Determination and Reasons

The concentrated magic formed a solid white beam of light that shot straight into the sky.

The lake water, which was originally converging towards the center, was transformed into droplets that could not fall under the influence of this magic.

Orange hair was whipped about by magical fluctuations, terrifying eyes turned crimson in the light, and a tattered cloak billowed high behind him.

At this moment, Gildarts was like a demon god descending to earth, exuding a terrifying aura as deep as an abyss, as majestic as a mountain, and as vast as the sea.

"What?!!"

Laxus's eyes widened, beads of cold sweat dripping down his face; he could hardly believe what he was seeing.

Only now did he realize just how vast the gap was between himself and a true powerhouse.

The terrifying pressure made the two feel as if they were sinking into a swamp, or as if they were carrying a mountain on their backs.

They felt as if they were in an abyss ten thousand meters below the surface of the ocean, where even the air seemed to stagnate, making it impossible to breathe.

"If you want to become S-Class Mage, then bring it on!"

After Gildarts finished speaking, he stood quietly watching the two of them.

But what he saw was different from what Makarov saw.

As the strongest representatives of the younger generation of Fairy Tail, Yuri and Laxus have been seen as geniuses by others since their debut.

They are young, sharp, and full of vigor, like a brand-new sword, cutting through all obstacles and shining with a light that everyone envies.

But don't forget that, besides sharpness, the most important criterion for judging a sword is its toughness.

If it is not resilient enough, then no matter how sharp it is, no matter how much it can cut through iron, it will be easily broken when it encounters setbacks, and it will never recover.

When faced with an opponent against whom there is no chance of victory, will you choose to grip your sword and charge forward bravely, or will you recognize your own weakness and return to your sheath?

Let me see your resolve!

A sense of gloom, oppression, suffocation, and pain lingered in the hearts of the two.

When people are extremely tired, they want to rest, but in reality, as soon as their spirit relaxes even slightly, they can't get up again.

Laxus understood this principle, so even though his whole body was trembling under this pressure, he kept telling himself that he must not give up.

He had to move forward; what he pursued, what he yearned for, was the glory of the strong.

He has worked so hard all this time to tell everyone that his name is not Makarov's grandson...

Instead, Laxus Dreyar!

Laxus gritted his teeth and trembled as he moved forward, even though he was drenched in sweat, his legs were shaking, and his vision was starting to blur, he kept moving forward.

Step by step, step by step... until one moment I suddenly lost my footing and my body tilted forward uncontrollably.

'Is it really over...? Am I just going to collapse here...?'

'Damn it... it hasn't happened yet...'

Laxus screamed inwardly, but no matter how unwilling he was, he couldn't change his fate of falling to the ground.

The ground drew ever closer to him, and the image of failure grew ever larger in his eyes.

Just as he closed his eyes, unwilling to accept reality, a hand suddenly reached out from the side and supported him.

Devil, ferocious claws gripped his limp shoulders, lifting his entire body.

Laxus turned his head to look at Yuri, whose condition wasn't much better than his own, and asked in confusion, "Why are you helping me?"

Yuri, panting, chuckled. "I just forgot to dodge."

Forget... and avoid it?

Suddenly, Laxus also started laughing.

For some reason, that smile, which used to seem quite irritating, was now incredibly infectious.

"Thanks..." Laxus replied weakly.

But even if they helped him up, what difference would it make? He was completely incapable of fighting. And they... would still lose.

Perhaps overwhelmed by the enormous disparity in strength, Laxus began to feel despair.

It's too early to say thank you now.

Having seemingly read Laxus's mind, Yuri reminded him, "Even if Fairy Tail mage is to fall, it's only after exhausting their last drop of magic power."

"But I... have no magic left at all," Laxus said bitterly.

Who said there isn't?

Yuri smiled and turned to look at him, revealing a set of white teeth. Suddenly, a purple lightning bolt gathered in his left hand. "This meal is on me."

Gildarts stood quietly, watching the two boys supporting each other.

Even though her legs were trembling, she still limped over to him.

There was no contempt or mockery in his eyes, only deep appreciation and satisfaction.

Why not admit defeat?

Gildarts, enveloped in a pillar of light, smirked and uttered a question.

"Hehe..." Laxus chuckled as he looked at Gildarts in front of him.

The closer they got, the greater the pressure they felt.

But for some reason, he no longer felt the same fear as before, nor did he fall into despair.

Although it was difficult, he still firmly stated, "If I give up, what's the point of all my previous efforts?"

"I can accept failure, but I will never give up halfway, especially since I am now carrying the expectations of others!"

"So even if it's not possible now, one day I will reach the peak you've reached, and then..."

"I'll defeat you!!"

The firm words spoke of the boy's determination.

Laxus's eyes remained unwavering as he uttered those words.

Gildarts nodded in satisfaction; he saw in Laxus the potential of a true powerhouse.

"And what about you?" His gaze then shifted to Yuri.

He still harbored a sense of expectation for the young man he had personally brought back to the guild eight years ago.

Yuri's background is not simple; this is a consensus among everyone in the guild, but no one knows the specific details better than him.

That's why Gildarts was curious about what kind of determination the other party had at this moment, and what reason they had for standing here so desperately.

My reason is simple.

Yuri, as always, flashed a smug grin, his Devil Bringer clenched into a fist, and he snarled, "Just to give you a good punch!"

In the name of an unacknowledged older brother, beat up an incompetent father.

"Is that so?"

Gildarts paused for a moment, then said, "Whatever the reason, I feel your determination."

"I will not blame those who dare to challenge opponents they cannot defeat, nor will I look down on those who sheathe their swords and admit defeat before the strong."

So whatever your final choice is...

"Come on, unleash your final blow!"