"Honestly, it is unbearable. This group always acts so incredibly immature," Carla commented with a tone of feigned maturity.
"Since some of you are participating for the very first time, Mira will now explain the rules," Makarov announced.
Mira stepped forward with a sweet smile.
"The eight selected participants must find a partner within the one-week preparation period."
"Partner?" Lucy asked, slightly confused.
"We have had this format before. It is a two-person team battle. The winning team's participants get to advance," Max explained to Lucy from nearby.
Mira went on, "The reason for needing a partner is twofold: first, to test your combat compatibility with your partner, and second, to assess your teamwork skills."
The partner selection segment wasn't entirely fixed, Erza's exam year had also featured a partner-finding round.
"Two strict rules must be followed when choosing a partner," Mira continued. "First, the partner must be an official member of Fairy Tail. Second, you cannot choose a current S-Class Mage as your partner."
"In other words, you cannot pick anyone standing up there on the stage, right?" Panther Lily asked, looking toward Raizel and the others.
Raizel and Laxus were already bored to the point of yawning.
"The detailed exam content will be announced once we reach Tenrou Island. However, this time, Erza will also try to actively block your way," Makarov added.
"NANIIIIIIII!!!" the participants gasped.
Mira also quietly raised her hand and said with a cheerful smile, "I am one of the examiners this time too. Please treat me well."
"Whaaat!!!" Another loud wave of exclamations followed.
"Try to defeat me," Ultear added, making her own bold declaration to the crowd.
"Could it be... that unless we defeat Mira, Ultear, and Erza first... we can't get promoted to S-Class Mage?" Lucy covered her gaping mouth with her hand, looking utterly astonished by the sheer difficulty.
"Well, it seems they will probably go easy on you to some extent," Max offered weakly.
"Now do you understand how incredibly difficult this is?" Warren sighed.
"But it looks like Raizel and Laxus aren't examiners, so that is at least one piece of good news, right?" Warren glanced at the two almost-sleeping powerhouses standing on stage, his lips twitching nervously.
"Stop complaining. This is the path everyone must take to become an S-Class Mage," a deep voice rumbled.
Even Gildarts, who rarely spoke during these events, chimed in.
"Wait... a minute..." Elfman's eyes widened in sheer disbelief.
"No way!" Happy gasped, wondering if his thoughts were getting too terrifying.
"Is Gildarts participating as an examiner this time too?!" the crowd yelled.
Natsu's reaction was completely different from everyone else's—he was actually practically vibrating with excitement.
"What are you so happy about?" Gray looked at Natsu as if he were a complete idiot.
"Quiet, everyone!" Makarov shouted. "The eight selected participants and their respective partners! One week from now, at 8 a.m. sharp, everyone must gather at Hargeon Port! That is all!"
...
"Why is the difficulty so insanely high this year? Even Gildarts is joining..." Gray frowned as he spoke, sitting around a wooden table with the other members.
"It is really surprising. I didn't expect you all to be participating in the S-Class exam for the first time," Erza noted.
"I'm all fired up! I am definitely going to become an S-Class Mage!" Natsu cheered.
His fiery excitement still hadn't burned out.
Not only was Gildarts looking forward to the exam with Natsu, but Natsu was equally anticipating clashing with the older mage.
"Lucy, I would like to invite you to be my partner," Kagura spoke while approaching the table.
After thinking it over for a long time, Kagura had decided to ask Lucy.
She felt that Lucy's Celestial Spirit magic was incredibly versatile, especially since spirits like Leo, Gemini, and Virgo were particularly strong in a fight.
Moreover, with Lucy's numerous keys, she had many contingency plans to handle various unexpected situations.
And that clock spirit, Horologium, that appeared on its own could truly be called a lifesaving treasure.
"Eh? Me?" Lucy pointed at herself, quite surprised by the sudden invitation.
"Of course. I believe you are the most suitable choice to be my partner," Kagura expressed her high confidence in the blonde mage.
"But... won't I hold you back?" Lucy asked, still having some concerns about her own strength.
"There is no such thing as holding someone back. You have your own unique strengths too. Do you not trust your Celestial Spirits?" Kagura encouraged her.
"Since you've put it that way... I will see this through with you," Lucy said, standing up and meeting Kagura's determined gaze.
"I am looking forward to working with you." Kagura raised her palm toward Lucy.
"Looking forward to working together with you too Kagura!" Lucy immediately understood and high-fived her.
...
Across the room, Freed and Bickslow immediately hit it off.
"I will leave my back to you, partner," Freed nodded.
"Leave it to me!" Bickslow laughed, putting his hands on his hips.
"If you can become an S-Class Mage, I think Laxus would be very happy too. The reputation of the Thunder God Tribe will definitely soar!"
...
"By the way, have you all decided on your partners yet?" Lucy asked, looking at Natsu and the others.
"Of course I am choosing Happy!" Natsu grinned.
"Aye, sir!"
"Choosing Happy is too sneaky!" Elfman complained. "If the exam involves a foot race, Happy can just fly! What would be the point then?"
"I think it is fine, though? There hasn't been any racing content in all these years, right?" Lisanna pointed out.
Although she wasn't participating, she was very familiar with the S-Class exam's history.
"I do not mind at all. After all, if it comes down to a fight, you would just be asking for trouble by bringing a cat," Gray showed a completely indifferent expression.
"That is kind of hurtful, Gray," Happy quietly retorted.
"Just wait and see! I will definitely make Natsu an S-Class Mage!" Happy declared.
"When it comes to this, I will not back down, even for my friends!" Natsu yelled. "So... we cannot waste any more time! Let's go train right away!"
With that, Natsu and Happy had already run off and disappeared from the guild hall.
"Why is Natsu so excited..." Lucy sighed, completely unable to understand Natsu's chaotic thought process.
"One reason is that he is looking forward to a proper match with Gildarts. The other is probably because he thinks that if he can stand on his own as an S-Class Mage, he might finally be able to see Igneel again. That is why he is much more passionate about this exam than the others," Raizel explained, having happened to be passing by their table.
"I see," Lucy nodded in soft understanding.
'Do your best, Natsu,' Lucy thought, looking toward the main gate and quietly cheering for her friend in her heart.
"Um... Juvia would like to officially withdraw from this promotion exam," Juvia suddenly announced, constantly wringing her hands nervously.
"Huh? Why?!" Wendy asked, quite puzzled.
"Because... Juvia want to become Gray-sama's partner instead," Juvia answered softly, her pale cheeks flushed bright red.
"What did you say?!" Gray yelled, having heard his name.
"She said she wants to be your partner," Lucy said with a highly amused expression.
"I knew it! I knew Lucy wanted to steal my position by his side!" Juvia glared at her rival.
"I am already Kagura's partner!" Lucy covered her face and retorted weakly.
"Gray-sama..." Juvia cooed, stepping toward him.
But suddenly, a handsome figure dressed in a sharp suit slowly approached the group of members.
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