Chapter 103.1 : Natsu vs Cobra!!

'Boom'

Natsu dashed frantically towards the city above.

The city stood still, so Natsu used its tentacles as a bridge, treating them like octopus limbs to avoid being affected by the abnormal state.

'Pah-Ji'

The ground suddenly softened, and Natsu sank right into it.

"What is this thing?!" The more Natsu struggled, the deeper he fell.

'Buzz'

Suddenly, a magic circle appeared below, launching Natsu high into the air from the hardened ground.

"Mr. Natsu, keep going," Jura said. "Time waits for no one."

"Then I'll leave this place to you," Ichiya said to Jura.

So, only Jura remained as everyone continued forward.

"Don't hide anymore, come out, Hoteye," Jura urged.

Only Hoteye was skilled in magic that softened soil.

'Gulu'

Wrapped in bandages all over his body, Hoteye slowly emerged from the swamp.

"You..." Jura looked puzzled.

"Don't say anything, just fight." Hoteye didn't want to talk; he just wanted to end the fight quickly and then lie down to rest.

He couldn't admit that all seven of them were beaten up by Everit.

That would be too embarrassing.

Everit's fighting skills weren't actually that strong. Instead if Natsu had thrown hundreds of punches, the question wouldn't be whether the Oración Seis and Jellal could stand up, but how much could be recovered from their ashes.

But it was deeply humiliating.

He was beaten up, covered in bruises, with a black eye and swollen face.

Especially Jellal, who took 300 punches. His face swelled up like a pig's head!

"As expected of Mr. Everit," Jura said admiringly.

Not only did he break into the lair of the Oración Seis and beat powerful wizards like Hoteye like this, even in defeat, it was an honorable one.

The minimum requirement for this is the strength of a Wizard Saint.

"But," Jura countered, "I'm sorry, but since you're our enemy, I won't hold back no matter your condition!"

*Boom*

A fierce battle erupted.

"Space distortion!"

The attack came suddenly.

Erza found herself bound in twisted armor, while Natsu writhed in pain within the warped space.

"Power Perfume!"

In one swift motion, Ichiya pulled out his perfume and inhaled deeply, transforming instantly into a muscular figure.

*Boom*

He struck the nearby building, causing it to collapse, revealing Midnight entangled like a mummy within.

Midnight suffered the assault, breaking the magic's hold.

Ichiya spoke solemnly, "Erza, Natsu, go save your comrades. I'll handle this man, men~"

"Be careful," Erza cautioned as she and Natsu pressed forward.

"I'm very angry right now!" Midnight gritted his teeth and attacked relentlessly.

That guy claimed he could fight at full strength, even if it meant harming his companions which meant they weren't strong enough.

Well, it was time to pay back that humiliation!

*Boom*

Suddenly, a dark shadow streaked past, knocking Natsu aside.

*Boom*

Natsu crashed into several houses, buried under debris.

Simultaneously, a meteor struck Erza, but she deflected it with her sword.

"Jellal!" Erza shouted at the newcomer angrily, then paused in astonishment.

In the golden glow stood a man clad in tight armor.

Despite his obscured face and bulky armor, Erza and Simon recognized his magical signature.

"Jellal, how much more will you hurt us before you stop?" Simon roared, charging toward Jellal.

"Hmph." Jellal sneered, casting a spell that sent Simon flying.

**"Boom"**

From the rubble, pillars of fire shot up into the sky.

"Bastard!" Natsu crawled out and glared at the enemy standing to his left—a purple venomous snake.

"I recognize your scent." Natsu frowned, sensing something familiar.

"This path is blocked," Cobra remarked.

Despite external injuries, he remained unscathed. Instantly struck by Everit's deception magic, he endured several magical assaults during the skirmish. 

Yet, as a Dragon Slayer, his body was robust and unharmed!

"Come on, Fire Dragon Slayer," Cobra taunted, raising his right hand and gesturing provocatively with his index finger.

"You scum!" Natsu charged forward.

"Your attacks are too predictable." Cobra effortlessly dodged, sidestepping Natsu's assault before slamming his head into the ground, mocking, "It's child's play to evade your strikes."

"Then dodge this too!" Natsu burst into flames, wrenching his head from the ground and launching at Cobra once more.

"It's futile. A simple-minded brute like you only charges straight ahead, never hitting me." Cobra calmly avoided each attack, maintaining his rhythm.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" Natsu's attacks quickened.

Cobra's forehead glistened with sweat. True to his Dragon Slayer nature, the speed and force behind Natsu's punches were staggering—akin to a colossal dragon. And they were escalating, seemingly without limit!

**"Bang"**

Seizing the opportune moment, Cobra kicked Natsu away, proposing, "Shall we have some fun?"

"What?" Natsu rose unscathed from the ground.

"Let's see who tires out first!" Cobra's excitement surged.

After his defeat against Everit, he hungered for a more engaging bout. Against him, there was no chance to savor the battle—it ended as soon as it began.

Now he encounters Natsu, another Dragon Slayer. This guy is widely renowned in the magic world, especially after defeating Gajeel, the Iron Dragon Slayer. He's almost confirmed to be the second strongest Dragon Slayer!

The first is Laxus, without any dispute. There's a rumor that during the Fairy Tail S-Class Mage Promotion Trial, neither of the two Dragon Slayers managed to defeat each other.

"So, let's see who's the stronger Dragon Slayer!"

"Interesting." Flames ignited on Natsu's fists.

*Boom!*

Natsu lunged forward, Cobra evaded, seizing the opportunity to counterattack. Natsu did his best to dodge, but when he couldn't, he braced himself.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

The two clashed, fists against fists, legs against legs, engaging in a furious and lightning-fast boxing match.