"Now… who do we have here?" Feeling the pressure upon him, Vandis welcomed it with a wave of his own.
Rumble!
Rumble!
The Ethernano within the floor's atmosphere spiraled out of control, affected by the collision of two individuals who radiated immense levels of magic power.
Ultear and Meredy frowned in discomfort from the overwhelming fluctuations. It also didn't help that they were fresh full of injuries, making it harder to endure through it all.
But it was bearable since it wasn't targeted at them. Ultear in particular, had a complicated expression while looking at the pink-haired young man.
… Natsu Dragneel… Salamander…. This is his current strength? He feels like a different person compared to the last time I saw him.
Even with her being aware of his victories over Jellal and Master Zero, she didn't expect such a leap in progress.
Especially for the former, where Ultear personally witnessed their entire fight via her brainwashing spell.
Wizards Saints are no joke, because they're individuals who were deemed worthy to stand above the continent. The dragon slayer's desperate struggle alongside Titania emphasized that completely.
A pair of prominent talents from the strongest guild in Fiore were treated like children.
If it weren't for Natsu recklessly consuming a stone of pure raw Ethernano, their deaths would've been a done deal.
The latter was also of the same tier. She met the enigmatic Master Zero one time, and the malice of destruction he emitted by just existing was etched into her mind.
Granted that Ultear wasn't privy on how Natsu won against him, he was still someone who Hades acknowledged alongside the elusive leader of Tartaros.
This was a developed foundation that the dragon slayer lacked, reserved for wizards who successfully reached the next stage of their magic.
A boundless presence of magical power that symbolized a vast chasm, to the point where you could only gaze in envy and admiration.
These were people who went beyond and arrived upon the domain of a Wizard Saint, whether they'd want to be recognized or not.
Nevertheless, Natsu Dragneel finally crossed this boundary, much to her luck and gratitude for saving Meredy.
Moreover, there was a specific tidbit of common knowledge from the council that was used as a warning and reminder that came with the title: Avoidance.
Potential scenarios regarding conflict between such powerhouses isn't within their control. Hence, they frequently advised their Wizard Saints to be at least cordial towards each other.
When this does happen, a certain phenomenon will follow as a result.
In this island full of veils that hid betrayal and ambition…
A Cataclysm shall inevitably emerge.
"Rale already warned me about Fairy Tail's involvement, Salamander." He observed the dragon slayer with slight caution, his water streams rippling in tandem. "I just had to take care of the rats snooping around in my headquarters."
"Your headquarters?" Natsu scoffed as he gently put down Meredy, before cracking his knuckles to prepare for battle. "Stealin' someone's property ain't the right way of ownin' stuff."
"My contract with Mack says otherwise." Vandis hummed in amusement. "Previously, it was an equal fifty-fifty split in ownership of the commerce, but since the other half died, the entirety of its rights fall onto me."
"... You really explained that with a straight face, even after what you did to him." Natsu exhibited more flames, their docile ignition holding in the searing heat that was threatening to explode.
"I don't know what you're trying to imply regarding that." Vandis simply shrugged. "Inheriting your dear friend's company doesn't seem so wrong to most, right?"
"Che! You're just a damn sicko!" The dragon slayer cursed under his breath, hearing his tone of mockery on how the dark wizard emphasized the meaning of 'friend'.
Fortunately, he managed to rein the anger and rage boiling within him for a moment. Natsu needed to focus on the more important matter at hand currently, which is to save the woman that was laid down and defeated near Vandis.
It was a chance encounter to meet Meredy during his search for Vandis, considering that he sensed the tremors of active magical clashes while still roaming the lower floors.
Although Natsu didn't know their purpose as to why they were fighting these dark wizards, the same objective of taking down Paramount Tide prompted him to at least believe in them.
"Alright, there's no point in listenin' to your crappy ramblin' any longer." He slowly adjusted his posture and slightly leaned forward.
"How cold of you to say that, Salamander. Wizards of equal measure should have mutual respect for one another." Vandis sighed, openly aiming a water stream at Ultear's neck.
"Ultear!" Meredy gazed at the scene with worry behind Natsu, widening her eyes at the sudden action. "You---!"
A toned muscular arm with a Fairy Tail mark interrupted her mid-sentence. She glanced at the pink-haired young man displaying a serious expression.
"Let me take care of this, Melon Tea." Natsu said, his tone vaguely resembling a dragon's growl. "I'll channel that anger for ya, so make sure to hold her tight once I save her, okay?"
