Two months passed in a blur of training and guild life. The calendar is slowly getting closer to the year X777—the fated year when the dragons, including Igneel, would vanish.
Erza Scarlet had joined the guild a month prior. Deeply traumatized and emotionally closed off, she had initially kept to herself. But upon discovering others in the guild who had endured similar hells, a bond began to form. She gradually opened up, becoming close with Sorano and the other former prisoners from the Tower of Heaven.
Natsu's arrival was likely only weeks or months away.
As for Ultear, there had been no sign. 'Maybe securing those magic books is harder than I thought,' Shun mused. 'If she doesn't show soon, I might have to take a more direct approach and infiltrate Grimoire Heart myself.'
His overall combat ability had surged over the past two months. Learning Erik's Hearing Magic had significantly boosted his Observation Haki, bringing him to the very cusp of an advanced stage where glimpses of the future might be possible. Yet, that final hurdle felt deceptively vast.
The thought of Grimoire Heart's library was tempting. Master Hades hoarded Lost Magics, and his Seven Kin of Purgatory were all users of such arts. Stealing just a few more books could dramatically increase his power. With 100% efficiency from his title, his spells would be twice as potent and fast. But Hades himself was a terrifying prospect, a former Fairy Tail master whose power might rival God Serena's. A direct fight was out of the question, but a stealthy heist was a calculated risk.
Today, however, a more immediate matter demanded his attention.
"EVERYONE, ATTENTION!" Makarov's voice boomed from atop a table, silencing the guild's usual din.
"I will now announce the members participating in Fairy Tail's S-Class Promotion Exam!"
A wave of excited cheers swept through the hall.
"Finally! It's my time to become an S-Class mage! Hahaha!" Macao exclaimed, puffing out his chest.
"Keep your delusions to yourself and focus on your lost cat missions, Feline Slayer Macao," Wakaba retorted, not missing a beat.
The guild erupted in laughter.
"The candidates are," Makarov began, reading from a scroll, "Cana Alberona, Robin Banks, Macao, Wakaba, Gray Fullbuster, Laxus Dreyar, Bob, Richard Buchanan, Gertrude, Deborah, Erza Scarlet, Mystogan, and Shun."
"Laxus and Shun aside, the rest are just a bunch of kids and old farts?!" someone shouted from the back.
"Who are you calling old farts?!" Macao and Wakaba roared in unison, their faces red.
"You didn't point any names, but you uncles are self-aware! Hahaha!"
Another wave of laughter rolled through the guild.
Ding!
[Mission Triggered: Become an S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail] [Mission Reward: +1 to All Stats, Memory Fragments (25%)]
'The reward is good, but what are these Memory Fragments?' Shun wondered. To his surprise, the system responded.
[They are pieces of a past you have forgotten. You may use them upon collecting 100%.]
'Forgotten? What could a simple guy like me have possibly forgotten?' The mystery nagged at him, but he shelved it for later.
"Well, the result is obvious. Laxus and Shun are the new S-Class mages," a guild member stated with a shrug.
"Without a doubt."
"To become S-Class is to become a pillar of Fairy Tail!" Makarov's voice cut through the chatter, his expression stern. "It is not merely about power, but about judgment, resilience, and the will to protect your family at all costs! The exam will take place on Tenroujima. We depart by ship in one week. Prepare yourselves!"
"Yes, sir!"
As the crowd dispersed, Macao clapped Shun on the shoulder. "Do your best, kid. Don't get cocky. The exam can be unpredictable."
"Of course. Thanks for the warning," Shun replied with a smile.
"As expected from a veteran who's failed three years in a row," Wakaba teased.
"Shut up! You're in the same boat!"
While the two resumed their bickering, others gathered around.
"Congratulations in advance, Shun," Sorano said softly.
"Thanks. Good luck to you all next year," Shun replied, his confidence earning a few mock-glares from the other candidates.
"Wow, not even a humble 'we'll see'?" Gray feigned surprise.
But they all shared an unshakable belief in his success. Shun felt the same. Failure wasn't an option.
"By the way, congratulations, Richard," Shun said, genuinely impressed. "Mastering your Earth Magic to this level in just two months is incredible."
Richard—Hoteye—blushed. "T-Thanks, but I'm not that strong…"
"Speaking of which, Sorano," Shun said, turning to her. "Let's go shopping together."
