Sabaody Archipelago — Mangrove No. 30, Live Square.
"Awesome! She really is the Fairy Queen!"
"First Iwatekura, now Fairy Queen Erza—she's finished her fight too!"
"The Zoan Snake Fruit user—one of those Phantom Beast types who could transform into a giant earthly python—was completely crushed!"
"This is my first time seeing the Fairy Queen fight in person… she's even more incredible than the stories say!"
The crowd of reporters and fans gathered in the square erupted in awe, swept up by the raw force and grace Erza displayed. Her strength, her poise—everything about her was captivating.
However…
The next second, something entirely unexpected happened.
Erza, who had just defeated the Python Knight, suddenly wavered—her body swaying before she dropped to one knee.
"Wait… is that a poisoning reaction?" Capone Bege, captain of the Fire Tank Pirates, narrowed his eyes.
"Yeah. It must be poison," agreed the Sky Island monk Urouge, his voice grim.
"As expected from a Phantom Beast Zoan user from the Knights of God. You can never be too careful against them," murmured Kira, the Killer, his face darkening.
Naval Headquarters — atop the battlefield.
The moment Erza faltered, chaos spread among allies and enemies alike.
"Oh no! Something's wrong! Miss Erza—she's been poisoned! What do we do?!" Rebecca's voice trembled with panic.
"It's just poison, nothing to worry about," Erza said dismissively, waving a hand.
But the foam forming at the corners of her mouth betrayed her words.
"That's definitely not okay!" Kalifa snapped in frustration.
"Even Erza's affected… what kind of poison is this? If it's not treated quickly, she's in serious danger!"
Elsewhere — Sugisawa Yuuto vs. the Five Elders.
"Boy," sneered Pit, the Jupiter Elder, "your woman's down. Are you sure you don't want to go check on her? This might be the last time you ever see her alive."
Yuuto's lips curled into a small, confident smile. "You don't need to worry about that. The women of Fairy Tail are blessed with luck. Instead of worrying about Erza… you should worry about yourselves."
"Arrogant brat!" roared Nasshouro, the Venus Elder, as his body twisted grotesquely, transforming into a monstrous Yaksha form.
Meanwhile — on Wendy's battlefield.
"What should I do? What should I do? Erza's poisoned! I have to get to her—now!" Wendy cried, panic flooding her voice.
"Wendy! Watch out!" shouted the small white cat, Carla (Xia Lulu), her tone sharp with alarm.
Wendy, distracted by worry, barely noticed her opponent seizing the chance to attack. The Knight of God lunged—
But before the blow could land—
BOOM!
A surge of overwhelming power erupted from Wendy's small frame. The blast of wind pressure hurled the Knight of God backward like a ragdoll.
"The Secret Art of Dragon-Slaying…" Wendy's eyes glowed as her aura shifted. The "Dragon Mother" Irene's imprint awakened within her. She raised one delicate hand and looked coldly at the enemy before her.
"All things of the sky—gather before me."
Sky Dragon's Secret Art—Bursting Tempest!!!
The magic detonated like a heavenly storm. The Knight of God didn't even have time to scream before being consumed by the light.
"Whoa! Wendy's boss mode just went live!" Nami, Vivi, Carla, and the others shouted in amazement.
When the light cleared, Wendy stood panting amid the wreckage.
"Oh no… oh no! What do I do now—?" she fretted, still in a panic.
"It's fine," Carla sighed, exasperated but fond. "You already defeated your opponent, Wendy."
"Huh? Really?" Wendy blinked, wide-eyed. Then realization struck. "Wait! No time for that—Carla, we have to get to Erza, now!"
A short while later.
Wendy knelt beside Erza, hands glowing with soft sky-blue light.
"Sky Healing Magic—activate!"
The purifying wind enveloped Erza's body. Within moments, the venom's black tinge faded from her veins.
Erza exhaled deeply and stood once more, color returning to her face. "That helped a lot, Wendy. Thank you."
"N-no! I'm just glad you're okay!" Wendy waved her hands, flustered.
Erza smiled. "Such a reliable little girl. Then… I can't take it easy anymore."
A few paces away, the blind swordsman raised his chin slightly, his fingers tightening on the hilt at his waist.
"Paramecia—Gravity Fruit," he murmured. "Full power."
And as the gravity field roared to life, the battlefield trembled once more.