Sting Eucliffe traversed the constructed town within the Grand Magic Games arena with growing apprehension. He cast his gaze upward at the scoreboard, noting that only four guilds remained in contention. Time was running short to close the substantial gap between Sabertooth and Dragon's Dawn.
The situation appeared increasingly dire for Sabertooth. With Orga, Rufus, and Minerva all defeated, Sting remained their sole representative in the competition. The current standings painted a bleak picture:
Dragon's Dawn: 69 points
Fairy Tail: 55 points
Lamia Scale: 45 points
Sabertooth: 38 points
Sting acknowledged the improbability of Sabertooth catching up to their competitors. Lamia Scale maintained a more favorable position with three wizards still active: Jura Neekis, Lyon Vastia, and Chelia Blendy.
As he continued his solitary path through the arena, Sting contemplated the formidable opponents he would need to overcome to have any chance at victory. From Fairy Tail, there was Gray Fullbuster, his fellow pupil under Ur; Laxus Dreyar, grandson of Fairy Tail's current Master; Gajeel Redfox, the Iron Dragon Slayer; Erza Scarlet, known as "Titania"; and Juvia Locksar, formerly of Phantom Lord.
However, the leading team, Dragon's Dawn, presented an entirely different caliber of challenge. Their roster included Honoo Tokyoheim, the Sea God Slayer; Mist Dragonblade, the Crimson Balrog Slayer who had defeated Rogue; Kazuma Ayakashi, the Reaper God Slayer who had interjected himself into the confrontation between Laxus and Jura; and most intimidating of all, Max Dragonblade, the Nova God Slayer-the most powerful member of Dragon's Dawn's five-person team.
"No matter how I look at it, I'm royally screwed here," Sting thought to himself. "Fairy Tail is one thing, but having to go against those guys in Dragon's Dawn, especially THAT GUY, is another thing entirely."
A chill traversed Sting's spine as he contemplated the prospect of facing any of Dragon's Dawn's wizards-easily among the most powerful magic users he had ever encountered. Their capabilities when fully engaged were something he preferred not to contemplate.
Suddenly, a voice ahead interrupted his anxious reflections. Looking up, Sting felt his blood freeze and the color drain from his face. A cold sweat formed on his brow as another chill raced down his spine.
Standing before him was none other than Koga, the Gold Balrog Slayer from Dragon's Dawn.
"Ah, so you're the White Dragon Slayer I've been hearing so much about," Koga said casually. "You're... Sting, right? Guess I lucked out running into you then, huh?"
Sting's internal panic escalated rapidly. "Oh, crap... Crap! Crap! Crap! Crap! Crap! WHY?! WHY'D IT HAVE TO BE ONE OF THEM OF ALL THE PEOPLE I COULD'VE RUN INTO?!"
The White Dragon Slayer now stood face-to-face with one of Dragon's Dawn's elite wizards, his slim hopes for Sabertooth's redemption hanging by an increasingly tenuous thread.
(Continued): Sting vs Koga - Sabertooth Eliminated Finale
What Sting didn't realize was that this was a new challenge for him, for standing before him was Koga Dragonblade, the Poison Balrog Slayer, and he was equally as powerful as any of the other members of his guild.
Sting's panicked thoughts gradually settled as his Dragon Slayer instincts took over. He studied his opponent more carefully now-noting the confident stance, the steady gaze, and the faint magical aura that seemed to pulse around Koga. This wasn't just any member of Dragon's Dawn; this was one of their elite Slayers.
"Koga Dragonblade," Sting said, his voice steadier than he expected. "The Poison Balrog Slayer. I've heard stories about your abilities."
Koga offered a slight smile, seemingly pleased that Sting recognized him. "And I've heard about yours, White Dragon. Your light-based attacks are quite impressive from what I've seen. Though I wonder how they'll fare against poison balrog magic."
A toxic purple glow began to emanate from Koga's hands, wisps of venomous energy curling around his fingers. Despite his guild's precarious position in the tournament, Sting felt a strange sense of excitement building within him. This was what the Grand Magic Games were truly about-testing one's abilities against the most powerful wizards from across the kingdom.
"I may be the last one standing for Sabertooth," Sting declared, his own white light beginning to shine around his clenched fists, "but I won't go down without giving everything I have. That's a promise."
Koga's eyes glinted with approval. "That's exactly what I was hoping to hear. Show me the pride of Sabertooth, White Dragon Slayer!"
The two wizards faced each other in the narrow street, their magical energies intensifying as they prepared for a clash that would likely determine the final fate of Sabertooth in the Grand Magic Games. Though outmatched in the tournament standings, Sting realized that personal victory in this encounter could still salvage his guild's reputation-and perhaps his own faith in his abilities after the losses they had suffered.
With a deep breath, Sting readied himself for what might be the most challenging battle of his magical career.
(Continued): Sting vs Koga - Sabertooth Eliminated Finale
The battle between the two slayers erupted with astonishing intensity. From the first exchange of blows, Sting learned firsthand why Dragon's Dawn wizards were so powerful and so feared throughout the magical world. Koga demonstrated techniques Sting had never witnessed before-movements and magical applications that resembled the legendary Rozan style familiar to the members of Athena's Sanctuary who observed the confrontation from the stands.
Pegasus Koga, Aquila Yuna, Dragon Ryuho, Lionet Soma, Orion Eden, and Scorpio Sonia watched with particular interest as their namesake fighting techniques manifested in Koga Dragonblade's combat style.
"White Dragon's Roar!" Sting unleashed his signature breath attack, a concentrated beam of holy light that tore through the air toward Koga.
With fluid grace that seemed almost choreographed, Koga sidestepped the blast, his body tracing an arc that the observing Saints immediately recognized as derived from the Pegasus constellation's flight path.
