Chapter 348: FTG Chapter 345: Semifinal Opponents

Regarding the results of the top four in the Individual Combat Tournament, aside from the dark horse Erzi, the other three were exactly who everyone expected. Jellal, Mira, and Ultear emerged from arenas B, C, and D, respectively, securing their tickets to the semifinals.

Time arrived at the final day of the school sports meet. Today’s arena matches were divided into two stages: morning and afternoon. In the morning, opponents would be determined by drawing lots, followed by the two semifinal matches; in the afternoon, the two winners would compete in the finals.

Early in the morning, the duel site was packed with students and teachers. Everyone scrambled to surround the two arenas, discussing their thoughts on the recent matches.

"I really didn’t expect that Erzi could actually defeat Brandish to make it into the top four..."

"Could it be that Brandish went easy on her?!"

"I remember they’ve been best friends since they were kids, right? If Brandish took their friendship into account and chose to throw the match on purpose, it’s possible. Otherwise, how could Erzi possibly beat her?"

"Don’t say that, our Erzi is very strong too!"

"Exactly, and I watched their duel yesterday. With the strength Erzi displayed, she definitely deserves to be in the top four! But well... that’s probably as far as it goes. After all, her remaining three opponents are each a force to be reckoned with!"

After finishing their discussion about the duel between Erzi and Brandish, the crowd shifted their focus to predicting the results of today’s three matches.

"I think Ultear should win the championship. After all, she’s been the Academy chief since the last sports meet ended, and it’s said her strength is already greater than most Wizards in Fairy Tail!"

"While Mira and Jellal are also very powerful, the former started systematic magic training less than a year ago, and the latter came from the Royal Capital Magic Academy. They definitely can’t compare to Ultear, who grew up in Magnolia!!"

"There’s still Erzi, why aren’t you mentioning her?"

"Erzi... forget it. Although it was truly incredible that she seized a spot in the top four, it’s absolutely impossible for her to win the championship!"

"I heard the Fairy Club in the academy opened a betting pool yesterday for everyone to guess who will win. I’ve already put all my pocket money in!"

"Oh? Going all in? That’s brave, that’s art! So, who did you bet on?"

"Senior Ultear, of course! Want to join me?"

Even though Erzi and Ultear were both "second-generation" members of the guild, it was clear the latter was more favored by the crowd. The most obvious sign was that in the Fairy Club’s betting pool, Erzi’s odds of winning were 3 to 1, while Ultear’s odds were only 0.5 to 1.

"Me... I’ll pass!"

"The bold feast while the timid starve. I choose to put all my pocket money on Erzi! Take a gamble, maybe the bicycle will turn into a motorcycle?"

"Hiss... Brother, you’ve got spirit and guts!!"

Hearing that a companion nearby was actually willing to side with Erzi with their pocket money, the crowd silently gave him a thumbs up.

Not far away, Erzi heard all of their discussions. Initially, hearing people say things like "Brandish went easy" or "her odds were 3 to 1" made her feel a bit dejected. We’re all classmates, so why do people have so little recognition for my strength?

Fortunately, hearing someone willing to bet on her winning made her feel slightly happier. It seemed that in these two duels today, it was necessary to go all out and use her strength to prove herself and refresh her classmates’ impression of her!

Soon, the time reached 9:00 AM. The top four contestants had finished their meals and gathered at the site of the Individual Combat arena.

"Now, the draw!"

"There are two red balls and two blue balls in the box. Those who draw the same color will be opponents in the semifinals!"

Under the referee’s watchful eye, Erzi, Mira, Ultear, and Jellal took turns reaching into the box to pull out a ball.

"Red!"

"I’m blue."

"What a coincidence, I’m blue too. Looks like the two of us go first."

"..."

The results of the draw were out! Semifinals: Erzi VS Mira, Ultear VS Jellal.

"Is the first opponent today Mira-san?"

Erzi subconsciously looked at Mira, only to find the other girl looking back at her with a wicked smile.

"Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever fought Erzi seriously, have I?"

"Uh... it seems so!"

After arriving in Magnolia, Mira’s true nature was released. She transformed from a "gentle big sister who cares for her siblings" into a "delinquent girl." Fortunately, she spent half her day at Fairy Academy, and the environment of the academy was vastly different from the guild. Under the teachers’ watch, it was difficult for Mira—who was in the third year of middle school—to reach down to the lower grades, allowing Erzi and the others to successfully escape her tyranny.

Of course, because the Mira in this world lacked a rival like Erza to compete with, she could only pour all her "competitive" emotions into Ultear, who was in the same grade.

"I heard you defeated Brandish yesterday to qualify for the top four?"

"Uh... yes!"

Hearing this, Mira’s eyes immediately lit up, and she subconsciously licked the corner of her lips: "Excellent! Remember to fight seriously in a bit and let me enjoy myself!"

"..."

Although Erzi had been constantly cheering herself up earlier with talk of "proving herself," seeing Mira’s freakish expression still made her feel a bit apprehensive. She knew Mira’s strength. In less than half a year since joining the guild and entering the academy, her strength had improved by leaps and bounds, surpassing Gray, Natsu, Gajeel, and the others. She was an absolute natural-born monster.

Can I really win? The pressure is mountain-high!

Just then, a voice from below the stage reached Erzi’s ears.

"Erzi, do your best!!"

Erzi immediately looked toward the sound and saw Natsu, Gray, Cana, and the others watching her with expectant faces. Her heart instantly felt warm.

"Mira-nee, go for it!"

"And Erzi, be sure to stay safe!!"

Elfman and Lisanna were beside them as well, waving flags and cheering for the two participating in this match. As Mira’s biological siblings, the two were naturally cheering more for their sister, but the gaze they turned toward Erzi was also full of goodwill.

Erzi: "..."

While I’m gratified you care about me, what do you mean by "stay safe"? Do you have that little faith in me?

That being said, Erzi’s mood was still bolstered significantly by her companions’ encouragement.

Ding ding ding—

"Individual Combat Tournament Semifinal Match One: Erzi Lagrange VS Mirajane Strauss, officially begins!!"