Su Yan's eyes narrowed the moment Raven Tail stepped out.
As Master Makarov had warned, their sudden appearance could only spell trouble.
It felt like watching thieves prowl your own home.
*If this weren't the Grand Magic Games,* Su Yan thought, *I'd wipe them out right here—and if they try anything after the Games, I still will.*
---
Kurohebi knelt beside the defeated Toby. "So—what's your secret?"
Toby, eyes brimming, confessed, "My favorite sock… I lost one three months ago and I still can't find it. I—I never told anyone… woo‑hoo‑hoo…"
Lamia Scale collectively face‑palmed. *A sock?*
Kurohebi tapped his chest. Toby looked down—his missing sock hung around the mimic‑mage's neck.
"It was here all along! You're a good guy—Ao‑ao‑ao, I finally found it!"
Erza dabbed at happy tears. "That's wonderful, Toby."
Su Yan muttered, "Moved… over a sock?"
Granny Obaba was already plotting punishment for Toby's embarrassment.
Kurohebi then extended a hand.
[**Chapati Lola:** A post‑match handshake after that fierce bout?]
The instant Toby reached up, Kurohebi ripped the sock to shreds.
> [**Chapati:** *Not* a handshake—how cruel!]
> "The more precious a thing is," Kurohebi sneered, "the more I enjoy destroying it."
Gasps and angry murmurs rippled through the arena—only Raven Tail laughed. Toby staggered off in tears.
---
## Second Match — Bacchus Groh vs. Mirajane Strauss
"It's my turn," Mira said, smiling.
"Be careful, Miss Mira," Wendy urged. "He's as strong as Miss Erza."
Laxus smirked. "Relax. Erza's not the only woman who can match him."
Bacchus whistled. "Didn't expect such a beauty. How about a little wager? If I win, you serve me drinks all day."
"That bastard!" Elfman roared.
**CRACK!**
A terrifying aura swept the stadium; sunny skies blackened, thunderheads rolling in.
*BOOOOM!*
A bolt of lightning slammed where Bacchus had stood; he dove aside, a smoking crater left behind.
Another rumble; lightning still searched.
Bacchus waved frantically. "J‑just kidding! Kidding!"
Mira's smile never wavered. "Some jokes aren't worth making."
(Only a handful realised the storm was likely Su Yan's silent warning.)
Guildmaster Hossman palmed his face. "Idiot…"
Gajeel muttered, "Molesting Su Yan's girl? Might as well dig your own grave."
Mira clasped her hands. "Since the bet's off, let's see if you deserve your reputation."
> **Take‑Over: Satan Soul!**
Her body morphed—demonic wings, claws, a barbed tail. She shot forward; Bacchus countered with a palm strike that slid her back but failed to faze her.
Lucy gasped; Erza reassured her. "Mira's not fragile—hand‑to‑hand she's second only to Su Yan in Fairy Tail."
Bacchus's grin widened. "Interesting! I thought Erza was the guild's only strong woman—turns out you shake my soul too!"
Mira's magic darkened the air.
"**Dark Frenzy!**"