"Alright, the competition segment for Day 4 has ended. Now, onto the highly anticipated battle segment—Partner Battles!"
Mr. Yajima chimed in at the right moment: "Partner Battles means 2-on-2 matches, right?"
Jabadi continued, "That's right, next, two people will be selected from each team to fight together on stage.
"This not only tests combat strength but also the level of coordination between partners. Of course, the selection and grouping are decided by audience votes, with final adjustments by the organizers."
Guest Rabian: "Thank you, thank you very much!"
Rhode was quite suspicious whether this guest had paid off the organizers to sneak in today.
After a wait, the match schedule was delivered to the commentary table.
"The list is out. Let's take a look at the groupings." Jabadi glanced at it and exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Yajima, is it possible for two teams to face each other multiple times?"
"Hmm…there's no restriction on that." Yajima looked at the first pair of contestants and said, "It looks like the audience really wants to see a battle between the Dragon Slayer Mages."
Jabadi nodded, "Indeed, in the Partner Battles, the most supported duo is Sabertooth's Stinger and Rogue, the combination of the White Dragon and Shadow Dragon!"
A buzz arose in the audience, many people showing excited expressions. Sabertooth's Twin Dragons have been very prominent over the years, always standing out in past competitions.
This year, though slightly unexpected, Stinger got motion sickness, and Rogue faced strong opponents like Jura and Erza.
And they participated in events other than battles, unable to showcase their full strength.
It remains unknown who their opponents will be.
If it's Dragon Slayer Mages… Could it be Fairy Tail again?
The commentary table was also discussing this matter: "As their opponents, the combination of the Fire Dragon and Iron Dragon has the highest support."
Yajima said, "Unfortunately, they are not on the same team."
Natsu and Gajeel simultaneously showed expressions of disdain:
"Luckily, we're not on the same team as that guy." ×2
Rhode laughed, "I'd actually love to see you team up with Natsu."
Gajeel snorted, "That wouldn't be a 2-on-2; I'd have to take down the Fire Dragon first, then deal with those two brats."
Jabadi noticed the slight disappointment among the audience and said enthusiastically:
"Even though they're not on the same team, we'll still get to see the battles of 4 Dragon Slayer Mages; that is…the combination of the Iron Dragon and Sky Dragon!"
He formally announced: "The first fight of the battlefield segment on the fourth day of the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts, Sabertooth vs. Fairy Tail B Team!
"Stinger and Rogue vs. Gajeel and Wendy! Contestants, please enter the stage!"
"Huh?" Wendy was taken aback, remembering that Mr. Rogue was very strong, with a high MPF value. She wasn't sure if she could measure up.
"Wendy?" Carla was already worried. "Isn't this choice too reckless?"
Reby reassured, "It's fine; at times like this, Gajeel can be reliable…"
Li Li nodded in agreement, "Yeah, Gajeel is a tenacious man."
"Easier said than done…" Carla couldn't help but use her Divination Magic, trying to foresee the match's outcome.
But exaggerated scenes appeared in her mind: "What is…this? Is this what Lucy called 'the future'?"
For the time being, she couldn't worry about Wendy and tried to recall and interpret all the details in those scenes.
"Let's go, Rogue." Stinger appeared a bit more serious than before. "The lady had a mishap; we need to win this one back."
"Ah." Rogue followed him. If it were a combination of Gajeel and Natsu or Laxus, he'd be a bit concerned.
But now, it was just that little girl; they needed to be somewhat careful of their strength.
On Team B's side, Rhode gave Gajeel a heavy pat on the back: "Give it your all."
"You…" Gajeel toppled forward, flipping over and landing on his back, creating a dent like an iron lump with a loud thud.
He quickly jumped up, pointing at Rhode above him: "You bastard! I won't let you off!"
"Hahaha…sorry, my bad." Rhode halfheartedly apologized, whispering to Wendy,
"No need to pressure yourself; just treat it like playing. Oh, let that iron lump take a few hits first and observe their moves."
However, Dragon Slayer Mages had very keen ears; Gajeel shouted, "Damn, I heard that!"
Rhode replied, "If you win, I'll treat you to dinner. If you lose, I'll even add your cursing tab to the bill!"
Wendy chuckled awkwardly, "Well… I'll do my best to use magic support."
Rhode nodded, "Yeah, go for it."
Jubia saw Rhode speaking gruffly with Gajeel, but when looking at Wendy, he was all gentle and couldn't help but say, "The preferential treatment is so obvious."
Rhode didn't mind: "If it were you, would you rather talk to Gajeel or Wendy?"
"Wendy…" Jubia inexplicably thought of Big Wendy from Edolas, puffing her cheeks, "a potential rival!"
"..." You sure set a wide range of precaution.
On the other end, Wendy descended the stairs cautiously, entering the arena and standing beside Gajeel.
Getting in without tripping, that's progress.
The two pairs of contestants faced each other, with Rogue and Stinger both staring at Gajeel, who returned the look with a fierce gaze.
Wendy tiptoed but wasn't noticed at all.
"The contestants from both sides are ready." Pumpkin Man announced loudly, "Let the match begin!"
"Gajeel, sir, it's an honor to finally face you." Rogue said, "I'll show you my true power, not just a mere number!"
"You seem to care a lot about that number." Gajeel smirked provocatively, "Kiddo, you step back. I've wanted to pummel these cocky guys for a long time."
"Yes." Wendy obediently stepped back.
This isn't their first time collaborating; during training, she occasionally teamed up with Natsu and Gajeel to deal with a dragon or Rhode.
When a fight starts, Wendy always retreats to the rear first.
But retreat doesn't mean doing nothing; Wendy spread her arms, a Magic Array activated beneath her feet, "Speed Enhancement, Power Enhancement, Defense Enhancement…"
Three colored lights appeared on Gajeel, but before she could finish casting all the Additional Magic, Gajeel already charged out.
"Wow!" Rogue immediately got hit in the face with an Iron Fist, and Stinger's abdomen was kicked by Gajeel's leg.
Before they realized what was happening, both had already been knocked back flying.
On the sidelines, Pumpkin Man was surprised.
To avoid a one-sided situation, which would lessen the excitement, the organizer deliberately didn't arrange Laxus and chose Wendy and Gajeel as a combo.
And it still turned out this way?