Yukino's tears surged even harder.
"But..."
"No buts."
Lu Chongwei gently pulled her behind him.
"I won't lose."
Erza stepped to his side, her voice steady.
"I believe in Chongwei."
Mirajane also walked forward, her smile gentle, yet carrying a firmness that put people at ease.
"We of Fairy Tail have never abandoned someone who needs help."
Natsu grinned, flames blazing around his fist.
"That's right! If we're fighting, then let's fight!"
The four of them stood shoulder to shoulder in the center of the hall.
In that instant, every member of Sabertooth felt a completely different kind of pressure.
It was not simple magic power.
It was the force of people standing together, refusing to retreat no matter what.
Jiemma's expression turned utterly dark.
Sting could no longer hold himself back and leaped down from the second-floor railing.
"Master, let me do it!"
White light surged over his body, and Dragon Slayer magic began to rise.
"I've wanted to fight this guy for a long time!"
But Jiemma raised a hand and stopped him.
"Stand down."
Sting froze.
"Master!"
Jiemma gave him a cold look.
"This is a provocation he has directed at me."
Sting clenched his teeth and could only stop.
Jiemma looked back at Lu Chongwei, a cruel smile appearing on his face.
"Very good."
"Brat from Fairy Tail, it seems you really think that after winning a few matches, you can climb over this old man's head."
He twisted his neck, his joints letting out a grating sound that made one's teeth ache.
"Since you want to die, this old man will personally grant your wish."
Natsu charged forward.
"I want to fight too!"
Lu Chongwei raised a hand and stopped him.
"Natsu, I'll take this one."
Natsu shouted in dissatisfaction, "Why? I'm angry too!"
Erza