In the face of Bob's denial, the others simply smiled and said no more.
They all knew that whether or not Principal Weston gave preferential treatment to students from his own guild, such things were better left unsaid.
Since there were no classes for the seventh academic year, everyone dispersed after the meeting in the classroom.
Bob closed the book in his hand, left the classroom, crossed the hallway, passed through the courtyard, and soon arrived at a large classroom hanging a sign that read "Fairy Club."
Pushing the door open, he found dozens of people already waiting inside.
Fairy Academy also offered "clubs," and this "Fairy Club" before him was the gathering place for all students who had joined Fairy Tail.
Counting the four "pure-blooded" members—Darwin, Chris, Erza, and Makarov—the membership of the Fairy Club exceeded a hundred, effectively becoming another Fairy Tail in its own right!
The moment he stepped into the club, Bob felt a multitude of gazes gather on him, including many from girls whose eyes were full of admiration or affection.
He had long since grown accustomed to this.
Among the 300 students in the entire grade, Bob wasn't the strongest, nor was he the wisest, but he possessed a handsome face and physique that made boys envious and girls swoon.
One could say he was the "School Prince" level figure of Fairy Academy.
In six years as classmates, countless girls had confessed to Bob.
Unfortunately, he hadn't taken an interest in any of them; his heart was set solely on studying and becoming stronger.
Passing his boisterous comrades, Bob walked to a table where his three best friends were gathered:
The thin, short Makarov;
The tall one wearing a tricorne hat, Goldmine;
And the man with a horse-like face, Yajima.
"You've all heard, right? About leaving the academy this year to conduct field study activities..."
"We've heard, we've heard! We were just discussing it! Do you have a plan?"
"I don't have any ideas yet. What about you?"
Yajima smiled and said: "I'm thinking, why not just start a business and open a restaurant?"
"Start a business? Open a restaurant?"
Although they had known for a long time that Yajima loved cooking, such a thing didn't seem to fit their field study activity, did it?
"That idea is indeed interesting, but it would probably be very hard to get approved, right?"
Goldmine said: "Didn't your instructor say that the content of this field study must not only be magic-related but also reflect what we've learned in the academy?"
Yajima chuckled: "An ordinary restaurant wouldn't work, of course, but if it's labeled as 'Magic Catering,' then it's fine!"
"Magic Catering?"
"Simply put, it's linking the entire process to magic!"
Yajima pulled a pen and a diagram from his person, placed them on the table, and began sketching: "Using magic to build the shop involves the elective 'Magical Architecture'; using magic to prepare ingredients involves 'Plant Magic,' 'Beast Taming Magic,' and 'Pharmacology'; using magic for cooking involves the 'Advanced Application of Magic Power'..."
"If you really look into it, many steps can be related to magic."
Seeing more and more drawings appear on the scratch paper, the three present were immensely impressed by Yajima's whimsical ideas.
"That's truly amazing!"
"If you submit this idea, the instructor might actually approve your chosen topic!!"
"While I don't know if this idea will ultimately succeed, I feel like my own mind is opening up now!!"
As they spoke, an effeminate-looking youth walked over.
"Considering topics for the field study?"
"Oh, it's you, Wraith!"
Wraith—a fairy companion who, in the original timeline, died young and obtained the power of the "Spirit Dragon" after death, becoming a member of the Dragon Eater guild "Diabolos."
But at this time, he was still just an ordinary wizard.
"Have you decided what topic to choose?"
"I've already decided!"
Wraith nodded and smiled: "I plan to search for ancient battlefield ruins, then use my 'Undead Take Over' magic to find spirits that haven't dissipated. From their descriptions and memories, I'll try to restore the original appearance of those wars in history."
Hearing this, the several others let out a collective "Whoa."
"Your topic sounds several grades higher than Yajima's 'Magic Restaurant'!"
"Exactly... combining your own magic with the field study activity, that's what the academy wants us to do. Your topic fits the requirements perfectly!"
"Exploring ancient battlefields and restoring the face of war? Maybe you'll become a famous archaeologist in the future!"
Inspired by Wraith, Bob and Goldmine also quickly decided on their topics. One planned to search for the legendary creature "Pegasus," while the other intended to visit deep mountains and old forests to create an observation manual for various wild beasts.
Finally, the group turned their gaze toward Makarov.
"Little Makarov, what about you?"
"Your magic is 'Giant,' have you thought of a suitable topic?"
While putting away his "Magic Restaurant" sketches, Yajima joked: "I think your magic, Little Makarov, is very suitable for physical labor... Oh, right! Why don't you just come help me build my restaurant!"
Makarov gave Yajima a dirty look and raised a fist threateningly: "You're looking for a beating, aren't you?"
"Hahaha...!!"
"Seriously though, Makarov, if you haven't thought of what to do, I can give you a suggestion."
"What suggestion?"
Wraith said: "I heard from people in class that for this final year of field practice, the Fiore Royal Family and the Council have specially opened up many positions, inviting us to do a year-long internship. This internship can count as the result of the field practice."
"I think with your strength, if you went to the Council's 'Enforcement unit' to arrest Dark Guilds, or to the Royal Army to guard the borders, you might really shine!"
Going to the Council or serving the Royal Family—these two paths were clearly prepared for those wizards who couldn't think of a topic or felt lost about life.
For those without their own opinions, with such a "righteous path" available, they would likely go without a second thought.
But Makarov was different.
Not only was he a man of his own mind, but he was also a free man. Most importantly, he had the luxury of "trial and error cost," so he wouldn't consider those two options at all.
"Thanks for the kindness, Wraith."
"But I have no intention of going to the Council or the Royal Family!!"
"Then... do you plan to return to the guild?"
Joining a magic guild and working normally within it could also serve as a topic for this field study, and many wizards chose this option.
"No, I plan to find the Giant Race and visit the rumored... Sun Village!"