Chapter 224: Because We Are Fairy Tail!
Stone spikes erupted continuously from the ground, forcing Rhodes and Erza to leap and weave through the barrage to avoid being pierced or thrown off balance.
Erza moved swiftly, slicing through spikes as she landed on them, but new spikes immediately sprouted from the broken ones, leaving her no choice but to keep moving. The unstable, trembling ground made dodging even more difficult, one misstep and she could fall.
"Take over: Raptor!"
With a powerful leap, Rhodes transformed, his arms turning into wide crimson wings. He soared into the air with a gust of wind.
As he twisted mid-flight, he swooped toward Erza and caught her shoulders with his talon-like claws, lifting her safely into the sky.
Hovering alongside Natsu and Happy, Rhodes felt a strange realization dawn.
"Why do I feel like I've become a Harpy?" he muttered, somewhat begrudgingly.
"How's your magic holding up?" he asked the others.
"No problem at all!" Natsu shouted boldly, his confidence fired up after replenishing his strength by devouring flames.
"I'll manage," Erza replied. Though her voice was calm, Rhodes noticed her armor had shifted back to its default form, clearly entering a more energy-efficient mode.
"We're still good!" Happy added cheerfully. Since he hadn't exerted much energy earlier, carrying Natsu for a while wouldn't be an issue.