51-53

Chapter 51: Laxus’s Declaration of War!  

When Rayne returned to the guild, it was already noon the next day.  

"You’re back already?!"  

Makarov stared at the young man before him, visibly shocked.  

If he remembered correctly, Rayne’s request was to track down and capture a thief.  

Finding clues, identifying the culprit, and apprehending them—all of that should have taken considerable time.  

Yet Rayne had only left yesterday, and here he was, back already?  

Makarov couldn’t help but feel bewildered.  

For a moment, he even wondered if he’d blacked out from drinking and somehow skipped ahead in time.  

"Got lucky. I happened to stumble upon the reason behind the missing items."  

Rayne understood the guild master’s surprise and simply smiled as he and Kanna took their seats.  

He’d expected the job to take longer too.  

But running into Mystogan had drastically cut down the time needed.  

"So it wasn’t done by a person?"  

"No. It seemed to be a rift leading to another world. Someone was sealing it when I arrived."  

Rayne kept the details about "souls" to himself, opting for a more plausible explanation.  

"Another world?!"  

Even the well-traveled Makarov couldn’t hide his astonishment at that answer.  

The existence of other worlds wasn’t unheard of—after all, ancient texts often hinted at such things.  

Like the Celestial Spirit World, the realms where demons and gods resided, or even magic that summoned creatures not native to this world.  

Rayne’s Dragon Summoning Magic was proof enough of that.  

But what surprised Makarov was that in all his years, he’d never encountered such a phenomenon himself—yet Rayne had just stumbled upon it.  

"Who was the one sealing the rift?"  

Anyone capable of such a feat must have been a renowned mage—perhaps even one of the Ten Wizard Saints.  

"They were a bit shorter than me, with their face completely covered."  

It wasn’t a lie—just an omission.  

Explaining the "souls" or how he knew about Edolas would’ve been too complicated.  

Besides, even if he told them, there was no way to reach that world.  

"Shorter than you?"  

Makarov scrutinized Rayne’s height, mentally comparing it to the Ten Wizard Saints.  

But none matched the description—aside from himself, none were shorter than Rayne.  

"Must’ve been a powerful mage who prefers to stay out of the spotlight."  

Makarov sighed in resignation.  

The Ten Wizard Saints weren’t necessarily the strongest in the world—they were simply those recognized for both power and reputation.  

But there were plenty of formidable mages who shunned fame, and the Magic Council wouldn’t disclose their identities.  

"Maybe."  

Rayne shrugged nonchalantly.  

Kanna glanced up at him, sensing he knew more than he let on.  

But since Rayne chose not to elaborate, she stayed quiet.  

Noticing her gaze, Rayne chuckled and ruffled her hair.  

"Well, now that you’re back, take it easy. Don’t push yourself too hard."  

Makarov’s tone turned fatherly as he spoke.  

In a guild known for its laid-back attitude, Rayne was an anomaly—relentless to the point of self-endangerment.  

It worried Makarov.  

"I’m fine, really."  

Rayne tilted his head slightly, unfazed.  

Thanks to the Dragon Root’s influence, his body was gradually becoming superhuman.  

What others saw as grueling tRayneing felt like a normal workout to him.  

His recovery was faster, and the tangible progress he made after each session left him craving more.  

"...Oh, right."  

Makarov’s eye twitched at Rayne’s nonchalance, but he quickly remembered something else.  

"The Magic Council approved the bounty for the 'Rat Catchers.' It should arrive in a few days—around 200,000 Jewel."  

That amount made even Rayne raise an eyebrow.  

How were a bunch of weaklings worth so much?  

"They weren’t strong, but their crimes were vile. Many families who lost children pooled money together, driving up the bounty."  

Makarov explained, sensing Rayne’s confusion.  

"I see. Then my share goes to you, Master. With this 30,000 Jewel, that’s half the rent paid."  

Since Laxus had helped with the request, Rayne couldn’t take the full reward.  

He split both the bounty and the mission earnings equally.  

The apartment rent was 70,000 Jewel, so three months totaled 210,000.  