"Poison Balrog's Flowing Strike," Koga countered, his movement transforming into an offensive maneuver. His fists became wreathed in swirling purple energy that extended like phantom limbs, reminiscent of the hundred-armed attacks of Rozan combat teachings.
Sting barely managed to erect a defensive shield of white light, which cracked under the barrage of poisonous energy. Each impact sent vibrations through his magical defenses, threatening to shatter them completely.
"He's incorporated the fluidity of the Rozan Dragon techniques with the precision strikes of the Pegasus," Ryuho observed from the stands, his voice tinged with admiration. "It's as though he's studied with both our guilds."
Yuna nodded in agreement. "The way he transitions between defensive and offensive postures-it's reminiscent of our Sanctuary training, but adapted for Balrog Slayer magic."
Back in the arena, Sting found himself constantly on the defensive, struggling to find an opening in Koga's relentless assault. The poison energy that accompanied each strike wasn't just destructive-it seemed to linger in the air, gradually filling the battlefield with a toxic miasma that made breathing increasingly difficult.
"White Dragon's Holy Nova!" Sting called out in desperation, summoning a sphere of brilliant light that expanded outward in all directions. The purifying energy of his attack temporarily neutralized the poisonous atmosphere, giving him a moment's respite.
Koga skidded backward, raising an arm to shield his eyes from the intense light. His lips curved into an appreciative smile. "Impressive. You've managed to counter my Poison Field technique. Not many can purify balrog poison once it's saturated an area."
Sting struggled to catch his breath, sweat beading on his forehead. "Your fighting style... it's unlike any Slayer magic I've encountered. Those movements... they're not just random techniques."
"Perceptive," Koga acknowledged with a nod. "Dragon's Dawn has cultivated relationships with magical guilds beyond Fiore's borders. We've learned that true strength comes from synthesis-from understanding and incorporating diverse magical traditions rather than limiting ourselves to a single approach."
From the stands, Eden of Orion leaned forward with interest. "That's why their guild has progressed so rapidly. They're not bound by the conventional categorizations of magic that most Fiore guilds adhere to."
Soma of Lionet crossed his arms. "It's more than that. Look at his footwork-he's incorporating the celestial positioning techniques that are fundamental to our cosmos manipulation. He's not just mimicking our styles; he understands the underlying principles."
Sting, unaware of the technical analysis happening in the stands, summoned his remaining magical energy for what he knew might be his final stand in the Grand Magic Games. White scales began to materialize along his arms and face as he activated Dragon Force, his ultimate power.
"I won't go down without showing you everything I'm capable of," he declared, his voice resonating with newfound determination. "This is the pride of Sabertooth-Dragon Force!"
Koga's eyes widened with genuine respect. "Dragon Force, the ultimate state a Dragon Slayer can achieve. Now we'll see what the White Dragon is truly capable of."
As Sting's power reached its zenith, the battlefield illuminated with brilliant white light, signaling that the true test between these two exceptional slayers was only just beginning.
Chapter 10 (Continued): Sting vs Koga - Sabertooth Eliminated Finale
That's when Koga responded, showing off his own variation to the Dragon Force called Balrog Drive. His body became enveloped in a swirling vortex of venomous purple energy that condensed around him, forming scales and armor-like patterns reminiscent of the mythical Balrog creatures. The poisonous aura emanating from him intensified, creating visible currents of toxic power that twisted through the air.
"Balrog Drive," Koga announced, his voice resonating with newfound depth as his transformation completed. "This is the ultimate state a Balrog Slayer can achieve."
Without warning, Koga dove into a series of fluid, powerful motions that Ryuho instantly recognized from his position in the stands. His eyes widened in astonishment.
"That's the Rozan Rising Dragon Fist technique!" Ryuho exclaimed to his fellow Saints. "But he's adapted it for Balrog Slayer magic. The form is unmistakable—the circular gathering of energy, the upward spiraling motion—but instead of cosmos, he's channeling poison balrog energy through the pathways."
In the battlefield, Koga's movements became a mesmerizing display of controlled power. His hands traced intricate patterns in the air, gathering swirling vortices of poison energy that coalesced around his fists. With each circular motion, the energy grew more concentrated, more refined.
"Poison Balrog's Secret Art," Koga intoned, his eyes glowing with the same venomous purple as the energy he commanded. "Rozan Rising Toxic Dragon!"
He thrust forward with both hands, launching upward in a spiraling motion that carried him toward Sting. The poisonous energy formed the distinct shape of a dragon's head at the forefront of his attack, jaws open wide as it ascended toward the White Dragon Slayer.
Sting, despite his Dragon Force enhancement, found himself momentarily frozen by the sheer technical perfection of the approaching attack. He recognized that he was witnessing something extraordinary—a fusion of ancient martial techniques with modern Slayer magic that transcended conventional magical categories.
"White Dragon's Holy Judgment!" Sting countered desperately, summoning a concentrated blast of purifying light that collided with Koga's ascending toxic dragon.
The resulting explosion illuminated the entire arena, sending shockwaves through the constructed town that shattered windows and cracked stone walls. When the light and dust cleared, Sting was revealed on one knee, his Dragon Force flickering as he struggled to maintain the transformation. Across from him, Koga remained standing, his Balrog Drive still fully activated though visibly diminished in intensity.
"Impressive resistance," Koga acknowledged, genuine respect evident in his voice. "Your light-based purification nearly neutralized my poison. Few wizards could have withstood that technique directly."
From the stands, Scorpio Sonia observed with narrowed eyes. "The adaptation is remarkable. He's maintained the essence of the Rising Dragon Fist while fundamentally altering its elemental nature. This isn't mere imitation—it's true synthesis."
