Laxus looked up at him, fell silent for a moment, then slowly let out a breath.
"Yeah, I know."
Everyone's attention was quickly drawn back by the drums and gongs from the arena.
All eyes once again focused on the center of the battlefield.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The final match of the third day of the Grand Magic Games is about to begin!"
Commentator Jabba's passionate, booming voice rang throughout the arena.
"This is today's grand finale! Fairy Tail Team A versus Lamia Scale!"
"Representing Fairy Tail Team A—Wendy Marvell!"
"Representing Lamia Scale—Sherria Brandi!"
The Magic Crystal screen displayed portraits of the two girls, and the entire arena instantly erupted.
"It's actually a match between two young girls!"
"They're about the same age, and they're both so tiny! They're way too cute!"
Commentator Jabba was bursting with excitement as he shouted loudly.
"This is an extremely rare showdown between girls, an absolute visual spectacle!"
"Viewers everywhere, please look forward to this wonderful match!"
Cheers rose wave after wave, and the tense atmosphere in the arena instantly turned relaxed and cheerful.
Inside the contestants' tunnel, Wendy took a deep breath and tightly clenched the hem of her skirt.
She kept encouraging herself in her heart.
Wendy, don't be nervous. For everyone's sake, you have to do your best!
She hurried out of the tunnel, her gaze fixed on the arena ahead, too distracted to watch where she was stepping.
A smooth little pebble lay quietly on the steps at the tunnel exit.
Wendy stepped on it.
"Ah!"
Her foot suddenly slipped, and she instantly lost her balance.
With a splat, she fell flat onto the hard stone floor, sprawled out like a starfish.
"Ow..."
Wendy rubbed her reddened forehead, her eyes glistening with tears as she hurriedly tried to get up.