"Summon, Gorge Swift Crab! Go, assist Granny Porlyusica."
Without the worry of hostages and interference from techniques, Rhode is now most concerned about the old man's health.
As for Laxus, we have enough fighting power on our side, with Mira and Erza, two S-Class Mages, and myself, who is at the 'Late Stage Peak Power Great Perfection, even Half-step S-Class Great Perfection' level; we'll find a way.
If it comes to it, we'll go all out and wreak havoc on the cathedral—that's where we plan to hold the wedding in the future, so I'm not keen on destroying it.
Fried was sent back to the guild by Gray, while Rhode and Mira quickly headed to the cathedral.
The guild is pretty busy right now too, with Wolian reporting the location of the injured companions one by one, so everyone can go out and 'retrieve' people, and also to tally the damages caused to businesses and residents.
The girls who just recovered from their stone state are all handling their own matters. Bisca is going out to find Alzack, and with Reby no longer needing to rewrite techniques, she also goes out to find Jet and Troy.
Jubia wants to look for Gray, but she's told he's on his way back, so she decides to meet him along the way.
Kana thought twice and felt that there were already enough people going to catch Laxus. She should first help with bringing back the injured, and then check the cathedral.
Lucy first went to the infirmary to see the President, then ran out to help with gathering people.
The commotion in Fairy Tail hasn't significantly impacted the entire festival yet.
Although many are fighting, at such a time, as Laxus said, it's like an extra show. People only worry about whether they can still hold the Magical Parade in the evening, given how fiercely they're fighting.
At this moment, an important special effects artist for the Magical Parade, carrying several odd-shaped magic staffs, appeared in the cathedral.
Laxus's expression is somewhat surprised: "I didn't expect you to be the first to arrive here, Mystogan. Do you enjoy this game too?"
Mystogan didn't follow his lead, as he prefers the guild being united, so he hopes Laxus will give him some respect:
"Your three helpers have all been defeated, haven't they? I think it'd be better to end it here and go back to the guild to apologize... If you're sincere, I think everyone will forgive you."
"Naive guy." Laxus ignores his plea and instead speaks about what interests him most,
"Do you know who the strongest in Fairy Tail is? According to the rumors, both you and I have been highly anticipated."
"I'm not interested in such things, but if I must say, it should be Kildas."
"That guy certainly doesn't count; he hasn't returned for so long. Among the others..." Laxus casually excluded a troublesome presence, listing by himself,
"Those who haven't reached S-Class aren't worth mentioning. Erza, though talented, is still too weak now. Mirajane just recently regained her strength, even more so…"
Mystogan, perplexed by Laxus's arrogance, couldn't help but say: "How can you say those two women aren't strong? Are your eyes failing you?"
Laxus remains undeterred, continuing: "I acknowledge you more. The throne for the strongest in Fairy Tail should be contested by the two of us!"
Mystogan grips a magic staff: "To only have your eyes on such matters, I never realized you were so shallow."
"Come, let's stake the title of the strongest and make a move! Mystogan, or should I call you J...?"
Laxus seems to have a knack for inciting hostility as Mystogan swings his staff and makes a sudden attack.
An unusually large magic bullet flies out, and Laxus hurriedly responds with lightning.
A fierce explosion echoes in the cathedral hall, shattering all the windows on the first and second floors, with strong winds blowing out from the door and windows, stirring up clouds of dust.
People near the cathedral hurriedly ran away to seek refuge.
Subsequently, waves of lightning and magic array light shone through the doors and windows, and the surging magic power could be felt by nearly all the mages in town, indicating a major battle in that direction.
"Erza!"
"Rhode, Mira."
The three meet on the street in front of the cathedral, not surprised as they learned each other's movements through Wolian.
Since Erza arrived a few seconds earlier, Rhode casually asks: "Who is inside?"
Erza shakes her head: "Not sure yet, but to fight Laxus to this extent, probably only that person could."
Indeed, the three enter and immediately spot Mystogan's figure.
But now, Mystogan is in mid-air, enveloped by the lightning shot from a golden magic array below.
Opposite him, Laxus is surrounded by the lights of five magic arrays in gold, blue, red, black, and purple.
Without hesitation, Rhode receives the Tree Monster, giving Mystogan the Crown of Embers.
Unfortunately, Mystogan's move, 'Five-layered Magic Array: Divine Entertainment,' is just a Strong Sleep Magic, a powerful control skill that causes no substantial damage.
The Crown of Embers was added in vain.
"Ughhhhh!"
"Uwooooh!"
Both struggled to resist each other's magic, letting out strained shouts. It's rare to hear such sounds from these two guys.
Quickly, the light dissipated, and Laxus stood upright: "A few annoying people have come... Do you guys truly believe you're qualified to contend with me for the title of 'the strongest'?"
Mystogan landed on the ground, seemingly unscathed. Rumor has it he is a holder-type mage, and perhaps his clothes are all magic tools.