"Mr. Natsu…" Meredy shakily took a deep breath. "Thank you… and it's Meredy by the way." She managed to smile at the silly nickname given to her.
"Eh? Ahem! Sorry about that." Natsu coughed in embarrassment as the tension vanished for a brief second.
He then returned his attention to the dark wizard, who serenely observed him with a calm yet intrigued demeanor. But the water stream that inched closer presented a complete contrast, as if taunting him to move.
WRRNGG!
The dragon slayer increased the pressure in response, not flinching nor reacting too strongly.
Vandis cackled in anticipation, a rare emotion that doesn't fit his personality. If the the guild's four S-Classes were to see such a thing, they would drop their jaws in disbelief.
WRRNGG!
He also did the same, matching Natsu's output. The bodies of water circulated even faster, already filled with tremendous magic power which dwarfed the ones he launched against Ultear.
Rumble! Rumble!
Massive amounts of Ethernano continued to flail wildly with the two being the epicenter for its cause. The seventh floor's shaking got stronger as a result, showcasing the sheer force they've released.
"You're not gonna step away from her, are ya?" Natsu's gaze never left the man, accompanied by his flames that still lingered as their figures simultaneously flickered at different intervals.
There was a saying that a wizard's magic is extension of oneself, so it was obvious how he was currently feeling right now.
"Depends on my mood." Vandis replied in amusement as the edge of his water stream finally pricked Ultear's skin.
Both auras ceased to circulate for a moment, letting the poor floor have its temporary peace.
"Well, I tried asking nicely." Natsu tensed his legs, accumulating flames beneath his feet.
Then the spark immediately ignited.
BOOM!
The dragon slayer propelled himself with a blast to arrive before Vandis swiftly, kicking towards the water stream that was hovering over the woman.
"An effective method of provocation."
Swoosh!
Vandis instantly retracted the water, applying it alongside the rest that supported his arms. They now swirled around them in pairs as he pivoted into a battle stance in quick succession.
He really didn't intend to kill Ultear, considering that she managed to bypass his seals and extracted crucial information about the guild. Death was too easy for something that could eradicate half a decade's worth of progress.
As such, Vandis chose to utilize her as bait to goad Natsu into making the first move. Although the water streams were a good form of offensive, this wasn't their strongest point.
His fighting style does not rely on brute force, but focuses on the essence of his magic's element.
It was one that delivered precise and lethal counters meant to cripple or kill.
"What a sly bastard!" Natsu realized the dark wizard's crafty tactic in no time.
However, he was already nearing Vandis' proximity. Attempting to adjust his momentum would be useless, given the force of his present velocity.
Flames coated his right fist as he went for a punch, gunning for his opponent's face with concentrated heat.
Swoosh!
"I can feel the might of your incredible flames." Vandis' left arm seamlessly flowed like a river, parrying the strike and redirecting it sideways. "But you have to make sure it can land successfully, you know?"
This left the dragon slayer wide open, to which he followed up with a right uppercut boosted by his streams.
BAM!
WRRNNGG!
The impact resounded throughout the floor, their clash unleashing multitudes of magic power that brought about a brand-new wave of destruction to the floor.
"Kghk!" Ultear flew a short distance due to how close she was, feeling the immense pressure from just the residual shockwaves alone.
"Ultear!" Meredy ran to her location while she still held her shoulder in pain, powering through her weakened state to reach her foster mother.
Pssshh!
Vandis clicked his tongue, seeing that his punch got caught in time against the grip of Natsu's other coated flaming hand.
Fire and water collided, producing steam afterwards. A sight that was naturally common even among the normal folk, but fundamentally more mesmerizing when wielded by powerful wizards.
Gotta make sure they get out of here first." Natsu briefly glanced at the duo who hugged each other in relief.
"I could say the same thing back to you, pal." He looked back at Vandis, as if he wasn't hanging in the air from the force. "If you wanna talk trash, then you need to back it up no problem!"
Natsu didn't give him the chance to respond as he grabbed the man's wrist, and started to gather flames around his feet again.
BOOM!
The small yet strong burst launched the both of them upwards, with the dragon slayer pulling Vandis in tow.
Such physical strength! Vandis couldn't escape from the hold, getting helplessly yanked just right above Natsu's line of sight.