"The Dragon's Dawn guild must have spent considerable time studying with us," Aquila Yuna added. "They've grasped not just the external forms but the internal principles that make our techniques effective."
Back in the arena, Sting forced himself to stand, his breathing labored but his determination undiminished. "I'm not done yet," he declared, though the flicker in his Dragon Force suggested otherwise. "This fight isn't over until one of us can't continue."
Koga's expression softened slightly. "Your resolve honors your guild, White Dragon. But there's one more thing you should understand about Balrog Slayer magic that makes it particularly effective against other Slayers."
With deliberate slowness, Koga extended his hand, palm upward. The poisonous energy surrounding him began to concentrate above his palm, forming a swirling orb of toxic power.
"Balrogs are creatures of corruption," he explained, his voice calm but carrying throughout the arena. "Their magic doesn't just destroy—it transforms. And against Dragon Slayer magic specifically..."
The orb in his palm pulsed, sending out waves of energy that seemed to resonate with the Dragon Force aura surrounding Sting. To Sting's horror, he felt his scales beginning to flicker more rapidly, his power destabilizing from within.
"...it targets the very source of your power," Koga finished. "The dragon essence that you've internalized."
Sting felt his Dragon Force beginning to unravel, the scales retracting despite his concentrated effort to maintain them. The realization dawned on him that he was facing not just a powerful opponent but one whose magic was specifically effective against his own.
In the stands, Pegasus Koga leaned forward with interest. "So that's why Dragon's Dawn has been so successful against Dragon Slayers in the past. Their Balrog Slayer magic is a natural counter to dragon-derived powers."
The battle had reached its decisive moment, with Sting facing not just the challenge of Koga's immense power but the fundamental disadvantage posed by the very nature of their respective magics.
Chapter 10 (Continued): Sting vs Koga - Sabertooth Eliminated Finale
With Sting's Dragon Force being undone bit by bit, Sabertooth's members watched in shock from the stands as their last representative now had no defense against Koga's following attack. The White Dragon Slayer struggled to maintain his footing as his scales receded and the brilliant light surrounding him dimmed perceptibly.
"It's time to end this," Koga announced, his voice carrying across the arena with calm certainty. "You've fought admirably, but now I'll show you the true culmination of my training."
Koga shifted his stance, adopting a posture that combined elements of multiple fighting traditions. His right foot moved forward while his left remained rooted, creating a stable base. His arms moved in circular motions, gathering the poisonous energy that swirled around him into increasingly concentrated forms.
"Rozan Style: Poison Balrog Rising Hammer!"
The assembled Saints of Athena's Sanctuary immediately recognized the hybrid technique—a sophisticated combination of the Rising Dragon Fist's upward spiraling momentum with the devastating impact force of the Balrog Slayer's signature Destructive Hammer attack. The poisonous energy coalesced simultaneously into two distinct forms: a serpentine dragon that coiled around Koga's right arm and an enormous ethereal hammer that materialized above his left.
"He's combined two completely different attack principles," Ryuho observed with widened eyes. "The penetrating spiral force of the Rising Dragon with the crushing impact of the Hammer. The combination amplifies both effects rather than diluting them."
"The technical precision required for such a fusion is extraordinary," Eden added. "Most wizards attempting this would lose control of both magical formations."
Sting, recognizing the imminent danger but refusing to surrender, summoned the last vestiges of his magical power. White light flickered around his hands, inconsistent but determined.
"White Dragon's... Holy Ray!" he shouted, launching multiple beams of light toward the approaching Koga.
But the poisonous aura surrounding the Balrog Slayer simply absorbed and neutralized the light beams as he continued his advance. The dragon formation spiraled outward from his right arm, creating a corkscrew pathway through which the hammer from his left followed, building momentum and gathering more poisonous energy as it traveled.
The combination struck Sting with devastating precision—the spiraling dragon penetrated his magical defenses while the hammer delivered a crushing impact that sent shockwaves throughout his body. The arena floor beneath him cracked and cratered from the force of the blow, dust and debris exploding outward in a concussive wave.
When the dust settled, Sting lay motionless in the center of a sizeable crater, his magical aura completely extinguished. His consciousness faded as he heard the announcement echo throughout the arena:
"Sting Eucliffe of Sabertooth has been defeated! With this, Sabertooth has been eliminated from the Grand Magic Games!"
The scoreboard updated to reflect the final elimination of Sabertooth:
Dragon's Dawn: 79 points
Fairy Tail: 55 points
Lamia Scale: 45 points
From the Sabertooth section of the stands, Jiemma, the guild master, watched with a stony expression that barely contained his rage. Beside him, Minerva's face remained impassive, though her eyes betrayed a calculating assessment of what she had just witnessed.
In the Athena's Sanctuary section, the Saints exchanged knowing glances.
"Dragon's Dawn has successfully integrated elements of our Rozan techniques," Shiryu observed quietly. "But they've done more than simply copy them—they've transformed them by introducing entirely new magical principles."
"The adaptation shows deep understanding," Seiya agreed. "They've grasped that true mastery isn't about power alone but the harmonious application of seemingly disparate techniques."
Back in the arena, Koga approached the fallen Sting, respectfully kneeling beside him.
"You fought with honor and skill," he said softly. "Sabertooth should be proud to have a wizard of your caliber representing them."
Medical staff rushed onto the field to attend to Sting as Koga stepped away, his Balrog Drive gradually subsiding. He looked up toward the stands where his guild members watched, acknowledging their approving nods with a modest smile.
With Sabertooth eliminated, the Grand Magic Games had entered its final phase. Only three guilds remained in contention, with Dragon's Dawn holding a commanding lead. As Koga departed the battlefield, anticipation built for the confrontations still to come—battles that would determine not just the champion of the Games, but perhaps the future direction of magical development in Fiore.
