Chapter 54: High Fever
"Uh, Zack... these things are alive!" Erza shouted, her voice laced with panic. "Do something! Burn them or something!" "Isn't this an Armory? What if it explodes?" Erza hesitated.
"Shut up and burn them!" Zack snapped.
"Fine! But if we blow up, it's on you!" Erza flicked the lighter. Instantly, the flame swelled unnaturally, growing into a blazing fire dragon nearly a meter in diameter.
The fire dragon roared down the tunnel, engulfing the vines in its fiery maw. The dark space lit up like midday as the flames consumed the plants. The crackling of burning vines echoed through the tunnel, accompanied by the acrid smell of smoke and scorched greenery. "Your powers seem stronger," Zack remarked, pausing his gunfire to glance back at Erza.
"Maybe," she replied, watching the flames with a mix of fear and pride. "I think my abilities are like muscles—the more I use them, the stronger they get." As she spoke, the remaining vines recoiled, retreating deeper into the tunnel like a predator that had met its match.
The temperature in the tunnel rose sharply, beads of sweat forming on Erza's forehead. "Maybe I'll make you a heat-resistant suit when we're done here," Zack muttered.
"Really? You'd do that for me?" Erza's eyes lit up, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
"Only if you keep your mouth shut and don't annoy me," Zack added, deadpan.
"Deal! I'll be the quietest person you've ever met!" Erza promised eagerly.