Makarov's gaze swept across the eager faces one by one.
Most of these kids, during the months of training and battles after returning, had already mastered the Second Magic Source.
Even Reby, who was progressing the slowest, just needs a little more time.
If any one of them were placed in other guilds, they'd almost become pillars of support.
Makarov was proud of them, but also felt a bit troubled.
He pondered for a moment and then said something quite irresponsible: "Actually, I haven't decided yet, hahahaha..."
"What kind of answer is that?!" A group led by Natsu shouted at Makarov.
But most people didn't seem surprised.
Lucy felt tempted. If she stood up to recommend herself now... could she get a spot?
Just as this thought popped up, Natsu had already taken action ahead of her: "Of course, I should participate!"
"Aye!" Hapi was the first to cheer for Natsu.
Gajeel rushed out first, punching Natsu off the table: "No matter how you see it, I'm stronger!"
Elfman then jumped on the table, knocking Gajeel flying: "A man can't ignore such words!"
Gray, bare-chested, charged over and kicked Elfman away: "Sorry, I want that spot too!"
"Gray-sama!" Jubia was the only one who rushed over without getting violent.
She directly hugged Gray's waist, pressing her face against his back: "Jubia won't compete with Gray-sama, Jubia wants to be Gray-sama's backup!"
Gray struggled: "Hey~ You're too close, let go!"
"Good chance!" Once Natsu got up, he headbutted Gray's chest, knocking both of them down together.
Jubia fell to the ground, her face full of happiness, because Gray landed on her.
Just as it seemed another chaotic brawl would start, everyone suddenly felt uneasy.
Natsu, who was laughing on the table, gradually froze.
Because Laxus, Rhode, Mira, and Erza were coldly watching them, their magic power hadn't erupted, but it seemed ready to at any moment.
Lucy shivered and hugged her best friend Reby: "So scary, it's the first time I've seen four S-Class all get angry."
Reby nodded in agreement: "Is it just me, or do they feel even scarier than the President?"
The four spoke in unison: "Quietly listen to the President finish."
"Aye~~~" Suddenly there was a bunch of Hapis in the guild.
Wendy and Asuka were full of admiration: "So cool!"
Li Li laughed: "Instantly silencing everyone, truly worthy of our guild's S-Class."
Carla also started feeling proud of others besides Wendy: "Could it be any other way at this level?"
The real Hapi: "Aye—"
Makarov coughed and said: "Since everyone wants to go... then let's refer to the S-Class exam selection method. In the next two months, be it training or tasks, I will choose the two with the most outstanding performances."
Rhode suggested: "Why not add one more condition? If someone can defeat one of us, we might give up the spot."
Lucy whispered skeptically: "Isn't that the same as not adding anything? It's practically impossible..."
Rhode continued: "Additionally, if you can appear in Fairy Tail fighting and perform excellently, you might earn extra points for this year's S-Class exam."
As soon as this was said, those who had been worried immediately became excited.
Right, there's still the S-Class Exam at the end of the year. Performing well this time will definitely earn a spot.
The diligent Fried sought confirmation: "President, is this true?"
"Well... Rhode said so, so it's fine."
Makarov figured by the end of the year, he certainly wouldn't be the President anymore; it would all be up to Rhode...
Haha, no headache about choosing venues and questions this year!
Thinking of this, Makarov's expression started to ripple, almost blowing bubbles out of joy.
Just then, a loud shout interrupted his pleasant dream: "Then I want to defeat you now, Laxus!"
"Here we go again."
"That idiot..."
"Actually, I feel a bit nostalgic."
"The betting begins, bet on Natsu winning on this side, bet..."
Everyone looked on habitually as Natsu shattered the table with one foot, flames sprouting from his feet, charging quickly toward Laxus.
"Alright." Laxus smiled, a warmer smile than his previous arrogant ones.
Though his smile was warm, his moves were cold.
An electrically charged fist hit Natsu on the head, sending him flying back the way he came, crashing through the table into the floor.
"Natsu..." Hapi flew to Natsu's side with a look of sadness, patting his face, "We didn't have time to bet yet."
Lucy squatted, patting Hapi's head: "You're too heartless, at least care whether he's badly hurt?"
Hapi said: "Today's Laxus is like the Laxus of the past, so it's no problem."
Lucy: "What past of past..."
Gray sneered: "Idiot, what's with that soft attack, at least show some fight like against me?"
Erza said: "Natsu's power is not just like this, but Laxus hasn't been standing still either."
Rhode shouted upstairs: "Laxus, fix half the floor! Also, the tableware that got damaged just now!"
Laxus tried hard to keep a straight face: "I know."
Rhode also tried not to laugh out loud.
Mira patted Rhode: "You guessed it would end up like this, right?"
Rhode asked: "Was it too much?"
"No, it was fun."
"Then let's have more fun." Rhode beckoned not far away, "Elfman, would you, as a man, want to challenge your sister?"
"..." Elfman remained silent for a moment amid everyone's jeering, "A man must train harder for two more months."
"Such a pity." Mira looked regretful, it's been a while since she exchanged punches with her brother.
"Sister Mira..." Lisana leaned over and whispered, "Don't make Elf brother lose face in front of Ibarglin."
Mira pondered: "But I think it's cuter if he occasionally makes a fool of himself."
"..." Just as Lisana was about to argue, she suddenly looked at Rhode, looking thoughtful.
Rhode posed mysteriously: "Don't look at me that way, your brother-in-law's image is always tall, handsome, and reliable, never making a fool of himself."
Lisana expressed doubt: "Is that so?"
Rhode looked at Mira: "Isn't it?"
"Yes, yes," Mira answered with a smile.
Indeed, since becoming Lisana's brother-in-law, the image has always been powerful, reliable, and handsome.