Between the previous two missions (30,000 Jewel), the Rat Catchers’ bounty (100,000 Jewel), and this job (30,000 Jewel), Rayne had already repaid over half.  

Handing Makarov the 30,000 Jewel, Rayne couldn’t help but feel relieved.  

"Rayne. Want to pay it all off at once?"  

Laxus’s sharp voice cut in.  

Rayne turned to see the blond-haired mage lounging in a corner, chin propped on his hand, a smirk playing on his lips.  

"Laxus, what are you planning?!"  

Makarov frowned, instantly wary of his grandson’s tone.  

"Nothing much. Just thought it’s time we settled our little debt, don’t you think?"  

Dismissing his grandfather, Laxus’s eyes gleamed with something complicated.  

Ever since their battle in Oak Village, he’d known Rayne wasn’t weak.  

He’d intended to settle their old score immediately after returning, but Rayne had vanished—first to tRayne under Makarov, then on another mission.  

When Rayne finally reappeared, guild members whispered about how much stronger he’d gotten.  

Even Gildarts had praised him.  

In just a few days, Rayne had grown again.  

And that realization filled Laxus with an unfamiliar urgency.  

He hated to admit it, but a thought had crept into his mind:  

If this keeps up, he’ll surpass me.  

Shoving the idea aside only made the unease worse.  

The solution was simple.  

Crush Rayne with overwhelming force—before he could catch up.  

So Laxus had resolved to stay in the guild, skipping missions just to wait for Rayne’s return.  

And now here he was—back sooner than expected.  

And just as the rumors said, Rayne carried himself differently now.  

The massive sword on his back exuded a primal, almost savage aura.  

Like a beast from ancient times, slowly baring its fangs. 

Chapter 52: The One in the Weakest Position Has Always Been You...  

"Guild Master, I told you—leave this to me."  

Rayne raised a hand, stopping Makarov before he could speak. His face still carried that same calm, confident smile.  

Those words made Makarov freeze for a moment.  

It was the same thing Rayne had said that night when he first joined the guild, back when the two of them had walked outside together.  

"Sigh… Fine, it’s your fight."  

Shaking off the memory, Makarov sighed and stepped aside. His usually straight back seemed slightly hunched now, as if weighed down by something unseen.  

"......"  

Laxus watched his grandfather’s retreating figure, his lips twitching as if he wanted to say something—but in the end, he stubbornly turned his gaze back to Rayne.  

If I crush this guy, it’ll prove I was right all along.  

This guild only needs the strong!  

"What the hell did you mean by that earlier?" Laxus growled.  

Rayne met his glare without flinching. Beside him, Conann rested her tiny hands on the table, her head peeking over the edge as she stared at Laxus with an unreadable expression. Her usually blank face was slightly puffed up—even she was angry.  

Though she mostly preferred staying close to Rayne, she hadn’t forgotten the kindness Porlyusica, Makarov, and Caroline had shown her. Seeing Makarov upset because of Laxus made her furious.  

The tension between the two had also caught the attention of the rest of the guild.  

After all, they’d all bet on who’d win in a fight between Rayne and Laxus. Now that it was finally happening, they couldn’t help but get excited.  

As for whether things might go too far?  

With both Gildarts and Makarov—the two strongest in the guild—present, nothing too crazy could happen.  

So all they had to do now was enjoy the show!  

Meanwhile, Gildarts—ever the ladies' man and thus more attuned to emotions—grabbed a drink and walked over to Makarov. (Not that he’d ever admit he was checking up on the old man.)  

"If you win, I’ll give you the 100,000 Jewels I owe you. That should be enough to cover your debt, right?"  

Ignoring the crowd of onlookers, Laxus crossed his arms, his voice dripping with arrogance.  

No matter how he really felt inside, he’d never let it show on the surface.  

And as for the money?  

Meant nothing to him.  

Unlike Rayne, Laxus had completed plenty of jobs—he wasn’t strapped for cash.  

"Deal."  

Rayne’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he agreed without hesitation.  

It wasn’t about the money.  

It was about settling this grudge once and for all.  

Sure, 100,000 Jewels was nice, but more than that—he wanted to wipe that smug look off Laxus’ face.  

