemed precarious, while Fairy Tail's resurrection was becoming more spectacular by the moment.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Chapati's voice cut through the murmurs. "We'll be taking a brief intermission before the battle portion of today's events! But stay tuned – if the morning's displays are anything to go by, we're in for an afternoon of incredible magical combat!"
The tension in the arena was palpable. Everyone could feel it – the third day of the Grand Magic Games was far from over, and more surprises surely awaited. The only question was: what other demonstrations of power would they witness before the sun set on Domus Flau?
The Afternoon's Promise
As the crowds settled back into their seats after the intermission, the anticipation in Domus Flau was electric. The morning's events had already reshaped expectations, and now all eyes turned to the massive lacrima screens as Chapati prepared to announce the afternoon's battles.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" his voice rang out across the arena. "It's time for the battle portion of Day Three! With Raven Tail's disqualification, we've adjusted our matchups accordingly. Today's battles will be crucial in determining which guild maintains momentum going into tomorrow's events!"
The first match flickered onto the screen:
"Opening our afternoon, we have Eve Tearm of Blue Pegasus versus Rufus Lore of Sabertooth!"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Rufus hadn't participated in the morning's events, which meant he would be fresh for battle. Eve, on the other hand, had already expended some magic in the MPF challenge.
The second match appeared:
"Following that, Mermaid Heel's Kagura Mikazuchi will face off against Fairy Tail B's Mirajane Strauss!"
A hush fell over the arena. Two of the most powerful female wizards in their respective guilds – this promised to be an incredible match. Mirajane's sweet smile didn't waver, while Kagura's expression remained impassive, though her hand tightened slightly on Archenemy's hilt.
The third match materialized:
"For our third battle, we'll see Fairy Tail A's Odyn versus Quatro Cerberus's War Cry!"
After the morning's demonstration of dark elf magic, all eyes turned to Odyn, who maintained his calm demeanor. The Quatro Cerberus section tried to put on a brave face, but War Cry had visibly paled.
The final match appeared:
"And concluding today's battles, Lamia Scale's Roy will face Sabertooth's Orga Nanagear!"
The tension in the arena spiked. After seeing both brothers' power in their exhibition match, this promised to be an explosive finale. Orga cracked his knuckles, lightning sparking between his fingers, while Roy merely nodded thoughtfully.
"What incredible matchups!" Chapati exclaimed. "Will Sabertooth maintain their dominance? Can Fairy Tail continue their momentum? Will we see more displays of ancient magic? The afternoon promises to be unforgettable!"
In the Fairy Tail section, Wendy watched Odyn with a mix of excitement and concern. She'd seen his power, but every battle brought its own risks. Across the arena, Chelia's attention was fixed on Roy, her heart racing at the thought of him facing one of Sabertooth's strongest.
Jiemma's voice carried from the Sabertooth section, though he spoke quietly enough that only his guild members could hear: "Rufus, Orga... show them what true strength means. Remind them why Sabertooth stands at the top."
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Domus Flau as the first competitors prepared to enter the arena. The morning had brought surprises and shifts in power – now it was time to see how the battles would further reshape the landscape of the Grand Magic Games.
A Silent Understanding
As the arena buzzed with anticipation for the afternoon battles, two minds connected across the distance separating Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale's sections. The dark elf brothers' telepathic link, a gift of their heritage, sparked to life with crystal clarity.
*"Roy,"* Odyn's mental voice carried a mix of amusement and steel. *"I trust you understand what needs to be done in your match?"*
A slight smile played across Roy's lips as he responded, *"You're worried I might hold back against Sabertooth's lightning god slayer?"*
*"Not worried,"* Odyn's mental tone carried a hint of elder brother authority. *"Just making sure you remember who you are. After this morning's exhibition, they need to understand that wasn't just for show. If you don't put the fear of the ancient powers into them..."* A pause, heavy with meaning. *"Well, I suppose I'll have to do it myself when we face them tomorrow."*
Roy's quiet chuckle drew curious glances from his guildmates, but he kept his response private. *"Don't worry, brother. I think it's time Sabertooth learned that their seven years of dominance were built on a foundation of sand. Though I have to admit, it's rare to see you this... invested in making a point."*
*"Let's just say I've seen enough of their arrogance,"* Odyn's mental voice hardened. *"They need to understand that true strength isn't about crushing others beneath your heel. Show them what real power looks like, little brother."*
*"Consider it done,"* Roy's response carried absolute certainty. *"Though I suspect War Cry might not thank you for what you're about to do to him either."*
*"He'll survive,"* Odyn's mental shrug was almost palpable. *"Probably."*
The telepathic link faded as both brothers turned their attention to the approaching battles. In the Fairy Tail section, Odyn's slight smirk made Wendy raise an eyebrow in curiosity. Across the arena, Roy's serene expression somehow made Orga more nervous than any battle cry could have.
The afternoon's battles were about to begin, and two dark elves had just quietly agreed to remind Fiore why their people were both respected and feared in ancient times.
First Blood
As Eve and Rufus made their way to the arena floor, Wendy gently tugged on Odyn's sleeve, curiosity evident in her brown eyes. "You had that look again," she said softly. "The one you get when you're using telepathy with Roy."
Odyn's stern expression softened as he looked down at the young Dragon Slayer. "You're becoming quite observant," he said with a warm smile. "Yes, I was having a brief chat with my brother about his upcoming match with Orga."
Below, the battle was beginning. Eve launched into his signature Snow Magic, attempting to catch Rufus off guard with a quick offensive. The Memory Make wizard simply stood there, a confident smirk playing across his face beneath his ornate mask.
