"The new S-Class Mage will be decided based on your performance in the First Grand Magic Games hosted by the royal family. I will personally observe and make the final judgment."
"EH?!!!" N
Just as expected, the guild exploded into chaos.
The members who had been completely unaware of the situation were all stunned senseless by the sudden announcement.
Meanwhile, Kabe, Marcus, Mickey, and the others who had known all along immediately burst into triumphant laughter after their prank finally succeeded.
Only Gray stood awkwardly between both groups.
He wasn't among the clueless victims anymore…
But he also couldn't enjoy the satisfaction of tricking everyone else.
His face twisted into an indescribable expression, looking like a complete clown caught between two worlds.
'Damn old man… couldn't you have waited two more days before announcing it?! I barely even got to enjoy my sense of superiority!'
By now, the quicker members had already realized they'd been thoroughly played.
Warren looked at Marcus, who was laughing so hard tears were coming out, and instantly jumped onto the table with bloodshot eyes.
"MARCUS YOU ANIMAL!"
He pointed furiously at him.
"I treated you like a brother, and you hid something this important from me the entire time?!"
Marcus clutched his stomach with one hand while pounding the table with the other.
"Hahahaha! I can't take it anymore! Warren, your expression just now was priceless!"
"You bastard! I'LL KILL YOU!!"
Humiliated and enraged, Warren lunged off the table like a starving tiger, tackling Marcus to the ground as the two rolled into a violent wrestling match.
The rest of the victims, including Macao, Wakaba, and Bisca, immediately charged at the nearest laughing culprits as well.
Within moments, the guild hall descended into utter warfare.
Tables and chairs became improvised weapons.
Cups and utensils flew through the air like concealed projectiles.
The entire guild became a battlefield.
Only one area remained strangely untouched.
The space around Kabe.
To his left stood Erza, Mira, Cana, and Levy.
To his right were Ultear, Juvia, Sorano, and Meredy.
And that wasn't even counting Levy, Lisanna, Elfman, and the rest of the extended support group nearby.
With such a terrifying lineup gathered together, nobody in the guild dared charge at them despite knowing full well they'd participated in the prank too.
"KABE YOU BASTARD! YOU HID IT FROM US TOO! TAKE MY FIRE DRAGON'S IRON FIST!!"
Natsu roared as he charged forward recklessly.
Unfortunately for him, Kabe didn't even need to move.
Mira casually swung a hand.
BOOM!
Natsu was instantly smashed face-first into the floorboards.
"I'm seriously asking…"
Bisca poked the unconscious Natsu with her foot.
"Does this idiot not know how to read the room?"
"If he could think like that, he wouldn't be Natsu anymore."
Kabe laughed as he waved a hand, allowing Happy to cautiously drag Natsu's limp body away.
Since Makarov himself had technically participated in the prank too, he didn't immediately stop Macao and the others from taking revenge.
Only when he saw people beginning to activate magic did the old man finally roar:
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
The deafening shout instantly muted the entire guild.
Even Natsu, who had been lying dead on the floor, suddenly sprang upright after hearing the next words.
"You brats still want to participate in this tournament or not?!"
"Ol-old man…!"
Natsu staggered to his feet dramatically.
"L-let me compete…! I'm definitely becoming S-Class!!"
Looking at the half-dead Natsu somehow still functioning, even Makarov couldn't help admiring the boy's absurd vitality.
"Ahem."
Seeing everyone finally quiet down, Makarov continued:
"I know all of you are excited."
"In that case, I'll announce the tournament participants directly."
Instantly, the entire guild held its breath.
"First of all, this Grand Magic Games will be conducted in teams of six."
Makarov glanced toward Kabe.
"Kabe. His Majesty personally appointed you as team captain. Your participation is mandatory."
Kabe immediately pointed at himself in disbelief.
"Huh? Me?!"
"I should be participating as a judge or commentator or something! Why am I the captain?!"
Gray instantly raised his hand in protest too.
"Exactly! That guy's already S-Class! Why's he competing with us?!"
"The moment Kabe joins, that's one less slot for everyone else!"
"Yeah! Kabe-senpai doesn't need this kind of competition to prove himself anymore!"
"Enough!"
Makarov slammed the table impatiently.
"This decision comes directly from King Toma himself! If any of you have complaints, go to the capital and argue with His Majesty personally!"
The moment the king's name got thrown out, the guild members immediately shut up.
Seeing everyone finally quiet again, Makarov snorted before continuing the roster announcement.
"Kabe will serve as captain."
"The team members are…"
"Erza Scarlet."
"Mira Jane Strauss."
"Ultear Milkovich."
"Cana Alberona."
"And Juvia Lockser."