Two days passed in the blink of an eye. It was finally the day to announce the roster for the S-Class Mage Trial.
This was one of the few annual major events for Fairy Tail. So, early in the morning, the guild was packed with people.
Almost all Fairy Tail mages who had been out on jobs had returned. Those who were strong enough hoped to be selected. Those who lacked confidence were curious about who might be chosen this year. The entire scene was quite lively.
Leaving aside the always reckless idiot Natsu, even Gray, Elfman, and others who had a chance at being selected showed looks of eager anticipation. They had a strong desire to become S-Class mages.
Lucy, who already knew about the S-Class Trial, felt the same.
Although she thought she probably didn't have much of a chance as a guild rookie, after being affirmed by Chase earlier and influenced by the lively atmosphere, this particular slacker was, for once, motivated, silently cheering herself on.
Juvia and Gajeel, who had joined the guild even later than her, seemed a bit confused. They only knew that the master had something important to announce, but not what it was.
This was a hot topic of recent discussion, yet they were completely unaware.
But it was understandable. Juvia's mind was entirely focused on Gray, her eyes still fixed on his back with hearts in them.
As for Gajeel, although after the battle against Grimoire Heart, the guild members' wariness and resistance toward him were not as strong as before, his arrogant, untamed personality still made it hard for him to fit in.
Unless he asked, no one would specifically tell him about this kind of thing.
As for Wendy and Carla, they had already learned about it during the strongest team's quest two days ago.
SWOOSH.
The stage curtain of the guild hall suddenly opened.
Streamers fell. Five figures immediately appeared before everyone's expectant and curious eyes.
Master Makarov stood at the center, with Chase on his left, Gildarts on his right, and Erza and Mira on either side.
Aside from Mystogan, who was still in Edolas, and Laxus, who had been expelled from the guild, all the current S-Class mages were present!
The invisible pressure in the air from this scene moved everyone below.
Especially Lucy, who already knew that these S-Class mages would serve as examiners.
"Do I really have to fight these monsters? Maybe it's better not to be selected. Being a bystander and watching the drama isn't so bad after all..."
She, who had been so motivated just moments ago, was now starting to get cold feet again. Her feelings were complicated.
Just then, she felt someone's gaze on her. Looking up, she saw Chase-nii looking in her direction.
Chase shook his head and sighed helplessly.
As an examiner, he naturally already knew the list of S-Class Trial candidates.
"No good, huh..."
Receiving the answer, Lucy's shoulders slumped. For some reason, she felt a bit disappointed. She comforted herself: "It's okay. I'll try harder next year."
What a conflicted person.
"In accordance with Fairy Tail's tradition, I will now announce the roster for the S-Class Mage Trial!"
At that moment, Makarov's powerful voice rang out from the stage.
These simple, direct words instantly set off the entire hall. Juvia and Gajeel finally realized why their comrades had been so excited.
Those with keen senses, like Warren, who used Telepathy Magic, noticed that the master's aura seemed to have undergone some kind of change.
Although it was still powerful and deep, compared to a few days ago, it was worlds apart!
"This year's trial location will be our guild's sacred ground, Tenrou Island!"
Makarov raised a clenched fist, cutting off the noise. "I have witnessed your strength, your hearts, and your will over the past year. There are nine qualified participants. They are—"
"Natsu Dragneel!"
"Ahaha! Did you hear that? I'm first! It's in the bag, it's in the bag~!"
"Gray Fullbuster!"
"I've finally been waiting for this moment. And hey, you flame-brain idiot over there, don't dream. The winner will obviously be me!"
"Elfman Strauss!"
"Ooh! A man!"
"Juvia Lockser!"
"Huh? Juvia made it too? But I'm still a rookie..."
"Cana Alberona!"
"Hehe. Bring it on. I'm determined to become an S-Class mage!"
"Freed Justine!"
"For Laxus! For the Thunder God Tribe!"
"Levy McGarden!"
"Alright! Levy-chan~" x2
"Mest Gryder!"
"Mest, huh? It was such a shame last year. I remember him being quite powerful."
Whether it were the expected candidates or completely unexpected rookies, every time a name was announced, the crowd would uncontrollably erupt into a commotion.
"And finally—"
Makarov paused deliberately, holding the list in his hand.
As expected, everyone's curiosity and anticipation were piqued. Especially those who were ambitious and barely qualified, they held their breath, waiting for the final name, hoping to hear their own.
"Lucy Heartfilia!"
"Huh?!!" xN
"What?!"
Lucy's beautiful eyes widened as she pushed herself up from the crowd. She wondered if she had misheard. "Wait, me? But Chase-nii just..." She stopped mid-sentence and looked up at Chase, only to find him grinning openly, his bright white teeth on full display.
Bastard!
She'd been fooled by Chase-nii—no, fooled by this damn card nerd!
Lucy immediately realized. She glared at Chase angrily.
Then, the hope she had already abandoned stirred within her again. Was she really going to become an S-Class mage?!
On stage, Mira, holding a folder, nudged Chase with her elbow and whispered with a smile, "That's so mean, Chase. Teasing Lucy at such an important time."
"The competition this time is against guildmates. I'm just training her vigilance in advance. If she doesn't even have that much awareness, she'll just get eliminated in the trial," Chase said with a completely straight face.
"That makes sense. But somehow, I feel like the real reason is that Lucy is just too easy to fool?"
"Haha, you're right." Chase didn't deny it.
"Hey, you two! The master isn't finished yet!"
Erza suddenly appeared between them, hands on her hips, her expression serious.
Whether she had come over from beside Gildarts to actually maintain order or for some other reason was anyone's guess.
Fortunately, everyone's attention was still focused on the announced list, so no one noticed them.
"Ahem, everyone, quiet down!"
Makarov gave a light cough and continued. "Since many of you are participating for the first time, let me explain the specific rules again."
"There is only one promotion slot at most. The formal trial will begin in one week. While adjusting your own condition, you may also find partners to form teams."
"At most" meant that it was also possible that no one would pass, just like last year.
"There are two conditions for choosing a partner."
Erza seamlessly took over from Makarov, stepping forward to address the crowd. "First, they must be a guild member. Second, you cannot choose an S-Class mage."
"By the way, I will also be acting as an examiner this time, standing in your way~" Mira said, tilting her head with a sweet smile.
However, to the selected candidates, that smile looked more terrifying than a demon's.
"Though it's my first time in this role, I won't go easy on anyone. Prepare to be beaten black and blue!"
Chase's words were even more brutal and direct, leaving everyone without a shred of hope.
Those who hadn't been selected, like Alzack and Nab, suddenly felt a sense of relief: "Thank goodness I wasn't chosen!"
"This is the path one must take to become an S-Class. Show a little enthusiasm, you lot," Gildarts said calmly.
Unfortunately, aside from the eager Natsu, his words did little to encourage the other participants. Instead, they made them even more anxious.
Is there really any chance of winning against these monsters?
This year's trial is way too hard!
"Selected participants, meet at Hargeon Port one week from now. The detailed trial content will be announced then. That is all!"
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