As the guild master, Makarov naturally couldn't be as Chase and the others. He had to take care of every aspect and consider many factors.
So, he didn't immediately finalize the list of those qualified to participate in the trial. Instead, he said he would take their opinions into consideration and, using the need for a final observation period as an excuse, concluded the internal meeting.
"Sorry, Chase. Looks like I'll have to accept your challenge after the S-Class Trial," Gildarts said, scratching his head apologetically as they walked back from the guild. "While there's still time, I plan to take Cana for some final training tomorrow."
Given Cana's status in the guild and the circumstances of previous years, her selection for the S-Class Trial was a foregone conclusion.
But considering the somewhat supermodel competition this year, to ensure his precious daughter could take first place, he wanted to put in a little more effort.
Gildarts thought to himself: If she really does become an S-Class, that child Cana will certainly be very happy.
The father who had owed his daughter for so many years wanted to do as much as he could to make amends.
"I don't have any problem with that," Chase said with a smile. "But I'll be getting stronger during this time. Don't blame me if I don't go easy on you when you get crushed."
With the major crisis of Acnologia having been temporarily lifted, he wasn't in a particular hurry anymore. Fighting Gildarts, who could give it his all without any baggage, would be more satisfying and might improve the chance of a card drop by a little.
"Haha! I'll look forward to it, then," Gildarts laughed heartily, not particularly concerned about Chase's "threat."
In less than three years, Chase had gone from a rookie to someone capable of defeating a great mage like Hades. His growth rate, thanks to his magic Duelist Soul, was undeniable.
But did Chase really think he could become strong enough to crush him in such a short time? Gildarts naturally didn't believe it.
Or rather, as Fairy Tail's currently recognized strongest mage, he had that much confidence.
Unfortunately, the oblivious guy had overlooked the most critical information: Chase had obtained Hades's treasured magical knowledge base during this battle, which included the super-strong magic "Grimoire Heart"!
"Chase versus Gildarts... I get the feeling the one who ends up getting hurt in the end will be the master," Mira said, covering her mouth with a light laugh.
It didn't take a genius to figure out that an all-out battle between those two would have unimaginable consequences. Even if they chose a remote location far from civilization, it would still cause panic in nearby towns and draw the attention and criticism of the Magic Council!
"By the way, Mira, are there any SS-Class quests available at the guild right now?" Gildarts asked.
The best way to train Cana was, of course, with quests far above her current difficulty. In this regard, his approach coincidentally aligned with Chase's earlier "training camp" for Lucy.
"Yes, there is a quest to subjugate an ancient magical beast that would suit you and Cana," Mira said with a nod, guessing Gildarts's intention.
SS-Class quests of this high-risk level were rare. Even Fairy Tail didn't always have them. Currently, there were only two, so her impression of them was quite deep.
"Perfect. We'll take that one. I'll bring Cana by tomorrow to register," Gildarts said, waving his hand, his tattered cape swaying.
Seeing this, Erza couldn't help but sighed, "As expected of Gildarts. Taking an SS-Class quest so casually."
Despite being the renowned Fairy Queen, she had only completed a handful of SS-Class quests herself. And each time, she had to engage in considerable careful consideration and mental preparation before accepting one.
Hearing this, the relaxed expression on Gildarts's face suddenly turned a bit serious. "Erza, Mira... you are both capable S-Class mages in your own right. But sometimes, you still need to challenge your own limits. That's how you achieve greater growth."
The sudden earnest tone of an experienced elder made Mira and Erza instinctively straighten their backs. "We understand."
"Otherwise, you won't be able to keep that brat Chase in line. He'll definitely end up bullying you."
"A-ah!" x2
You went through all that just to say this?!
Mira's face instantly turned bright red. Erza immediately transformed into a steamer, her imagination apparently running wild with some strange scene.
"You can't just say things like that, Gildarts. Everyone in the guild knows I'm always a gentleman," Chase said, stepping forward to shield the flustered Mira and Erza. Remembering the situation at the Sabertooth battlefield he had heard from Gray and Wendy, he added with a smile, "I heard you pulled off quite a cool 'hero saving the damsel' move yourself."
"Now that Chase mentions it..." Mira, now on the receiving end of the teasing, quickly regained her composure. She propped her finger against her fair, flawless cheek, tilting her head slightly. "I remember when Ur came to visit the guild a while ago, she mentioned you too. You invited her to form a team, didn't you?"
"What?! She told you about that?!" Now it was Gildarts's turn to panic, clutching his forehead. "No wonder after catching up with Ur and coming back from Sabertooth, Cana's been looking at me strangely!"
He suddenly realized.
"C-could it be that..." Even more steam poured out of Erza's bright red face, chaotic spirals appearing in her beautiful eyes. "...Cana and Ultear are going to become sisters?!"
"Your imagination is way too wild!!!" Gildarts completely panicked. He hadn't expected his earlier teasing to boomerang and hit him in the back of the head.
"Oh my. What an interesting development. I'll have to discuss this thoroughly with Lucy tomorrow~"
If Erza's imagination had been unintentional, Mira's words were an undisguised act of revenge.
If that kind of rumor got to Lucy's ears, wouldn't it spread throughout the entire guild?
Although he had only recently returned from his 100 Years Quest, Gildarts had nevertheless heard bits and pieces about Lucy, the super rookie.
Her reputation was, shall we say, impeccable.
In the past, Gildarts wouldn't have cared. In fact, he would have eagerly joined the crowd gossiping about himself.
But now, this all-around fighter had a fatal weakness.
Thinking this, Gildarts immediately dropped to his knees and struck a perfect dogeza pose. "Please don't! I'm begging you, Mira!"
In the face of Fairy Tail's strongest dark side, its strongest mage was as helpless as a new recruit.
Mira ignored Gildarts and turned to Chase instead. "What do you think, Chase?"
"Let it go. It wouldn't be fair to Ur. Let's wait until we know how she feels first."
"Okay. I'll listen to you. I won't say anything for now~" Mira said, clasping her hands together, smiling happily.
"Well said, Chase!" Erza gave a serious thumbs-up.
Gildarts: "..."
I deserve this. Why did I have to run my mouth!
These three are practically wearing the same pair of pants!!
***
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