An astonishing suit of armor unlike anything they had ever seen covered Erza from head to toe, its sheer presence overwhelming everyone there.
[Pride] also gazed enviously at Erza's armor. It was the only set of Masquerade Armor her master had ever crafted by hand. She wanted a set too, but her master said she could transform herself and refused to make her one.
Hmph, Master really favored these foolish women far too much!
"I won't lose again."
Erza took a deep breath and launched her counterattack. The Crimson Armor sharpened her senses, allowing her to perceive Ikaruga's sword more clearly. It was the realm she had always wanted to reach but had yet to grasp.
Before, Erza had been unable to see a path forward and could only feel her way along. But now, a master swordswoman who had gone further down that path stood right before her. She would not let this opportunity slip away.
Erza was frantically "absorbing nutrients," each strike faster and stronger than the last. From Aibo's perspective, her skill experience would have been skyrocketing.
"Damn you, are you using me as a whetstone? Don't get too full of yourself, Titania!"
Ikaruga pulled back, preparing to unleash a powerful move. Suddenly, a beam of light shot past her from behind and slammed straight into Erza, sending her flying.
Jellal rose to his feet. He could no longer sit still.
"You look like you could use some help."
Erza stood up amid the rubble. She was unhurt, but her gaze toward Jellal now held contempt. Unfortunately, her mask hid it from him.
"Finally done playing your little game, Jellal?"
"Heh, I admit I underestimated you, Erza. You seem to... possess some magical weapons I know nothing about. But even so, you can't defeat me."
Just then,