After a brief discussion, the other teams also decided on their contestants:
Lamia Scale sent Lyon, Sabertooth sent Rufus, Mermaid Heel sent Iyeka, Mermaid Heel sent Beth, Blue Pegasus sent Eve, and Raven Tail sent Nullpudding.
"Now that everyone's decided, the other team members should withdraw to the outer perimeter of the arena, Pumpkin."
As the referee, Toma slowly walked to the center of the group, his eyes hidden beneath the pumpkin mask occasionally glancing at Chase.
Heh. That wicked Fairy Tail brat. Just wait until the battle rounds—let's see if you can keep up that arrogant attitude!
Chase noticed the little old man's ill-intentioned gaze and quickly guessed the reason.
He remembered that this old man's personality was somewhat like Makarov's—a bit playful and mischievous. Why else would he be working the Grand Magic Games in a pumpkin mascot outfit?
That unexplained "hostility" most likely stemmed from last night's preliminaries.
After teasing the pumpkin head's strange appearance and catchphrase, Future Lucy and the others slowly exited the arena along with the other teams, following the rules.
"Everyone, get ready! The Day One competitive event—'Hidden'—"
Pumpkin Head set aside his grudge against Chase and snapped his fingers.
"Officially begins!"
WHOOSH!
A massive magic circle lit up across the entire arena floor. Buildings rose one after another from the shimmering light, divided into neat districts by crisscrossing streets. Public facilities such as canals, bridges, and gardens materialized one by one.
In just a few breaths, a fully structured miniature town had been manifested!
Such a spectacular sight drew gasps of amazement from the audience. Even the well-traveled Makarov couldn't help but admire the Fiore Kingdom's impressive resources.
As Chase and the other contestants were teleported to random locations, massive holographic screens appeared around the arena, displaying real-time footage of the competitors within the town.
At the same time, a large number of magical dolls—identical in appearance and aura to the contestants—appeared, moving around like NPCs and filling the wide streets.
"Now then, let me explain the rules of 'Hidden,'" Chapati said, picking up the microphone.
"It's simple. The contestants inside need to find each other's real bodies among the magical dolls. You can use any magic you like, and landing a hit will earn you one point."
"Conversely, if you misjudge and hit a fake magical doll, you'll lose one point."
"Hiding among the real and fake crowds, without exposing yourself first, seizing the right moment to strike a decisive blow—that's 'Hidden'!"
"The time limit is thirty minutes. Final rankings will be determined by total points earned!"
Inside the virtual town, in what looked like a central plaza.
Chase stood calmly with his arms crossed, watching several "versions of himself" walk past.
"Interesting. Just from appearance alone, it's hard to tell the real from the fake. They even mimic the aura perfectly."
More than the rules he already knew, he was curious about these magical dolls that could move on their own.
They were somewhat like Thought Projections, but on a much lower level—incapable of using even the most basic magic. However, with their sheer numbers, they were perfect for creating confusion.
Just as Chapati had explained, keeping your magic power concealed and waiting for the right moment among the dolls was the core of this event!
But that only applied if the eight contestants weren't too far apart in strength.
Chase couldn't be bothered with a cat-and-mouse game against weaker opponents. He took a single step, and a card magic circle woven with streams of light appeared beneath his feet.
If you're going to play, play big!
WHOOOSH!
His deep blue cloak billowed violently as a storm of magic power erupted, shooting skyward as a pillar of dark golden light that illuminated the entire town with overwhelming presence.
Chase was actively revealing his position—challenging all opponents in the town!
Such an arrogant and brash display immediately sparked heated discussion among the audience. Given Fairy Tail's perennial last-place reputation, most people thought this guy who didn't even understand the rules was doomed.
"What?! What an unexpected opening! Is Chase planning to take on all seven opponents by himself?!"
Even Chapati on the commentary booth was shocked. He turned to Yajima beside him. "Mr. Yajima, what's your take on this?"
"Hmm... It's certainly a bit reckless to make such a flashy display when the opponents' information is still unclear."
"Or does he have absolute confidence in scoring points against attacks from opponents hiding in the shadows?"
Yajima frowned slightly, then glanced out of the corner of his eye at Makarov in the audience. A knowing smile appeared on his face. "In any case, let's wait and see."
Though he knew nothing about Chase, this newly added S-Class mage, he knew Makarov far too well. That smug expression—practically screaming "we've already won"—said more than enough!
"Hehe, this kind of hide-and-seek event is our Eve's specialty~" Jenny, the special guest commentator, took the chance to cheer for her own guild.
Under the spotlight, neither the scene of Chase getting ganged up on and losing points that the audience had imagined, nor the crushing victory the Fairy Tail members had hoped for—
None of it happened.
The contestants seemed to ignore the pillar of light entirely, all hiding among the magical dolls, waiting for the right moment to strike other opponents.
Behind a residential building.
Future Lyon leaned against the wall, shifting his gaze away from the pillar of light. A flicker of relief passed through his eyes. What luck. I've already pinpointed the most troublesome opponent's location!
Before the match began, Jura had seriously warned him never to engage Chase directly—just focus all his energy on the others.
Though he had his doubts, Future Lyon trusted Jura's judgment unconditionally. Now that he didn't have to worry about Chase's attacks, he felt much more at ease.
Eve from Blue Pegasus, Beth from Mermaid Heel, and even Nullpudding from Raven Tail had all received similar warnings from their captains: avoid Chase at all costs.
All they had to do was use the rules to win—there was no need to go head-to-head with a monster like that!
So, at the town's central plaza, Chase stood there striking a cool pose, waiting in the golden light for several minutes.
"Seriously? All of you are this timid?"
Sensing that the nearest presences had no intention of approaching, Chase let out a heavy sigh. "Should've just pretended to be a weakling..."
The one-versus-seven flex was clearly not happening, and he couldn't muster the motivation to go hunting down those rookies himself.
Just like in the original story, Rufus from Sabertooth was currently hiding in the shadows, collecting everyone's magical information.
There was still plenty of time. He'd wait for the big moment.
Feeling incredibly bored, Chase yawned, dismissed the golden light surrounding him, and—under the watchful eyes of the entire audience—brushed the dust off his sleeves and lay down on a wooden bench in the plaza to take a nap.
This move left the audience completely bewildered. Even Chapati was at a loss for words, unsure how to deliver his passionate commentary.
As for the Pumpkin Head referee, his mouth was twitching uncontrollably: This brat is causing trouble again!
***
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