Chapter 10 (Continued): Sting vs Koga - Sabertooth Eliminated Finale
Looking up to the stands, Koga smiled toward Wendy, the young Sky Dragon Slayer who had captured his heart—his girlfriend in all but name. At sixteen years old in this story, Wendy had matured into a confident young wizard whose healing abilities had become legendary among the guilds.
She couldn't help but feel her heart pound for this young man who had not only saved her during a previous crisis but had captured her heart as well. Their connection had started during a joint mission months earlier, when Koga had risked his life to protect her from a dark guild's ambush. Since then, they had grown increasingly close, though neither had formally acknowledged the depth of their relationship to others.
From her position in Fairy Tail's section, Wendy's admiration was evident in her expression—a mixture of pride, affection, and relief that he had emerged from the battle unscathed. Carla, her Exceed companion, noticed the exchange and gave a knowing smile, having long ago accepted that her protective instincts toward Wendy would need to accommodate the young Sky Dragon Slayer's growing feelings for the Poison Balrog Slayer.
Meanwhile, the elimination of Sabertooth had been more comprehensive than many spectators initially realized. While attention had been focused on Sting's defeat by Koga, Orga had simultaneously been crushed by Kazuma in the midst of his battle with Laxus and Jura. The Reaper God Slayer had demonstrated why Dragon's Dawn was so feared, dispatching the Lightning God Slayer with an efficiency that left even Jura momentarily stunned.
"And in a surprising development, it appears that Kazuma Ayakashi has eliminated Orga Nanagear while he was engaged with Laxus and Jura!" Chapati's excited voice announced to the crowd. "Dragon's Dawn continues to demonstrate their exceptional combat awareness and tactical precision!"
The scoreboard updated again to reflect the additional points:
Dragon's Dawn: 89 points
Fairy Tail: 55 points
Lamia Scale: 45 points
In the Dragon's Dawn section of the stands, the guild master nodded with approval as both Koga and Kazuma acknowledged the cheers of their teammates. The strategy was proceeding exactly as planned—systematic elimination of their strongest competitors while conserving the energy of their most powerful members for the final confrontations.
As medical teams attended to both Sting and Orga, removing them from the battlefield, Laxus and Jura exchanged wary glances, their own battle temporarily forgotten as they reassessed the threat posed by Dragon's Dawn. The swift elimination of Sabertooth had altered the dynamics of the competition, forcing the remaining guilds to consider whether traditional rivalries should be set aside in favor of a temporary alliance against the overwhelmingly dominant team.
Back in the Fairy Tail section, Makarov's brow furrowed in concern as he observed the developing situation. "Dragon's Dawn isn't just powerful," he murmured to Mavis's spectral form beside him, "they're methodical. Each move serves multiple purposes."
Mavis nodded, her tactical mind analyzing the patterns. "Their attacks aren't random. They're systematically removing threats in an order that maximizes their point accumulation while minimizing risk to their key members."
As the dust settled from the dual eliminations, tension built throughout the arena. With Sabertooth completely removed from contention, the final phase of the Grand Magic Games would now focus on the three-way competition between Dragon's Dawn, Fairy Tail, and Lamia Scale—with Dragon's Dawn holding a nearly insurmountable lead.
Koga cast one more glance toward Wendy before turning his attention back to the battlefield, knowing that their personal relationship would need to be set aside for the duration of the competition. As much as his heart belonged to the Sky Dragon Slayer, his duty now was to his guild. The path to victory was clear, and Dragon's Dawn would accept nothing less than total triumph in the Grand Magic Games.
Chapter 10 (Continued): Aftermath and Preparation - The Calm Before the Storm
The stadium buzzed with excited chatter as the reality of Sabertooth's complete elimination settled over the crowd. Once the dominant guild of Fiore, now they had been systematically dismantled by Dragon's Dawn's calculated strategy. In the Fairy Tail section, tension hung in the air like an approaching thunderstorm.
"This is unprecedented," Erza stated, her arms crossed as she analyzed the battlefield where Sting and Orga had fallen. "Sabertooth wasn't merely defeated—they were outmaneuvered at every turn."
Gray nodded, his expression grim. "Dragon's Dawn isn't just showing off power. They're displaying tactical precision that rivals even First Master's strategies."
Beside them, Lucy clutched her keys nervously. "The point gap is enormous. How are we supposed to overcome that kind of lead?"
Makarov, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke. "We've faced impossible odds before, and we've always found a way through with the power of our bonds." Despite his encouraging words, the concern in his eyes was evident to all who knew him well.
Mavis's ethereal form floated closer to the railing, her analytical mind racing. "Their strategy revolves around conservation of magical energy while maximizing point accumulation. Koga and Kazuma have shown impressive abilities, but they're clearly not Dragon Dawn's strongest members."
"You mean they've been holding back their true power?" Gajeel growled, his iron-studded brows knitting together.
"Precisely," Mavis confirmed. "They're saving their most powerful wizards for the final confrontation. Which means..." her voice trailed off as her eyes widened with realization.
"Which means what we've seen so far is only a fraction of their true capabilities," Levy finished, looking up from the notes she'd been taking throughout the competition.
Down on the arena floor, Laxus and Jura had resumed their battle, though both seemed more cautious now, aware that Kazuma was still nearby, watching and waiting for an opening. The Lightning Dragon Slayer's eyes occasionally darted toward the Dragon's Dawn members, his instincts warning him of the danger they represented.
In a private room beneath the arena, medical teams were attending to Sting's injuries while Rogue stood watch, his expression unreadable as always.
