"Cough, cough... I'm not mistaken, and I'm not joking. Gray was the one who caused Ultear's mother's death, making Ultear suffer the agony of losing her mother. And that True God of Death—" Meredy shakily climbed out of the standing water, ignoring her soaking clothes. Her face was icy as she roared with hatred, "He nearly killed Ultear herself! He's the reason she's been living in the shadow of fear all this time—"
"You..." Three enormous blue-green magic circles appeared to her left, right, and above her. Gritting her teeth, Meredy growled each word with bitter hatred. "Tell me, shouldn't I kill them both?! Then grind their bones to dust and scatter their ashes?! Shouldn't I?!"
As soon as she finished, dozens more translucent Sensory Blades shot toward Erza and Juvia—
"Water Flow Impact!"
With a sharp cry, the standing water surged more than a dozen feet upward, sweeping away every incoming Sensory Blade at once!
"Leave this to me, Erza!"
"Juvia, you..." Erza stared in astonishment at the drenched Juvia standing in front of her.
"I'll defend Lord Gray's honor here! Please forgive my selfishness, Erza..." Powerful magic rippled around Juvia as she spoke with determination. "Besides, you should hurry and help the others! These enemies are no ordinary opponents. Grimoire Heart is one of the three pillars of the Balam Alliance, the greatest power in the Dark Realm, and it's known as the strongest Dark Guild. That's no joke! With your strength, you should be helping the others who need you more! That way, we can avoid as many unnecessary losses as possible!"
"Don't worry about me. I can handle this alone. And as for the honor you want to defend, Erza—the honor of your brother, Lord Achill!" Juvia crossed her hands before her, magic surging around her