(Heartfelt thanks to Kong Cheng_Du Zou, You're Quietly Watching Me Update, Long Lian Qingxue, Yakumo Maki, Lei Xiang, Kong Shui Yin Yue, and Qiao Naisheng for their tips!)
"Stop them!"
A group of lackeys were guarding the cave as well. Seeing Erza, Natsu, Gray, Lyon, Jura, and the others charge in, they were startled at first, then rushed forward with fierce expressions.
However, those lackeys simply could not stop the rampaging Dragon Slayer Mage.
"Didn't I tell you..."
Even more surging flames ignited around Natsu, illuminating his enraged face.
"To get out of my way?!"
With Natsu's furious roar, a mass of flame like a gigantic fireball rampaged through the cave, knocking every lackey in its path flying. Heavy impacts and agonized screams rang out as it continued charging deeper into the cave.
It had to be said that Natsu's reckless charge was more effective than any attack in the confined space of the cave.
Those lackeys were completely unable to stop such a violent Natsu. For a time, the entire cave seemed to have descended into utter chaos.
Erza, Gray, Lyon, Jura, and the others only needed to follow Natsu to make their way through without obstruction.
Before long, they finally rushed to the end of the cave.
Natsu abruptly stopped, twitching his nose before casting a sharp gaze ahead.
"So you came?"
At the far end ahead, two figures were leaning against the walls.
The one speaking was Cobra, whose entire body was wrapped by a huge purple python.
"I heard you coming ages ago. Luckily, that monster didn't come."
"Only the rich have ever been able to claim the final victory." Hoteye seemed relieved as well. Facing Natsu and the others, he spread his arms as though embracing the entire world and said intoxicatedly.
"It seems you