The Return in the Spotlight

Erza and the others were in shock, and the appearance of Laxus and his team also caused a storm among the other guilds.

Lyon furrowed his brow deeply, looking at Laxus and the others puzzled. He wasn't displeased with Fairy Tail but was confused about why his disciple, Juvia, wasn't part of the team.

"This doesn't make sense. Juvia said she would participate when I met her yesterday. Could it be…"

Lyon knew the organisers allowed each guild to send two teams this year. Lamia Scale had also sent two teams, but getting both to pass the preliminaries took a lot of work.

He wasn't the only one with this thought. Members from other guilds, wondering why their key members weren't present, also had similar thoughts.

Among them was Jura from Lamia Scale, Kagura from Mermaid Heel, all members of Blue Pegasus, and the white-haired man from Sabertooth, who was particularly interested in Natsu. They all waited quietly for the first-place team to appear.

Meanwhile, Raven Tail members stared at Laxus and Gajeel with peculiar expressions.

Calvin clapped his hands in the waiting room to get everyone's attention.

"Save your surprise for later. It's our turn to make an entrance."

As Calvin spoke, the announcer's excited voice echoed through the stadium: "Let's welcome the team that secured first place in the preliminaries! Oh, this is truly surprising. Could this be the key to unlocking the fall of the giants? Unexpected, unexpected… Fairy Tail Team A!"

All the spectators were taken aback, and the entire stadium fell silent as they watched Calvin and his team stride out with immense confidence, unsure of how to react.

Having two teams from the same guild pass was already surprising, but having both teams take first and second place was almost unbelievable. Though the prominent members of Tenrou Island had returned, did that make them this strong?

Moreover, many spectators needed to know that the rules had changed this year, allowing two teams per guild.

The announcer quickly explained the rule change for this year, but even after that, the audience was still stunned and silent.

Makarov laughed heartily. The displeasure from seeing Raven Tail earlier was now completely gone, replaced by pride and excitement. He hadn't expected his children to perform this well, seizing both the top positions.

At this moment, all the glory belonged to Fairy Tail, and Makarov and the other members firmly believed that their guild would maintain this excellence throughout the competition, ultimately winning the championship and reclaiming their title as Fiore's number one guild, along with the 30 million J prize!

Seeing the other mages' shocked expressions and battle-ready gazes, Calvin slightly raised the corners of his mouth into a confident smile. "Is it really that unbelievable? I think it's quite natural."

His words were extremely arrogant, but undeniably, Calvin had the right to be. Even those who scoffed at Fairy Tail couldn't find a rebuttal.

"Just as you said, although unbelievable, it's equally natural," Jura smiled. As one of the highest-ranking mages present, his words carried significant weight.

"Always as exaggerated as ever, Fairy Tail. Don't you think so, Ichiya?" Hibiki from Blue Pegasus murmured in admiration.

However, his intended conversation partner, Ichiya, had already abandoned Kagura and was heading towards Erza, trying to get closer to her, much to Erza's visible discomfort.

The women from Mermaid Heel remained silent, but Kagura's previously calm expression was replaced with a fiery gaze directed at Erza and Calvin, her lips moving in a faint murmur.

Noticing her stare, Calvin turned his head, locking eyes with Kagura. Instantly, her face turned red, and she quickly averted her gaze, pretending nothing had happened.

At this moment, the two teams from Fairy Tail were undoubtedly the center of attention, much to Sabertooth's displeasure.

"Just some outdated losers from seven years ago. So arrogant," grumbled Orga Nanagear, one of Sabertooth's members, his face filled with displeasure.

"Being able to secure both first and second place is no coincidence. They are not opponents to be taken lightly," Rufus Lore, another Sabertooth member, said softly, his tone calm despite the weight of his words.

"That's exactly how it should be. It makes defeating them all the more meaningful. Let them bask in their temporary glory. I'll show them what it means to be the strongest guild!" Sting Eucliffe, the white-haired Dragon Slayer, declared with an intense fighting spirit that his eyes would never leave Natsu and Calvin.

Although silent, his partner, Rogue Cheney, had his eyes fixed on Gajeel and returned his intense gaze.

Gajeel, however, only glanced at Rogue briefly before turning his attention back to Natsu, who was eager to mock Gajeel despite Calvin's efforts during the preliminaries.

But just as Natsu was about to take a step, a group of unwelcome individuals approached, ready to provoke.

It was the entire Raven Tail team exuding an aura of villainy.

"Fairy Tail," rasped the man in armour leading them. "We already said hello through that little girl."

His tone was exceedingly arrogant, and a peculiar animal on the shoulder of one of his teammates mimicked Wendy fainting, further mocking them.

"Did you do this?!" Natsu snarled, clenching his teeth and glaring at them, ready to attack.

Calvin, however, stopped him with an outstretched hand. Natsu looked at Calvin in confusion, his eyes questioning the restraint.

"Don't be impulsive. This guy is just trying to provoke us," Calvin said coldly.

"So, we're just going to let it go?" Natsu growled, his voice barely controlled.

"Of course not. But we'll deal with them during the matches, where it's perfectly legal," Calvin replied with a cold smile.

How could Calvin not be furious? Every member of Fairy Tail felt the same rage, and Laxus and the others were also glaring at Raven Tail with icy eyes.

"It's typical of Ivan's guild to use such low tactics. I'll be watching you closely during this competition. If I catch you trying anything, even if it means disqualification, I'll make sure you pay the price."

"And you'd better pray you don't face me. I can't guarantee you'll come out unscathed."

This was the first time Calvin had ever spoken such harsh words.

It wasn't just because of Wendy's attack. Calvin had never liked Ivan, even when he was still a member of Fairy Tail.

The armoured man chuckled, his laughter grating on the ears, and replied flippantly, "Well then, I look forward to it."

With that, he led his team away, realising there was no point in further provocation now that his intentions were exposed.

"Calm down. I promise they won't get away with it," Calvin reassured Natsu, firmly patting his shoulder.

At that moment, Laxus approached, his expression cold as he asked, "Wendy was attacked?"

"Yeah, it was your dad's guild," Calvin replied succinctly, giving Laxus a meaningful look.

"Don't look at me like that. I know exactly what kind of person my old man is," Laxus scoffed disdainfully.