Fairy Tail: Strongest Creature

Chapter 96: Open to Me

The purple Haki sword and Etherion collided violently, crackling with black and red lightning.

"Boom--!"

The entire Tower of Heaven shuddered fiercely, as did the surrounding sea. Massive waves, hundreds of thousands strong, roiled in every direction, threatening to swallow everything around them.

"Wow!"

"What… what's happening?!"

Contrary to everyone's expectations that Etherion would shred the so-called "rotten sword" instantly, Etherion and the purple Haki sword were locked in a stalemate.

"No—!! This can't be—!!!"

Whether it was Jellal or those watching from the distant Magic Council headquarters, they all stared in utter shock at the incredible sight before their eyes, struggling to believe what they were witnessing.

Blue veins bulged along Su Yan's neck and temples—he was exerting strength like never before.

In previous battles, Su Yan had rarely encountered powerful opponents who truly forced out his all. Most fights ended swiftly, especially when he'd clear out weaker foes with Conqueror's Haki before the real battle even began. Between his Haki and immense physical might, he had always breezed through, leaving even strong mages crushed underfoot.

But now…

"Open for me----!!!"

Su Yan roared, pouring more Conqueror's Haki into his sword, forcing it higher against Etherion.

"No----!!"

"Impossible—!!!"

"Boom----!!!"

A terrifying explosion burst across the sky, like a small nuclear bomb detonating in midair. An overwhelming shockwave radiated in every direction. The sky rumbled, the earth moaned, the sea roared, and the Tower of Heaven trembled on its foundations.

After a while, the deafening blast subsided.

"I… I'm alive?!" Lucy sat up, still dazed. When the explosion rang out, she'd felt a terrifying mental shock wave and blacked out. Checking herself, she found no injuries. She looked around urgently.

Erza lay next to her, also unharmed. Above them, the sky had cleared. Where moments ago dark clouds churned, now there was only an expanse of night sky, the stars shining brighter than ever.

Magic Council, ERA

Everyone who saw this scene stood in stunned silence. Someone had…attacked Etherion? And succeeded? It felt impossible.

Yet on the large display, the Tower of Heaven still stood, undeniable proof of what had occurred.

"No!! That's impossible!!"

"Yes! Impossible!!"

"There's no way anyone can overcome Etherion!"

Panic rose among the Council members. Etherion was the Council's ultimate weapon, the core of its dominion over the continent. All nations feared a magic that could obliterate an entire kingdom in a single shot, submitting to the Council's authority.

If someone could stand against Etherion, how would the Magic Council uphold its rule?

One person muttered, "Don't you feel that attack was oddly familiar… like we've seen it before?"

A hush fell. Indeed, the memory still burned in their minds—a time not so long ago, marking the Council's greatest humiliation.

Org immediately issued a command: "Seal this information at once!!"

"Erase the memories of everyone present regarding this incident—mine included!"

Several Council members blanched at the thought of having their memories wiped, but as seasoned politicians, they knew it had to be done. If word spread, the Magic Council—no, the entire magic world—would slip into chaos.

Suddenly, "Crack--!"

Chunks of the Council's own building broke away from above, rapidly decaying and collapsing.

"Uwaaaah!"

"Run! The building is falling apart!"

"Why is this happening?!"

Org noticed something suspicious: "The building is decaying? This is the Arc of Time?! Ultear!"

They recalled Ultear's magic from when Su Yan destroyed part of the Council before. Her formidable power had restored the Council building back then.

"What are you doing, Ultear?!" Org shouted.

"Seig… Jellal has failed. No point staying here. It's all for that person's sake."

Atop the Tower of Heaven

Su Yan stood some distance away, breathing hard. It was the first time he'd felt so exhausted.

In normal battles, even fighting ten days and nights wouldn't tire him. This time had been different. And it felt…good. He'd never experienced such elation before.

If it was like deflecting a nuclear bomb in modern terms, what was left to fear now? His confidence soared; he felt he could genuinely take on the black dragon Acnologia—knock it down and grind it beneath his feet.

"Rejoice----!! Hahahaha!!"

After shouting, Su Yan burst into laughter, hair disheveled yet radiating an uninhibited aura.

Lucy and Erza looked at him in shock and awe. This man had faced—and beaten—Etherion. Their eyes shone with admiration. It was only natural: Humans worship strength, whether man or woman. And a man who could stop a magic akin to a nuclear bomb was…beyond impressive.