Of course, this wasn't the only reason.
Both Natsu and Gray were children. With an adult soul in his body, he naturally wouldn't pick a fight with children.
If he won, there was no sense of accomplishment. If he lost, it would be even more humiliating.
*Can't even beat a kid.*
As for Mirajane and Erza, both were girls, little girls at that. Naturally, it was even less possible to pick them.
As for the others, the only ones Lu Li was familiar with were Macao and Wakaba.
These two had genuine feelings for the Fairy Tail guild and stuck with it from beginning to end.
Macao also had a good personality and took good care of him yesterday.
Besides, he also wanted to test where the gap between him and these Mages truly lay.
"Lu Li, you don't want to switch?"
Makarov asked Lu Li. Currently, Macao was considered an elite Mage within the Fairy Tail guild, working diligently every day to improve his strength.
"No need, I think Mr. Macao is very strong."
Macao felt a bit proud hearing Lu Li's words: "Brat, since you know I'm strong, why challenge me?"
"Precisely because Mr. Macao is strong, I want to challenge you. If I'm going to challenge someone, naturally I should challenge a powerful Mage! That way I can learn more."
Lu Li said modestly. His words were half true and half false. Macao's performance in the anime was a bit mediocre, but that was also because the younger generation at that time was too powerful. Right now, Macao was undoubtedly an elite in the guild.
"Brat, you have good taste! Alright! Since that's the case, let me teach you the correct usage of magic properly."
The corners of Macao's mouth couldn't help but curl up. being praised by such a genius made him feel a little smug inside.
"Bets are open! Bets are open!"
"Monster Newcomer Lu Li VS Macao!"
"I bet on Macao! 1000 Jewels!"
"I also bet on Macao! 1000 Jewels!"
...
People in the guild immediately started placing bets. Makarov didn't stop them. 1000 Jewels was just meal money for most Mages in the guild. Winning or losing didn't matter much; it was just for fun.
The vast majority of people in the guild bet on Macao winning, while a small portion bet on Lu Li.
Seeing Lu Li refusing to listen to advice and insisting on challenging Macao, Makarov didn't say anything more. Letting this brat feel the gap between him and a real guild Mage was good, so he could settle down and cultivate magic properly.
Soon, everyone arrived behind the guild. The lake water behind had been refilled overnight.
This place was spacious, so there was no need to worry about damaging other buildings, making it very suitable for a duel.
"Go for it! Monster Newcomer!"
"Get him! Macao! Don't lose face for us veterans!"
...
Many onlookers cheered and shouted.
"Mira-nee, who do you think will win?"
Lisanna asked Mirajane.
"Hmph! That goes without saying. If Macao can't even beat a newcomer who just learned magic, then he doesn't need to hang around in the guild anymore."
Mirajane said with her arms crossed.
"But, the magic Lu Li released yesterday was so powerful!"
Gray said: "That magic was powerful, but he needs a chance to cast it."
Natsu said excitedly: "I definitely can defeat Macao!"
Gray curled his lip disdainfully: "Isn't that just relying on Dragon Slayer Magic?"
Gray and Natsu had fought countless times. He knew Natsu's magic best. All flames were ineffective against a Fire Dragon Slayer Mage and would instead become food for them, boosting Natsu's power.
Erza said: "Let's watch carefully. I think since Lu Li chose Macao, he definitely has his reasons."
A guy with such heaven-defying comprehension couldn't be that simple.
Makarov asked: "Are you two ready?"
Lu Li nodded.
"Then, begin!"
Makarov announced the start of the duel.
Macao hooked his finger at Lu Li and said with a relaxed face: "Brat, you attack first. Otherwise, if I make a move, you won't have any chance."
"Then I'll make the first move."
Lu Li opened his right hand, and a fireball appeared in it.
Macao smiled immediately upon seeing this: "Brat, simple Fireball magic can't defeat me."
Lu Li launched it towards Macao.
Macao dodged it easily and effortlessly.
*Boom!!*
The fireball landed on the rock behind Macao, blasting it apart with a loud bang.
The huge noise startled everyone.
Wasn't Lu Li just using the most basic magic, Fireball? Why was the power so great?
"Lu Li, is this Fireball?"
"Oh, because Master wouldn't let me use *that* magic, I improved the Fireball spell. I slightly increased its power and launch speed, and the Magic Power consumption isn't high either."
"But as expected of Mr. Macao. Then I'll continue using magic."
Macao's mouth twitched. He just remembered that this little monster's greatest strength was his extraordinary magic creativity. He regretted being arrogant.
But the words were already spoken, and he couldn't go back on them. He could only say stubbornly: "Bring it on!"
*Swish!*
Lu Li raised both hands, a fireball appearing in each.
Lu Li threw the fireball in his right hand at Macao first.
Macao hurriedly dodged. Knowing the power of Lu Li's Fireball spell, he dared not take it head-on.
Just as Macao dodged, he saw Lu Li shooting the fireball from his left hand at him, so he hurriedly dodged again.
Before he could stand firm, the fireball in Lu Li's right hand formed again and was shot out. Then the fireball in his left hand also finished condensing.
Macao's face turned pale with fright: "Wait... wait... wait!"
Lu Li was unusually excited at this moment and didn't listen to Macao at all. The feeling of being able to cast magic was just too exhilarating.
*Boom boom boom boom boom!!* ...