"You just got back from a job, so I won’t take advantage. Let’s do this tomorrow at noon."  

Laxus’ straightforward response caught Rayne off guard for a second, but he quickly recovered.  

"No need. I didn’t expend much energy yesterday. We can settle this now."  

To everyone’s surprise, Rayne rejected the offer outright.  

"Tch. Fine. Don’t cry when you lose!"  

Feeling like he was being looked down on, Laxus’ anger flared.  

"The plains outside town."  

Without bothering to acknowledge Laxus’ temper, Rayne turned and walked out, Conann trailing behind him.  

The guild’s backyard was too small, and fighting in the streets would just wreck the town.  

The last thing Rayne needed was more debt because of property damage.  

The open field where he’d trained his Giant Magic was perfect—wide, empty, and nothing to break.  

This time, Laxus didn’t argue. He just strode after him.  

Location didn’t matter—as long as they fought.  

"Hey… Did anyone notice they never said what happens if Rayne loses?"  

Macao stroked his beard, looking puzzled.  

As seasoned gamblers, this was the kind of detail they usually caught.  

"You idiot, haven’t you figured it out yet?" Wakaba rolled his eyes.  

"Figured out what?"  

"Laxus is scared."  

Exhaling a cloud of smoke, Wakaba’s expression was unreadable.  

"Quit standing around looking cool and go watch!"  

Caroline’s voice snapped them back to reality. She dashed out of the guild, leaving the two men behind.  

When Wakaba turned, he realized—everyone else was already gone. Even the Guild Master and Gildarts had vanished.  

The guild hall was empty.  

"DAMN IT, MACAO!!! WAIT FOR ME!!!"  

Slapping away the smoke, Wakaba bolted after them.  

Outside the town, on the open plains.  

Rayne and Laxus stood facing each other, a dozen meters apart.  

Further up the slope, a crowd had gathered—not just Fairy Tail members, but even curious citizens of Magnolia who’d heard the rumors.  

Conann, meanwhile, was being reluctantly cuddled by Caroline, who had a blissful smile on her face.  

"You better go all out. I’d hate to win too easily—that’d just be boring."  

Laxus smirked, electricity crackling around him as his magic surged.  

The raw, volatile power of lightning coursed through him, burning away his earlier unease.  

"Crack—"  

Unlike Laxus’ fiery energy, Rayne remained eerily calm.  

He rolled his wrists, tilted his neck side to side—bones popping—then pulled the massive sword from his back and drove it into the ground.  

He wasn’t at the level where he could wield it effortlessly yet.  

A single misplaced swing could bisect a man.  

Even if Laxus’ body could take the hit, it wasn’t a risk worth taking.  

"Laxus, the only time you ever stood a chance against me… was the day we first met."  

As he spoke, Rayne’s blood began to heat up, his lips curling into a fierce grin.  

This wasn’t taunting.  

This wasn’t arrogance.  

It was the truth.  

Back then, his magic had been drained—he couldn’t even summon Conann.  

But after forging the "Boosted Gear", even without her, he could’ve dragged Laxus down with him in a death match.  

And now?  

Now that his magic had fully recovered?  

Laxus never stood a chance.  

"So the one in the weakest position…"  

A cool breeze swept across the plains, lifting Rayne’s dark hair and revealing his sharp, gleaming eyes—  

"Has always been you."  

His voice was quiet, but it carried like thunder.  

"ENOUGH TALK!!!"  

Laxus’ rage erupted. Lightning exploded around him as he blitzed forward, the ground shattering beneath his feet.  

"BOOSTED GEAR."  

Rayne’s whisper was drowned out by the roar of an ancient dragon.  

The Heavenly Dragon of Domination answered his call.  

🔥 Fight start! Who’s winning? Place your bets! 🔥 

Chapter 53: First Clash!  

Crimson particles swirled and coalesced.  

An armguard, deep red as though forged from blood, materialized, its emerald jewel pulsing with radiant light. Beast-like claws curled slightly at the fingertips.  

The summoning took less than a thought.  

