Chapter 56: Battle of Fairy Tail, The Beginning of the Duel (2)
Northwest of Shirotsume Village.
Headquarters of the Dark Guild, Ghoul Spirit.
"Uwaaaah!!"
"Kyaaaaah!!"
The wizards of Ghoul Spirit were helplessly overpowered by a sudden raid.
One after another, they collapsed, and even those in the rear who trembled in fear yet tried to rush forward were swiftly beaten down.
The reason they didn't retreat, despite the overwhelming difference in strength, was because their attackers were only a trio—a man and two women.
"These bastards—!!"
"Crush them!!"
But in less than ten minutes, Ghoul Spirit was annihilated.
Some were turned to stone, others sprawled across the floor—silent and motionless, breathing faintly as though dead.
Looking down at the defeated guild, the trio muttered complaints.
"To think such weaklings had the nerve to call themselves a guild."
"They're weak—that's why they couldn't become a legal guild."
"This isn't enough! My babies are unsatisfied, they're crying out for more!!"
Mocking the fallen wizards only briefly, the most composed of the three shifted the subject, trying to calm his companions.
"If that's the case, I know just the perfect thing."
"Ahh… you mean Laxus? It's finally happening?"
"I've been waiting for this moment! And so have my babies!!"
At their words, the stone-faced man led his teammates outside.
"It's been a while. Let's return… to Fairy Tail."
Thus, Laxus's personal guard, the Thunder God Tribe, resolved to support his plan and headed for Magnolia.
Meanwhile, in his residence in Magnolia, Laxus received the news of the Thunder God Tribe's return via a communication lacrima.
Seated comfortably on a sofa, he sipped his wine, his mood brimming with anticipation.
"The Thunder God Tribe returns. At last, the time has come… The fairies will devour each other. Old man… your era is over."
....
"Oh my, how hideous…"
"Unbelievable… mocking the dead like that?"
"What in the world is that supposed to be…?"
"Did the deceased have… questionable tastes in men…?"
"No way. He looks like family of the deceased—how could anyone do something so awful…"
In Oak Street, northeast Fiore, townsfolk whispered in shock at the sight of a strangely dressed man.
"You there, stop!"
"…"
"We've had reports from residents. You're carrying something… very suspicious…"
"…"
"Stay right there, we'll have to inspect that co—Wha?!"
Even Mystogan, who had endured the stares of the crowd, finally lost patience when soldiers began to pursue him. He used his Sleep Magic, knocking out the entire district before continuing his walk.
Behind him rolled a glass coffin on wheels, inside of which was an iron casket adorned with ornate golden engravings.
At a glance, it might have appeared to be a coffin being transported for a funeral.
But atop the glass lid was an inscription: "Master Bob's Top 100 Gravure Poses." Along with it, miniature statues posed in Master Bob's infamous gravure stances—an utterly grotesque spectacle that no one wanted to see.
Adding to the absurdity, the luxurious iron coffin within only made the bizarre display all the more disturbing.
Dragging this coffin, Mystogan had his face covered as always, but it was obvious to anyone that his head was bowed, shoulders trembling, his face surely red with humiliation.
"Kufufufu… Warrod… your hobbies are truly…"
"Couldn't you just drag this thing along with your Illusion Form instead of making me do this…? Never in my life have I felt such shame…"
Walking beside him in his phantasmal projection, Ciel chuckled endlessly at Mystogan's misery.
"A splendid item like this should be passed on to your disciple. That's a teacher's duty, after all."
"…Fine then. I'll watch. I'll be here when you step out of that coffin… and I'll laugh."
"That in itself would be amusing. Kufufufu…"
Exchanging sharp glares, Ciel and Mystogan left Oak Street together under the cover of night.
....
The day before the Harvest Festival.
Makarov went out with Mirajane to buy supplies for the festival.
Seeing the lively townsfolk and the elaborate pumpkin decorations adorning the streets, a soft smile crossed his face.
"The whole town's caught up in the Harvest spirit."
"Of course—it's because Fantasia is the grand parade that Fairy Tail proudly shows off to the entire continent."
