Laxus laughed. "Ifrit, what do you think? Want to join this fun game?"
Everyone who heard that felt chills run down their spines, a wave of cold rising from the base of their backs to the backs of their heads, followed by sweat pouring from every pore like a waterfall.
So this was what Laxus had been planning!
It would indeed be difficult for the few of them to fight everyone in the guild.
Even if Erza had been turned to stone.
Natsu, Gray, and the others could still hold Laxus back while everyone else swarmed in. Though the Raijinshuu were formidable, they would definitely be taken down!
But if Ifrit joined them too...
Two S-Class mages, and they had even fought together before—against Phantom Lord's Guild Master.
That would be a huge problem!
"Ifrit!" Gray looked at Ifrit solemnly. "Now isn't the time for pranks!"
"Why isn't it?" Ifrit tilted his head with a wicked grin.
"Haha!" Laxus burst out laughing.
Ifrit looked at him and smiled. "Of course I'll join such an interesting game."
"Then let the game begin!"
Laxus erupted in a blinding flash of light.
The intense light was so harsh that no one could open their eyes.
When the light faded, Laxus, the Raijinshuu, and all the stone statues had vanished!
"Everyone, good luck."
Ifrit took off his hat and placed it over his chest. He stepped back, and his figure disappeared.
"Damn it!"
Natsu charged toward the guild doors, only to slam headfirst into an invisible wall.
"What's going on?"
Runic text appeared on the wall—
No entry or exit for those over eighty years old.
"Looks like it's a barrier meant to stop the Guild Master. But Natsu, why can't you pass through?" Gray asked in confusion.
"How should I know?" Natsu looked