"Wake up, you are not dead. I told you, you are safe."
Just as Lucy and Cana were waiting for death, they heard Caesar's voice.
When they opened their eyes, they realized they were already outside maze.
But something felt strange.
Lucy and Cana were sitting on stone chairs.
A stone table filled with food and drinks stood before them, with ten magic screens floating in air.
"Are we here for an assessment or a picnic."
Lucy could not help but complain.
Caesar did not even look at her.
With a wave of his hand, one magic screen flew over and began replaying a highlight reel of them.
Lucy and Cana froze instantly.
"Everyone has one."
Caesar spoke softly, like a devil whispering temptation.
"The longer you persist, more highlights you accumulate. Want to watch."
Lucy and Cana nodded and moved to spectator seats.
Lisanna and Rili were also awakened by Caesar.
Screen shifted, and Lisanna and Rili immediately joined them around stone table, watching live broadcast.
…
"I sense danger."
Athena stopped walking.
Ultear beside her also halted.
"I will test first."
With a flick of her wrist, Ultear threw crystal ball forward.
Under Arc of Time magic, countless crystal balls representing different timelines appeared and shot through passage.
With Arc of Time combined with Athena's perception, group passed through traps with almost no losses.
"It is done."
Ultear watched as mechanisms finished activating and was about to speak.
A dazzling slash suddenly flew from end of passage.
Crystal ball shattered instantly.
"Wow. We really hit jackpot."
Ultear dodged quickly.
Fragments on ground reformed and returned to her hand as crystal ball.
"Based on data, ninety eight percent probability this slash came from Erza."
Athena looked at Ultear.
"Do you want to fight."
"Of course we should avoid it if possible."
Ultear sighed.
"Fairy Tail S Class mages are monsters. No one wants to fight them. Let us find another path."
She pulled Athena and turned around.
Stone wall suddenly rose behind them.
Path was completely sealed.
Ultear fell silent.
"So we have no choice."
Athena showed no expression.
She turned back and walked forward.
Ultear sighed and followed.
As expected, Erza was waiting in open area beyond passage.
She wore Heavenly Wheel Armor.
Battle stance was already prepared.
"Erza, I really do not want to face you."
Ultear sighed again.
"If you want to become S Class mage, you must face all crises."
Erza raised sword.
"Show me whether you truly qualify."
She charged first.
Knight swords flashed as she rushed forward.
Athena immediately entered combat mode.
White annihilation power burst out, knocking knight swords aside.
Is that all.
Erza swung blade.
Athena's attack was instantly cut apart.
"Do not forget I am here. Radiant God."
Ultear threw crystal ball.
It split into countless copies.
Crystal balls rained down like cannon fire.
"Change armor. Garments of Pure Heart."
Erza switched instantly.
Speed surged.
She slashed with katana, tearing through attack.
Her figure broke through Athena's guard and rushed toward Ultear.
"Do you think I am easy target."
Ultear clasped hands together.
"Ice sculpture. Ice wall."
Thick ice wall formed instantly.
Ultear exhaled in relief.
Erza slashed down.
Snap.
Blood burst from Ultear's chest.
Sharp pain tore through her body.
"Impossible."
Ultear stared in disbelief.
Ice wall collapsed.
Strength gap felt overwhelming.
"Careful."
Erza attacked again.
Despair filled Ultear's eyes.
Athena rushed forward and blocked blade with whip kick.
"Such tough body."
Erza retreated, dodging white annihilation power.
Her hand tingled slightly.
"This body was given to me by Lord Caesar."
Athena stood before Ultear.
"If I were old self, leg would be gone."
She looked at Erza calmly.
"You are stronger than I imagined. But this is Lord Caesar's choice."
She extended her hand.
"I am sorry."
Magic surged.
Erza's magic was forcibly stripped away.
A massive sphere of magic formed in Athena's hand.
"This is."
Erza knelt on one knee.
Katana supported her body.
"I have taken your magic. I have won."
Athena looked guilty.
"I will return it after we leave."
"You think this is enough to defeat me."
Erza clenched teeth and stood.
Athena froze in shock.
Willpower was overwhelming.
"Change into wedding attire."
Remaining magic flared brightly.
Light faded.
Erza stood in wedding dress, katana pointed forward.
"In this form, I will never lose."
Aura exploded outward.
She rushed forward instantly.
"Impossible."
Athena's mind went blank.
Erza vanished like shadow.
Blade struck.
Athena's sturdy body shattered instantly.
Magic sphere fell.
It dissolved into magic and returned to Erza.
"You are still far from S Class."
Erza pointed katana at them, arrogance shining in her eyes.
"Just how obsessed is she with wedding dresses."
Ultear pressed hand to wound and leaned against wall.
Defeat like this was unavoidable.