The Magic Merchant in Fairy Tail

Thump, thump, thump...

When Erza finally located Markov, he was engaged in an intense battle with Joseph's thought body.

Joseph's projection only contained about 40% of his original strength. Despite this, he had no intention of losing and was fighting with a ferocity that matched Markov's desperation.

However, the battle was at a standstill. Joseph used every bit of his magic to stall, while Markov, worried about the guild's safety, was too distracted to fully focus.

"Death Storm!"

The clashing powers of dark magic and light magic filled the room. While Joseph's death magic belonged to the dark attribute, Markov countered with his own light attribute magic, resulting in a chaotic but evenly matched fight.

Joseph aimed to delay, constantly evading Markov's attacks. Markov, on the other hand, sought to drain Joseph's magic and break free, but Joseph's agility and cunning made it impossible.

Meanwhile, Aliya, one of the Four Elements, had secretly freed herself from the chains binding her.

Aliya's mastery of air magic gave her an acute sense of the air currents around her. By carefully observing the flow of magic, she strategically maneuvered into the path of stray attacks, using them to weaken the chains. After several tries, she successfully broke free.

Her goal was clear: extract Markov's magic power and leave him defenseless.

Aliya removed her blindfold, her keen eyes narrowing as she focused on Markov. She waited patiently, analyzing his movements and timing her strike. Finally, she seized the opportunity.

"Airspace: Destroy!"

A powerful blast of compressed air shot toward Markov.

Bang!

Before the attack could land, Erza burst onto the scene, delivering a powerful punch that sent Aliya sprawling.

"President! Are you alright?"

"Erza? Why are you here?" Markov's tone was sharp but carried a hint of relief. "No, forget it. Kira must've told you about the guild. You need to go back—now!"

"I understand. We're already preparing to retreat, but President—"

"I'm fine! Go protect our home!"

Their apparent disregard for him infuriated Joseph. His voice dripped with venom as he snarled: "You're far too confident!"

Aliya recovered quickly and moved to stand beside Joseph, her large eyes glinting with determination.

"Sky Domain: Absolute!"

A flurry of invisible air blades descended upon Markov and Erza. The fierce attacks battered their defenses, forcing them to retreat and regroup.

"Damn it! This Aliya isn't an ordinary mage," Erza muttered, her expression tense.

Markov nodded grimly. "He's the strongest among the Four Elements. Only Joseph outranks him in seniority, and his strength ranks third in their entire guild!"

Aliya sneered, her confidence unwavering. "Show me your strength, Fairy Queen!"

Markov stepped forward, his body glowing with magic as he prepared to shield Erza. "If you want to harm my family, you'll have to go through me first!"

"Dark Spiral!"

The dark magic clashed with Markov's light-based defense, further draining his energy.

Aliya took advantage of Markov's preoccupation, preparing to unleash her most devastating attack. "This is my ultimate move. It devours all life in the field. Let's see if you can stop it!"

Erza, sensing the gravity of the situation, stepped up. Her silver armor glinted in the dim light as she raised her sword.

"For my family, I will destroy anything in my path!"

Aliya's hands moved in a fluid motion as she chanted her spell.

"Death Space: Zero!"

"Heavenly Wheel: Sword of Chaos!"

The two forces collided with a deafening explosion. The battlefield was consumed by light and energy, with debris scattering in every direction.

As the clash subsided, Erza's blade sliced through the air with deadly precision. In a flash, her sword pierced Aliya's defenses, leaving cross-shaped wounds that glistened with blood.

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[Guild Showdown: Fairy Tail VS Spectre's Ruler]

[Location: Ghost's Dominator Base]

[Participants: Erza VS Aliya]

[Winner: Erza]

Erza stood victorious but visibly exhausted. Her breaths came in heavy pants as she gazed down at the fallen enemy.

"Even at only 40% strength, Aliya was a formidable opponent," she muttered. "His reputation as a veteran S-class mage is no exaggeration."

Nearby, Joseph seethed with rage. "Damn it! Aliya, get up!"

Seeing his subordinate defeated, Joseph decided to unleash his strongest attack.

"Death Storm!"

A wave of dark magic surged toward Erza, its intensity unmatched.

"Erza, look out!" Markov yelled, stepping in front of her.

Erza braced herself, knowing there was no time to evade. She raised her sword, struggling against the overwhelming force of the attack.

At the last moment, Markov's giant frame shielded her completely.

"As long as I'm here, no one will harm my family!"

Joseph sneered. "Blocking my full-strength attack? You're a fool!"

Markov's voice rang out with unshakable resolve: "How could someone like you understand what it means to protect your children?"

The magic struck Markov with full force, enveloping him in darkness.

"President!!!"

When the magic dissipated, Markov was still standing. Though his body trembled with the strain, his determination never wavered.

Joseph's thought body flickered before vanishing, its magic completely drained.

Markov's strength finally gave out. "Ouch… my back…"

"President! Are you alright?" Erza rushed to his side, concern etched on her face.

"I'll live," Markov said through gritted teeth. "That bastard Joseph… He's grown so much stronger…"

"Don't push yourself. We need to get back to the guild."

Erza carried Markov down the stairs, where Kira was waiting.

"Whoa, what happened?" Kira asked, his sharp eyes immediately noticing Markov's condition.

Erza explained the situation.

Kira sighed and smirked. "Didn't take care of yourself, huh? Peeking at young ladies all the time—now look at you."

"Nonsense!" Markov barked, his face flushing red.

"Sure, sure," Kira said with a teasing grin, patting Markov's hand. "Don't worry, old man. We'll get you home safe. Maybe I'll even get one of those lovely ladies to take care of you!"

"Knock it off, Kira!"

Erza couldn't help but suppress a chuckle. Despite the chaos, moments like these reminded her of the unshakable bonds that held Fairy Tail together.

With Markov's injuries stabilized and the guild's safety in mind, they prepared for the final confrontation with Joseph. The fate of Fairy Tail was still hanging by a thread.

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