(Sincere thanks to "Seven Sins Shattered," "Yan Ai Ai," "City of Kuiba," "Mikuni SQ," "HJAkeno," "This Guy Actually," "Deng Mao," "Our Lord," and "GS Chaoshi" for their rewards!)
The next morning, Noah immediately announced to the Fairy Tail members that Yukino would be taking Gajeel's place today.
As for Gajeel, he would remain at the inn to rest.
Gajeel was a thousand times unwilling, but in the end, he could not overcome everyone's objections. He could only lie on the bed with an unhappy expression, refusing to say another word, just like a sulking child.
Because of this, Erza also made a last-minute decision to have Natsu stay at the inn and rest, while Elfman would compete as Team A's substitute.
Naturally, Natsu fought desperately against it and made an even bigger fuss than Gajeel. In the end, Erza knocked him down with a single punch, silencing him completely.
Thus, the Fairy Tail wizards arrived at Flavius and, like yesterday, divided into a competitors' group and a spectators' group, entering the venue through separate passages.
Perhaps enemies were destined to cross paths, because Noah's group encountered their rivals of a sort again today.
"Hmm?"
The Saber Tooth group, having just entered the competitors-only passage, immediately stopped when they saw the Fairy Tail members. Their expressions became somewhat grim.
Sting, Rogue, Rufus, and Orga in particular sank into grim expressions when they saw Noah walking at the front, with even a trace of fear appearing in their eyes.
Under those circumstances, Noah noticed another person.
A young woman leading Sting, Rogue, Rufus, and Orga, clearly holding the leading position within the group, dressed in a rather flamboyant manner.
At the sight of her, Yukino cried out in surprise.
"Young Lady?"
"Yukino?" Minerva turned her gaze toward Yukino, a smile reminiscent of