Marco also noticed that after these abilities were upgraded to "Intermediate," not only did their power increase, but their attack range seemed to expand as well.
This was true for both the "Pegasus Meteor Fist" and the "Diamond Dust Fist," which now covered much larger areas.
This made Marco think about his low-proficiency ability, 'Empty-Handed Blade Catch'.
If it were upgraded to Intermediate, could it possibly turn into a group-wide 'Disarming' skill?
"Whoosh!"
Pushed back repeatedly, Laxus grew increasingly frustrated.
Transforming into lightning once more, he charged forward.
Marco immediately used "Instant Movement" to evade Laxus' attack, then fired a "Scarlet Needle" with a flick of his finger.
Laxus again turned into lightning to dodge.
Their figures never paused for even a second, constantly shifting positions—sometimes clashing, sometimes separating—leaving the onlookers exchanging bewildered glances.
Few among them could even keep up with the speed of their battle with their eyes alone.
The scene before them truly made them feel the gap in strength.
They were simply not on the same level as those two.
Marco flickered in and out, either launching "Scarlet Needles" or striking with a "Pegasus Meteor Fist" or "Diamond Dust Fist."
He no longer used "Crystal Wall" for defense, yet he still forced Laxus into a rather awkward position.
In this contest of speed, magic, and strength, Laxus was actually at a disadvantage.
Most crucially, his endurance couldn't match Marco's.
The stars in the sky flickered continuously, replenishing Marco's magic—though the rate was slow, it was practically like cheating!
"Whoosh!"
Laxus suddenly halted as a needle pierced him.
His expression twisted with reluctant pain as he forced himself to retreat.
Marco had clearly discerned the pattern of his abilities, seeing through his disguise.
If Laxus wanted to attack up close, he had to materialize.
While lightning transformation allowed him to evade attacks, it obviously didn't let him strike back at the same time.
However, Laxus had also noticed a flaw in Marco's "Instant Movement"—it couldn't cover much distance, only about ten meters at most.
Even so, he still had no way to counter Marco.
Even if he used large-scale attacks, Marco could simply tank them with his Gold Cloth without bothering to dodge.
In contrast, Laxus' limitation—having to materialize to attack—was far more severe.
Once in physical form, he lacked the speed of his lightning state, making it inevitable for him to be hit by Marco's strikes.
The two exchanged several fierce blows.
The overwhelming force of Marco's "Pegasus Meteor Fist," like a stampede of ten thousand horses, was something only Laxus could barely withstand—but even then, he was left drenched in sweat.
After this exchange, Marco remained unharmed, but Laxus' fists were already trembling from the pain.
"Let's call it here. That was a truly exhilarating fight."
Watching Laxus create distance between them, Marco smiled and spoke up.
He knew it was time to give Laxus an out—otherwise, the prideful man would never take the initiative to back down himself.
"Fine then. Save your strength for the next challenge."
Laxus paused, then deactivated his combat stance.
He brushed off his clothes, deliberately exaggerating the slight dirt on his sleeves.
At this moment, the several "Scarlet Needles" Marco had embedded in Laxus's body were still tormenting him.
Laxus endurance was truly remarkable!
Even as his body trembled and bled, he stubbornly held his ground.
"Buzz!"
With an odd expression, Marco dispelled the effects of the Scarlet Needles and healed Laxus's bleeding wounds.
"That move of yours... it's impressive."
After a moment's hesitation, Laxus finally spoke—clearly referring to the Scarlet Needles.
This was his reflection after enduring their torment.
Those few needles had mess with his mind considerably.
The excruciating pain had forced him to reconsider many things, producing an oddly enlightening sensation.
"Fifteen needles will cure any ailment—physical or mental."
Marco raised an eyebrow.
He had some understanding of the Scarlet Needles' potential side effects.
Anyone who could endure all fifteen might genuinely undergo a rebirth.
Of course, this only worked if the recipient still possessed a shred of goodness in their heart—not for the truly wicked.
For evil men, the needles would bring nothing but pure agony without any reflective benefits.
After all, some people never examine their own flaws.
"Want a few more? Look at Gajeel—the results speak for themselves. That kid's far more stable now than before."
Marco blinked mischievously, teasing Laxus.
Gajeel was the only guild member who'd truly experienced the full "flavor" of Scarlet Needles.
Laxus had only taken two hits, and given his immense strength, the "therapeutic effects" weren't nearly as pronounced as Gajeel's transformation.
This disappointed Marco somewhat.
These needles specialized in treating muddled minds.
Fifteen doses might genuinely help Laxus understand how to properly integrate with the guild.
"Enough nonsense. Move on to the next challenge."
Laxus's face darkened at Marco's words.
With clear irritation, he briefly explained the final trial's details before turning to leave—his role here was complete.
"Hey! Seriously though, Laxus! Give it a try?!"
Unrelenting, Marco called after Laxus's retreating figure like an insistent acupuncturist chasing a reluctant patient.
"..."
Laxus didn't bother responding.
Instead, he transformed into lightning and vanished into the forest—moving faster in retreat than he had during their entire battle.
Nothing motivates like the threat of unwanted needles.
Marco shook his head with a wry smile.
If Laxus refused, he couldn't force the treatment.
Besides, Laxus was no pushover—not someone you could needle against his will.
"Did we win?!"
"Did we clear it?!"
"Marco! You're amazing!"
The moment Laxus disappeared, the spectators swarmed forward, buzzing with excitement like an adventuring party celebrating a dungeon boss's defeat.
Although they had all been eliminated, they were still excited that Marco had defeated the BOSS.
After all, Marco was a challenger just like them, and witnessing such a high-level battle made them feel the trip was worthwhile.
"I'm heading to the next one. Wait for my news back home," Marco responded to the group with a smile.
Without further ado, he prepared to proceed to the next challange, feeling quite confident.
"What's the next challenge about?"
Naturally, everyone cooperated, cheering Marco on before leaving.
Only Mirajane approached and quietly asked, looking as if she was gathering intel for next year's assessment in advance.
"Find the tomb of the first guild master."
Marco chuckled and whispered the answer to Mirajane, whose eyes widened instantly—clearly finding the information utterly baffling.
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