A Small Test of Skill

This goat, as it ran to the huge boulder where the two were hiding, stumbled and fell heavily to the ground. It tried to get up quickly, but perhaps too panicked, it failed several times. Upon hearing Balkan's voice behind it, the goat seemed to foresee what was about to happen and let out a mournful wail. From Laxus's position, he could clearly see the deep helplessness and fear in the goat's eyes.

At that moment, Balkan was charging toward the goat like the wind. In that brief yet seemingly endless time, the goat's pitiful cries echoed in Laxus's ears. He clenched his fists tightly, his anger rising steadily. Finally, he could no longer suppress his impulse. He stood up abruptly, turned to Allen beside him, and shouted, "Big brother, I can't take it anymore! I absolutely cannot watch this goat die right in front of me!" Before his words faded, Laxus leaped without hesitation, jumping out from behind the massive rock.

Seeing this, Allen couldn't help but smile faintly, then followed suit and stepped out. In truth, from the moment Balkan appeared, Allen knew deep down that a fight was inevitable. Originally, his plan was to wait until the Balkans gathered ahead before launching a surprise attack. However, he hadn't expected Laxus to lose patience at the sight of the goat about to be killed, exposing their presence early. But since things had come to this, Allen didn't think it was a big deal. After all, with the strength the two of them currently possessed, dealing with this group of Balkans was a piece of cake.

These Balkans also noticed Allen and Laxus suddenly leaping out. They immediately opened their gaping maws and let out deafening warning roars at the uninvited guests. However, unlike the creatures the Balkans had encountered before, Allen and Laxus did not flee. Instead, they walked steadily, even speeding up, toward them.

The goat seemed to realize it had been saved. It immediately stopped panicking, quickly got to its feet, and without hesitation, bolted into the distance.

Seeing their prey escape like this, the Balkans were furious. Their eyes bulged as they roared incessantly at Allen and Laxus, as if venting all their rage.

Laxus had long harbored dissatisfaction with these ape-like monsters, and now he made no effort to hide his disgust.

On his fists, dazzling lightning radiance flickered, with powerful currents swirling and intertwining around his arms, emitting an intimidating wave of energy. In contrast, Allen did not display such flashy magical effects. He merely calmly summoned Gram, not even bothering to use Aegis, clearly considering these Balkans unworthy of his full effort.

"Big brother, let's go!" Laxus shouted, then struck decisively.

"Chain Lightning!"

A thick bolt of lightning roared from his hand, like a fierce thunder dragon, racing toward the Balkans at astonishing speed. After striking the lead Balkan, the lightning did not stop. Instead, it darted and weaved among the group like an agile silver serpent, leaving sparks and flashes everywhere it passed.

These Balkans hadn't expected the lightning Laxus summoned to be so powerful. Even with some resistance, they were jolted and howled in pain, their formation thrown into chaos. Seizing the opportunity, Laxus clenched his fists tightly and shot forward like an arrow from a bow. Naturally, Allen wouldn't let Laxus charge alone. He gripped Gram and followed closely, rushing into the midst of the disoriented Balkans.

The moment the two charged in together, the battle ended in an instant. The Balkans fell unconscious one by one amid cries of pain. Laxus wanted to finish them off, but Allen stopped him.

Just now, as the fight began, one Balkan had turned and fled. From its direction and hurried demeanor, it was almost certainly running to call for reinforcements.

Laxus swept his sharp gaze over the Balkans lying scattered and unconscious on the ground, completely defenseless. Then he turned to Allen and nodded slightly. "Big brother, let's chase!" With that, the two moved like the wind, darting after the fleeing Balkan like arrows from a bow.

Their speed was already fast, but just then, a series of Balkan roars came from ahead, one after another.

Allen immediately understood—these roars were signals the Balkans used to summon their companions. Nevertheless, they did not slow down. Instead, they sprinted even faster.

Before long, the two spotted a group of Balkans gathered at the entrance of a cave. A rough count put the number at over fifty.

This group of Balkans also noticed Allen and Laxus closing in. They glared angrily, baring their fangs and claws, and roared loudly at them, their deafening cries seeming to shake the entire valley.

Annoyed by the noise, Allen pressed a hand to one ear and turned to Laxus, who was also frowning. "These guys are way too noisy. Let's restore some peace to this world!" Before he finished, Laxus, already fired up from the thrilling chase, let out an excited shout and charged straight at the menacing Balkan horde like a wild bull.

Laxus's entire body was wrapped in lightning, while Allen had fully donned the Time Metal Armor, holding Gram. The two advanced like war gods toward the numerous Balkans.

In their eyes, whether facing one Balkan or fifty, the result was the same. The Balkans, terrified by the sight of their fallen comrades, fled into the cave, those untouched by the two's attacks scrambling away. The pair pursued relentlessly until the Balkans suddenly found their path blocked by a large stone. With no way out, they had no choice but to turn and face Allen and Laxus.

Seeing Allen and Laxus closing in, one Balkan suddenly knelt before them. With one taking the lead, the rest followed suit, all dropping to their knees.

Seeing the Balkans choose to beg for mercy, Laxus, who felt he hadn't had enough action, let out a dissatisfied snort.

Allen said to Laxus, "Laxus, I'll leave it to you to decide their fate."

Hearing Allen's words, Laxus, who had been caught up in his emotions, calmed down. After a moment of silence, he looked at the Balkans' eyes—no different from the goat's—and recalled what Allen often said: Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life; there's no need to create unnecessary slaughter. So he simply waved his hand toward the cave exit, signaling them to leave quickly.

Receiving the signal, the Balkans timidly shuffled out of the cave.

After the Balkans left, Laxus was about to head off as well, but Allen stopped him. Laxus looked puzzled. Allen stared at the stone blocking the path ahead and said, "This stone was created by magic. I want to know what's behind it."