Originally, Sorano intended to continue walking farther out, toward a location closer to the edge of the Eastern Forest.
But after seeing the swimming pool filled with water, Lucy's eyes lit up instantly, and she decided to use this place as the battlefield.
"Wait, let's just fight here. It's only a spar anyway, no need to go so far."
Sorano stopped, glanced back at the pool behind Lucy, and let out a faint, dismissive smile.
"Fine. You're a newcomer, I'll follow your lead."
As she spoke, her fingers brushed across the refined pouch at her waist.
"Ready? I can let you take the first move."
"Don't underestimate me. I've been training seriously all this time."
Although her combat experience was limited, Lucy's response was firm and decisive.
The moment Sorano finished speaking, Lucy quickly swept her hand to her waist and pulled out a golden Celestial Spirit key.
"Open! Gate of Golden Bull, Taurus!"
A blue magic circle formed in front of Lucy, and from within it a bull-headed warrior carrying a massive double-edged battle axe suddenly leapt out, roaring as he landed.
"Moo! For the most perfect figure, Lucy-sama!"
"Eh, Lucy really is self-centered, making her spirit say something like that."
Meredy could not help but complain while watching Taurus's entrance line.
But Lucy heard her immediately and stomped her foot in frustration.
"That's not true! Taurus says that on his own! Right, Taurus?!"
Taurus turned toward Lucy and gave a firm thumbs-up.
"Correct! Although there are two other very well-shaped ladies here, in my eyes Lucy-sama's figure is absolutely the best!"
"…Idiot, I wasn't asking you!"
"Two?"
Meredy tilted her head.
Lucy clenched her teeth.
"Damn it, I'm not here to joke around! This is my chance to prove my strength!"
"Taurus, I'm counting on you. Her opponent is a very strong Celestial Mage. Take her down before she can summon her spirits!"
"Moo! As you command, Lucy-sama!"
Taurus gripped the battle axe on his back, bent his legs, and leapt high into the air.
"Sorry about this, graceful young lady!"
He swung the axe down with full force, using the momentum of his descent for a heavy strike.
Sorano, however, calmly drew another golden key from her waist.
"A Bull-type spirit focused on brute strength… then I'll just match it."
She skipped the incantation, drew the key in front of her, and opened the gate.
"Aries, block him."
"I understand, Sorano-sama."
A pink-haired spirit with small curved horns appeared instantly, releasing a mass of soft pink wool that wrapped around herself and Sorano like a barrier.
Taurus's heavy axe strike landed directly on what looked like a soft, defenseless wall.
But instead of breaking through, it felt like hitting cotton. The force was completely absorbed, and Taurus was bounced away together with his axe, tumbling awkwardly until he landed near Lucy's feet.
"Sorry, Taurus. I can't allow you to hurt Sorano-sama."
"Moo! This is bad, it's Aries. Lucy-sama, my horns can't break through her defense."
"What?! No way. Even the strongest strength-type spirit can't handle her?"
Lucy frowned in disbelief, staring at the gentle-looking spirit girl who had completely neutralized Taurus's attack.
Seeing Lucy's troubled expression, Sorano proudly lifted the golden Aries key in her hand.
"See? Aries is amazing. And this key was a gift from Kabe."
Aries lowered her head shyly after being praised, a mix of happiness and regret in her expression, as if disappointed she could not serve Kabe directly.
"He gave you one too?"
Lucy suddenly blurted out in surprise.
"Too?"
Sorano froze slightly.
What did that mean? This girl also received Celestial Spirit keys as gifts?
A faint sense of irritation rose in Sorano's chest.
But things were even worse than she expected.
Lucy dismissed Taurus's summoning and immediately took out two golden Zodiac keys.
"These two keys were also given to me by Kabe!"
"Open the gates of Leo and Sagittarius! Leo and Sagittarious!"
Watching her summon two spirits at once, both of them Zodiac-class, Sorano's teeth clenched tightly.
Her entire expression twisted with envy, jealousy, and frustration toward a certain someone.
"Dual gate… and both are Zodiac spirits…"
"Kabe, you biased bastard!!!"