Who Will Compete

With all eight teams assembled, the host Chapati's voice, amplified by magic, once again resounded throughout the arena.

"Alright, everyone, all eight teams that qualified through the qualifiers are now in position!"

"Then, the opening match of the first day of the Grand Magic Games — 'Hidden' —is about to begin!"

"Each team needs to send one player to participate in this competition! The specific competition rules will be announced after all players have been selected!"

Upon hearing this rule, Jiang Bai glanced at his teammates and lazily stretched.

"Since it's the first match, I'll go first and give everyone a good start."

"Sure!" Natsu had no objection; after all, the morning's battle wasn't his favorite part.

"It's up to you, Jiang Bai!"

"Go for it!" Erza gave Jiang Bai a thumbs up.

However, when Jiang Bai's name was announced from Fairy Tail Team A, the atmosphere on the field subtly changed in an instant.

Especially for established guilds like Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Quatro Cerberus, who had dealt with Fairy Tail seven years ago, all members wore solemn expressions.

Others may not understand what this name represents because of Jiang Bai's seven-year disappearance.

But these "old folks" know perfectly well that Jiang Bai is still the only one in the magic world who has completed 100-Year Quest alone multiple times—a living legend!

In the Mermaid Heel queue, a girl with pigtails looked left and right, completely bewildered as to why the atmosphere had suddenly become so tense.

Meanwhile, Kagura, the ace standing at the very front of the group, had her sharp eyes fixed intently on Jiang Bai and Erza.

Is that you?

Jiang Bai, Erza.

Kagura's heart was stirred.

Jiang Bai noticed Kagura's gaze, followed it, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"It's been a long time, Kagura. I'm relieved to see you're so healthy."

He paused, as if remembering something, and added a sentence.

Have you seen your brother?

"Kagura?" Erza was also somewhat surprised to hear this name.

"That's not..."

Upon realizing she had been recognized, Kagura's previously icy expression softened slightly.

"I've seen my brother."

She nodded slightly to Jiang Bai in response.

"I'm so glad you're all alright."

Immediately, a startling fighting spirit rekindled in her eyes as she stared directly at Jiang Bai.

"I've heard that you were once the strongest mage in the Kingdom of Fiore. This time, I want to see it for myself."

You're wrong.

A voice abruptly interrupted Kagura's words.

"Hmm?" Kagura's gaze shifted to the pink-haired man beside her.

Natsu puffed out his chest, transforming into the most loyal "Jiang Bai fan," and proudly announced loudly.

"Not 'in the past'!"

"Jiang Bai has always been the strongest!"

"You really dare to talk back to us, 'Sabertooth,' Natsu."

Not far away, Sting heard Natsu's boastful words and let out a disdainful sneer.

The sky cleared, the rain stopped, and Sting felt he was back to normal.

"It seems the contestants have already started to clash!" Chapati perfectly heated up the atmosphere.

"Then, each guild, please select your representatives for the first match!"

"Leave this one to me!" A man named Yego from the Quatro Cerberus Guild stepped forward.

His teammates behind him immediately struck wild poses and roared in unison.

"Then don't forget! Our spirit will always be... WILD FOUR!!"

"I'll go test the waters first," a girl Beth volunteered from the Mermaid Heel side.

"I grant permission." Kagura nodded.

At the Raven Tail, Ivan, wearing a mask to deliberately conceal his identity, gave the order in a hoarse voice.

"Nullpudding, you go!"

Because the tournament rules prohibited guild leaders from participating in person, Ivan came up with the idea of wearing a mask and impersonating an ordinary team member.

From the Blue Pegasus procession, Ivan of the Ichiya's Legion straightened his clothes and stepped out gracefully.

"I'll take the lead in this first match!"

Ren and Hibiki, who were behind him, immediately started teasing him.

"You've done a great job, Ivan. We'll help you win back in the later matches."

"Hey! I haven't even played yet, how can you talk like I've already lost?" Ivan protested, dissatisfied.

"It'll be soon," Hibiki shrugged.

"After all, your opponent is Jiang Bai."

In the team of Lamia Scale, Sherria, a pink-haired girl about the same age as Wendy, was somewhat eager to try.

"Since the theme of the competition is 'Hidden,' my small size might be an advantage! Let me go!"

"Let's forget about it."

A tall figure blocked her way; it was Toby.

Toby's face, which was covered in strange makeup and looked like a dog's, was now filled with seriousness.

He had personally witnessed Jiang Bai's strength, and although it was only the tip of the iceberg, it was enough for him to understand that Jiang Bai was someone that they could not possibly resist.

"Let me go first," Toby said in a deep voice.

"Don't let Sherria face such a monster."

Lyon and Ten Wizard Saints Jura, who were standing nearby, both nodded silently, clearly agreeing with Toby's decision.

Fairy Tail Team B.

"Since it's a 'competitive' event rather than a 'battle,' I'll go first," Wendy said, mustering her courage and volunteering.

Laxus had initially felt a surge of competitive intent when he saw Jiang Bai enter the arena.

But when he saw the look on Jiang Bai's face that said, "Anyone who stands in my way this time is going to be in big trouble," he decisively gave up.

Forget it, let's not compete with this unreasonable guy for first place. Let's wait for the later projects.

Finally, there's the much-anticipated Sabertooth.

"Is that man Jiang Bai, the legendary strongest man from seven years ago?" A frivolous-looking man in the group asked in a low voice.

"That's right," Sting said, his expression extremely serious.

"It is said that he even completed 100-Year Quest on his own."

"Hmph, who can really say for sure what happened seven years ago?"

A man wearing a strange hat and covering the upper half of his face with a cloth slowly walked out.

"The past will eventually be forgotten."

"Now, let me, Rufus of 'Memory-Make,' write a brand new legend for everyone."

"Alright! The participants for all eight teams have been selected!"

Chapati's voice was full of anticipation.

"The competition is finally about to begin! What kind of contest will 'Hidden' be? Mr. Yajima, do you have any favorites?"

In the commentary booth, former councilor Yajima picked up the microphone, his aged yet resonant voice echoing throughout the venue.

"My favorite is Jiang Bai from Fairy Tail Team A!"

As Makarov's longtime friend and a former high -Magic Council, he knew better than anyone just how terrifying Jiang Bai's strength was.

Destroying the entire Magic Council headquarters was a minor matter; what was truly terrifying was that man was unafraid of the Magic Council's ultimate weapon— Etherion —and had even made the most terrifying taboo in the magical world—the Black Dragon King of the Wings of Despair —want to flee in fear!

"Oh? And what about Miss Jenny? What's your choice?" Chapati then posed the question to another guest.

"Of course it's Ivan from our guild!" Jenny cheered for her comrade without hesitation.