Chapter 12 : Trapped!

After a brief pause, Kyros and Mirajane encountered another group of monsters.

Without hesitation, Kyros dashed forward as the monsters advanced.

"Boom!"

Once again, Kyros dispatched a monster with a precise shot to its head, prompting Mirajane to ponder if these creatures were truly as feeble as they seemed. However, before she could conclude, it became apparent that the commotion from Kyros's attacks was drawing more monsters towards them.

Engaging in combat herself, Mirajane soon encountered a formidable adversary. She realized that her usual tactics were ineffective against this particular monster; its scales proved resilient to her claws. To vanquish it, she'd need to unleash a more potent force.

As Mirajane caught her breath after finally defeating one monster, she observed Kyros's effortless dispatching of a dozen more. Her expression remained relaxed, as though she were merely warming up.

In that moment, Mirajane comprehended the extent of Kyros's power. In just a year, she had witnessed a remarkable growth in his strength, eclipsing her own.

"Counting the two from earlier, that makes sixteen. Eighteen down, two to go for the first test," Kyros remarked, surveying the fallen monsters.

"Not a single new threat in sight. It seems we've cleared this area of monsters. Let's venture forth," Mirajane suggested.

"Agreed."

Their progress was abruptly halted when they were ensnared by a magical barrier.

"What's this?" Mirajane exclaimed, startled.

"A spell? Fried..." Kyros recalled snippets from the Fairy Tail animation, recognizing Fried's enchantment.

Text materialized in the air, explaining the rules: [Rule: Only one person can exit the spell].

Mirajane's expression soured as she read the message. "What does this imply?"

"It means they want us to eliminate each other," Kyros concluded.

Laughter echoed as Laxus and Fried materialized on a nearby rooftop.

"Mirajane! Laxus! What is the meaning of this? Release the spell!" Mirajane demanded.

Laxus smirked, feigning innocence. "Release it? Why would we do that? The test stipulates defeating twenty monsters; it never forbids contestants from attacking each other. If both of you are incapacitated in this duel, doesn't the S-rank mage title fall neatly into my hands?"

"Laxus, this is despicable! Let's settle this through combat," Mirajane seethed.

"Despicable? I'm merely exploiting the rules to my advantage. And as for combat, Mira, you're hardly a match for me," Laxus retorted, smugly.

"I had intended to teach Kyros a lesson, yet you chose to align with him, defying my wishes. If you won't assist him in ascending to S-rank status, then let him eliminate you instead!" Laxus jeered, eliciting a storm of fury from Mirajane, who had seldom experienced such indignation.

Interrupting the escalating tension, Kyros spoke calmly, "Have you had your fill of laughter? Your amusement is rather unsightly."

Laxus's laughter ceased abruptly, replaced by a scowl. "What did you say?"

"This is all rather tedious. If you wish to fight, let's do so honorably. Resorting to such petty schemes at your age is hardly amusing."

"I can't fathom how your grandfather ever raised someone like you. Your conduct only serves to lower people's opinion of you even further."

"You insolent brat!" Laxus erupted in anger instantly.

Fried quickly intervened, "Laxus, don't act rashly. He's trying to provoke you."

Kyros glanced at Fried and remarked, "Fried, release the enchantment. You shouldn't stoop to such despicable deeds."

"In order to help Laxus achieve S-rank mage status, I won't release the enchantment."

A sly smile played on Kyros's lips. "Oh? Are you worried that Laxus isn't a match for me?"

Laxus turned his glare towards Fried, whose expression shifted as he hastily said, "No... that's not what I meant."

"There are no spectators here. Fried has already cast another enchantment. Let Mira step out, and we'll settle this one-on-one. Whether you're man enough for it is irrelevant. But ponder what everyone will think of you upon your return. What will I make of you?" Kyros shrugged indifferently.

"Kyros..." Mira voiced her concern. Though Kyros was undeniably powerful, there remained a significant age gap, and Laxus possessed formidable magic. Moreover, Laxus was still seething with rage, making it perilous for Kyros to face him alone.

Kyros grinned reassuringly. "Don't fret! He's no match for me."

"Fried, release the enchantment," Laxus demanded in a low tone.

"Laxus?! But he..."

"Release it!" Laxus bellowed.

Seeing Laxus's resolve, Fried had no choice but to dispel the enchantment binding Kyros and Mira.

"Crack!"

Laxus transformed into golden lightning, landing on the street before Kyros.

"Kyros, I know you provoked me deliberately, goading me into releasing you and Mira. Congratulations, you succeeded. However, you've also thoroughly enraged me. Prepare to face the consequences of your actions!"

"Kacha Kacha!"

Abruptly, lightning bolts descended from the sky above Kyros's head. In that moment, Kyros pushed Mira away.

"Boom!"

An immense explosion ensued.

"Kyros!" Mira cried out.

Fried spoke calmly, "It might be too late. This is the might of Laxus. I didn't cast the enchantment to ensure his victory, but to safeguard you. Laxus's power is overwhelming."

"Hahahaha! Did you witness it? This is my strength! You dared to vie with me for S-rank mage status, clearly ignorant of your own mortality! This time, you've been reduced to ashes by lightning! Ahahaha!"

Suddenly, a voice pierced through the chaos, "Honestly, didn't I tell you to stop laughing? It's quite unbecoming."

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