Chapter 21

Under normal circumstances, Joseph's side would definitely have wiped out Sloth.

But considering that after today, his side couldn't possibly continue to mingle with the Fapingyi Society, leaving Sloth—this Mage who seemed to be from the Dark Mage Guild—behind might still serve a purpose.

Perhaps it could even help draw some connections.

"Well then, preparations are about done."

"Let's end this quickly. Magic Convergent Beam—Jupiter, fire."

"......"

At this moment, at the very edge of the cliff.

The crimson figure from before, like a Valkyrie, stood there.

Seeing the Phantom Lord preparing the Magic Convergent Beam Cannon, this figure's expression grew more solemn than ever before, and she immediately roared at everyone behind her: "Everyone, fall back!"

"Leave what comes next to me!"

This was Fairy Tail's S-Class Mage who bore the title of Fairy Queen—Erza Scarlet.

And regarding the attack power of Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter, Erza truly could not have been any clearer about it.

Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter possessed the attack power of a full-strength strike from a regular member of the Ten Wizard Saints, capable of leveling a town of no small scale in an instant.

Even though Erza was an S-Class Mage, blocking it would still be an extremely difficult feat.

However, at this moment, behind her were all her most beloved and cherished companions, and a little further back lay the residential districts of Magnolia.

Normally speaking, as a member of the Light Faction, the Phantom Lord would not dare to do something like this.

But Erza truly could not gamble on whether the Phantom Lord would dare to actually use the Magic Convergent Beam Cannon.

"Erza!"

"Fall back, Erza! Let's get out of here!"

"That's the Magic Convergent Beam Cannon, Erza—it's not something one person can block!"

The other guild members of Fairy Tail likewise knew exactly what kind of existence Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter was.

For Erza to attempt to face it alone at this moment—even though she was an S-Class Mage—was no different than a mantis trying to stop a chariot!

Paying no heed to the companions making a ruckus behind her.

Watching the Magic Convergent Beam Cannon that was already prepared and about to fire, Erza clenched her teeth and switched into her armor with the strongest defensive power—the Jin Gang Armor.

'I can only try with everything I have.'

'No matter what, I cannot let those disgusting Phantom Lord bastards get what they want.'

'Although it's Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter, with the full-strength strike of a Ten Wizard Saint, now that I've switched into the Jin Gang Armor, it's not entirely impossible for me to block it.'

"I am Fairy Tail!"

After switching into the Jin Gang Armor, Erza roared toward the Phantom Lord's main base.

"Hmph, overestimating yourself."

"A mere S-Class Mage, and you actually dare to attempt blocking Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter."

Watching the picture and sound coming through the monitor, Joseph gave a cold laugh and said: "But with an S-Class Mage desperately trying to block it, the scope of destruction will probably be considerably smaller."

"Considered it saving me some trouble."

Regardless of how one looked at it, involving ordinary civilians would count as a very serious offense.

If the full-scale war between the Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail before could barely be called a mistake, then once the Phantom Lord used Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter and involved ordinary civilians, the nature of it would completely change.

Afterward, the Phantom Lord would surely face a full-scale manhunt by the Fapingyi Society.

By that time, even the usually proud Joseph would actually find it somewhat headache-inducing.

Now that Erza had stepped forward to desperately block it, the destruction range of the Magic Convergent Beam Cannon wouldn't be that wide.

"Huh?! How is this possible?!"

"Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter, an attack comparable to the full-strength strike of a Ten Wizard Saint, actually..."

Before Joseph could continue his leisurely thoughts, the scene the next second made him stand up in utter disbelief.

The Magic Convergent Beam Cannon, symbolizing the full-strength strike of a Ten Wizard Saint, had actually been blocked with ease by a man he had never seen before?!

"......"

'What happened.'

Erza stared at the scene before her, somewhat dazed.

The only thing Erza could clearly remember was the beam of light, radiating an aura of destruction, being fired from the Phantom Lord's side and flying toward her position.

Then Ace, the client who had come today to post the mission, walked over.

After that, rolling waves of heat came rushing at her.

The scorching aura was even stronger than Natsu at full power by more than a whole level.

In the end, the beam of light carrying the aura of destruction vanished, and the rolling waves of heat rapidly dissipated.

As if nothing had ever happened.

"You've got to be kidding."

"That was Magic Convergent Beam Cannon—Jupiter, symbolizing the full-strength strike of a Ten Wizard Saint."

Mirajane, who had been standing beside Ace earlier, was likewise staring at the scene in a daze.