Bonus Chapters every 200 Power Stones
"Normal Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
[Year X791]
The arena had completely descended into chaos as fifty thousand spectators tried to process what they were witnessing. Cheers and excitement filled every corner of the massive colosseum as Team Fairy Tail stood in the centre of it all, their minds struggling to comprehend that their guild had somehow managed to field two complete teams for the competition.
More than that, the calibre of mages that comprised Fairy Tail Team B was staggering, especially the presence of two absolute powerhouses in Laxus and Mira, each a mage that could elevate the prestige of any guild that would be lucky to have them.
While most of the other competing teams complained loudly about the unfairness of Fairy Tail having two representatives, Makarov's reaction was pure, unbridled joy. The elderly man burst into laughter that could be heard even over the crowd's roar, his voice carrying clearly across the arena as he addressed anyone within earshot.
"How do you like that?! This is Fairy Tail!" His boasting was shameless and absolutely delighted, the pride of a grandfather showing off his guild's achievements to anyone who would listen.
Chapati Lola, recognizing that he needed to maintain some semblance of control over the proceedings, quickly stepped in to explain the situation before the crowd's confusion could turn into anger.
"As you can see, this year's Grand Magic Games feature a special rule change! For the first time in the competition's history, each guild was permitted to enter two complete teams!"
His announcement helped clarify the situation for most spectators, though it did nothing to reduce the shock of seeing such elite mages competing together.
Lucy shook her head in amazement as the implications sank in. "Now it makes sense why 112 teams were entered. But why didn't anyone tell us about this?"
Before anyone could answer her question, Natsu had begun marching toward Team B with the determined stride of someone who had something important to prove. His footsteps echoed in the brief lull between crowd cheers, and his voice carried clearly across the arena floor when he stopped directly in front of the Team B.
"THIS IS A BUNCH OF CRAP!"
His shout was loud enough to drown out the rest of the crowd's excitement, creating a moment of perfect silence in the massive arena as everyone turned to see what was happening. In that silence, Natsu continued his declaration with the kind of straightforward honesty that defined his approach to every challenge.
"Just because we're from the same guild doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you! I'm going to fight with everything I've got, and I expect you to do the same!"
Gajeel rose to the bait immediately as he responded to the Fire Dragon Slayer's declaration. "Can't hear you, Mr. Barely-Came-In-Eighth Place!"
The taunt was delivered with a smirk that made it clear he was enjoying every second of the confrontation. The exchange drew laughter from the crowd and annoyed muttering from the other competing teams, but it also served to establish the dynamic that would define the competition. Even guild mates would be competing seriously against each other, holding nothing back in their pursuit of victory.
While Natsu and Gajeel continued their verbal sparring, Lucy found herself studying the unfamiliar fifth member of Team B with growing curiosity. Something about him seemed familiar, though she couldn't quite place where she might have seen him before.
"Erza," she called softly, turning to their team's most knowledgeable member, "who is that person? The one in front of the others?"
Erza's expression had grown thoughtful as she studied Shisui's form, her mind working through everything she'd learned about Fairy Tail's mysterious S-class mage over the past few months. Unlike the rest of Team Natsu, she'd made it her business to investigate the man who had held their guild together during its darkest years.
"I have an idea who he might be… And if he's who I think he is, then Fairy Tail will be running the games." She said quietly, her voice carrying a note of certainty that made Lucy pay closer attention.
The confidence in her voice was absolute, born from hours of careful research and investigation into the legendary figure who had become known as Shisui the Teleporter. The stories she'd uncovered painted a picture of someone whose abilities was clearly out of the ordinary, whose tactical brilliance had allowed a weakened Fairy Tail to not only survive but thrive during their absence.
Before she could elaborate further, a high-pitched voice from the spectator section cut through their conversation.
"SHISHI-NII!"
Every head in the arena turned toward the sound, including those of both Fairy Tail teams. In the designated guild supporter section, Asuka Connell had broken free from her parents' restraining hands and was preparing to launch herself toward the arena floor.
Her trajectory would have carried her directly to Shisui, her complete faith in his ability to catch her overriding any concern for the impossible distance or the complete inappropriateness of interrupting a formal ceremony. Only Bisca's quick reflexes saved the situation, her arms wrapping around her daughter just as the little girl committed to her leap.
"Asuka!" Bisca's voice carried a mixture of exasperation and panic as she firmly held her daughter in place. "Shisui is busy right now! You can't just jump down there like that!"
The little girl pouted at being denied what she clearly considered her natural right to greet her beloved big brother, but her expression brightened immediately when Shisui looked up at her and raised his hand in a gentle wave.
The crowd, not understanding the personal connection between the mysterious mage and the small child, interpreted his gesture as acknowledgment of their support. The resulting cheer was deafening. Chapati seized the moment to provide commentary that would help the audience understand what they were witnessing.
"Making his debut in the games, along with his first ever public appearance, returning from the dead in EXPLOSIVE fashion, Shisui the Teleporter is certainly one to look out for this tournament!"
The announcement confirmed what many had suspected but few had dared to believe. The legendary S-class mage who had been declared dead almost a year earlier was not only alive but participating in the Grand Magic Games as part of Fairy Tail's resurrection.
Erza, recognizing the significance of the moment, walked directly toward Shisui. Seeing her movement, the crowd quieted slightly, sensing that something was about to happen. When she reached him, she extended her hand in a gesture that was both formal and deeply respectful. Shisui looked at her with curious eyes before accepting the offered handshake.
"It's nice to finally meet the man responsible for keeping our guild safe."
"I didn't do it to get praise."
The simple statement only served to increase Erza's respect for him, confirming everything she'd learned about his character during her investigation.
Before the crowd could grow restless at the extended pause in official proceedings, Chapati smoothly transitioned into explaining how the competition would unfold over the coming days. He outlined the various contest formats, explained the scoring system, and detailed the rules that would govern inter-team interactions.
At the conclusion of his explanation, he announced the first official event of the Grand Magic Games: Hidden, a contest that would test the participants' stealth and detection abilities in equal measure.
"Now it's time for each team to select their representative for our opening contest!" Chapati declared, his voice building excitement for what was to come.
The selection process began immediately, with each team choosing their most suitable member for the specific challenge ahead. Quatro Cerberus sent forward a grizzled man named Yeager, Mermaid Heel selected Beth Vanderwood, Raven Tail's choice was a mysterious figure called Nalpuddin and Blue Pegasus contributed Eve Tilm.
When Sabertooth's turn came, they selected Rufus Lore, the memory mage whose reputation was well-known throughout Fiore. His introduction drew the loudest cheers yet, particularly from the female members of the audience who found his scholarly appearance and confident demeanour irresistible.
Lamia Scale, determined to make a strong showing from the very beginning, sent forward Lyon Vastia, the ice mage whose skills rivalled the participating competitors. For Team Fairy Tail A, the choice was obvious as Gray stepped forward with characteristic cool confidence. And finally, representing Team Fairy Tail B, Juvia moved to join the other contestants.
With all participants selected and ready, Chapati raised his voice for the final announcement of the opening ceremony as the crowd erupted one final time for the official commencement of the first contest of the X791 Grand Magic Games.
"It's now time for the Grand Magic Games' opening contest, Hidden, to begin!"
~ End of Chapter 104 ~
You can read advanced chapter on p@treon.com/The_Editor982
May the odds, be ever in your favour!