"It'd be nice if Laxus participated, too."
"Enough talk about that brat."
Makarov didn't want to hear anything about Laxus.
He could understand that Laxus hadn't helped during the war with Phantom Lord—he must have had his reasons.
But upon returning, mocking his guildmates and showing contempt for his family left Makarov with only bitterness.
"I heard from Levy… Laxus is back in Magnolia."
"What?!"
At Mirajane's words, Makarov's eyes widened, and he fell into reflection.
He remembered his grandson when he was younger, a boy who once dreamed innocently of becoming a Fairy Tail wizard.
But now, that grandson was intoxicated with power and had gone astray.
Just like his own son—Laxus's father, Ivan—had once done.
Even as recently as three years ago, Laxus had been fiery with rivalry, like Natsu is now, but he had never looked down on his comrades.
After Ciel disappeared on the 10-Year Quest, Laxus had completely warped.
"When did you start to go so wrong… Laxus…"
Makarov muttered weakly to himself as he looked out at the red sunset.
....
"Oooh… ooooh… it's the festival…"
"Aye~!!"
"He still looks in terrible shape…"
The long-awaited Harvest Festival had finally arrived.
Looking at Natsu, still a mess, Lucy turned with a worried expression to Gray and Juvia beside her.
It had been quite some time since Natsu had been stuck in that state.
Not worrying would have been strange, but Gray just waved his hand casually and reassured her.
"Just leave him. He's been like that before. Judging by how he looks, he'll be back on his feet before the day's over."
"That aside, this really is amazing."
"R-really…?"
Relieved by Gray's words, Lucy looked at the enormous crowd lining the streets and felt her nerves spike.
She had never in her life seen so many people gathered together in one place for a festival—it was overwhelming, but meaningful.
"To think this many people live in this town…"
"Not just the town. People came from other villages too, just to see Fantasia."
"Ah~! The grand parade?! I wanna see it too~!!"
"Actually… you're one of the participants."
"Speaking of participating… it's almost time for the Miss Fairy Tail contest to begin~!! I'm going, so cheer for me!"
Remembering the contest, Lucy asked Gray and Juvia for their support before hurrying off toward the guild.
....
On the first day of the Harvest Festival, Fairy Tail was packed to the brim with tourists and Magnolia's residents alike.
In the middle of the bustling crowd, Max stood on stage, holding a hand-held amplifier-type lacrima, and announced the start of Miss Fairy Tail.
[Ladies and gentlemen of Magnolia, and visitors from neighboring towns~! Eh? I even hear there are people who came back from the afterlife just to see this event?!]
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"
[A dazzling showcase of Fairy beauty~! We now begin the Miss Fairy Tail Contest~!!]
With witty jokes that drew laughter from the crowd, Max's hosting kept the energy high as the first contestant emerged from the tent.
[Contestant No.1! The exotic beauty with a stomach of steel—Cana Alberona!!]
Cana stepped out first, showing off her trademark flashy Card Magic and then…
[Ohhh! The cards hid Cana's figure… and now she's in a swimsuit!!]
"500,000… I'll make it mine."
In the blink of an eye, she had changed into a swimsuit, flaunting her figure before the crowd. The Fairy Tail guild mark on her stomach gleamed more seductively than ever.
Watching from behind the curtain, Lucy felt a surge of panic.
"A swimsuit…?! That's cheating!"
"So that's an option, huh."
"Eh?! Erza, you're joining too?!"
"Heh… If it's a contest, I can't possibly sit out."
Appearing behind her, Erza's presence made Lucy feel her rent money slipping further and further away, her shoulders slumping in despair.
[Contestant No.2! She may be a fresh rookie, but her skills are S-Class! The rain-bringer herself—Juvia Lockser~!!]
The second contestant, Juvia, outshone even Cana, conjuring dazzling waves before changing into a swimsuit that captivated the audience.
The parade of beauty continued, and the spectators were entranced. But when top contender Mirajane transformed into Gajeel's face in a self-sabotaging display, Lucy's hope was rekindled.
