★69
THIRD POV
MATCH 97
Natsu strolled forward casually, hands buried in his pockets, brown hair shifting slightly with each step. His crimson long-sleeve suit clung to his form, though the sleeves and gloves were deliberately scorched, as if to announce his stubborn disregard for convention.
He stopped at the centre of the arena, his calm aura a stark contrast to the tension around him.
Across from him, Freya stood poised, an elf with flowing greenish hair and warm brown eyes. Her light-blue long-sleeve suit complemented her elegant frame, the sleeves pristine, untouched by flame or defiance.
The two locked eyes, a silent challenge passing between them, as the crowd leaned forward in anticipation of the first clash.
"I won't be wasting my time anymore. The match begins immediately I say 'start.' Ok?"
Ban's voice was sharp, carrying the weight of someone accustomed to command. His eyes flicked between his opponents waiting for confirmation.
"Understood."
Freya's tone was crisp. She adjusted her stance, hands flexing slightly, aura shimmering faintly around her as if preparing to spring at any moment.
Natsu simply nodded, his crimson eyes fixed and unyielding. A quiet intensity radiated from him, the kind that didn't need words he was ready, and nothing would deter him.
"Hmm, how about begin?"
His question triggered the start of the match. Freya moved first, summoning a flurry of wind slashes that cut across the arena with sharp precision.
Natsu remained unmoved, flames flickering faintly around him, intercepting and dispersing the wind with effortless control. Freya's eyes widened in surprise, though she had expected some resistance. Without any visible motion or summoning, fireballs began to materialise around her, charging with lethal intent.
"So he was holding back all this while?"
Asteri murmured to himself, brow furrowed.
"Probably because of what Atlas said. The quarterfinals are approaching. They'll start taking it seriously."
Towa replied, her gaze calm yet analytical.
"As well as being cautious not to reveal too much to their next opponent."
Hinata added, her voice thoughtful.
"Exactly."
Towa nodded.
Freya raised her arms, weaving wind currents around the incoming flames, shaping and controlling them without extinguishing the inferno. She redirected the fire with increased speed, hurling it back at Natsu.
"Cancel."
At his simple command, the flames dissolved into nothing.
"Lance."
Instantly, flaming spears materialised throughout the arena, poised to strike Freya from every angle.
"Forfeit the match and withdr—"
"That attitude will be the end of you!"
Freya's voice cut him off. Without hesitation, the spears descended in unison, erupting in a colossal explosion of fire. The arena trembled, yet the barrier held firm.
When the flames subsided, both the caster and the target remained unharmed. Natsu's crimson eyes fixed on the figure standing nearby: Ban, one of the officials.
"Natsu wins."
Shinn's declaration echoed through the arena, drawing cheers from the crowd, who could only watch the spectacle unfold without understanding the precise exchange.
"No fatal attacks, Natsu. You'll be disqualified if this repeats itself."
Ban warned, narrowing his eyes before stepping back.
Freya, humiliated but unharmed, glared at the outcome, the sting of her defeat clear.
"Save me the time and just appear once the preceding match is over."
Atlas instructed calmly, already preparing for the next round.
To be continued...