It was an instantaneous reversal of their positions, a switch so fast he was caught-off guard.
"This is how you do an uppercut." Natsu clenched his right hand once more, circulating an abundance of magic power into it this time.
There was no way to dodge at this point-blank range, especially when one's movement is limited in midair.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
BAM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOOMM!
As soon as his strike connected on the dark wizard's torso, he was hurled through the ceiling and into the upper floors. An explosion rang across the place, alongside scorching flames that spilled out from that powerful fist.
Natsu smoothly descended into the ground, then gazed back at the pair of women that watched their trade of blows in wonder and awe.
"Hey, run away and look for safety you guys!" He shouted to remind them. "Can ya stand? Uh…"
"My name is Ultear… thank you for aiding us." The time wizard shortly introduced herself, trying her best to stand despite her current condition. "I'll manage."
"You're barely hangin' on." Natsu frowned and analyzed her slow actions. "Maybe I should carry the two of you to make it faster." He offered a solution.
"No, we'll simply turn into burdens for you." Ultear gritted her teeth to endure the agony. "Vandis is extremely strong, so it isn't advisable to put your attention elsewhere."
Wrrnngg!
A heavy pressure appeared right on cue, stretching all way from the top. Natsu swiftly honed in on the falling presence, which prompted him to brace for the fight ahead.
"You ain't wrong about that. He recovered surprisingly quick." Natsu agreed with her decision. "Also, your scent is somehow familiar, but let's just save it after I deal with him."
"... Of course." Ultear's expression turned guilty for a moment. "I don't mind having a proper talk when everything is over."
"Great!" The rambunctious dragon slayer gave a thumbs up. "Go now! I won't let this bastard past me!" He took a deep breath, channeling his magic Ethernano to welcome the dark wizard.
Ultear and Meredy glanced at each other, then nodded towards him. They immediately supported one another and hightailed from the floor without hesitation, not wanting to be distractions or hostages.
Sensing their ongoing departure, Natsu mentally felt relieved as he continued to stare straight at Vandis whose aura pulsed like a raging ocean.
He didn't flinch at the fierce descent, only responding by accumulating his flames within the opening of his mouth.
"Fire Dragon's… ROAR!"
!!
"Convergence!"
BOOOM!
BOOOM!
BOOOM!
BOOOOOOOOOMMM!
An orange beam of unrivaled, scorching heat razed tore all that was in its path. Its glow dyed the surroundings under its appearance, showcasing an example of what his newly improved magic could do.
The spell's reach extended across the remaining floors with ease, and managed to pierce through the very top of the building.
It illuminated Welbor's evening sky, as if a miniature sun manifested between the moonlight.
Whether it was the locals, his allies, dark wizards and Rune Knights…
Everyone's eyes widened at the abrupt spectacle, absorbing the scene that seemed beautiful yet destructive at the same time.
Rumble!
Rumble!
Devala Headquarters shook from the colossal force, which lasted for quite a few seconds. Countless dust clouds and hailing rubble engulfed the upper floors like rain, along with the display of a line that consisted of huge burnt holes.
"C'mon, don't pretend that you're out for the count." Natsu adorned a predatory and excited grin as he sharply noticed the shift within the haze. "I can finally go fully wild for the first time ever since gainin' this new flame of mine."
Poof!
"Is this the standard of young wizards nowadays?" The haze parted, revealing Vandis with his two palms connected horizontally as they faced forward. "But who am I to deny your request, Salamander." He replied with a smile of his own.
His water streams were intertwined to create a shield, one that blocked the dragon slayer's spell successfully.
However, it didn't mean he wasn't completely unaffected by the clash. Vandis' outfit had tears, combined with the mildly seared skin that appeared on his arms.
But the pain was mostly stings, prompting him to resume his dive towards Natsu.
Wrrngg!
Natsu unleashed his flames without holding back, revving up the temperature around him. He transitioned into a battle stance, infusing both of his fists as he stood his ground.
"Heh! Bring it on, pal!"
-------------------------------------------
AN: I-Impossible I managed to release a chapter earlier than usual. 0v0
Jokes aside, I finally managed to write the right amount of words that I wanted since I started this novel. I think my consistency will definitely grow as I get used to it, because I actually think 2000-2500 words is short… Wow, I can't even believe that lol.
Caught up with 100 years quest again. I'm excited about the three-way fight. Ignia was built up for a long time now, so I hope he wouldn't go down that easily.