"What did you tell him?" Wendy asked, genuinely interested while keeping one eye on the battle below. Eve's snow was beautiful, but everyone knew Rufus was just analyzing, memorizing, preparing his counter.
"I reminded him of who we are," Odyn explained, his orange eyes tracking the battle even as he spoke. "The dark elves were once both respected and feared throughout Fiore. While we don't seek to instill fear, Sabertooth needs to understand that their brand of dominance through intimidation is coming to an end."
"Memory Make: Burning Snow!" Rufus's voice rang out across the arena. Eve's own magic, twisted and enhanced, came rushing back at him with devastating effect. The Blue Pegasus mage barely managed to dodge.
"So you told Roy not to hold back?" Wendy's voice held a note of concern, though whether for Roy or Orga wasn't entirely clear.
Odyn's slight smirk returned. "Let's just say that by the end of today, Sabertooth will understand that their seven years at the top have left them... complacent." He gestured to the battle below. "Watch. This is what happens when you rely too heavily on past glory."
Eve was putting up a valiant fight, combining his Snow Magic with impressive tactical movements, but Rufus was systematically dismantling every strategy. "Memory Make: Karma of the Burning Land!" The arena floor erupted in flames, leaving Eve nowhere to run.
"That's why Roy and I showed our true power this morning," Odyn continued softly, watching Eve fall to Rufus's overwhelming combination of memorized magics. "It wasn't just an exhibition – it was a warning. One that Sabertooth seems to have failed to heed."
"Winner: Rufus Lore of Sabertooth!" Chapati announced as medical teams rushed to attend to Eve.
Wendy nodded thoughtfully, beginning to understand. "And your match against War Cry...?"
"Will be another demonstration," Odyn confirmed, his expression growing serious. "Though perhaps a bit more... direct than this morning's show."
In the Sabertooth section, Jiemma was nodding approvingly at Rufus's victory, seemingly recovered from the morning's shocks. His confidence, Odyn noted, was about to be sorely tested.
"The next match will begin shortly!" Chapati announced. "Kagura Mikazuchi versus Mirajane Strauss!"
Wendy felt a slight shiver run through her as she noticed the look in Odyn's eyes. The dark elf was watching Jiemma's restored confidence with the same expression a cat might give a mouse that thought it had found safe harbor.
The afternoon's battles were only beginning, and already the air was thick with promise of things to come.
Shadows of Doubt
As Mirajane and Kagura took their positions in the arena, Sting and Rogue sat tensely in the Sabertooth section, their conversation barely above a whisper.
"Did you feel that this morning?" Sting murmured, his eyes darting between the arena and the two dark elf brothers in their respective guild sections. "Their magic... it's not like anything we've encountered before."
Below, Mirajane transformed into her Satan Soul: Sitri form, the very air crackling with demonic energy. Kagura remained unsheathed, her gravity magic already beginning to pulse around her.
"It's more refined than Dragon Slayer magic," Rogue replied, his red eyes narrowed in concentration. "More... complete, somehow. And I get the feeling they were still holding back."
The battle erupted as Kagura and Mirajane clashed, their magic sending shockwaves through the arena. Kagura's gravity manipulation met Mirajane's demonic power in explosive bursts, neither woman willing to give ground.
"Orga doesn't stand a chance, does he?" Sting's question wasn't really a question at all. They'd watched the morning's exhibition match. They'd seen how the brothers moved, how they wielded power that seemed to bend reality itself.
"Strong Form!" Kagura's voice rang out as she increased the gravity around Mirajane, forcing the demon takeover mage to her knees. But Mira wasn't finished – her Sitri form's flames erupted outward, creating a pocket of superheated air that disrupted Kagura's magic.
Rogue shook his head slightly. "And War Cry... against the elder brother..." He left the thought unfinished. They both knew what was coming.
"Maybe we'll spot something," Sting suggested, though his voice lacked conviction. "Some weakness in their technique, or..."
"Evil Explosion!" Mirajane's attack lit up the arena, met by Kagura's perfectly timed dodge and counter-strike.
"You really believe that?" Rogue's tone was grim. "After what we saw this morning? These dark elves... they're not just powerful. They're experienced. Precise. The elder one especially – he moves like someone who's spent centuries perfecting his art."
The battle below reached its climax as Kagura and Mirajane engaged in a final explosive exchange. When the dust settled, both women were standing, breathing heavily, their magic nearly depleted. But Kagura's stance wavered first, and she fell to one knee.
"Winner: Mirajane Strauss of Fairy Tail B!" Chapati's announcement barely registered with the Twin Dragons.
"We should warn Orga," Sting started, but Rogue cut him off.
"Warn him about what? That he's about to face someone who can probably match Jura in raw power? That the magic these brothers use seems to ignore half the rules we thought we understood?" Rogue's fingers tightened on his armrest. "Besides, after this morning's display, if Orga doesn't already know he's in trouble..."
They fell silent as War Cry began making his way to the arena. Across the stadium, Odyn stood with fluid grace, his orange eyes briefly meeting theirs. The slight smile that crossed his face sent chills down both Dragon Slayers' spines.
"Watch closely," Rogue muttered. "Though I doubt we'll see anything that will help Orga later."
The Twin Dragons of Sabertooth, for the first time in seven years, felt something they'd almost forgotten: genuine uncertainty about the outcome of a battle. And as they watched Odyn descend to the arena floor, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to witness something that would shatter their guild's confidence even further.
To b continued in Chapter 11: GMG Day 3 part 2; Roy- the lightning blade unleashed!