### Chapter 42: Long-Awaited Duel
"?!!"
"A casual strike?!!"
Lucy was startled hearing Happy's words. A casual strike destroyed more than half of Hargeon Port. How much destruction would a serious strike cause?
Riku looked at Natsu and smiled: "When was our last duel? Three years ago, right? Thinking carefully, I really miss it a bit."
Since the battle of the century with Gildarts, Natsu had never challenged him again. Three years passed in a flash.
"I was small then; it's different now!! Today I will definitely win!!"
Seeing Riku and Gildarts fight three years ago, he realized the gap between him and Riku was so huge. Challenging him with such a huge gap was meaningless.
From then on, he began to train hard, with the goal of catching up to and surpassing Riku.
"Oh? Then I have to see how much you've improved recently. Don't hold back, bring it on!"
Riku curled his finger at Natsu.
"Don't worry, I won't show mercy!"
"Start!"
Makarov announced the start.
"Here I come! Riku!!"
Flames ignited on Natsu's hands as he stomped hard and rushed towards Riku.
"Wooooooaaaahhhhh!!"
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Natsu rushed in front of Riku extremely fast, punching straight at Riku's face with a fist wrapped in flames.
Riku stood still and raised his palm.
Bang!!
Riku steadily blocked Natsu's fist.
"Hmm, your strength has grown quite a bit. Dragon Slayer Magic is indeed amazing."
Dragon Slayer Magic transformed a human's constitution towards a dragon's. As Magic training deepened, a Dragon Slayer's constitution would be greatly enhanced, even withstanding bullet shots without issue.
But after Riku ate the Goro Goro no Mi, his constitution also shifted towards non-human. Coupled with arduous training, his physical fitness was also monster-level.
"This is just the beginning!"
Natsu raised his leg to kick Riku's face. Riku casually grabbed Natsu's leg and spun his arm rapidly.
"Wooooooaaaah!!"
Natsu felt his head spinning dizzily.
Riku let go, and Natsu was thrown out.
"Damn it! Fire Dragon's Roar!"
Natsu opened his mouth and spewed a violent stream of fire at Riku.
Riku opened his palm forward.
"Thunder Quake!"
Riku's palm emitted lightning, then converted the lightning into light and heat, which could offset any energy attack.
BOOM————!
The energy explosion shockwave spread outwards.
"Hot hot hot!!"
People around hurriedly dodged backwards.
Bang!
Natsu burst directly out of the explosion in front of Riku, his fist aiming straight for Riku's face.
"Got you——!"
A look of joy appeared on Natsu's face.
Crackle———!
A bolt of lightning fell from the sky, hitting Natsu perfectly.
BOOM————!
"Ughhhhhhhh ah!!"
Natsu screamed as he was blasted onto the ground.
Riku squatted down, looking at Natsu lying on the ground: "Sneak attack? Did you forget my sensory abilities?"
"...No..."
Natsu struggled to get up and continue fighting Riku.
Before Natsu could finish speaking, Riku's finger touched Natsu's forehead.
"Eh——?"
"10,000 Volts! Discharge!"
Crackle———!
"Eeek——!"
Natsu's eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
"KO!!"
Makarov announced the duel result: "Winner! Riku!!"
"OHHHHHHHH!!"
"So amazing!"
"As expected of Riku! Such terrifying strength!"
"A real MAN!!"
Elfman shouted excitedly. Riku was his brother-in-law, and he also worshipped Riku greatly.
"Ended so fast!!"
Having teamed up with Natsu, Lucy knew how powerful Natsu was. She originally thought it would be a fierce battle between a dragon and a tiger, but didn't expect it to end so quickly.
Gray chuckled: "It was long enough. You should know when Riku first joined the guild, Natsu was instantly killed."
Master Makarov saw more. Natsu's strength was obvious to all. Although Natsu didn't fight seriously, the power he used was also very strong.
But even so, Natsu was toyed with like a child in front of Riku. Riku didn't even use the huge advantage of Magic.
Undoubtedly, Riku's combat level had become extremely high, a world of difference compared to when he first joined the guild.
Most importantly, from the start of the battle until now, Riku hadn't even moved a single step. Too terrifying.
This meant this brat Riku was even stronger than three years ago.
Back then, Gildarts said Riku would surpass him in a few years. He didn't believe it at the time, but looking at Riku's strength now, perhaps he really had surpassed Gildarts.
Thinking of this, Makarov was shocked in his heart. But considering the degree of perversion of this little monster, it didn't seem impossible.
After all, Riku could use such powerful moves three years ago. Three years later, no one knew what level his strength had reached.
He really didn't know how terrifying it would be if this brat used his full strength now.
But the stronger this little pervert Riku was, the better. He was going to a regular meeting tomorrow, and he could boast properly to those old guys again.
Thinking of those old guys' envious and jealous looks, he was in a great mood.
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