Across the tunnel, the other guilds picked their representatives:
Quatro Cerberus — Bacchus Yaga
Mermaid Heel — Beth Vanderwood
Blue Pegasus — the mysterious bunny‑suited "Ivan"
Raven Tail — Obra's hulking partner Narbitt
Lamia Scale — Toby
Saber Tooth — Rufus Lore
Fairy Tail A — Su Yan
Sting watched Su Yan step forward and muttered to Rogue, "That's the 'Immortal Demon King'? Looks normal enough."
Rogue's eyes stayed sharp. "Monsters rarely look like monsters."
The Arena Transforms
With a rumble, Domus Flau's floor split apart. Buildings rose, streets unfolded, until a full‑scale night‑time city filled the stadium bowl.
"Rules!" the pumpkin marshal declared.
"All eight wizards are both hunters and prey. One point for striking an opponent; minus one for striking a replica. Most points at the gong wins.
Magic—unlimited.
Injuries—your own risk.
Begin!"
Illusory copies of each contestant shimmered into existence, milling through the streets.
Happy bounced. "Hide‑and‑seek? Su Yan's unbeatable at hide‑and‑seek!"
The others remembered childhood games: Su Yan had always found them instantly—thanks, they now knew, to Observation Haki.
Hunter and Prey
Su Yan activated Observation. The world tinted crimson; every heartbeat pinged in his mind. One signature barreled straight toward him—Narbitt of Raven Tail, arm bulging with spike‑like lacrima.
"Die!" Narbitt roared, hammering the pavement. The blow cratered stone—but Su Yan blurred aside.
Voice behind him: "Ivan didn't warn you? I'm not someone Raven Tail should provoke."
Su Yan's Armament‑hardened fist slammed into Narbitt's back. BOOM! The brute crashed through a wall and vanished in a teleport flash—point to Fairy Tail A, minus one to Raven Tail.
Chapati (announcer): "First strike! Fairy Tail A's Su Yan takes the lead!"
Su Yan smiled. Game on. And he vanished into the maze, eyes already locking onto his next target.
Scoreboard (opening moments)
Team Points
Fairy Tail A 1
Saber Tooth 0
Quatro Cerberus 0
Mermaid Heel 0
Blue Pegasus 0
Lamia Scale 0
Fairy Tail B 0
Raven Tail –1
The quiet city‑scape echoed with distant crashes and bursts of light—Hidden had only just begun.