The Flare Corona Dome served as the official Arena for the annual Grand Magic Games. Although the competition would not begin until the afternoon, spectators from all over had already packed every seat that morning.
As the start drew closer, waves of cheers swept through the enormous arena. Everyone shouted at the top of their lungs, cheering for the team they favored—
Meanwhile, in the waiting rooms where the teams gathered before their entrances, everyone was making their own preparations.
"It really is lively out there. We're so far away, yet we can still hear the cheering clearly." Having straightened her newly changed clothes, Erza looked toward the distant Flare Corona Dome in surprise.
"Looks like a lot of people came. No wonder they call it the continent's biggest event. The number of spectators coming to watch the Grand Magic Games really is incredible." Lucy looked equally amazed, clearly startled by the tremendous cheers outside.
"All right, never mind them. How are your new clothes?" Erza looked over the others. "Do they fit?"
Including Erza herself, Lucy, Natsu, and Gray had all changed into matching dark blue outfits with a distinctive design. Fairy Tail's emblem was embroidered over the left breast.
"But why do we have to wear these things, anyway?" Natsu was clearly still uncomfortable. He tugged at his clothes here and there, feeling that something was off.
"We don't have a choice. The master told us to wear the same style and color for our entrance. He said it would feel more like Fairy Tail." Erza spread her hands to show it had not been her idea. Then she crouched and gently pinched Angel's cheek. The little girl was sitting on a stool, playing with the fluffy white animal in her arms, and the touch made her giggle.