La patted Leon on the shoulder. "You fought brilliantly—your years of hard work have paid off."
Ra nodded in agreement. He'd seen Leon's tireless efforts ever since Tenrou Island disappeared and understood how that loss drove Leon to become stronger.
Gray returned to the Fairy Tail player bench, breathless. "I'm sorry—I couldn't win."
Natsu grinned. "You did great! Against someone like Leon, you didn't lose—so that's plenty."
Lucy added, "Well done."
Erza gave a respectful nod. "That was an excellent match."
Su Yan smiled. "You've only had three months to bridge seven years' gap. Against an opponent who spent those years training, you've more than held your own."
Today's Results
Fairy Tail A: 47 points
Fairy Tail B: 45 points
Mermaid Heel: 32 points
Sabertooth Tiger: 25 points
Lamia Scale: 21 points
Blue Pegasus: 20 points
Quatro Cerberus: 14 points
Once again, both Fairy Tail teams lead by a comfortable margin. Tonight, the guild's tavern explodes with celebration:
"Cheers!
"Today was incredible!"
"Leon's performance—so proud!"
"Don't smash the furniture, Natsu!"
Juvia beamed at Gray. "Master Gray, you were amazing today! Did you fight so hard because you didn't want me taken away?"
Gray blushed. "No—I simply can't bear to lose," he stammered.
Juvia laughed. "Oh, you!"
Outside in the guild garden, Makarov and Laxus sat quietly.
"Father," Laxus began, "what is the gem?"
Makarov's eyes darkened. "The others asked—that Ivan boy. It's… not something to share."
Suddenly, a soft voice drifted over the hedge. "It's not darkness."
They turned to see Mavis, the first-generation master. "The 'Legend of Light'… that's what it symbolizes for our guild."
Makarov shot her a warning glance. "First–gen, that's confidential."
She only smiled. "Some truths must be told someday."
Laxus frowned. So many secrets…
Fourth Day, Competitive Event – Naval Battle
A vast sphere of water filled the arena floor. Each guild sent one contestant. Clear the sphere's boundary, and you're eliminated—last person afloat wins. Special rule: if two fall within five minutes of each other, both rank last.
From Lamia Scale: Sherria stepped onto the floating platform.
Blue Pegasus sent Jenny; Mermaid Heel sent Araña.
Fairy Tail B chose Juvia—her mastery of water magic made her the perfect choice.
Fairy Tail A picked Lucy—his Celestial Spirits control water, too.
Sabertooth Tiger sent Minerva.
The crowd roared—every team was in the water now, turning the arena into a kaleidoscope of colors and swimsuits.
Pumpkin Head's voice boomed:
"Rules are simple: stay inside the water sphere. If you exit, you lose!"
"Let the fourth-day naval battle begin!"
Lucy wasted no time. He drew the Aquarius key.
"Open—Gate of Aquarius! AQUARIUS!"
A mermaid spirit burst forth, waterspouts radiating from its trident to drench every opponent.
Juvia laughed and countered with a towering tidal wave of her own.
"Water Shear! I claim this sphere for Juvia!"
Lucy yelped, "Juvia—careful! That was my move!"
Juvia beamed at her rival. "Today, we're enemies on the battlefield!"
Water roiled and surged as each contestant unleashed their magic—only one will remain afloat when the final wave settles.