Internet Magic in Fairy Tail

Chapter 184: Chapter 184: Three Seconds to end the Fight

"So, just a battle fanatic," Nate murmured, slowly standing as he studied the face within the tree.

Azuma, one of the Seven Kin of Purgatory, specialized in the Lost Magic 'Great Tree Arc'. Through his Six Eyes, Nate could clearly see Azuma's body concealed within the tree, his magic level hovering around five and a half stars.

The unique strength of 'Great Tree Arc' lay in its ability to channel the stored magic within the earth itself.

At that moment, Azuma stepped out of the tree—a towering figure with a peculiar hairstyle, his hair resembling layers of brown leaves.

Noticing Nate's slightly disdainful expression, he couldn't help but ask, "You don't seem to enjoy fighting?"

"Quite the opposite. But why would you enjoy challenging others?" Nate shook his head.

"You're mistaken. Those with powerful magic naturally enjoy battle. Anyone who doesn't like fighting could never cultivate the kind of magic you have!"

"Still wrong," Nate chuckled. "Most people first learn magic out of curiosity about the unknown—like a child learning to walk. It's about exploring, reaching for the unknown."

"Not wrong," Azuma remained adamant, his expression unyielding. "A child learns to walk out of instinct. The desire to fight powerful foes is equally instinctual—a primal drive, a survival instinct rooted in human genes! Don't you have it?"

Nate was momentarily speechless; it seemed there'd be no persuading Azuma out of this with words alone.

"What a hassle... I'm not one for unnecessary trouble." He noticed the Magic Net ring on Azuma's finger. "Isn't that what [Magic Arena] is for? Isn't the game enough?"

At the mention of [Magic Arena], Azuma's lips curved slightly. "It's true—I've faced all kinds of mages in that game. I've had an 80-win streak and reached the Master rank. Right now, I'm the top player in ranked!"

"Eighty wins... Do you do anything but play games all day?"

Nate thought that, at this rate, Azuma might soon be the first to reach the top rank. But then again, Azuma was exactly the kind of "goldmine" the Magic Net needed, constantly contributing energy to the network.

"In that case, just keep playing your game."

"But it's because of the game that I became curious about you!" Azuma replied, clenching his fists as his magic flared around him. "So now, I challenge you, the Creator!"

Why do you have to make things difficult... Nate thought, deciding he'd go easy on Azuma, given his "loyal contributor" status.

"I'll fight you myself!"

Ultear stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Nate. Raising a magic crystal in her hand, she continued, "Azuma, if your task is to bring me back, then it's only fair I'm the one to—"

Nate quickly pulled her back.

Men are handling this fight—why are you getting involved?

Ultear met his gaze, catching his drift, and her eyes sparkled with laughter.

"Aren't you the one who dislikes trouble?"

"I do—but taking care of him isn't much trouble."

Mostly, he didn't want his girlfriend fighting some other guy.

Ultear knew him well, chuckling as she stepped back to let him take the lead.

Azuma waited patiently for Nate to settle things with his girlfriend before preparing for their fight. Truthfully, he was stunned that Ultear had actually fallen for someone. After all, this was 'the' "Witch," formerly the leader among the Seven Kin of Purgatory and someone Hades deeply trusted. It was hard to picture her in a romantic relationship. But the evidence was right before his eyes, so he couldn't deny it.

Azuma didn't care about romance; in his view, people were neither men nor women—only strong or weak. Strength was what he respected.

"Tower Burst!"

Boom!!

A fiery tower erupted beneath Nate's feet, creating a massive explosion that roared skyward. Yet Azuma didn't show any excitement or satisfaction, even though he had hit his target.

As the flames cleared, Nate stood unharmed. A milky-white magic shield surrounded him, warding off all flames and heat. When the fire pillar dispersed, only scorched earth remained around him. Nate himself stood calmly, hands held together, a small white sphere forming between his palms.

"Three seconds. If you can stop me, you win."

That magic... Wasn't it Hades' magic, 'Grimoire Law'?!

Azuma's expression shifted slightly, recognizing the familiar casting stance. No—this was 'Fairy Law.'

"I won't give you the chance to cast it!" Azuma roared, launching another wave of attacks.

"One," Nate intoned calmly.

Azuma swung his hands, causing thick roots to rise from the ground like monstrous tentacles, reaching out to ensnare Nate. But each root was repelled by the magic shield, unable to get near him.

"Two."

"Chain Burst!" Azuma called out. He loved powerful opponents and loved explosions just as much. To him, explosions were art.

The explosive force traveled down each root, detonating as it reached Nate.

Boom!!

Fire once again engulfed Nate, yet he remained untouched, his magic shield proving nearly impenetrable, withstanding every blast.

"Not yet!" Azuma raised his hands to the sky and shouted, "Terra Clamare!"

From deep within the ground, he drew forth the stored magic, compressing it into glowing green orbs that floated around Nate. In the next instant, a blazing sun seemed to rise in the eastern forest.

Boom!!!

The colossal explosion's roar reverberated for nearly a kilometer, creating a violent gust that uprooted trees far and wide.

And yet, from the heart of the blast, Nate's voice emerged.

"Three seconds... time's up, Azuma."

With a clap of his hands, the small white sphere of magic ignited.

"Fairy Law, activate!"

A vast golden magic circle formed in the sky, releasing a holy beam of judgment, as though heaven itself had sent down its divine decree. Azuma's vision was engulfed in sacred light. He stood rooted to the spot, bathed in the glow.

Dodge? There was no evading such wide-range magic.

As 'Fairy Law' activated, every citizen and visitor enjoying the festival raised their heads to look at the soothing light overhead, feeling a gentle warmth wash over them, like a mother's touch.

"Feels so peaceful..."

On top of Fairy Tail's guild building, Makarov, sipping his drink while seated next to the great bell, grinned as he looked toward the eastern forest.

"Nate? Getting more proficient, I see."

The old man chuckled. "What kind of opponent calls for a grand magic? Just a little entertainment for the celebration?"

Makarov felt no concern for Nate; unless Hades himself showed up, no one would stand a chance.

...

When the white light finally faded, the flames in the forest were gone too. Due to the immense explosion, every tree within a kilometer radius of Nate had been reduced to ash.

Nate walked over the scorched earth toward Azuma, who lay flat on his back, arms and legs spread, his face peaceful, as though in deep sleep.

"Sorry, guess I didn't give you much of a fight..."

This super magic must have held back, or Azuma wouldn't even be conscious.