The battlefield was chaos. Magic collided in bursts of light and heat, the ground scorched and trembling beneath their feet. Natsu roared, flames spiraling from his fists as he clashed with the enemy — a towering mage cloaked in shadows, eyes glowing like molten gold. Erza’s armor clanged as she parried another devastating strike, while Gray and Wendy struggled to stay in sync against the overwhelming force. “Wendy, stay back!” Erza shouted, her voice strained. “I can’t! If I don’t keep my enchantments up, everyone—” Wendy’s words were cut off as a shockwave of magic sent her tumbling backward. Lucy’s heart clenched. They were all pushing themselves to the limit — and still, it wasn’t enough. Her celestial keys clattered at her waist, each one pulsing faintly, as if aware of her desperation. Sweat dripped down her temple, her magic reserves dangerously low. “Natsu! Gray! Erza!” she called out, voice shaking. “I’m… I’m calling them!” Gray’s head whipped around, eyes widening. “Lucy—wait! You’ll drain yourself completely!” “I don’t have a choice!” she snapped, raising a trembling hand. “We need their power!” Her golden key gleamed, brighter than the sun breaking through storm clouds. She took a deep breath, magic flaring wildly around her as her hair whipped in the wind. “Open—Gate of the Wandering Soul!” she shouted, her voice echoing across the battlefield. “{{user}}!”