Of course, that hope was dashed again when Erza appeared in a gothic lolita outfit that overwhelmed the stage.
After a long series of dazzling performances, it was finally Lucy's turn.
[Contestant No.7! Our guild's super rookie—her radiance guided by the Celestial Spirits… Lucy Hear—!!]
"Gyaaah! Don't say my surname!!"
Because Max had nearly blurted out her full name, Lucy was forced to step onstage without proper preparation, awkwardly giving a sheepish smile for her introduction.
"Ahaha… I-I'll do a cheer dance with the Celestial Spirits."
"What's that?"
"She's cute though."
The crowd's mildly positive reaction gave Lucy a little courage, and she called out for Virgo—
[Contestant No.8…]
"W-wait! I haven't even finished my talent act yet—!"
But before she could, the sudden announcement of the next contestant stirred the crowd. Lucy turned back, fuming, to see Max trembling and retreating as a woman in a light-green fairy-themed outfit unfurled her fan and struck a haughty pose.
"The true fairy… is me. True beauty… is me. Yes… it's all me. The winner is already decided—me, Evergreen~♥ And with that, this childish little contest is over~♥"
"Eeeeh?!!"
Stepping onto the stage was none other than Evergreen.
Her sudden appearance froze the expressions of everyone in the guild—Makarov, Gray, and the rest.
Amid the uneasy murmurs of the crowd, Lucy immediately lashed out at Evergreen.
"Don't ruin this for me! My whole livelihood's on the line!!"
"Lucy! Don't look into her eyes!!"
"Huh?"
"What's he babbling about? You little brat—"
"Eh?!"
Though Gray shouted the warning, Lucy instinctively met Evergreen's gaze—only to be petrified on the spot, unable even to scream.
Seeing this, Max quickly grabbed the loudspeaker, calling out to the crowd in panic.
[Emergency! Everyone, evacuate immediately!]
"Uwaaah!!"
"Eeeek!!"
"What do you think you're doing, Evergreen?! Are you trying to ruin the festival?!"
"A festival isn't complete without a little entertainment, don't you think?"
Flames devoured the tent, and from behind the fire, the audience saw a horrifying sight—every single contestant from the contest turned into stone, lined up neatly like grotesque decorations.
The guild members tensed, ready to rush the stage—when a voice cut through the chaos.
"Oi… Fairy Tail trash…"
"Laxus!!"
"Freed, Bickslow too?!"
[The Thunder God Tribe!! Laxus's personal guard!!]
Gasps of shock erupted as Laxus stepped onto the stage, his elite guard—the Thunder God Tribe—by his side, descending in a storm of lightning.
With Gildarts absent, Fairy Tail's current strongest wizard stood before them, flanked by his loyal followers, making his intentions clear.
"What's the meaning of this, Laxus?! We're in the middle of preparing for Fantasia! I won't forgive this nonsense. Restore everyone this instant!!"
"Fantasia's at night, isn't it? Heh… not sure how many of you will still be standing by then."
As soon as he finished speaking, a massive bolt of lightning descended from the ceiling, crashing down in front of Lucy.
Thankfully, it missed by a hair, scorching the ground beside her. Laxus grabbed her by the arm, relishing the way everyone glared at him with cold sweat dripping down their brows. He bared his true intent.
"Break the rules… and I'll smash you all one by one. Didn't I say? It's entertainment."
"There's a limit to what can be called a joke, Laxus."
"Oh, I'm dead serious."
As if in agreement, his personal guard—Freed and Bickslow—spoke up.
"Three years since Master recognized Ciel as Fairy Tail's strongest wizard, only for him to die… Isn't it about time we decide once and for all who truly stands at the top of Fairy Tail?"
"It's just a little game~!"
"The rules are simple: the last one standing is the winner. 『Battle of Fairy Tail』!!!!"
On the very first day of the Harvest Festival, a terrible threat fell upon Fairy Tail.
A cruel game where comrades would be forced to fight one another.
Thus began the "Battle of Fairy Tail."
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