The overwhelming suction tore up the scattered stones around Kael, his cloak whipping violently in the wind.
"Jerar, your subordinates are already faltering!"
Kael's eyes glinted as he gathered a sphere of concentrated golden energy in his hands, a dazzling, high-powered ball aimed directly at Jerar's black energy surge.
"And what of it? Worry about yourself!!!"
The moment their powers collided, a shockwave ripped across the entire tower top, obliterating its structure. Yet neither Kael nor Jerar faltered—they barreled toward each other again, unrelenting.
...
Meanwhile, Natsu and Gray faced off against Tsubame.
"Gray! Natsu! Be careful! That's one of the Three Crows—Tsubame!"
Raymon and the others, having just cleared out the minor guards below, split up to assist. As they approached, they saw Tsubame diving vertically from the sky, aiming straight at Natsu and Gray.
"Woah, I'm kicking!"
"Bang~" Smoke erupted as Tsubame launched a high-speed flying kick. Natsu crossed his arms to block, then countered with the Fire Dragon's Hooked Claw, sending Tsubame staggering backward.
Gray slammed both hands to the ground, unleashing a surge of icy magic. A column of frost shot upward, freezing Tsubame solid in a massive ice block, leaving no time to react.
"Impressive! Your coordination is flawless!!"
Raymon muttered, initially worried, now astonished by their seamless teamwork. There wasn't a single opening left for the enemy.
"Of course. These two know each other's combat styles and tactics inside out."
Habi suddenly appeared behind Raymon, expression serious, eyes fixed on Natsu and Gray.
Both fighters stayed on high alert. Anyone strong enough to be personally recruited by one of the Ten Saints like Jerar wasn't someone you could underestimate.
The ice block began melting under the flames from the nearby flamethrower. Suddenly, Tsubame burst free, using the propulsion to hover midair.
"Alright… time for a proper justice strike!"
Tsubame accelerated toward them, blending martial arts and aerial maneuvers with deadly precision.
"Still formidable… able to hold his own against Natsu and Gray," Habi remarked.
"Well, he is one of the Three Crows. Strength like that is expected," Raymon added, eyes wide.
"Damn it! Get out of my way!!"
Natsu and Gray, clearly fed up, struck simultaneously. Their combined attack sent Tsubame flying into the wall.
They unleashed their signature techniques:
"Form Magic—Ice Spring!"
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
One fire, one ice—Tsubame's panicked eyes met the assault as he smashed against the wall, losing consciousness. To an outside observer, half his body was scorched, half frozen—a bizarrely "harmonious" defeat.
"No one makes Erza cry and gets away with it! Whoever stands in our way will fall!"
Natsu and Gray's gazes sharpened, staring down the fallen Tsubame.
"Unbelievable… so strong."
"Maybe I spoke too soon," Raymon muttered, stunned.
—————
Elsewhere, Hugh caught up with Erza and Kana at a bridge beneath a blooming cherry tree.
"Big sis, I'm here!!"
"Hugh! You came?" Erza and Kana turned in surprise at the shouting.
"I couldn't leave you alone. I'll protect you, big sis—and I will never forgive Jerar!"
Hugh's face showed a mix of determination and anguish, tugging at Erza's heart.
"Don't worry. Your sister is strong enough!" Kana teased, stepping forward with a playful smile at the sibling bond.
Tap, tap, tap
A woman approached slowly from a distance, wooden sandals tapping on the bridge. Sword in hand, she radiated strength and confidence.
"Greetings! I am Tsubasa. Please treat me well!"
"Damn… one of the Three Crows, Tsubasa! Big sis, I'll handle her!"
Hugh immediately launched several blade-shaped cards toward Tsubasa.
"You foolish child…"
Swish, swish, swish
Tsubasa tilted slightly, eyes narrowed at the impudent attack, and swiftly sliced through Hugh's cards with her sword.
"How…?"
"Not even close. Nothing in this world can escape my blade!"
"Shut up, you arrogant woman!"
Tsubasa bristled, swinging her sword, only to be blocked by Erza's Celestial Armor.
"Big sis…" Hugh pouted, frustrated at his inability to protect Erza.
"Don't worry, Hugh. This time, I won't leave you behind," Erza said firmly, her eyes locked on the enemy.
"Oh? You wield a sword as well? Interesting. Let's see whose skill prevails—yours or my Moonless Style!"
Tsubasa's excitement flared as she faced Erza, especially after seeing her recent swordplay.
—————
Erza turned to Kana.
"Kana, you've got Hugh."
"Don't worry. With me here, no one will harm him," Kana said confidently, shielding Hugh.
"Celestial Cycle Sword!"
A torrent of swords shot from behind Erza, aimed at Tsubasa.
"Moonless Style—Yasha Flash!"
Tsubasa remained unflinching. Her sword moved so fast it was almost invisible. Every incoming blade was sliced apart. She swung at Erza several times in retaliation.
Clang, clang, clang
Erza blocked each attack, but one final blow shattered part of her armor.
"Disappointing, Fairy Queen. I expected stronger armor!" Tsubasa said, slightly bowing, fire forming a ring around her. Heat and destructive force radiated outward.
"Moonless Style—Garuda Flame!"
Blazing fire and slashing waves surged toward the three. Erza immediately switched to Flame Emperor Armor, shielding the group, while Kana activated her ice shield card to protect Hugh.
"Flame Emperor Armor… impressive, Fairy Queen," Tsubasa mocked, surveying the shattered armor.
"Both of them are strong… can big sis really win?"
"Don't worry. Erza is Fairy Tail's Fairy Queen," Kana said, confident in her sister's abilities—Erza had proven her strength even in front of Kael.
"Armor Shift—Purity Garb!"
Erza discarded all defenses, focusing entirely on her attack.
"There's someone ahead I must reach. You're in my way!"
Erza's gaze locked on Tsubasa, her intent deadly serious.