"I underestimated him," Sting admitted through gritted teeth as a healer applied a salve to his burns. "That Poison Balrog Slayer—he fights nothing like a traditional Dragon Slayer."
Rogue nodded. "Their entire guild defies conventional magic theory. Each of their Slayers exhibits abilities that shouldn't be possible according to what we know about Slayer magic."
"Have you noticed something else?" Minerva asked as she entered the room, her proud demeanor somewhat subdued after their guild's elimination. "Each time they attack, they seem to be collecting data on their opponents."
"Data?" Sting questioned.
"Yes. They're learning our magic, our strategies, our limits," she explained. "It's as if the entire competition has been an elaborate information-gathering exercise for them."
Rufus, who had been silently observing from the corner, finally spoke. "My memory has recorded something disturbing about their Guild Master. When their members achieve a victory, I've noticed a faint magical connection between them and the Master. It's almost as if..."
"As if what?" Rogue prompted when Rufus hesitated.
"As if he's analyzing the magical signatures of each guild through their battles," Rufus concluded. "But the purpose remains unclear."
The Sabertooth members exchanged concerned glances, the implications hanging heavily in the air.
Back in Fairy Tail's section, Wendy couldn't help but watch Koga as he regrouped with his guildmates. Her feelings for him created a complicated mixture of emotions—pride in his abilities, concern for his safety, and anxiety about the inevitable confrontation between their guilds.
"You're worried about him," Carla observed, her tone gentler than usual.
Wendy nodded. "I know where my loyalty lies, but..."
"The heart doesn't always align perfectly with guild marks," the Exceed finished for her. "Just remember what's at stake here. There's something unusual about Dragon's Dawn, but I'm not certain it's malevolence I sense."
"What do you mean?"
"I've been having visions," Carla admitted, her voice lowering. "Fragmented glimpses of shadows rising from beneath the earth, and Dragon's Dawn standing as a barrier between those shadows and the guilds of Fiore. Their Master—there's something ancient about his magical signature, but also... purposeful."
Before Wendy could inquire further, Natsu burst into their conversation, his characteristic energy seemingly undimmed by the daunting odds they faced.
"We need to gather everyone," he declared. "I've got a plan."
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Natsu with a plan? Now I'm worried."
Despite her teasing, there was something in Natsu's expression that caught everyone's attention—a serious determination that appeared only in the direst circumstances.
Within minutes, the active members of Fairy Tail had gathered in a secluded area beneath the stands. Natsu stood at the center, uncharacteristically thoughtful.
"Dragon's Dawn isn't just another guild," he began. "Their scent is... wrong. Every Dragon Slayer here must have noticed it by now."
Gajeel and Wendy nodded in confirmation.
"They smell like dragons, but also something else—something ancient that I can't quite place," Wendy elaborated. "And Carla's been having visions that suggest they might be protecting something, or from something."
Natsu continued, "I think they're after something bigger than just winning the Grand Magic Games. They've been too calculated, too precise in their actions."
"So what's your plan?" Erza asked, getting straight to the point.
A fierce grin spread across Natsu's face. "We give them exactly what they don't expect—chaos. They've been studying all of us, learning our patterns and strategies. So we break those patterns."
"Unpredictability," Mavis whispered, a smile forming on her ethereal lips. "Of course. Their entire approach depends on being able to anticipate their opponents' actions."
"Natsu's right," Gray agreed, surprising everyone with his immediate support of his rival. "If they can't predict us, their careful planning falls apart."
"But how do we coordinate unpredictability?" Lucy questioned, seeing the paradox in the proposition.
Levy's eyes lit up. "I think I have an idea. What if we create a false pattern first? Make them think they've figured us out, then completely switch tactics at a critical moment?"
Makarov nodded approvingly. "A double feint. It could work, especially if we combine it with some of our more... unorthodox abilities."
As the discussion continued, strategies being formed and discarded in rapid succession, Mavis observed with growing pride. This was Fairy Tail at its best—facing impossible odds with creativity, determination, and the unbreakable bonds between guildmates.
On the other side of the arena, in Dragon's Dawn's private box, the Guild Master observed the ongoing battles with a solemn expression. His weathered hands traced ancient symbols etched into a worn stone tablet as he spoke to his assembled elite.
"Sabertooth has fallen, as expected. Their power levels and magical signatures have been thoroughly analyzed." His voice was soft yet carried an undercurrent of immense responsibility. "Now, we focus on Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale."
"Fairy Tail poses the greatest potential, Master Reynar," noted a tall woman with silver hair and eyes that shifted color like an aurora. "Their unpredictability and innate talent for adaptation could make them valuable allies when the time comes."
"True, Lyra," Master Reynar acknowledged. "But potential must be tested. The coming darkness will not be merciful, and neither can our assessment be."
Kazuma, having returned from his victory over Orga, knelt before the Master. "The Lightning God Slayer's energy signature has been analyzed, Master. His magic contains elements that might be effective against lower-tier Sylverant forces, but would be insufficient against their Archknights."
The Master placed his hand on Kazuma's head, and for a brief moment, a faint glow passed between them as the information was transferred. "Excellent. Add it to our archives."
A crystal orb on a nearby pedestal pulsed with multicolored light as it absorbed the magical signature data. Along the walls of the private chamber, maps of Fiore were marked with faint red symbols at specific locations—places where the barrier between the mortal world and the demon realm had grown dangerously thin.
Koga, standing near the back, found his thoughts momentarily drifting to Wendy. He quickly refocused, knowing that while his feelings were genuine, his duty to Dragon's Dawn's mission was paramount.
"You seem distracted, Poison Balrog," observed a dark-haired man whose skin occasionally rippled with scales. "Is the Sky Maiden clouding your judgment?"