Rayne’s gaze locked onto Laxus as the lightning-wreathed boy charged forward.  

His fist, sheathed in the scarlet gauntlet, clenched tight. Feet planted firmly, he pivoted at the waist and threw a straight punch—  

—just as Laxus’s lightning-coated fist swung toward him.  

"THUD—!"  

Red and gold collided with a muffled, resonant impact.  

A visible shockwave erupted from their clashing fists.  

Crimson mana raged like wildfire.  

Golden electricity arced like shattered chains.  

Two forces—young but ferocious—clashed head-on.  

The recoil cratered the ground beneath their feet.  

Behind the crimson "flames," Rayne’s face burned with exhilaration.  

Behind the golden lightning, Laxus’s expression twisted.  

As a Dragon Slayer, his physical prowess was exceptional—but he was still raw.  

Bare flesh against a Divine Dividing Gauntlet was… unwise.  

Yet pride refused to let him falter. He schooled his features into a sneer, though the faintest "hiss" of pain escaped.  

"I could always not use this, if you’d prefer."  

Rayne’s smirk was merciless.  

"Tch. Barely even tickled."  

Laxus scoffed, though the lie was transparent.  

Even if he wanted to concede (he didn’t), Rayne’s magic was Requip. Asking him to fight unarmed would’ve been pointless—and insulting.  

"Sure, sure. Keep gritting those teeth, then."  

Rayne had expected nothing less. His taunt was just that—a taunt.  

Against Laxus’s lightning magic, the Boosted Gear was essential. Without it, every strike would force Rayne to waste mana resisting paralysis.  

"You’re the one who’s gonna be eating dirt!"  

Laxus roared back, his mana surging. Lightning crackled wildly, amplifying the force behind his fist.  

Rayne didn’t retreat. His own mana surged in response, the gauntlet’s crimson energy boiling like molten steel.  

In seconds, his arm seemed engulfed in scarlet flames.  

"Damn. Their mana’s already stronger than ours." 

"Did I get old while I wasn’t looking?" 

"Laxus, fine—but since when is Rayne this strong?!" 

"Maybe because while you idiots were drinking, he was training." 

"No way. This growth’s insane even for that..."  

The Fairy Tail mages on the hillside watched, equal parts impressed and deflated.  

"That weapon…"  

Makarov’s eyes narrowed at Rayne’s gauntlet. Unlike the others, he knew Rayne’s true magic. That draconic armguard was no coincidence.  

"Kid’s got terrifying mana reserves."  

Gildarts crossed his arms. Though he couldn’t pinpoint why, Rayne’s energy felt… off. Not in strength, but in nature.  

Back in the fray, Laxus gritted his teeth.  

Rayne’s pressure was increasing. His boots sank deeper into the soil, skidding backward.  

"The hell?! This isn’t working—!"  

Abandoning the deadlock, he yanked his fist free and thrust his left palm forward.  

A intricate golden magic circle flared.  

"Lightning Dragon’s—!"  

The bolt screamed forth, faster than thought. At point-blank range, evasion was nearly impossible.  

"—ROAR!"  

Rayne’s lips curled.  

He’d anticipated this. Dodging would’ve left him open to a relentless assault.  

So he didn’t.  

His pupils burned like embers as he swiped at the lightning with his clawed gauntlet.  

The air itself shrieked in protest.  

Five crimson trails scarred the sky—  

"BOOM!!!"  

—as claw and lightning collided.  

The shockwave blasted outward, forcing Laxus to shield his eyes.  

His mind reeled.  

He’d prepared counters for evasion, for blocks—  

—but this?  

Rayne’s claws tore through the bolt like parchment.  

Fragmented electricity rained down, scorching the grass into a field of blackened pits.  

A cage of lightning.  

And at its center, a crimson meteor.  

Rayne closed the distance in an instant, his gauntlet drawn back like a coiled spring.  

Laxus’s pupils shrank to pinpricks.  

Instinctively, golden magic circles flared around him—  

—as his body disintegrated into lightning, zapping him ten meters backward.  

Rayne’s fist struck empty air.  

The compressed shockwave detonated mid-flight, scattering into a gust of wind.