Serena's body traced an arc through the air, blood splattering onto the ground in a shocking streak. He slammed heavily into the defensive Magic Circle Allen had set up, producing a dull impact. The Magic Circle flickered several times and absorbed the force, but Serena's body was still sent flying several meters before he finally collapsed helplessly onto the ground.
August stood among the group watching from the air, his brows drawing together slightly. He had originally held high hopes for Serena. After all, Serena was the foremost of Ishgar's West Heavenly Kings, a powerhouse known as the "Heavenly God." Yet the scene before him left August disappointed. Serena had been so utterly outmatched before Laxus that he had not even lasted a few exchanges. August shook his head, greatly lowering his opinion of Serena.
"So the so-called 'Heavenly God' is nothing special after all." August muttered under his breath, a hint of disdain in his voice.
Gildarts and the others were equally shocked. Serena's name was practically thunderous among Ishgar's high-level mages—almost no one was unfamiliar with it. They had originally thought this would be an evenly matched battle and had even prepared to step in if Laxus was defeated. Yet reality had far exceeded their expectations. Laxus had sent Serena flying with a single punch, completely shattering his defenses.
"This... How is this possible?" Gildarts' eyes widened as he stared incredulously at Serena lying on the ground. He had once held extremely high expectations for Serena's strength, but the scene before him made his entire worldview feel as though it had collapsed.
Allen stood to the side with a faint smile on his face. He had anticipated this scene long ago, so he was not particularly surprised. Seeing the shocked expressions of Gildarts and the others, Allen smiled