Chapter 85: Timely Rescue

"Hahahaha!!!!" The Ice Demon King Ace's wild laughter reverberated throughout the ruined Forget-Your-Sorrow Tavern.

The bartender, his voice trembling with disbelief, muttered, "This is… cannibalism?! Is this magic real?"

Cana, struggling to catch her breath, rasped, "Demon cannibalism? What's that supposed to mean?"

Rocky, though weakened, replied with steady resolve, "A forbidden magic. It allows demons to devour others of their kind to absorb their strength. It's… the ultimate betrayal."

Lucy's eyes widened in shock. "What?! He ate his own companion?!"

"It's clear now," Rocky added grimly, "I can feel it. He's become far more powerful than before."

Ace, now radiating an oppressive aura, scanned the room until his gaze locked on the bartender. "Oh… an Isisnew clan member," he sneered.

Ace's aura erupted with ferocity, instantly overwhelming the weakened man and the Fairy Tail wizards. The bartender collapsed under the crushing weight of the demon's presence.

"Die!" Ace snarled, raising his hand. A deadly blast of ice magic exploded toward the defenseless uncle.

"Uncle!!" Lucy's voice broke into a scream.

The group could only watch in horror as the explosion enveloped the bartender, his fate unknown.

Enraged by Ace's brutality, the wizards launched a desperate counterattack.

"Beast King Punch!" Elfman roared, his fists hammering with raw force.

Lucy summoned Taurus again. "Protect me, Talos!"

"Miss Lucy, I will destroy these foes! Moo!" Taurus bellowed, swinging his mighty axe.

Cana hurled her magic-imbued cards with pinpoint precision, and Rocky fired luminous beams of energy from his enchanted rings.

Yet Ace deflected their combined assault with chilling ease. His newfound strength made him an indomitable force.

"You're wasting your time," Ace taunted, sidestepping Elfman's furious punches and Taurus's axe swings. "Weaklings like you don't stand a chance!"

Ace retaliated with swift, crushing blows. Elfman and Taurus were both sent flying, the celestial bull vanishing back to the spirit realm with a pained groan. Cana and Rocky soon followed, brought down by Ace's relentless power.

"It seems that's all you have to offer," Ace said coldly, raising his hand.

The tavern grew silent except for the low growls of the wolves, now closing in.

"Damn it," Lucy muttered, struggling to rise. "We can't lose here…"

Just as the wolves lunged at their fallen prey, salvation came from above.

"Heavenly Wheel: Sword of Chaos!"

A deluge of silver swords rained from the sky, cutting through the wolves with devastating precision. Blood and fur splattered across the snowy battlefield.

"A hail of bullets!"

A barrage of magical projectiles followed, striking the remaining wolves with relentless force. Each bullet, enhanced by magic, blasted the wolves into oblivion.

The sudden reinforcements brought a wave of relief to the battered group.

"Finally, you two showed up!" Lucy cried.

Two fiery-haired figures strode onto the battlefield, their presence exuding confidence and strength.

"You're trapped now," Kira said with a smirk. "Let's see how you plan to run this time."

"Run?" Ace chuckled, his icy aura growing stronger. "Why would I run from mere humans?"

Kira shrugged. "You already did once. You ran from the snowy mountain when you realized you couldn't win."

"That wasn't running," Ace snarled. "It was a strategic retreat to reclaim what was mine."

"You can call it whatever you like," Kira replied, grinning.

Erza knelt to help Lucy to her feet. "Where's the prisoner?"

Lucy hesitated, her voice trembling. "He… he ate her…"

Kira's voice cut in, heavy with frustration. "Figures. That's how he got so strong. It's not your fault."

Erza placed a reassuring hand on Lucy's shoulder. "You've done enough. Rest now. Leave the rest to us."

Kira helped move the injured out of harm's way before turning back to Ace.

"You're not leaving, are you?" Kira asked, his tone half curious, half mocking. "Your goals are complete. Why stay?"

Ace's laugh was bitter, almost sorrowful. "I've been alive for three centuries, consuming countless demons to gain power. But no matter how much I devour, something's always missing."

"Let me guess," Kira quipped. "You need a good fight, or maybe some fiber?"

"It's a battle!" Ace roared. "A battle worthy of my strength!"

His aura flared as he pointed at Kira. "You, human, will be my first real opponent in centuries. After you, I'll crush that woman, your companions, and everyone else who stands in my way!"

Erza stepped forward, her sword gleaming with magic. "Kira, stop joking. He's getting stronger."

Kira raised a hand. "Relax, Erza. This one's mine."

He tossed a magic crystal to Erza. "Record this for me, will you? The kids back home are going to love this story."

Ace sneered at Kira's confidence. "You're going to face me alone? Foolish."

"Foolish?" Kira chuckled, stepping forward. "I'm Kira of Fairy Tail—the Sage known across Fiore. You're just another demon looking for attention. Let me show you what real power looks like."

The two combatants faced each other, the tension between them palpable.

"Let's dance," Kira said, his magic flaring.

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