Minerva murmured softly, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.
"Strength born of conviction? How unexpected. I would like to see just how far the potential of you Dragon Slayers can go."
Amid the ruins of the arena, Natsu withdrew the flames surrounding him.
He slowly walked over to Sting and Rogue, who lay on the ground.
The two struggled to raise their heads, their eyes brimming with humiliation and unwillingness.
Natsu looked at them both, his voice calm and composed.
"You should let go of the pride in your hearts and take a good look at how vast this world truly is."
Sting gritted his teeth and remained silent.
"Blindly indulging in your own strength will only blind you."
"Only by recognizing your own weakness can you have a real chance to become stronger."
This was the truth Gildarts had personally taught him back then.
When he had faced the despair of the Black Dragon Acnologia on Tenrou Island, Natsu had fully understood it.
Only by knowing fear and understanding one's own insignificance could one summon the fearless courage to protect their companions.
After saying this, Natsu did not linger. He turned and strode away.
Sting and Rogue remained where they were, deafening cheers ringing in their ears.
This glory should have belonged to them, but now it sounded nothing but piercing and humiliating.
Endless unwillingness and self-reproach completely filled their hearts.
As Third Generation Dragon Slayers, they had been taught by dragons and possessed Dragon Slayer Lacrima.
They had always been arrogant, claiming themselves invincible beneath the heavens.
Only after being utterly crushed by Natsu today did they finally realize that they had been nothing more than frogs at the bottom of a well.
Sting suddenly clenched his fist and slammed it viciously into the hard ground.
Bang!