Chapter 255: The Gimmick
After the first duel, the second match began, featuring Rufus from Sabertooth and Eve from Blue Pegasus.
Despite Eve's considerable skills and impressive snow magic that brought a chill to the surroundings, Rufus was on another level. With a casual display of memory making magic, he unleashed a high-temperature flame that easily dispelled the snow and defeated Eve.
However, Rufus showed no sign of joy, not even his usual smile. The other members of his team were similarly grim.
It wasn't that they were indifferent, but they were still at a significant disadvantage. Even with this ten-point victory, they still lagged behind Fairy Tail, who had yet to participate in the duels.
Moreover, it was unlikely Fairy Tail would score nothing in the duels, given their unbeaten streak over the past two days. They couldn't hope for Fairy Tail to lose.
For Sabertooth, not securing first place was tantamount to failure.
The third match once again drew everyone's attention.
The duel featured Laxus from Fairy Tail B Team against Alexei from Raven Tail.
This was another grudge match between guilds, not only because their leaders were father and son, but also because Calvin had shown hostility towards Raven Tail on the first day. Now, Laxus, the grandson of Fairy Tail's master and the son of Raven Tail's master, was competing.
At this moment, his identity was more compelling than his strength.
"Another win in the bag. I wonder how Lexus will show off," Calvin said languidly, a mysterious glint in his eye.
"He'll probably finish it in a few moves; after all, it's Laxus," Gray responded without hesitation.
"But they might use some dirty tricks. He has to be careful," Lucy said with concern.
"Tricks won't work on Laxus. It will only make him angrier, and an enraged Laxus is terrifying," Natsu said confidently.
"Ivan can't do much. The Master has people monitoring the other members," Erza stated calmly.
As Erza mentioned, Makarov had anticipated that his son Ivan wouldn't compete quietly and had made thorough preparations for any schemes, especially when their members faced off.
However, Calvin suddenly smiled meaningfully, his gaze mocking as he looked in Alexei's direction.
"This illusion magic is impressive, even I can't see through it. But Ivan, you underestimate my sensory abilities," Calvin thought disdainfully. With his keen perception, he could sense the illusion for what it was. While everyone saw Laxus and Alexei preparing for battle, Calvin's senses told him the person facing Laxus was Ivan himself.
To make matters worse, the other four members of Raven Tail were heading towards the arena's center. Their intentions were obvious.
"Do they think five can take down Laxus? I'll let it slide. Laxus showing off by taking on five at once will be even more embarrassing for them," Calvin thought, watching with interest. In the meantime, the illusionary battle began, with Laxus being seemingly overwhelmed, something Calvin found rare and amusing.
The match continued, and the members of Fairy Tail couldn't believe it. Lexus, whom they thought was invincible, was being treated like a child by Alexei.
Only Calvin knew the truth. In his perception, Laxus was now facing five opponents, indicating Raven Tail's intention for a five-on-one fight. They hadn't engaged yet, probably discussing some secret plan.
But Laxus didn't keep Calvin waiting long. Soon, he started fighting all of Raven Tail, and Calvin sensed a sudden surge in magical power.
Whether Laxus was too strong or Raven Tail too weak, the fight was quick. As Gray predicted, Laxus took down the entire Raven Tail team in a few moves, each member falling one after another in quick succession.
The disparity in strength was evident, making even Calvin feel a bit sympathetic. The difference was too great.
Even Ivan, the strongest of Raven Tail, couldn't last long against Laxus, falling after a few seconds.
"Pity, an entire guild beaten by one person. If it were me, I'd be ashamed to death," Calvin thought, covering his face, and finding the scene brutal.
The audience would surely shower Raven Tail with boos and disdain. Cheating was always despised, especially when they still lost miserably.
Of course, Calvin was secretly delighted, wishing he could trade places with Laxus for the opportunity to openly thrash Ivan.
From long ago, Calvin had disliked Ivan. He couldn't beat him before, and when he could, Ivan was nowhere to be found.
When Laxus knocked down Ivan, the illusion magic dissipated, revealing the truth. Everyone was stunned.
Wasn't Laxus at a disadvantage moments ago? How did it turn around so quickly?
The organizers quickly assessed the situation and declared Fairy Tail B Team the winner.
Raven Tail was disqualified for breaking the rules and banned from competing for the next three years.
Laxus, unfazed, returned to his team after listening to Ivan's nonsensical ramblings, awaiting the next duel.
The last duel of the day was between Fairy Tail A Team and Lamia Scale.
While the competitors for the competition part were chosen by the guilds, the duelists were selected to maximize entertainment value. To recover the high costs of the event, ticket sales were crucial, and they needed to keep the audience satisfied with exciting matchups.
The first day featured Jura, the enmity between Fairy Tail A Team and Raven Tail. The second day showcased battles between popular female mages and the king's choice of Erza versus Pascal. The previous match featured a father-son rivalry. The next duel would also be interesting.
A duel between master and disciple, Gray versus Lyon from the Lamia Scale.
"The final match today is between Gray Fullbuster of Fairy Tail A Team and Lyon Vastia of Lamia Scale!"
Hearing his opponent, Gray smiled confidently.
"It's your master, right? I remember he's quite strong," Natsu said seriously.
"Don't worry, I won't lose," Gray replied calmly, turning to walk to the arena.
On the other side, Lyon was equally determined.
"The organizers are considerate. There's no better opponent than Gray to settle our scores."
"You'll win, right?" asked a young girl from Lamia Scale, who could use healing magic, her eyes filled with admiration and love.
"Of course. Gray is still too green," Lyon said confidently.
Calvin could only hope this duel wouldn't turn into a strip show.
These two's habits were baffling.