The spectators in the stands erupted completely.
"These rules are insane!"
"You can't determine the winner until the very last moment!"
"The captain's identity is hidden throughout, and there's almost no room for error. It's a huge test of tactics!"
Chapati Lola announced the final rule of the competition.
"In this event, there are no restrictions on team battles or individual battles!"
"You may advance in groups or split up for ambushes!"
"All tactics are yours to choose freely, Mages!"
"The ultimate showdown, filled with unknowns and variables, begins now!"
"Whoosh—boom!"
A brilliant red signal flare shot into the sky and exploded high overhead.
"Gong—!"
The long, muffled toll of a bronze gong rang throughout the flower city of Crocus.
"I declare the final battle of the Grand Magic Games officially underway!"
At Chapati Lola's command, competitors from every guild turned into blurs and scattered into the city's streets and alleys.
Every street and alley in the city instantly descended into a chaotic melee.
All the guilds quickly spread out, each employing their own tactics as they frantically fought for the initial points.
The five members of Sabertooth split up without even needing to communicate.
Extremely confident in their own strength, they adopted a solo roaming strategy, relying on individual combat power to pick off isolated opponents.
Lamia Scale proceeded steadily, dividing its team into several smaller groups that paired the strong with the weak and searched for opponents in different directions.
Blue Pegasus's Ichiya, Hibiki, and Ren moved together, their coordination flawless as they formed a defensive formation and swiftly weaved through the streets.
Nearly every team was pushing the battle forward with all their might.
Fairy Tail alone was behaving exceptionally strangely.
The camera on the Magic Crystal screen remained firmly fixed on Fairy Tail's five members.
Lu