Chapter 96: Beating Up Laxus
The Cathedral of Kardia continued to crumble as the two wizards clashed, exchanging devastating blows.
What had started as an even match gradually shifted in Dino's favor, forcing Laxus to continuously push his magic output higher.
It seemed like just a bit more power would be enough to overcome him. Laxus could see that hope dangling before him.
But as time dragged on, Laxus had already doubled his magical output.
Yet the gap between them refused to close. No matter how much stronger Laxus became, Dino always seemed to be just one step ahead, maintaining that same frustrating margin.
Though Laxus could be hot-headed and impulsive, when it came to combat, he was undeniably a prodigious wizard.
He'd inherited tremendous magical talent from his grandfather, and with the Thunder Dragon Slayer lacrima implanted in his body, he'd become a second-generation Dragon Slayer.
These advantages put him far above ordinary wizards.
Laxus's face contorted with rage as he shouted at Dino: "You bastard! Are you mocking me?!"
"Raging Bolt!!"
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!
The lightning coating Laxus's fist intensified violently. In mere seconds, a massive sphere of golden electricity formed above Dino, descending like divine judgment itself.
A white sphere of vibration energy formed around Dino's fist as he punched upward.
CRASH!
BOOM!
The impact blew a massive hole through the cathedral's roof. Brilliant sunlight streamed through the opening, illuminating Dino from above.
Standing there bathed in light within the church, Dino looked almost sacred.
He gazed calmly at Laxus. "You've thrown your tantrum long enough, Laxus."
Laxus's expression grew even more twisted. "You bastard! You're calling this a TANTRUM?! AHHHHH!"
BOOM!
Even more magical power erupted from Laxus's body. The golden lightning crackling around him intensified, growing denser and more violent.
FZZZZT!
Laxus's body transformed into pure lightning, shooting toward Dino like a golden arrow.
"Get back here!" Dino roared, his fist meeting the lightning bolt head-on.
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!
The very air in front of his fist seemed unable to withstand the force. Space itself splintered, visible cracks spreading through the atmosphere.
CRASH!
The golden lightning reversed course instantly. Laxus's body materialized mid-flight, screaming as he smashed into the enormous statue dominating the cathedral's interior.
BOOM!
The ancient statue of Kardia Cathedral—a fixture of Magnolia for generations—shattered into countless pieces.
"Impossible! I've already surpassed you! There's no way I'd lose to someone like you again!" Laxus shouted, disbelief written across his face.
Dino's expression remained neutral. "Laxus, I really don't get what your problem is. You walk around with that perpetual scowl like someone killed your—"
"SHUT UP!"
Laxus leaped from the rubble, electricity crackling around his hands. "Thunder Dragon's Halberd!"
A massive weapon of pure lightning formed in his grip as he prepared to hurl it at Dino.
WHOOSH!
Dino vanished, reappearing directly in front of Laxus in an instant. His leg swung toward Laxus's neck. Laxus's eyes widened as he desperately raised the Thunder Dragon's Halberd to block.
CRACK!
The lightning construct shattered like glass under Dino's kick.
The attack didn't stop there—Dino's foot continued through the broken halberd and slammed into Laxus's neck.
WHUD!
Laxus's body flew sideways.
CRASH!
One of the cathedral's load-bearing pillars exploded into fragments as Laxus smashed through it.
"Are you pissed at me specifically?" Dino continued, his voice carrying across the ruined church. "I've only beaten you up once. Plenty of people in the guild have gotten their asses kicked by me. What makes you so special? Is it because you're the Master's grandson?!"
Laxus's eyes went wide with fury. "SHUT UP!"
Golden lightning condensed in both his palms before he slammed them against the floor.
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!
BOOM!
Multiple pillars of golden electricity erupted from the ground in rapid succession. Dino weaved between them, simultaneously swinging his fist toward Laxus. The air itself vibrated, carrying the impact force directly to his target.
Laxus barely managed to cross his arms in defense.
WHAM!
His body launched backward yet again.
He hit the ground hard, rolling multiple times before finally skidding to a stop. His coat was torn, face bruised—he looked thoroughly beaten.
Dino walked over to stand above Laxus, looking down at him. "Trying to kick people out of the guild just because they don't fit your standards? Just because you're the Master's grandson?"
"Damn it! Don't you DARE say that! Take it back!"
"Take what back? That you're the Master's grandson?"
"AHHH! BASTARD! DIE!"
Laxus poured everything he had into one final attack. "Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Roaring Thunder!"
Violent lightning gathered in his hands before exploding toward Dino in a devastating wave.
HUMMM!
The white sphere formed around Dino's fist once more as he met the attack head-on.
BOOM!
The collision created an explosion of light and force. The entire Cathedral of Kardia trembled from the impact of their clash.
Then, finally, it gave way.
The ancient building collapsed entirely, centuries of history ending in a cloud of dust and debris.
Laxus's body reverted to normal as his magic ran out, the Lightning Body transformation fading.
SMACK!
Dino flicked his hand almost casually. The shockwave caught Laxus across the face like an invisible slap, sending him sprawling.
"Yeah, the Guild Master is your actual grandfather. Must be nice, huh?" Dino's voice was cold now. "Having family who loves you. Unlike me, Erza, and plenty of others in the guild who never even knew their parents."
"We only have each other. The guild is our family."
Laxus froze, something in Dino's words striking deeper than any physical blow.
SMACK!
Another casual flick caught Laxus on the other cheek.
"And you wanted to tear apart other people's only family because of your ridiculous standards?"
"You have a grandfather in the guild who loves you more than anything, and you're still not satisfied."
"Don't get too full of yourself, you brat!"
Dino placed his foot on Laxus's chest, looking down at him with an expression that mixed disappointment and anger.