Fairy Tail: Strongest Creature

A sudden voice came from the village wall behind them.

"Oops—looks like someone beat us here!"

"It's actually mages from another guild. Not so easy to deal with."

Su Yan turned and saw three figures perched atop the frozen battlements.

Erza stepped forward, hand on her sword. "Who are you?"

One of them called down, "Treasure Hunter Guild—Labyrinth of the Wind Spirits."

When no one answered, they added, louder, "Treasure Hunter Guild—Labyrinth of the Wind Spirits!"

Erza sighed. "Yes, we heard you."

Gray frowned. "Treasure Hunter Guild? I've never heard of you. Mercenary Guilds I know—these treasure hunters must be similar, but…"

Lucy speculated, "Maybe they specialize in locating valuable relics?"

The lead hunter sneered. "Sorry, but the treasure buried in this village belongs to us. Don't get in our way."

"Treasure?" Su Yan asked. "We're here to melt the ice and rescue the villagers."

The three exchanged glances. "Then you're no obstacle at all!"

One produced a small vial filled with a glowing purple liquid. "This is the Moon Drop—an S-rank artifact among treasure hunters. It can melt even the hardest ice."

"Moon Drop?!" Happy gasped. "That's the same magic Leon used to thaw Galuna Island!"

Natsu pointed ahead. "With that, the village could be restored in no time!"

"Exactly," the hunter said smugly. "Hand it over, and we'll be out of your way."

Without warning, the hunters bolted toward the village gate.

"Chase them!" Erza ordered. "That Moon Drop is the key to saving everyone!"

Gray spread his arms. "You think we'll let thieves make off with it? Flames won't melt this ice either!"

They took off after the treasure hunters, leaving Su Yan momentarily alone. He frowned—was every guild a bunch of thieves these days? Still, the mission came first. If the Eternal Flame—or Moon Drop—was their only hope, he'd seize it back.

As he hurried forward, a massive owl-like beast with a single glaring eye and a long, rat-like tail descended from the sky. Perched on its back were a man and a woman, watching the chaos below.

The man chuckled. "Mages versus treasure hunters—entertaining, but they'll be no hindrance. After all, it's business."

The woman—Minerva of Sabertooth—smiled coldly. "Those treasure hunters are easy. The real problem is Fairy Tail."

"You know Fairy Tail?" the man asked, surprised.

Minerva tilted her head. "I hardly need to. This world knows their name. And if they become too troublesome… it's time for a new player to step up."

Below, Natsu and the others were gaining on the trio.

"Stop, you thieves!" Natsu yelled.

"Not thieves!" one hunter retorted. "We're treasure hunters!"

Erza clashed blades with another. "Enough excuses—give us the Moon Drop!"

The hunters sneered, drawing their weapons. "If you want it, come and take it."

Su Yan finally caught up, breathless. He raised his hand, magic flaring. Around him, the frozen giants trembled—but whether they would break free or shatter entirely depended on reclaiming that Moon Drop.

Above, Minerva watched with interest. "Let's see how Fairy Tail handles their new rival."