The Pumpkin Man's expression was almost falling apart. What's with this batch of contestants?
One after another, why are they all like this? We, the organizers, have designed the magic competition professionally. Please give us a bit of trust...
In the meantime, the battle inside the Demon Suppression Hall had already begun.
"Requip: Heaven's Wheel Armor!"
In an instant, Erza completed the requip, with hundreds of Celestial Wheel Swords surrounding her, flying out in waves.
All the monsters around suffered indiscriminate attacks.
D-Class monsters were instantly killed as soon as they were hit. The slightly luckier ones at least lost a leg.
C-Class monsters were a bit stronger; only those hit in the vital points fell and disappeared, with a few managing effective dodges and only suffering minor injuries.
B-Class were even stronger; besides dodging, they could also perform effective defenses...
Erza calmly observed each type of monster's reaction, assessing their general strength.
After the final round of flying swords shot out, Erza, holding dual swords, charged directly into the monster group for further confirmation.
At this time, C-Class monsters showed fire-element magic, and B-Class demonstrated water-element magic.
Erza skillfully used the Flame Emperor's Armor and Sea King's Armor to respond, even using the Flame Emperor's Armor with the Sea King's Sword when necessary.
Not mentioning the power Erza displayed, just the few requip magics had already shocked the entire Rays of the Rising Sun Guild.
Their guild, unlike ordinary New School Mage Guilds, was required to practice in other areas besides magic tools.
To carry more tools, Requip Magic was almost a mandatory course for them.
They had once thought their guild was the best at Requip Magic.
But today, they suddenly realized that when it comes to Requip Magic skills, no one in the guild, except the president, could compare to Erza.
Instant requip, and it's both weapons and armor at the same time, even freely matching weapons and armors from different sets...
They never thought Requip Magic could reach this level.
Black Feather Armor, Vajra Armor, Thunder Emperor's Spear... Erza's Requip Magic dazzled the audience.
If not for the commentary from the three hosts, they'd almost think this was the Fairy Queen's battle fashion show.
Besides Requip, Erza also showcased her rich experience in group battles—she always hit and moved, never lingering regardless of the target's condition.
Except for intentionally using the Vajra Armor to probe a B-Class monster's attack power, she always ensured she had the initiative for attack or retreat.
The armors, focusing on both beauty and functionality, combined with her excellent combat skills, provided the audience with a feast for the eyes.
The number of monsters decreased sharply throughout, the total gradually dropping below forty, with low-level monsters almost gone.
Standing in front of a small giant, Erza suddenly requipped into the Clothes of Pure Heart and Demon Blade Hongying.
At this point, Lahar on the commentary stage suddenly said, "Looks like the probing is over."
"Yes," Yajima nodded in agreement, "It's time to get serious."
"Wait a minute, Mr. Yajima, Mr. Lahar." Jabadi voiced the question on the audience's mind, "Are you saying that up until now, Ms. Erza hasn't been serious?"
"Almost, those weren't all her power," Lahar adjusted his glasses and praised,
"Ms. Erza has been assessing the monsters' specific abilities, combat styles, even attack and defense habits while fighting.
"Besides the S-Class monsters not appearing yet, she should have grasped the weaknesses of each monster while dueling; next will be simple sweeping and the final showdown."
"But, but... even if you say we're entering the final phase," Jabadi exclaimed, "Ms. Erza is still almost completely unscathed!"
The Clothes of Pure Heart were essentially a bandeau with flame-patterned, red and yellow pants, even her feet were bare.
Jabadi and the audience could clearly see in the close-up shots that Erza was almost unharmed.
Of course, if you nitpick, a few tips of her hair were slightly singed.
More terrifying is that by now, she should've consumed a considerable amount of Magic Power, yet she still seems somewhat relaxed?
Is she really a mage 6 years behind the times?
She seems to be 6 years ahead!
In the waiting area, Rhode chuckled and asked, "Has Erza been training hard these past six months?"
"Yes," Wendy replied, "There were several missions where besides training hard herself, Ms. Erza also pushed us hard."
Wendy showed a hint of fear at this, adding, "Quite strict."
"Jubia encountered Ms. Erza several times while training in the lake behind, and then..." Jubia added about Erza's state when not on missions.
Judging by her look, she must've sparred and got harshly handled.
Rhode glanced at Laxus; speaking of training, he seemed about the same.
The special Magnolia weather, 'Sunny turning to Laxus,' was no joke, the residents have even experienced 'winter thunder rolling.'
Just as they were about to watch Erza's performance more closely, Rhode suddenly tensed up, "Here it comes."
The others thought he meant Erza, seeing nothing amiss, curiously asked, "What's coming?"
Rhode lowered his voice, "The evil presence we mentioned before coming to the Royal Capital, the one related to Zeref. It was very intense just now, but it's weaker now, probably not far from the arena."
They all tensed up, focusing intently.
Rhode summoned Warm and tossed it to Wendy, "I'm stepping out for a moment, let Warm know if anything happens."
Wendy nodded obediently.
Rhode thought for a moment, created an illusion of himself overlapping his position, then used Alchemy Mist to become invisible, quietly flying toward the direction where he sensed it.
The three looked curiously at Rhode's illusion, almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
Rhode moved swiftly, quickly noticing something amiss—this direction seemed to lead to yesterday night's infiltration location.
He landed smoothly around that area and sensed that the peculiar aura was still further away.
Looking up, there was a majestic, bustling city in the distance.
"The Royal Capital? Is the Black Magic Sect really planning something in the Royal Capital?"
Or... considering his previous speculation, could it actually be the royal family doing something?