A little earlier.
On the road to Cardia Cathedral, there was a secluded square that also served as a dueling arena.
While the girl group swept through every obstacle, Tuonuo Labizi, who usually had little presence, found inspiration in their actions.
At the same time, though, he was deeply troubled-forming a team was an approach that was hard to replicate among the men. After all, Fairy Tail's powerful male Wizards were all extremely individualistic.
Natsu, Gray, Elfman, and the like only cared about enjoying their own fights. Getting them to willingly share an opponent was almost impossible.
But if he sought out other, more pragmatic companions to team up with, their raw strength was somewhat mediocre. Even banding together, they would struggle to go far.
That was until Tuonuo happened to discover this arena with its special rule-[Magic cannot be used within the arena].
No magic? That meant everyone could only fight hand to hand and compete in physical combat. In that case, an advantage in numbers would be magnified without limit!
Using this as his foundation, Tuonuo successfully recruited seven other companions and officially formed their boy band!
They stationed themselves here and, for a time, proved unstoppable. Every contestant who passed through was easily sent packing by their numerical advantage.
Now, every member of the boy band wore an excited expression, anticipating the battle that would make their names.
"This arena is the foundation of our conquest! Today is the glorious moment we make our debut and win fame before everyone in town!"
"YEAHHH!!"
Until...
"Holy... holy shit! M-Mr. Gildarts!? Why's this guy taking this road too?!"
The boy band member on lookout duty spotted Gildarts approaching at the fork on the edge of the arena.
He scrambled toward his companions, shouting as he ran:
"Guys, get ready!