Shock

Magnolia.

A great many Fairy Tail wizards, led by Natsu, were streaming toward the outskirts. Natsu ran the fastest, and he could already vaguely make out Feng Ye and Gildarts on the distant open plains, as well as faintly sense Gildarts's surging magic power.

"Whoa! They've already started!"

"I'm fired up!"

Flames burst from Natsu's mouth as he ran, waving his fists. "Go, Gildarts! Beat that guy Feng Ye!"

"...Aye!"

The blue cat Happy sat on his shoulder and waved his paws in agreement.

Natsu was far closer to Gildarts than he was to Feng Ye. He often stayed at Gildarts's house and competed with him in magic, and they were almost always together. Naturally, he supported Gildarts more at this moment.

Of course, if there were people supporting Gildarts, there were also people supporting Feng Ye.

"Gildarts can't possibly defeat Feng Ye."

Gray, running beside Natsu, spoke with a flicker in his eyes. Feng Ye had once demonstrated Ice-Make magic before him, giving him tremendous inspiration. That was a considerable favor to Gray, and since Natsu supported Gildarts, Gray naturally stood on Feng Ye's side.

Hearing Gray's words, Natsu immediately glared at him.

"Gildarts is definitely going to win!"

"Idiot. Feng Ye is the strongest wizard."

Gray snorted.

Natsu swung a fist, flames pouring from his mouth. "You wanna fight, droopy eyes? Before they decide the winner, let's settle things between ourselves first!"

"Just what I wanted!"

Gray took off his shirt, cold air bursting from his palms.

Before the two could start fighting, however, the other Fairy Tail members rushing over all cried out in shock, drawing both of their gazes forward.

Then they saw it.

Gildarts moved!

After being forced back by Feng Ye's overwhelming magic power, Gildarts had not given up. He tore off his cloak,