Like seven pillars of magic forming the shape of the Big Dipper, beams of radiant energy erupted into the night sky, converging on Kael below with Jellal's furious roar.
"Rumble—!"
The Tower of Heaven trembled violently under the impact. The outer layer of its spire cracked and peeled away, exposing the glowing lacrima inside, which sparkled under the moonlight like a thousand stars. Smoke billowed across the tower as Jellal's gaze scanned every flicker of movement. His hands bristled with magical energy, ready to respond at a moment's notice. Kael won't be defeated by a single strike, he reminded himself, his distrust unwavering.
Amidst the smoke, a brilliant light flared as Kael's magical energy surged. The air vibrated violently, and the smoke cleared. There he was, unharmed and resolute, standing firm before Jellal.
"Jellal," Kael's voice cut through the tension, calm but unwavering. "Dreams built on lies, and what you've gained through deception, will always slip from your grasp. Sho, Millianna—they're proof of that, aren't they?"
Jellal's body tensed, a flicker of doubt flashing in his eyes. Kael's words struck him in an instant, but the unsettling red glow in his mind extinguished that thought, replacing it with a single command: "Only Zeref can grant true freedom. Everything he says is false, meant to shake your resolve. Remember—he is your enemy. Lord Zeref would never deceive you."
The last trace of doubt vanished. Jellal's gaze clouded with madness once again.
"Damn you, Kael! I almost fell for your lies… Now I have nothing left."
"I will fear no loss. I'll erase you, and even if it takes another eight years to rebuild the Tower of Heaven, so be it! Hahaha!"
Kael observed the shift closely. Jellal had been manipulated by some mysterious force, utterly convinced that Zeref's words were the only truth. Now, Kael knew: he had to first strip Jellal of his fighting ability.
Golden light enveloped Kael's form. In an instant, he flashed behind Jellal, raising his hand to strike at the back of his neck—an attack meant to knock him unconscious.
But Jellal moved with equal speed, his body flickering with golden light. He dodged, hovering midair, a wicked grin stretching across his face.
"Kael," Jellal sneered. "We are both S-Class mages. I am no fool like Yosef. You will not defeat me so easily."
"Is that so?" Kael replied. "Last time, I didn't have my fill. This time… I'll make it count."
Kael's magic erupted fully. A radiant blade appeared in his hand, and with the ground fracturing beneath him, he surged forward, swinging at Jellal with deadly precision.
Jellal's hands glowed as he condensed his magic, forming a shield just in time to block the blow. Both of them leapt apart and charged again, their attacks flying in rapid succession. Shockwaves rattled the tower, sending fragments of stone spinning. The entire Tower of Heaven trembled under the force of their duel.
The Three Teams Below
Elsewhere in the tower, the three teams clashed with their own opponents.
Lucy & Juvia vs. Udaru Udathas—Eagle
Natsu & Gray vs. Owl
Erza & Cana vs. Ikaru
The scene shifted to Lucy and Juvia confronting Udaru Udathas—Eagle.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
"What is this noise? A guitar? So loud!" Lucy screamed, covering her ears, utterly exasperated.
"I… actually think it's pretty good," Juvia said, serious and unbothered.
Lucy glared. "You have a problem with your ears, Juvia. This is unbearable."
"This is a hellish concert—Destroy! For those who cannot appreciate it, you are the intruders."
A figure emerged from the vents: pale-faced, long dark hair falling over his shoulders, a guitar slung across him, and a deranged grin on his face.
"Ugh… disgusting," Lucy muttered.
"Agreed," Juvia nodded silently.
Udaru Udathas—the infamous Trinity Raven assassin—was enraged. Being mocked by two blond girls was intolerable. With a furious swing of his hair, he unleashed a chaotic torrent of notes, turning his guitar into a weapon of sound and light.
"I am a member of the Skull Syndicate—Trinity Raven! Are you scared yet? Hahaha!"
The long strands of hair whipped like whips and blades, striking at Lucy and Juvia. Lucy darted and dodged, narrowly avoiding the assault, while Juvia stood in place, her body absorbing the strikes. They passed harmlessly through her, spraying water droplets but leaving her unscathed.
"Interesting body you have," the long-haired man laughed.
"Her body is made of water," Juvia murmured, her form starting to flow. Streams of water erupted from her, trapping the assassin inside a shimmering water sphere.
"Yes! One of the Four Elements… we've got this!" Lucy cheered, stepping forward with joy at the sight.
"Lucy, behind me!" Juvia yanked her friend behind her just in time. But the long-haired man's hair absorbed the water instantly, vanishing the sphere.
"The water… it's gone."
"Thanks for making my messy hair so smooth," he said casually, resuming his guitar playing. His eyes darted between Lucy and Juvia, deciding who to strike first.
"Damn it, stop staring!" Juvia snapped, slinging a water whip that forced him to retreat and block with his guitar.
"Disgusting… ugh," Lucy groaned, revolted by his bizarre movements and the hypnotic rhythm of his magic.
"Then… I choose you! You will be my Sleep Demon for today."
Juvia frowned. "Sleep Demon?"
The man's tongue darted, a sinister grin on his face. His guitar churned out a maddening melody, filling Juvia's mind with incomprehensible noise.
"Ahhh! This sound…!"
Her body froze, her mind seized by the sonic magic. She could feel it controlling her, threatening to overwhelm her senses entirely.