Laxus's name rang out. Natsu roared, "Go, Laxus!"
He and the others watched as the bolt of lightning wizard stepped into the arena.
In the council box, Yakima leaned close to Captain Rahal. "All agents in place?"
Rahal replied, "Yes—ready to halt the match if Raven Tail makes suspicious moves."
Master Makarov, fingers tapping his comm-seal, barked, "Valen, status!"
"HQ to Bisca—report," Valen crackled.
Bisca's voice echoed back, calm: "Ivan remains seated—no moves."
Freed's voice trembled with excitement: "Impossible! Show us your true power, Laxus!"
Bickslow ground his teeth in frustration.
"Where's Su Yan?" Makarov demanded.
Warren answered, "Su–Yan says what you see is a phantom. Laxus stands unharmed offstage."
Makarov blinked. A phantom? he wondered.
On the floor, Alexis of Raven Tail faced Laxus's apparition—trading blows with the illusory form. Suddenly it dissolved, revealing Alexis's trick. The real Laxus strode forward, lightning crackling around him.
Laxus tossed off his coat, electricity dancing across his skin. "Enough games. Phantoms or not, I'll show you my real strength."
A dozen Raven Tail members materialized behind Alexis. "You can't handle us all!" their leader sneered.
Alexis stripped off his mask, revealing Ivan's face beneath. "Don't think you outrank me— your father's guild holds true power."
Laxus smirked. "So, you're Ivan, the puppeteer."
Ivan's eyes gleamed. "Makarov swore secrecy, but you're different. Tell me where the gem is!"
Laxus laughed. "You wish—never."
Ivan's voice dropped. "If you refuse, you'll lose more than this match."
At his command, Obra surged forward to drain Laxus's magic. Red strands of energy shot from Flare's hair, peppering Laxus's flank. Narubutinku's spiked gauntlets closed in.
Laxus dodged every strike with inhuman speed, then gripped Narubutinku's head and flung him aside in a single motion.
"Enough!" Laxus bellowed, lightning flaring around him. "Your tricks won't work. Companions aren't pawns to be coerced—and this ends now."
As Raven Tail's assault fell apart, the arena erupted. Even Ivan's mask slipped away under true power and unwavering camaraderie. In that moment, the greatest force proved to be not cunning or lineage, but the unbreakable bond between guildmates—and the lightning that carried their will.