Just as Erza and the others were locked in battle, three slender vines descended from the ancient tree, quietly creeping toward Yumaz and the other two, who sat on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs.
"Creak."
Hearing the sound behind him, Yumaz instinctively turned his head.
"This is..."
Following the vines, he saw a familiar face on the tree trunk behind him.
"Ah..."
Realizing his situation, Yumaz hurriedly swallowed the words that were about to leave his mouth.
"Hmm?!"
Though his movement was subtle, Kawaz beside him still caught it. At the same time, Yumaz realized he had been exposed.
"Shh!"
Seeing Yumaz purse his lips, Kawaz immediately fell silent.
"Whoosh, whoosh."
Feeling something continuously slide over his skin, the white Great Rooster instantly understood what the vice president's earlier words had meant.
"Hehe."
"Hehe."
After exchanging glances and smiles, the chicken-and-dog duo tacitly lowered their heads.
"Bang!"
"Slash!"
After steadying himself, Iron Block broke into a radiant smile.
"Hehe... To think I'd run into such an interesting punching bag. Coming here this time really wasn't a waste!"
"Hey, hey... The main reason we came here was to help them pass the S-Class exam! (the Blue-haired shorty protested from the edge of the cheering section, standing on tiptoe)"
"Levy, the most important thing right now is driving these guys back. As for everything else... cough, cough!"
Gently patting Lucy's back, the Blue-haired shorty pouted and muttered, "I know that, but... that Gajeel... hmph!!!"
"Alright, once this is over, we'll help you get even! (Lisanna)"
"Mm-hmm!"
"Hey, Gajeel, can't you focus a little?! (the Manly man who had been sent flying)"
"Haha... Here I come!"
"Iron Dragon Sword!"
"Hey, can't you give a warning before attacking?! (Fried hurriedly dodged the attack)"
"What a damn pitfall! (Bickslow)"
"Material