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Hearing Ur's voice, both Macao and Wakaba didn't react much. In fact, during their fight, they both sensed Ur's presence. But since they both had made up their minds to withdraw, they both ignored her presence. After all, they still had that common sense, knowing they were never a match against a Ten Wizard Saint. They weren't like Akira, who dared to fight monsters like Gildarts after just joining the guild.
"Hey Ur, did you also not find two clues?" Macao asked as he looked at Ur.
" Yeah, no matter how many monsters I fought, I only found the same similar clues " Ur said with a helpless smile.
She really didn't know what kind of magic Master cast to be able to make such a bizarre scene. Even when she fought against half of the monsters on this island, she still couldn't find the second clue. So Ur left with no choice but to look for other contestants.
" So since you are already wanting to quit , why don't you give your clues to me " Ur spoke with a cheerful smile.
" Sigh, here, just take it " Wakaba didn't even bother trying to resist as he gave away his clues to Ur. Since they already decided to quit, he didn't bother to struggle anymore.
Macao was the same, as he also gave his clues to Ur. Then taking the clues from the two of them, Ur happily found that she got the two clues that she needed.
"Well, thanks for the help, guys. I'll be going on my way now " Ur waved her hand as she froze the two of them and walked away humming a cheerful song.
One would ask why she, despite getting the clues froze both Macao and Wakaba. Well, in Fairy Tail one really can't trust each other. They who daily backstab their guildmembers have a record of infighting just to drag each other down.
Of course Ur's ice wouldn't freeze them forever. At most they would be free in an hour or two. Well, probably.
…..
While Ur was busy piecing together the two clues to hunt down Gildarts, Laxus had finally finished recovering his magic power. Feeling the spark return to his veins, he didn't waste another second and began to move. He activated Akira's detection magic once again, but this time, he wasn't filtering for monsters—he was hunting mages.
It didn't take long for him to lock onto a massive signature. It was Gildarts.
Without hesitation, Laxus turned into lightning, rushing straight toward the source. He eventually arrived at the mouth of a secluded cave where he could clearly feel Gildarts' presence radiating from within. Instead of charging in blindly, Laxus scanned the area and spotted a large tree nearby. He walked over, sat down against the trunk, and simply waited.
His plan was straightforward: let the other contestants do the heavy lifting. He would just wait for whoever showed up to challenge Gildarts, crush them, and snatch their clues for himself before taking on the big man.
Honestly, Laxus's strategy wasn't bad at all. By camping out here, he could save his stamina and magical power for the final showdown while letting the others bring the clues straight to him. In his mind, it didn't matter if it was Ur or even Akira who showed up—neither of them were people he felt the need to hide from. He was ready to face them head-on.
As for Macao and Wakaba? Look, he wasn't trying to be rude, but he knew there was zero chance those two could actually finish this trial. Even Laxus himself felt his chances were very low, so those two uncles were way out of their league and should just stay in the guild and train more.
Just as Laxus was waiting under a tree his expression his brow furrowed and his posture stiffened. He suddenly looked towards the cave. Emerging from the shadows was a yawning Gildarts, who clearly seemed to have just woken up from his afternoon sleep.
Spotting Laxus, Gildarts offered a casual wave and a lazy grin. "Yo, Laxus! Looks like you're the first one brave enough to come find me."
In stark contrast to Gildarts' easygoing demeanor, Laxus's face darkened, his voice dropping to a dangerous, suppressed growl. "Gildarts... why the hell are you out here? Aren't you supposed to stay inside the cave and wait for the challengers to enter?"
"Hmm? What gave you that idea?" Gildarts tilted his head, looking genuinely puzzled. "The Master's orders were simple: I'm to fight anyone who sets foot on this island. I just stayed inside this cave because it was just convenient. " Gildarts replied in confusion. Then, as if understanding something, he spoke, " Wait did Master say that I will be staying inside the cave and you guys should challenge me after entering the cave?"
As Laxus's expression grew increasingly livid, Gildarts let out a wry, slightly sheepish laugh. "Well, look at it this way, Laxus—if you want to reach S-Class, you have to be ready for the unexpected. Out in the field, S-rank intel is often full of holes or flat-out wrong. Consider this your first lesson in dealing with a bad lead."
Laxus knew what Gildarts said was the truth, but even so, he was still very angry for being lied to like that. And what's more, because of this, his perfect plan was crushed after just 5 minutes. Adding both situations made Laxus's anger reach its peak.
"Enough talk," Laxus spat, his voice cold as sparks of yellow lightning began to dance violently around his frame. "I'll just crush you and get this damn trial over with."
" well now now Laxus you need to control your anger; being angry all the time is not good for your health " Gildarts spoke, trying to calm him down. But with his face that looked like he could care, Laxus's anger increased.
Gildarts watched the lightning intensify and let out a long, weary sigh. "Kids these days... so troublesome. Yet, even as he complained, a fierce, fighting spirit far greater than Laxus's ignited in Gildarts' eyes.
Don't let Gildarts' outward appearance fool you. Although this uncle is a pervert and a lazy bum, he is also a pure Fairy Tail member. And like the rest of the guild, he too abides by the concept of using violence to solve everything.
He is only like this because he is bored. For a battle maniac like Gildarts, fighting is like a drug for him. But he became like that due to the fact that those who can fight him are very few. In fact, the reason why Gildarts went on that 100-year quest is because he was bored staying in the guild all the time. For him who has no opponent, what better way to seek thrill than completing a quest that was unfinished for 100 years?
…
The air got heavy. Laxus didn't wait. He turned into a bolt of lightning and flashed forward. He reappeared instantly, aiming a heavy, electric punch right at Gildarts' face.
"Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!"
Knowing how strong Gildarts is, Laxus went all out from the beginning. So he used his secret trump card, the Thunder Dragon Slayer magic, without any hesitation.
The strike landed with a loud crack, but Gildarts didn't move. He didn't even flinch. He caught the punch with one hand, and the lightning simply broke apart into tiny white cubes.
"Your speed is good, Laxus, " Gildarts grunted, a sharp grin spreading across his face. "But if you want to beat me, you need more than just speed. "
With a flick of his wrist, Gildarts sent a wave of Crush Magic forward. Laxus was blasted back, and the ground beneath him shattered into pieces.
Laxus roared in anger, gathering every bit of his magic. The sky turned black as a massive bolt of lightning fell from the clouds.
"Secret Art: Roaring Thunder!"
Gildarts didn't dodge. He just pulled his fist back and punched the air.
CRACK!
The giant lightning bolt didn't explode—it shattered like glass. Gildarts stood in the center of the dust, looking bored as he brushed a bit of dirt off his shoulder.
"Is that all, Laxus?" Gildarts asked. Suddenly, his expression changed. A huge amount of magic power exploded out of him, making the entire island shake. The pressure was so strong that Laxus felt like a mountain was sitting on his shoulders.
"Laxus, if you don't show anything else, you will die under my next attack " Gildarts spoke with a cold and indifferent voice.
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