Chapter 281: Ancient Magic – Mountain-Shifting Spell (Second Update)

Support me and be 30 chapters ahead of webnovel:

patreon.com/Draco_

******

"Huh???" 

Hearing George's words, Makarov, the members of Fairy Tail, and even Laxus—who had been preparing to unleash his full power—were all momentarily stunned. 

"What do you mean by 'Fairy Tail's First Grand Magic Tournament'?" 

"The so-called Fairy Tail First Grand Magic Tournament is a competition where guild members battle each other using magic to determine the strongest wizard within our guild. 

Since the Fairy Tail beauty pageant was interrupted, the townspeople and visitors from other cities are now on edge, wondering if something is wrong with our guild. 

We can use this tournament as an official reason to cover up the chaos that just broke out. 

From now on, during our annual Harvest Festival, we can hold the Fairy Tail Grand Magic Tournament in the afternoon to determine the strongest wizard of the year, followed by the Grand Magic Parade in the evening. 

This way, both the residents and visiting spectators will be even more entertained. 

And Laxus, weren't you trying to prove yourself and lead the guild to become the strongest? 

Then start by becoming the guild's strongest wizard first. 

Otherwise, what right do you have to take over as Guild Master and claim that you can lead Fairy Tail to new heights?" 

George laid out his idea. 

He had three main reasons for proposing this plan. 

First, of course, was to prove his own strength openly and fairly, solidifying his claim as the strongest wizard in the guild and laying the groundwork for his future as Guild Master. 

Fairy Tail had three legendary spells, and Fairy Law was just one of them. 

The other two were spells even Makarov hadn't mastered—only Mavis Vermillion, the first Guild Master and the one known as the "Fairy Tactician," had fully learned them. 

Under normal circumstances, only the Guild Master of each generation had the right to study all three legendary spells. 

Therefore, becoming Guild Master was inevitable for him. 

Second, this plan provided a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Laxus, preventing a full-blown fight that could result in his expulsion from the guild. 

If he was to be the future Guild Master, he had to start thinking from a leader's perspective. 

Someone like Laxus, whose strength was near the level of the Ten Wizard Saints, couldn't just be let go so easily. The guild needed him to grow stronger. 

Besides, the use of Fairy Law just now had proven that, despite his tough exterior and arrogance, Laxus still deeply cared for and acknowledged the guild in his heart. 

The third and final reason— 

George believed that hosting this kind of tournament would boost the guild's reputation and motivate everyone to improve their skills. There was no downside to the guild's development. 

"I agree! I've wanted to test my strength against everyone for a long time!" 

Before Makarov could respond, Natsu had already jumped up in excitement. 

Immediately after, Gray stripped off his shirt and declared, "If it's that kind of competition, I want in too!" 

"A true man should fight like this!" 

"Haha! Bring it on!" 

The Fairy Tail members, who got into brawls daily just from drinking together, naturally wouldn't shy away from a magic battle. Upon hearing George's proposal, they all eagerly prepared themselves. 

Of course, not everyone was enthusiastic—wizards like Lucy, who lacked confidence in their strength, and Cana, who was more interested in alcohol than combat, were less excited. 

"What about you, Laxus?" 

Makarov had initially hesitated, but seeing everyone's enthusiasm—and after George secretly conveyed that this would give Laxus a way to save face—he agreed to the idea. 

Laxus remained silent for a moment before slowly lifting his head. 

"If I prove that I'm the strongest… will you hand over the position of Guild Master to me?" 

"If you prove you're the strongest wizard in the guild, I have no objections to you taking over as Guild Master," George stated firmly. 

The others nodded in agreement.

Laxus had indeed gone too far today, but the use of Fairy Law just now had also revealed his true feelings. 

Moreover, as the grandson of Makarov—the man everyone deeply respected—if he truly was the strongest in the guild, no one would object to him becoming the next Guild Master. 

That said, for now, the person they all saw as the best candidate for the position was still George. 

He had led them to victory multiple times, cleaned up countless messes, and always remained calm and composed—mature and reliable. 

"George, are you sure you can defeat Laxus? 

He's a Lightning Dragon Slayer. You should know that your lightning magic won't work on him." 

Makarov looked at George with concern. 

George, however, simply nodded and replied through a telepathic message: 

"Don't worry, Master. I never do anything I'm not confident about." 

Hearing George's firm response, Makarov felt reassured. He knew George well—if he said there wouldn't be a problem, then there likely wouldn't be one. 

With that, Makarov solemnly declared: 

"Alright, then it's settled. The champion of this Fairy Tail Grand Magic Tournament will become the guild's Acting Guild Master. 

Laxus, if you win, you'll take over as Guild Master. But if you lose, you must apologize to everyone in the guild and stop causing trouble. Instead, focus on taking on missions properly." 

"Old man, you have my word!" 

Laxus withdrew his raging lightning, picked up the coat lying nearby, and draped it over his shoulders. 

"Let the whole town witness that I am the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail. Taking over as Guild Master in such a grand fashion… doesn't sound too bad." 

Fried and Bickslow, who had been blasted away by Laxus' lightning earlier, exchanged glances and let out a sigh of relief. 

Fighting the Guild Master and the others right now was a battle they had no chance of winning. More importantly, they also wanted Laxus to take the position through a fair challenge, not by slaughtering his comrades and innocent townspeople. 

If it came to that, they would rather leave Fairy Tail and form their own guild instead. 

"Master, I have another suggestion," George spoke up again. "Since the champion will take over as Guild Master, shouldn't the second and third-place winners receive some rewards as well?" 

He wanted to ensure that the entire guild would be motivated to participate in the tournament. 

For once, Makarov was feeling generous. 

"Alright then. Anyone who makes it to the top ten will receive a cash prize. 

Second place gets 200,000 jewels, third place gets 100,000, and those ranking fourth to tenth will each receive 50,000." 

The winner of the Fairy Tail beauty pageant was supposed to receive 500,000 jewels, but since Laxus had disrupted the event, Makarov only needed to add another 350,000 jewels to the prize pool. 

Thanks to George's management, the guild's finances were no longer in deficit. A total of 850,000 jewels was nothing to worry about. 

"As for the tournament venue…" 

"We'll hold it in the middle of the lake. I'll handle the setup," George interjected. 

Letting everyone go all out in the guild itself was out of the question. 

Even after transforming the guild into a mobile fortress, it wouldn't withstand the aftermath of an all-out battle. 

They needed a large enough arena, ideally one that the entire town could watch. 

Luckily, George had just the right magic for the job— 

Ancient Magic: Mountain-Shifting Spell! 

(End of Chapter)