After Lucy defeated Flare and the spectacular battle concluded, a large portion of the audience finally converted into fervent fans of Fairy Tail Team A.
No matter how many limitations Celestial Spirit Magic might have, it was undeniable that it was arguably the most visually spectacular and performative magic currently existing—perhaps even without equal.
Especially in a festival like the Grand Magic Games where popularity and viewership are fiercely contested, Lucy's battle not only secured a dominant victory but also showcased the brilliance of magic.
With up to six golden Celestial Spirits taking turns to appear, the use of multiple types of magic, and the final breathtaking spectacle of stars converging...
This was the episode that delighted both appearance fans and strength fans the most.
Front-row spectators rose to their feet, chanting Lucy's name.
Blushing deeply, Lucy waved back at them.
On the platform, Makarov wiped away moved tears.
"It hasn't been easy... Everyone is finally starting to recognize our children."
Mavis watched the enduring waves of cheers, her ahoge swaying happily.
She smiled joyfully at the tearful members behind her.
"This is the charm of magic."
Meanwhile, Mirajane clapped happily for Lucy, her eyes curving into lovely crescents.
"Lucy was amazing, she's giving everyone a great start."
Laxus noticed Ankh returning to the viewing platform and asked, "How are things with Raven Tail?"
Ankh snorted disdainfully. "There was a cloaked man, likely the one who attacked Wendy. He tried to ambush Lucy during the match."
Laxus narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerous.
"They're really looking for trouble..."
"Let the Thunder God Tribe work a bit harder. We can't let our guard down yet."
After watching the first match, all teams fell into discussions.
Guilds unfamiliar with Fairy Tail were astonished that their team possessed such a powerful Celestial Spirit Mage.
Guilds acquainted with Fairy Tail were amazed by Lucy's rapid improvement.
On the commentary platform, Jenny was still immersed in the stellar spectacle of the previous match, sighing with admiration.
"Celestial Spirit Magic is so beautiful~ If Miss Lucy were to debut as an idol, she'd surely be very popular too~"
Privately, the image-conscious Jenny added silently, 'Though of course, she still won't surpass me.'
Yajima, missing Jenny's implication, agreed. "Compared to seven years ago, this child has improved tremendously."
Chapati also greatly enjoyed the match, but professional duty soon brought the conversation back on track.
"The next match features Ren from Blue Pegasus versus Arania from Mermaid Heel."
As the two contestants took the stage, another battle promptly unfolded.
This pairing featured a tsundere dark-skinned man from the handsome guild versus an arachnid-themed mature beauty from the all-female guild.
In terms of popularity, both actually surpassed Lucy and Flare from the previous match, though their combat spectacle was nowhere near the same level.
Arania employed Thread Magic using sticky spiderwebs to disrupt and restrain opponents, while Ren utilized Air Magic to create troublesome situations like air bursts and suffocation.
Initially, the exchange between both fighters was fairly balanced... until Sherry—once Lyon's fangirl, now Ren's fiancée—shouted encouragement for him, shifting the momentum.
Though complaining "that woman is such a hassle," Ren demonstrated the capability expected of a high-level Mage and decisively defeated Arania.
After the match concluded, the audience politely offered applause to both Mages.
However, it was evident that the enthusiasm of the applause paled in comparison to the previous match.
Clearly, with such a spectacular performance preceding it, even a popular idol winning swiftly couldn't overcome the fact that the fight had been underwhelming...
Arania returned to her team dejected, and her good sisters from Mermaid Heel began comforting her.
There was no helping it—Mermaid Heel had completed all their events and battles for the first day.
With two losses and zero points, they secured the bottom position in the Grand Magic Games standings for day one.
Over at Lamia Scale, however, the atmosphere was jubilant.
Ren went over to Sherry after leaving the arena, and the two shared a sweet, affectionate kiss.
Although the mood in the venue had its ups and downs, the next matchup announced by Chapati quickly reignited the crowd's excitement.
"The third match: Orga from Sabertooth versus Warcry from Quatro Cerberus!"
"Oh... Sabertooth is taking the stage."
Laxus propped his chin on his hand with keen interest, watching the tall, sturdy young man representing Sabertooth.
During the preliminaries, this green-haired man had seemed to harbor hostility toward Laxus.
Perfect timing—Laxus wanted to see what he was made of.
Erza stared intently at the two competitors entering the arena. "That's a member of Sabertooth. We need to observe carefully."
Natsu had accompanied Lucy to the infirmary, while Gray and Cana stood beside Erza, curiously remarking:
"What kind of Magic will this Orga use?"
Warcry from Quatro Cerberus stood opposite Orga.
Upon hearing the gong signaling the start of the match, his face beneath the dog-head hood tightened.
Then, in full view of everyone, Warcry began wailing loudly right there in the arena.
Audience members who had experience watching previous Grand Magic Games were prepared for this scene.
This was Warcry's Tear Magic, a variation of Water Magic.
"The more tears he sheds, the stronger he becomes!"
Increasing volumes of tears welled up in Warcry's eyes, floating in mid-air.
Orga observed Warcry's display, pursed his lips in impatience, furrowed his brow, and slowly raised his hand.
In the next instant, a black and gold-tinged lightning sphere enveloped Warcry's body.
His tears evaporated from the electrical heat, and his entire form emitted black smoke as he collapsed, unable to rise.
Laxus's eyes widened in surprise, while Ankh chuckled softly and murmured.
"God Slayer magic of lightning..."
Having defeated his opponent with a single gesture, Orga expressionlessly glanced at the fallen Warcry before turning to leave the arena.
"You can't just end it like that. You need to hype up the crowd more!"
The entire Quatro Cerberus team stood frozen in shock.
It took the audience a moment to remember to cheer.
Only Sting seemed to have expected this outcome, laughing as he teased Orga from the stands.
"Is that so..."
Orga pondered Sting's words, nodded thoughtfully, then waved and shouted, "Get me a microphone!"
The Pumpkin King scurried over and handed one to him.
Orga then grabbed the microphone stand—which was taller than a person—and launched into an impassioned rock performance.
The arena audience burst into laughter at Orga's singing, and the atmosphere grew livelier.
In the stands, Gajeel covered his ears and grumbled, "What is he singing? It sounds awful!"
"You're not much better yourself..."