A sudden silence fell over their small group. All eyes turned to Sorano, whose face instantly flushed a deep crimson.
"E-Ehh? I-I don't mind, but why?" she stammered.
"You've mastered the basics of Celestial Spirit Magic from the book, right? A Celestial Mage needs keys. Let's find you one." Shun's smile was gentle.
"Y-Yes," she managed, her blush intensifying.
Erik and the others exchanged knowing looks, shaking their heads at their usually composed "big sister's" flustered state.
An hour later, they met outside the guild and headed for the main commercial street.
"I doubt we'll find any Gold Keys, so let's aim for a good Silver Key," Shun said as they walked.
"Y-Yes!" Sorano replied, fidgeting slightly.
"If you're uncomfortable, you can pay me back once you're a working mage. It won't be a significant sum for a strong wizard," he assured her.
"You've been repeating the same word all day," he added with a faint smile. "We should work on your confidence. How about we change the way you speak? Try ending your sentences with 'zo'. It makes you sound more assertive."
Sorano hesitated, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.
"Well, you don't have to if you don't want to. Confidence will come naturally as you get stronger."
"Zo…" she mumbled something so quietly that even his enhanced hearing couldn't catch it.
"Huh? Did you say something?"
Instead of answering, she suddenly broke into a run towards the magic shop that had just come into view.
'Did I make it worse? I was just making conversation,' Shun thought, catching up to her at the shop's entrance.
---
Creeak—
"Welcome, welcome! Feel free to browse! We've got everything from basic coloring magic tools to rare Lacrima!" an energetic shopkeeper named Gaja greeted them.
"Hello. We're looking for Celestial Spirit Keys. We'd also like to browse any unique items you have," Shun said politely.
Gaja's eyes lit up. "Of course! We have several Silver Keys in stock: Caelum the Chisel, Horologium the Clock, and Nikora the Canis Minor." He glanced at Sorano. "For a young lady, I'd highly recommend Nikora. He's one of the most popular Silver Keys."
"We'll take all three. How much?" Shun said casually.
Sorano gasped. "Shun, one is more than enough!"
Seeing the opportunity, Gaja swiftly produced the three silver keys. "Sir, the total is 270,000 Jewels. For you, a discount—250,000 for all three!"
"Deal." Shun didn't hesitate, pulling the required sum from his storage ring.
He handed the keys to a wide-eyed Sorano. The Nikora key was adorable, shaped like a plump penguin. Horologium was an ornate, silver clock face. Caelum was a simple, masculine key resembling a stonecarver's mallet.
"Let's look around a bit more. If you see anything else you like, just say so," Shun offered.
"This is already more than enough. Thank you," Sorano said, her voice steadier than before.
They browsed a little longer, and Shun bought a curious magic item called a 'Proper Grocer' that could change the color of clothes before they left.
By the time they exited, the sun had set, painting the sky in deep blues and purples.
"Let's get a quick bite before heading back," Shun suggested.
"Yeah! Let's go!" Sorano replied, a genuine, happy smile finally gracing her features.
They found a small, quiet diner and took a seat by the window.
"By the way," Shun said between bites of a meat and rice bowl, "I had a contact in Crocus make 'Missing Person' posters with the description you gave me. They're being distributed now. We'll find your sister."
Sorano stopped eating. She looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Why…" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Why are you so kind to me?"
For Shun, it was a small gesture, but he could see it meant the world to her.
"Why?" He smiled, borrowing the old man's words. "We're Fairy Tail mages. We're family."
It was a partial truth. He wouldn't go to such lengths for just anyone, but Sorano had always been a favorite character of his.
"Family…" she repeated softly, a warm feeling spreading through her chest.
After the meal, he walked her back to the girls' dorm.
"Well, we're here. Next time, you have to show me the spirits you've contracted with," he said, giving her head a gentle pat.
"Un," she nodded. Then, in a sudden, swift movement, she leaned forward and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his cheek. Before his brain could fully process the action, she was already running inside, her face as red as a ripe apple.
"…"
Ding!
[Congratulations! You have gained a new title: The Predator] [The Predator: For every heart the host has stolen, health and magic regeneration increases by 5%.]
"…"
'Uhmmm… what?!'