In the Fairy Tail stands, Erza's gaze landed directly on the sword in Kagura's hand.
Her brows drew together slightly.
Lucy noticed her reaction and asked, "Erza, what's wrong?"
Erza did not answer right away.
She stared at the bandage-wrapped sword, her voice lower than usual.
"That sword is not ordinary."
Gray looked over as well. "The sword?"
"Yes." Erza nodded. "That is no ordinary weapon. There is a heavy grudge on that sword, its nature close to a cursed blade. Once the wielder's mind becomes unstable, it will be very easy for the sword to devour them instead."
Wendy jumped in fright. "Devoured by the sword?"
"Not devoured in the physical sense," Erza said in a low voice. "The mind. Hatred, killing intent, obsession—everything will be magnified. If an ordinary Mage held that kind of sword, forget fighting; they might not even be able to stand steady."
Lucy felt a chill run down her back.
"But Kagura looks very calm."
Lu Chongwei stood before the railing, his gaze also resting on Kagura.
"That is why she is strong."
Mirajane looked at him.
Lu Chongwei continued, "To be able to suppress that kind of resentment so steadily means both her will and her fundamentals are extremely solid. In her hands, that sword is not a disaster. It is a tamed beast."
Erza nodded.
"Exactly. If Yukino treats her as an ordinary opponent, she will suffer a huge loss in this match."
At the center of the arena.
The referee raised his arm.
"The final match of the second day: Kagura Mikazuchi versus Yukino Aguria!"
"Begin!"
As his voice fell, Yukino did not immediately summon a Celestial Spirit.
She raised her head and looked at Kagura, her tone still polite.
"Miss Kagura, before we officially cross hands, I have a proposal."