"Not at all, Viper," Koga responded firmly. "My commitment to our cause remains absolute."
Reynar's eyes, ancient and knowing, fixed on Koga. "Personal connections are not forbidden, Koga. In fact, they may become essential in the days to come."
"How so, Master?" Koga inquired, surprised by the response.
"The Sylverant Empire grows stronger with each passing day. Their emperor—the vessel of the Demon King Mephisto—seeks to break through the dimensional barriers that have contained their realm for centuries." Reynar gestured to a dark portion of the map where several red markers were clustered. "When that day comes, Dragon's Dawn alone will not be sufficient to stand against them. We will need allies."
A silver-haired young man stepped forward, his eyes constantly shifting between normal human appearance and draconic slits. "Then why not simply tell the guilds of our purpose? Why this elaborate testing ground?"
"Because knowledge without strength is dangerous, Seiran," Reynar replied. "If we reveal the threat of the Sylverant Empire and the imminent demon invasion before identifying which guilds have the power to stand against them, we risk causing panic and disunity. Moreover, some might attempt to harness demonic power for themselves, as dark guilds have done throughout history."
"So the Grand Magic Games serve as our assessment grounds," Lyra concluded.
"Precisely. We must identify which guilds possess not only the magical strength but also the moral fortitude and tactical flexibility to join our cause." Reynar turned back to Koga. "Your connection with the Sky Dragon Slayer may indeed become a bridge between our guild and Fairy Tail, when the time is right for alliances to be forged."
Koga nodded, a weight lifting from his shoulders. "I understand, Master."
"Prepare yourselves," Reynar commanded, setting down the ancient tablet. "The next phase begins shortly. Fairy Tail will attempt something desperate—they always do when cornered. We must assess not just their power, but their innovation in the face of adversity."
As his guildmates nodded in acknowledgment, Koga found himself hoping that the true purpose of Dragon's Dawn would be revealed soon. The burden of secrecy weighed heavily on all of them, especially as they were forced to appear as antagonists in a competition that was, in reality, a crucial selection process for the coming war against the Sylverant Empire and its demonic legions.
Back on the battlefield, Laxus and Jura continued their epic duel, both wizards showing signs of fatigue but neither willing to concede. The crowd roared with each exchange of devastating magic, lightning and earth colliding in spectacular displays of power.
In the announcing booth, Chapati's voice was growing hoarse from excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, as Sabertooth has been completely eliminated, we're entering the final phase of today's competition! The remaining points up for grabs will determine whether Dragon's Dawn's lead can be overcome, or if they'll cement their dominance in their debut appearance at the Grand Magic Games!"
As if on cue, a massive gong sounded throughout the arena, signaling a change in the competition's structure.
"Attention, competitors and spectators!" Mato, the pumpkin-headed mascot, announced from the center of the arena. "With Sabertooth's elimination, we're initiating the Final Confrontation phase-kabo! All remaining guild members may now enter the battlefield simultaneously for a guild-versus-guild battle royale! Points will be awarded based on individual victories, with bonus multipliers for synchronized team attacks! The battle will continue until only one guild remains standing-kabo!"
A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd—this was an unprecedented format change in the history of the Grand Magic Games.
In Fairy Tail's section, Makarov's eyes narrowed. "This plays directly into Dragon Dawn's hands. They've been conserving magical energy precisely for this scenario."
"Then we adapt," Erza stated, already requipping into her Adamantine Armor. "Everyone, remember the strategy we discussed. Unpredictability within a framework of coordinated chaos."
Natsu pounded his fists together, flames erupting around him. "I'm all fired up! Let's show these newcomers what Fairy Tail is really made of!"
As Fairy Tail's team prepared to enter the battlefield, Wendy cast one last glance toward Koga, who was similarly preparing with his guildmates. Their eyes met briefly across the arena, a moment of connection amidst the impending chaos.
Carla, noticing the exchange, placed a paw on Wendy's arm. "Be careful, child. I sense there's more to Dragon's Dawn than meets the eye. They're hiding something, but I'm not convinced their intentions are malevolent."
Wendy nodded, her expression resolving into determination. "I know where I stand, Carla. Fairy Tail is my family." After a pause, she added softly, "But I also feel that Koga is keeping something from me—something important that goes beyond this competition."
High above the arena, unnoticed by the spectators and competitors alike, a faint ripple disturbed the air, like heat rising from sun-baked stone. For the briefest moment, the sky darkened as if a shadow had passed over the sun, though no clouds were visible. In Dragon Dawn's private chamber, the crystal orb flared with sudden intensity, causing several detection instruments to emit warning signals.
Master Reynar's expression grew grave. "They're testing the barriers again. The Sylverant Empire grows more aggressive in their attempts."
"Should we abort the competition?" Lyra asked, concern evident in her voice.
"No," Reynar decided after a moment's consideration. "We must complete our assessment. If the Grand Magic Games are interrupted, the Magic Council will investigate, potentially exposing information about the Sylverant threat before we're prepared to face it."
As the gates opened to allow all remaining competitors onto the field, the tension in the arena reached its peak. The final confrontation was about to begin—Fairy Tail versus Dragon's Dawn, with Lamia Scale as the potential wild card.
In this moment of anticipation, one thing became clear to the members of Dragon's Dawn, though they kept the knowledge to themselves: the Grand Magic Games had become more than a competition. It was now a crucial preparatory phase for a coming war that would determine the fate of Fiore and perhaps the entire world.
Meanwhile, beneath the arena, in forgotten catacombs that predated the Domus Flau itself, ancient runes carved into the stone walls began to glow with an ominous crimson light. The dimensional barriers were thinning, and soon, the true purpose of Dragon's Dawn would need to be revealed.
