The battle on Zorn's side.
Erza unleashed a full-powered, gigantic crimson-black slash that collided head-on with Zorn's black-gold slash, creating a stalemate.
However, Zorn's slash had already consumed a significant amount of its power when he previously broke through Lucy's Super Magic, Star Dress.
As time passed, the black-gold slash gradually weakened and was finally completely overwhelmed by the crimson-black slash.
The crimson-black slash, unstoppable and sharp, like a hot knife through butter, shot straight towards Zorn.
Facing such a fierce offensive, Zorn appeared calm and composed, even nodding slightly in approval, saying, "Oh, that's a powerful attack, very good!"
His slash had not only received the powerful blessing of dragon cry, but its strength far exceeded the full-power strike of an ordinary Great Swordsman!
Even after being heavily weakened by Super Magic, its power was still not to be underestimated, and it was certainly not an attack that the previous Erza could have withstood.
However, unexpectedly, Erza's slash directly defeated this attack!
Not only that, but the remaining power of the defeated slash showed no signs of diminishing, still incredibly fierce.
And Erza even had enough remaining magic to withstand the residual impact of the battle!
Judging from this performance, her magic quality has undergone a qualitative leap; it can be said that she has made immense progress!
Undoubtedly, Erza has achieved a breakthrough, successfully found the essence of her unique swordsmanship, and smoothly entered the lofty realm of a Great Swordsman.
At this moment, Erza seemed to have been reborn, exuding an unprecedentedly powerful aura.
Zorn, however, couldn't help but look back towards the Fairy Tail Guild in the distance.
There was no other way; if he couldn't withstand this terrifying slash and let it continue its rampage, then their guild would undoubtedly be the first to suffer!
At that time, the Third Guild Master's towering rage would probably be unbearable for anyone...
Zorn thought of the Third Guild Master transforming into a towering giant! He couldn't help but shiver, thinking to himself, "It's better to be safe."
With a flash of thought, Zorn quickly extended his arm, and in an instant, several Spriggan Shield defensive magic formations, shining with brilliant light, unfolded before him, like an indestructible city wall.
With a loud "bang," the deafening collision sound echoed, and smoke and dust billowed up.
Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the swirling smoke; they keenly sensed that Zorn had cast magic.
Just then, a tremor suddenly came from within the smoke. Immediately after, Cana's clear and spirited voice resounded throughout the area: "Good opportunity, take this! Taste the power of my fist!"
Before her words even finished, a figure flew backward like a cannonball, smashing heavily into the ground and kicking up countless dust.
The residual shockwave from the immense impact spread out like ripples, blowing away the thick smoke without a trace.
Upon closer inspection, Cana was still in a punching posture, with a pair of transparent wind wings spread out behind her, looking heroic and valiant.
Clearly, that last strike came from her.
"Oh, great! The plan succeeded!" "We won!" Everyone immediately cheered, their excitement evident.
Everything proceeded smoothly according to their plan, and they finally succeeded in hitting Zorn.
It must be understood that in recent days, he could only be touched during physical training.
As for other forms of offense and cooperation, they were completely unable to cause even the slightest harm to Zorn.
Not only that, but every day Zorn always enjoyed himself with a relaxed, casual, and indifferent attitude.
Over time, a flame of anger gradually ignited in Everyone's hearts.
Coincidentally, Zorn taught them that if they encountered strong enemies or hostile forces, they must never be soft-hearted and must use all their might and every available means to defeat the opponent.
Only by doing so can they ensure their own safety and protect those who are crucial to them.
And this time, Zorn's decision to forgo using magical power for the test just gave them an opportunity.
Zorn, who was currently lying in the indentation on the ground, heard the cheers from around him, and a slight curve appeared at the corner of his mouth before he slowly stood up and brushed off the dust.
Then, he faced Everyone and declared loudly and directly: "Good performance, the intensive training is complete..."
"Tch, how annoying, I haven't even really exerted myself yet!" Gajeel turned his head away with a displeased expression, grumbling, but the upward curve of his lips.
It highlighted that he was in a rather good mood; being able to defeat Zorn in this aspect was quite good.
"Well, well, the ending is good, Gajeel." Lily, the cat, comforted the tsundere Gajeel with his arms crossed.
Over the past three months, they had gained a deep understanding of how powerful Zorn's abilities were, how varied his methods were, how his physical techniques reached their peak, and how proficient he was in using magic.
Anyway, with their current abilities, they had no way to deal with him at all.
However, fortunately, Everyone worked together and finally defeated Zorn, on the premise that he suppressed his own magic, which was already very rare.
"Ah, it's finally over!" Lucy plopped down onto the ground with a sigh of relief, her body rising and falling with her breathing as she panted heavily.
"Yeah! Zorn truly lives up to expectations, being chosen by the Third Guild Master as the successor to the Fourth Guild Master; his strength is indeed extraordinary!" Ultear and Meredy also sat on the ground, just as exhausted as her, finally able to rest for a moment.
"Gray-sama, are you hurt? Juvia was so worried about you!" Juvia rushed to Gray's side impatiently, hugging his arm tightly and starting to act spoiled.
Now, she finally found an opportunity to legitimately get close to Gray.
However, faced with Juvia's sudden enthusiastic gesture, Gray was momentarily at a loss: pulling his arm away seemed inappropriate, but letting her hug him like this also felt strange...
"Juvia, you... calm down, I'm fine."
Gray's face also started to turn red, as he felt Juvia's warmth at that moment.
Erza, meanwhile, had changed back into her knight armor, watching Zorn and Cana's teasing scene.
She smiled knowingly, but also remembered Jellal in her heart, wondering how he was doing in prison.
Zorn, in a placating manner, took Cana's hand and walked to the front of Everyone.
He pondered for a moment, then said, "Next up!"
"Natsu, Gajeel, Wendy!"
"Do you want to know where your foster parents—the dragons—are?"
As soon as his words fell, the trio's gazes immediately turned to Zorn, becoming tense.
"Actually..." Zorn deliberately paused after saying two words.
Natsu, Wendy, and Gajeel all swallowed their saliva, their hearts pounding violently.
The others nearby also looked at Zorn, waiting for something.
But at this moment, Zorn's consciousness was in a strange spiritual space.
In front of him were Igneel the Fire Dragon, Grandeeney the Sky Dragon, and Metalicana the Iron Dragon.
"Human... it's not time yet..."
To be continued~
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