Su Yan's Observation Haki was now at the intermediate tier with the *extended‑range* effect: the moment he activated it, every twist of the maze lit up in his mind. He could have strolled straight to the goal—yet half the fun was letting the team scrap their way through.
After a brisk series of map‑steals they burst from the final exit—
*clap‑clap‑clap*
A pumpkin‑masked marshal greeted them. "Congratulations, qualifiers!"
"Piece of cake!" Natsu crowed. "We must be first, right?"
"Actually… you're eighth."
"Eighth?!" Everyone face‑faulted. Last place to qualify—one step slower and they'd be spectators.
---
### Domus Flau — Games Arena
Fireworks thundered overhead; balloons drifted skyward. Even inside Fairy Tail's waiting lounge the roar of the crowd rattled windows.
"Packed house," Gray muttered. "Not just wizards—half the kingdom, looks like."
"Speaking of packed," Lucy tugged at her new outfit. All five wore matching purple uniforms emblazoned with the guild crest—Makarov's idea. Su Yan thought the old man should quit being master and open a fashion line.
Erza twirled. "Master's taste is exquisite."
Gray (shirtless as always) nodded. "Agreed."
Lucy sighed. "Fine, fine—it does look good."
"Showtime," Su Yan said, pushing open the tunnel gate.
---
**Announcer Chapati Lola** boomed through magic loudspeakers:
> "The moment has come—the annual magic spectacle, the **Grand Magic Games**!
> I'm Chapati Lola on play‑by‑play. Beside me: former Councilor Yajima as color commentator—welcome, sir!"
"Honored to be here," Yajima replied, smiling; he'd always had a soft spot for Fairy Tail.
> "And today's guest analyst, Blue Pegasus cover‑girl—Miss Jenny!"
"Our guild's taking the crown this year—watch closely!" Jenny blew kisses.
> "Leading the march, eighth in the preliminaries: the fallen guild seeking a king's return—**FAIRY TAIL! **"
Su Yan, Erza, Gray, Natsu, and Lucy strode into the sun‑drenched stadium. A wave of mixed cheers and jeers rolled over them.
"Booo!"
"Last place again!"
Su Yan's fingers twitched—Conqueror's Haki itched to explode—but Erza whispered, "Not yet. We'll answer on the scoreboard." He exhaled, smirking instead.
Yajima raised a thumb. "Good to see you back, Fairy Tail."
High in the stands Makarov hopped on a floating cushion, bellowing, "FAIRY TAIL! FAIRY TAIL!" The rest of the guild joined in—plus one extra voice:
"Go‑go, Fairy Tail!" shouted a blonde girl only guild members could see. First Master Mavis had slipped into the crowd, invisible to anyone without a Fairy Tail crest.
---
Teams filed in behind them:
* **Quatro Cerberus** — the brawling war‑dogs (7th)
* **Mermaid Heel** — all‑female warriors (6th)
* **Blue Pegasus** — the dazzling stallions (5th)
* **Lamia Scale** — love‑and‑battle crusaders (4th)
The arena buzzed louder when Lamia Scale appeared—because among them strode **Jura Neekis**, one of the Ten Wizard Saints.
Mother‑in‑law Ooba scolded from the stands, "Fourth place? Work harder!" Sherria tripped over her own feet apologizing; Leon could only sigh.
The top three teams had yet to be announced—Saber Tooth among them. But for now, Fairy Tail stood center‑field, the underdogs everyone expected to finish last again.
Su Yan's grin widened. *Let them laugh. * By week's end the jeers would turn to stunned silence.