The moment the words fell, everyone on Team B's faces darkened.
Lu Chongwei's eyes went cold, lightning surged around Laxus, Gajeel clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked, and the gentle smile on Mirajane's face instantly turned terrifyingly dangerous.
Hostility spiked to the limit in an instant.
"Raven Tail." Lu Chongwei stared coldly at the dark-horse team. "We'll remember this debt. On the field, we'll collect it back with interest."
Just then, the host's voice rang across the entire venue, pulling everyone's attention back.
"Next, let us welcome the first-place team from the preliminaries, the reigning champion guild year after year—Sabertooth!"
Boom!
The instant the finale team appeared, the whole venue erupted in unprecedented, feverish cheers.
The five members of Sabertooth entered proudly.
The Twin Dragons, Sting and Rogue, walked at the very front. The moment they entered, they locked onto the members of Fairy Tail.
Sting's gaze swept back and forth between Natsu and Lu Chongwei, and he smiled arrogantly.
"We finally meet, Fairy Tail. I'm really looking forward to fighting you Dragon Slayers."
Rogue, meanwhile, stared fixedly at Gajeel, his eyes cold and sharp.
All eight teams had assembled, and the atmosphere in the arena instantly became tense as drawn blades.
A holographic projection of Pumpkin Man appeared high in the air, and his crisp voice spread throughout the venue.
"Contestants, the rules for the five-day event will now be announced! Each day's events will be divided into two parts: a competition event and a battle event!"
"The rankings in the competition event will determine base points. First place receives ten points, second place eight points, decreasing in order! The battle events will consist of officially assigned matchups. The victor receives ten points, a draw gives each side five points, and the loser receives zero points!"
Pumpkin Man