black and white

The battle in the sky continues. Both dragons have sustained wounds, and drops of blood fall on the island, forming small craters.

In fact, all the blood comes from Acnologia. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon Calvin transformed into is actually a concentration of magic power, similar in essence to certain creatures with many tails.

Thus, despite sustaining injuries, it doesn't bleed; what's flowing out is only its magic power.

When the magic power is exhausted, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon will also disappear, transforming back into its original form. But now isn't the time to worry about such things. Acnologia seems bored with this close combat. Abruptly, it creates distance, opens its jaws, and gathers something within.

Seeing this, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon roars angrily, simultaneously preparing its own attack, as if about to unleash something.

Witnessing this sign, the Dragon Slayers watching immediately understand their intentions. Gajeel quickly shouts, 'Find cover, they're about to unleash a roar!'

Gajeel appears quite anxious, understandably so. Their own roars have considerable power. If it's a genuine 'dragon' making the attack?

Without doubt, it could cause catastrophic destruction.

As soon as he finishes speaking, everyone immediately takes cover—behind rocks, holding onto trees, or hiding in caves.

Regardless of the commotion below, Acnologia in the sky is ready to unleash its roar.

Its fearsome mouth opens, and a beam, thicker than its entire body, jets straight towards the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

The beam is fast, and its attack range unexpectedly broad, enveloping the entirety of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon's body.

But Calvin isn't one to easily concede. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon he embodies has also prepared its own attack.

'Exploding Swift Wind Bullet!'

A dazzling beam shoots out from the Blue-Eyes White Dragon's mouth, instantly striking Acnologia's roar, piercing through from its tip to the source—the mouth of Acnologia.

The roar's source is naturally Acnologia's wide-open mouth.

The brilliant beam hits the Black Dragon hard, luckily Acnologia reacts swiftly, closing its mouth at the last moment, using its tough skull to withstand the attack. Otherwise, it would've pierced through Acnologia's mouth.

Regarding its own roar, Acnologia creates a hollow space, allowing the Blue-Eyes White Dragon to hide within, easily passing through. However, as it heads towards a distant location, the roar suddenly erupts.

In an instant, it seems like another sun rises in the sky, as if a furious storm is brewing.

Judging from the sound, the magical power contained in the Exploding Swift Wind Bullet is not comparable to Acnologia's roar. However, the Bullet's magical power is incredibly concentrated. Compared to the 'surface' attack of the roar, it's more of a 'point' attack.

Despite its imposing sound, Acnologia's roar didn't inflict any injuries on Calvin. Instead, Acnologia was hit hard by the powerful explosion.

Normally, it wouldn't be hit by such a well-prepared attack. But Acnologia was startled by the sudden eruption of the dazzling beam.

Taking advantage, Calvin ascends, taking the chance while the Black Dragon is momentarily distracted, charging straight towards it, continuing the close combat.

As mentioned earlier, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon is essentially a concentration of magical power, and once depleted, it's gone. Therefore, it can't unleash too many powerful magical attacks. Thus, close combat is the most suitable fighting style.

Moreover, having already risked his life, he's not afraid of getting injured; it only strengthens his determination.

The battle seems to have lasted a long time, but in reality, it's been only about ten minutes since the appearance of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

However, the ferocity isn't determined by the length of time.

The mighty body of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon is riddled with cracks. Its wings have a gaping hole, and one eye is blinded.

Acnologia isn't faring any better. Its robust dragon body is covered in scars, some from scratches, others charred.

On the surface, the two dragons seem evenly matched.

However, Calvin is acutely aware that he's been on the back foot almost the entire time. If not for his reckless disregard for injury, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon would have been destroyed long ago.

Calvin admits that his current strength far surpasses that of Piers' White Dragon from the past. But unfortunately, facing the Dragon King Acnologia, he's nothing more than a slightly more powerful lizard.

For a moment, he feels at a loss.

On the other hand, the Black Dragon seems truly enraged now. Compared to before, it appears even more powerful and intimidating. Although its eyes can't be seen clearly, Calvin can feel the chilling gaze emanating from it.

It lets out a furious roar, forcefully flapping its wings backward, propelling its massive body, hurtling towards the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

From a distance, there are only black and white figures soaring freely in the vast sky, intermittently crossing paths. Each time they intersect, black and white splashes fly, accompanied by tremendous sounds that reverberate.

On Tenrou Island's ground, everyone watches this unprecedented battle with varied expressions."

"Calvin, if that guy really dies! I won't forgive him!" Natsu exclaimed angrily, glaring with eyes filled with dissatisfaction at the battle in the sky.

Natsu has never believed that sacrificing oneself is the solution to any problem. Perhaps today Calvin might save his life, but he doesn't want to thank him for it.

It should be said that Natsu would rather fight alongside Calvin until the end. This is his simplest, most straightforward desire.

Or perhaps, Natsu doesn't want to bear something too heavy.

The 'heavy burden' refers to Calvin's life or the value of his sacrifice.

Comparatively, Calvin is an S-Class Mage, while Natsu isn't; Calvin is reserved and not prone to destruction, whereas Natsu often causes chaos; Calvin can hold his own against Erza, Natsu can't match...

In all aspects, Natsu doesn't measure up to Calvin. Is it worth Calvin sacrificing himself to save Natsu's life?

This question will become the heaviest burden, always carried by Natsu.

Of course, if you really want to calculate it this way, it's necessary to consider everyone present, but Natsu's mind isn't clever enough to think about that.

But will Calvin really die?

In reality, Calvin is someone afraid of death.

Generally speaking, he wouldn't make a decision to sacrifice his own life.

Today, he may seem valiant, but in reality, he's prepared on how to survive.

Throughout his years as a Mage, Calvin has experienced countless battles and gained numerous spoils, among which are two items that could save his life."