"...Which guild are these guys from?"

The green-robed man atop the tree was dumbfounded. Who starts a fight without even asking their opponents' affiliation? And charging headfirst despite being outnumbered—what kind of idiots are these?

But no matter how much he questioned their recklessness, he wouldn't get an answer.

Rayne's focus was laser-locked on the giant axe-wielding brute.

Mid-sprint, however, he noticed a magic circle forming in front of one enemy. The ground beneath him loosened—the same magic used to build those vine houses.

"So he's the mage."

Realizing this, Rayne pushed off the ground with explosive force, leaving a deep footprint as his speed surged.

A split second later—

Whoosh!

Vines erupted from the earth like emerald serpents—only to snap at empty air.

"You looking down on me?! You lot handle the one in the back—I'll take this brat!"

The axe-wielder, realizing he was being targeted by both, burned with indignation. Crouching low, he lunged forward like a raging bull.

Meanwhile, the vine mage redirected his attack, sending tendrils snaking toward the golden blur—Laxus.

The remaining mages activated their own spells, launching a barrage of attacks at the lightning user.

"Tch—!"

Laxus barely dodged the vines when a razor-sharp wind blade sliced toward him.

"YOU BASTARDS!!"

His temper flared. Forget "sharing" prey—this was war.

Crackle—BOOM!

Thunder roared. Golden lightning split the gloom as Laxus punched straight through the wind blade, shattering it.

The enemy mages paled, immediately shifting to full defense.

By now, Rayne had closed in on Borg.

The towering man's muscles bulged, straining against his near-ripping clothes. With his height, reach, and weapon advantage, he swung his massive axe downward in a cleaving strike—

"DIE!"

Fury made him reckless. He'd even forgotten his ally's earlier warning.

The axe, thick as a barrel, split the air with a blood-curdling whoosh. Before it even connected, the sheer pressure made Rayne's skin prickle. A metallic, coppery stench flooded his senses.

Wind whipped Rayne's black hair back, revealing eyes sharp with focus.

"Always keep a reserve."

A lesson learned day one against Makarov.

Seemingly reckless, Rayne had kept 30% of his strength in reserve. With a powerful sidestep, he dodged—

BOOOOM!

The axe cratered the earth, sending spiderweb cracks radiating outward. Dirt and leaves exploded like shrapnel. The impact alone made Rayne's legs sting—proof of the brute's monstrous strength.

Not missing a beat, Rayne counterattacked. Five crimson streaks tore through the air toward Borg.

But the guild's top enforcer was no amateur. Anticipating the dodge, he'd already yanked his axe back while retreating—just barely avoiding Rayne's swipe.

Cold sweat dripped down Borg's neck.

"That was close...!"

His shirt hung in tatters, sliced open by the glowing red gauntlet. Had he been slower, his flesh would've fared no better.

Rayne clicked his tongue. His small frame limited his reach, letting Borg escape.

After the Moonlight Bear fight, Rayne had realized something:

The Boosted Gear wasn't just for multipliers.

As a Longinus-class Sacred Gear, its very material was peerless. Fused with a Heavenly Dragon's soul, it transcended mortal weapons.

Beyond its boosting ability, its defense and edge were unmatched.

So this time, Rayne summoned the gauntlet not just as armor—but as a blade.

Though his strike missed, the test was a success.

Now understanding its offensive potential, Rayne lunged again.

Crimson light streaked like a meteor.

If reach is the issue, just get closer.

Borg, however, had learned his lesson.

"DO NOT LET HIM NEAR!"

Gripping his axe with both hands, he spun it like a whirlwind—creating an impenetrable barrier of steel and force.

The sheer momentum forced Rayne back, denying any opening.

"A giant... with this level of technique?!"

Rayne gritted his teeth.

Appearances were deceiving.

"This is wasting energy. Begin, little one."

Ddraig's voice echoed in his mind.

A glance to the side showed Laxus dominating his foes—one already charred black on the ground.

No more holding back.

"BOOST!!!"

The emerald gemstone flared. Power doubled in an instant.

Rayne's veins burned. His heartbeat pounded like war drums.

"Haaah..."

Steam hissed between his teeth. Flames flickered in his pupils.

Magical energy condensed around his palm, materializing into searing fire.

Then—

A presence awakened in the forest.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!"

Even Laxus froze mid-battle, snapping his head toward the surge of power—nearly eating an enemy spell for the distraction.

BOOM—

The earth trembled. Leaves exploded upward as Rayne vanished, leaving only a crimson afterimage.

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