Chapter 95: Rhodes's Rules

Natsu was overjoyed. He couldn't remember when it started, but Laxus had been spending less and less time at the guild, making it impossible to find him.

Even when Laxus did come to the guild, he always stayed on the second floor, completely ignoring Natsu's challenges.

Today, he finally caught him—and Laxus even agreed!

"Alright, let's begin! I'm all fired up!" Natsu turned and started walking away.

Evergreen snapped her folding fan shut with a "clap," pointing at Natsu's back as she asked:

"What are you doing? Running away before the fight even starts? Do you realize how strong Laxus is? Was your challenge just empty words because you're too afraid to fight?"

"Huh?" Natsu turned his head, puzzled. "What are you talking about? Shouldn't we go to the backyard for a duel?"

Bickslow was confused. "Since when did the guild have such a rule?"

His peculiar dolls fluttered around him, repeating, "Since when? Since when? Rules? Rules..."

Rhodes massaged his temples. "This guy is so noisy, and his guild mark is actually on his tongue..."

Mira explained, "That's Bickslow's Possession Magic. He controls those dolls to fight. Usually, opponents are defeated before they even get close."

"Possession Magic? Isn't that what Nab uses?"

"Yes, but Nab uses 'Animal Soul Possession,' while Bickslow uses 'Human Possession.' Although it's the same type of magic, their methods are completely different."

Magic is free, and one can choose to use it in any way they like. Rhodes gained a bit more understanding.

Upon hearing the word "rules," Freed seemed to latch onto a keyword and said seriously:

"If such a rule exists, then we should abide by it, because rules are absolute."

However, Natsu's earlier action was just subconscious. Now he was confused and turned to others:

"By the way, is there such a rule in the guild?"

Two voices sounded simultaneously: "There's no such rule!" "Of course there is!"

The onlookers immediately split into two factions. One believed that when it comes to fighting, you can fight wherever you like.

The other thought that while it doesn't matter where you fight, challenges and duels should be held in the backyard.

They couldn't even remember when this idea first took root.

And the instigator, Rhodes, was oblivious. "So, is there such a rule or not?"

Mira chuckled softly. "Don't you think those who believe in this rule look familiar?"

Rhodes looked carefully. Hmm... they were all people he had challenged before.

Huh? Did I make this rule?

"I was just afraid of breaking things in the tavern..."

Some things inexplicably become customary 'rules,' like rock-paper-scissors, hand games, counting rhymes...

"Is there yet another boring thing in this guild?" Laxus found it troublesome and flipped the coat draped over his shoulders backward.

Freed naturally caught the coat and neatly draped it over his arm, looking like a...

Rhodes rubbed his eyes and confirmed with Mira, "Freed is a guy, right?"

"Of course," Mira replied. "But he's not good at socializing and appears in the guild only slightly more often than Mystogan. Everyone doesn't know much about him."

Another weirdo—in all sorts of ways.

Laxus extended a hand and beckoned lightly at Natsu. "Come on, Natsu. Dealing with you doesn't require a spacious place."

"Don't underestimate me! I've gotten much stronger!" Natsu couldn't be bothered to change locations and charged straight ahead. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"

Laxus stood motionless, casually catching Natsu's wrist. "Oh? Have you really gotten stronger?"

Jet exclaimed, "He caught Natsu's punch so effortlessly!"

Troy remarked, "Well, that is Laxus."

Levy felt uneasy and leaned back, her head bumping into a hard breastplate. "Erza?"

A sense of security washed over her.

Erza watched the battle intently.

After his fist was caught, Natsu immediately kicked, but Laxus easily blocked it and then flung Natsu away.

Natsu flipped in mid-air, landed, and charged again, launching a relentless barrage of punches and kicks.

Although all his attacks were blocked, Erza nodded in satisfaction. "Yes, Natsu has indeed become stronger."

"Stronger? He's being completely overpowered," Gray commented, thinking the fight had lasted this long only because Laxus wasn't serious.

Happy ran over to Cana. "I've changed my mind. I'm betting on Laxus to win."

Cana refused, "Too late. Bets are closed."

"How can that be?" Happy had no choice but to turn around. "Natsu, you can do it!"

Loke laughed, "Is that the only way you'll cheer for Natsu?"

"Man!"

Once again, Laxus repelled Natsu, golden sparks flickering on his arm. "If this is all you've got, it's a bit disappointing."

"Heh... You're really strong!" Natsu instead laughed, taking a deep breath. "Fire Dragon's Roar!"

The onlookers quickly retreated. As experienced wizards, they knew better than to get caught in the crossfire.

Unfortunately, the floor and tables weren't so lucky—some were scorched, others blown away.

Rhodes felt a pang in his heart. This is why I prefer fighting outside.

Laxus stood there unmoving, arms crossed, letting the flames engulf him.

Natsu wiped the corner of his mouth, excitedly shouting, "How was that move, Laxus?"

Laxus waved his hand, golden sparks flickering around him, and the flames had already vanished. "Huh? What was that?"

He then dusted off his clothes. "Forget it, I'm bored now."

A golden lightning bolt materialized out of thin air, enveloping Natsu.

"Ahhhhhh..."

As Natsu screamed in pain, Laxus turned to leave, and Freed was ready to hand him his coat.

However, Natsu's voice rang out: "It's not over yet!"

As the lightning dissipated, smoke rose from Natsu's body, but he was still smiling. "I'm not a kid you can easily defeat anymore!"

"Oh?" Laxus looked at the charging Natsu, a cold smile appearing on his face. "Seems you can entertain me a bit longer."

"Fire Dragon's... Ugh!"

Natsu took a heavy blow to the abdomen, followed by hits to his face, chest, and back...

Lightning-infused punches and kicks rained down on Natsu, leaving him powerless to fight back.

Bang!

With a final strike, Natsu collapsed to the ground.

Laxus rolled his neck. "You sure are resilient—that's the only thing worth praising. Still not willing to admit defeat?"

"Not... not yet..." Natsu staggered as he stood up again.

"Persistent brat. You should understand the gap in our power by now!"

Laxus raised his right fist, releasing an astonishing amount of magic power as lightning gathered around him.

Sensing something was wrong, Erza couldn't help but try to stop him. "Laxus!"

But she was a step too late. The terrifying lightning enveloped Natsu, the blinding light making it impossible to see his figure.

"Ahhhhhh..."

"Natsu!" Happy was frightened this time, tears welling up in his eyes.

However, Natsu's screams didn't last long. Instead, the lightning quickly dimmed, eventually being absorbed into Natsu's mouth like flowing water.

"What?!" Even Laxus couldn't hide his surprise, his face showing astonishment.