(Continued): The Dragonblade Connection - Past Ties and Present Challenges
As Fairy Tail's strategic session continued, Makarov's expression suddenly grew more serious. He raised a hand, silencing the ongoing tactical discussions.
"There's another layer of complexity we haven't addressed," the guild master said, his voice heavy with the weight of history. "The Dragonblade siblings—Max, Mist, and Koga—they're not just powerful opponents. They have a connection to Fairy Tail that complicates matters significantly."
The revelation brought a hush over the gathered wizards.
"What do you mean, Master?" Lucy asked, voicing the confusion evident on many faces.
Makarov exchanged a glance with Mavis before continuing. "Their father, Derek Dragonblade, was once a member of Fairy Tail."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group. Natsu's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Why haven't we ever heard of him?" Erza questioned, her analytical mind already considering the implications.
"It was before most of your time," Makarov explained. "Derek was an exceptional wind mage who served with distinction in our guild for nearly a decade. He left after falling in love with Katsura, a powerful Arcane Slayer from the Eastern Continent, to start a family."
Levy looked up from her notes, brow furrowed. "That means the Dragonblade siblings would have grown up hearing stories about Fairy Tail. They might know our guild's philosophy, our tactics, even our history better than most current members."
"Precisely," Makarov nodded gravely. "And that brings us to our greatest challenge: Max Dragonblade's tactical mind."
Mavis's ethereal form seemed to dim slightly as she considered this new information. "If Max has inherited his father's analytical abilities along with his mother's Slayer instincts, then he's likely already anticipated our desperation. He'll expect us to attempt something unconventional."
"So even our plan to be unpredictable is... predictable?" Gray asked, the irony not lost on anyone.
"It's worse than that," Laxus interjected. "If they've been studying us throughout the Games while concealing their own capabilities, Max has likely developed contingencies for any strategy we might employ—conventional or otherwise."
The realization settled over the group like a heavy cloak. Their carefully crafted plan of magical unpredictability suddenly seemed inadequate against an opponent who might already be several steps ahead of them.
Wendy, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. "There's something else." All eyes turned to her as she continued, her voice soft but steady. "Koga has mentioned his family to me during our time together. He holds deep respect for his Fairy Tail heritage through his father. It's... complicated his feelings about this competition."
"And yours as well, I imagine," Carla observed gently.
Wendy nodded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "My feelings for Koga make it difficult to face him as an opponent, but there's more to it. From what he's told me, the Dragonblade siblings weren't raised to view Fairy Tail as enemies. There's something else driving their participation in the Games."
"The third sibling—Mist—what do we know about her?" Erza asked, returning to tactical considerations.
"Very little," Levy admitted, reviewing her notes. "She hasn't participated in any of the events so far. All we know is that she's referred to as the Crimson or Aura Balrog Slayer, but her capabilities remain a mystery."
"A deliberate strategic reserve," Mavis concluded. "They've been keeping her abilities completely hidden, likely for this final confrontation."
Natsu pounded his fist into his palm, flames briefly erupting around his hand. "So what? We've faced plenty of unknown enemies before!"
"This is different, Natsu," Erza countered. "We're not just facing unknown enemies; we're facing enemies who know us intimately while concealing their own capabilities. The Dragonblade connection to Fairy Tail gives them an unprecedented advantage."
Gajeel crossed his arms, his expression darkening. "So what's the play, then? If they can anticipate our conventional strategies and our unconventional ones too, what's left?"
A heavy silence fell over the group as they grappled with the seemingly impossible tactical challenge before them. How does one surprise an opponent who anticipates surprise itself?
It was Makarov who finally broke the silence, a slow smile spreading beneath his mustache. "When faced with an opponent who knows you too well, there is only one viable strategy."
"And that is?" Lucy prompted.
"Honesty," Makarov stated simply. "We approach them directly, openly, without pretense or hidden agenda."
Disbelieving looks were exchanged among the Fairy Tail members.
"Master, with all due respect," Erza began, "revealing our intentions would put us at an even greater disadvantage."
"Would it?" Makarov challenged. "Or would it force them to reveal their own true purpose? Remember, if the Dragonblade siblings were raised with stories of Fairy Tail, they were raised with our values—our belief in facing challenges head-on, in the power of bonds, in fighting for what's right."
Mavis's eyes widened as she grasped Makarov's intention. "It's brilliant! If they've been assessing us all this time, let's give them something truly meaningful to assess—our authentic selves, without strategic pretense."
"But that doesn't solve our combat disadvantage," Laxus pointed out pragmatically.
"Doesn't it?" Mavis countered. "Think about it—if they're expecting us to be clever and evasive, the most unexpected thing we could do is be straightforward and direct."
Understanding began to dawn on the gathered mages as Makarov elaborated, "We've been assuming that Dragon's Dawn is our enemy because of the format of the Games, but what if their true purpose lies elsewhere? What if this entire competition has been about something beyond mere victory or defeat?"
Wendy's thoughts drifted to her conversations with Koga—the unspoken hesitation in his voice when discussing the competition, the way he always seemed to be holding something back. "Koga once told me that his family values truth above all else," she offered. "It was one of his father's greatest lessons to them."
"Then we give them truth," Natsu declared, uncharacteristically thoughtful. "We go out there and fight as ourselves—no tricks, no special strategies, just Fairy Tail being Fairy Tail."
A spark of hope ignited among the guild members as they considered this approach. It wasn't a complex strategy or a clever tactical maneuver—it was simply being true to who they were.
"There's still the matter of their magical advantages," Erza cautioned, ever the pragmatist. "The God Slayer and Balrog Slayer magics are specifically designed to counter our abilities."
"Then we don't fight to win," Makarov stated, drawing shocked looks from his children. "We fight to understand."
"Master?" several voices questioned simultaneously.
"If Dragon's Dawn and the Dragonblade siblings have a purpose beyond victory in these Games—if they're assessing us for some greater reason—then our objective should be to discover that purpose, not necessarily to defeat them," Makarov explained.
Mavis nodded in agreement. "This changes our approach entirely. Instead of focusing on counterstrategies, we should be asking: why is a guild led by the son of a former Fairy Tail wizard so intent on testing us? What are they preparing for?"
"And how does it connect to Wendy's visions of shadows rising from beneath the earth?" Carla added, reminding them of her earlier revelations.
As this new perspective took hold, the tension that had gripped the Fairy Tail members began to transform into something else—curiosity, determination, and the sense that they were on the verge of uncovering something significant.
"So our strategy is... to not have a strategy?" Gray asked skeptically.
"Our strategy is to be Fairy Tail," Makarov corrected. "To fight with everything we have, not to defeat Dragon's Dawn, but to show them exactly who we are—our strengths, our weaknesses, our unwavering spirit."
"And through that," Mavis continued, "to discover what they're truly seeking from us."
As the announcement for all competitors to enter the arena echoed through the tunnels, Fairy Tail gathered in a circle, hands piled atop one another in their traditional pre-battle ritual.
"No matter what happens out there," Makarov said, looking at each of his beloved children, "remember who you are and what you stand for. If the Dragonblade siblings are testing us, let's give them something worth seeing."
"FOR FAIRY TAIL!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the tunnel as they prepared to face Dragon's Dawn not as strategic opponents, but as their authentic selves.
In Dragon Dawn's preparation chamber, Max Dragonblade paused in his final briefing, a slight smile touching his lips as the echoes of Fairy Tail's battle cry reached them faintly through the stone walls.
"They've figured it out," he said, glancing at his siblings. "At least partially."
Koga's expression remained conflicted, thoughts of Wendy clearly weighing on his mind. "Will this change our approach?"
"No," Max replied, the cosmic energy in his eyes swirling more intensely. "This is exactly what we needed to confirm. Father always said that Fairy Tail's greatest strength was their authenticity—their ability to be true to themselves even in the face of overwhelming odds."
Mist Dragonblade, who had remained in the shadows throughout the Games, finally stepped forward. Slender yet radiating quiet power, the middle Dragonblade sibling's eyes swirled with misty energy that seemed to bend light around her form.
"If they've abandoned strategic pretense, they'll be more vulnerable," she observed, her voice soft yet carrying an undertone of ancient power. "But also more revealing of their true potential."
"Precisely," Master Reynar affirmed, joining the conversation. "The Sylverant Empire's forces will show no mercy, employ no honor in battle. We need to know if Fairy Tail can maintain their spirit even against opponents who specifically counter their strengths."
Max turned to his siblings, his expression solemn. "Remember what Father taught us about Fairy Tail. They don't just fight with magic; they fight with their hearts. Our assessment must account for both."
Koga nodded, resolution replacing the conflict in his eyes. "And if they prove worthy?"
"Then we reveal everything," Reynar confirmed. "The threat of the Sylverant Empire, the weakening dimensional barriers, our true purpose in gathering data on the guilds of Fiore."
As they prepared to enter the arena, Max cast one more glance at the ancient tablet displaying the increasingly frequent energy spikes from beneath Crocus—evidence of the demonic forces attempting to breach the barrier between worlds.
"Time grows short," he murmured. "Let us hope Fairy Tail is indeed what Father always claimed them to be."
The Final Confrontation was about to begin—not merely as a contest between guilds, but as a crucial assessment that would determine whether Fairy Tail would become allies in the coming war against the Sylverant Empire and its demon king.
As both guilds emerged onto the arena floor from opposite sides, the crowd's roar reached deafening levels. The scoreboard displayed the current standings, with Dragon's Dawn's commanding lead seeming nearly insurmountable.
But for both guilds, the true stakes transcended points and rankings.
In the center of the arena, Max and Laxus found themselves face to face, both powerful slayers sizing each other up as the representatives of their respective guilds.
"You've figured out this isn't just about the Games," Max stated more than asked, his voice low enough that only Laxus could hear him over the crowd's cheers.
Laxus nodded slightly. "Your family has ties to Fairy Tail. This elaborate testing has a purpose beyond victory."
A ghost of a smile touched Max's lips. "My father spoke highly of Fairy Tail's perception."
"And we intend to live up to that perception," Laxus replied. "Whatever you're testing us for, you'll get our true measure today."
Around them, the other members of both guilds had spread out across the arena, creating the initial matchups that would soon erupt into magical combat. Koga and Wendy found themselves several yards apart, their eyes meeting briefly in a moment of wordless communication.
In the announcing booth, Chapati was beside himself with excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Final Confrontation is about to begin! Dragon's Dawn versus Fairy Tail, with Lamia Scale potentially playing the role of kingmaker! Who will emerge victorious in this unprecedented battle royale?"
As the countdown began, tension crackled through the air like lightning. For Fairy Tail, this was no longer about winning the Grand Magic Games—it was about proving themselves worthy of whatever greater purpose had brought the Dragonblade siblings into their orbit.
For Dragon's Dawn, it was the culmination of their assessment—the final test to determine if Fairy Tail possessed not just the magical power, but the spirit and adaptability necessary to stand against the coming darkness.
The gong sounded, signaling the start of the Final Confrontation.
And as magic erupted across the arena in brilliant displays of power, the true battle—the one for understanding and alliance against a common enemy—had only just begun.
To be continued in Chapter 11: Grand Magic Games Finale- Fairy Tail vs Dragon's Dawn part 1