During his duel with Laxus, Noah discovered a flaw in the guild's training grounds.
The protective barriers could withstand raw magical force, but they failed to regulate environmental changes especially sudden swings in temperature. This had gone unnoticed before because, while Natsu, Ultear, and others often produced heat or cold, their attacks hadn't been powerful enough to alter the entire field's climate in an instant.
But after Noah had unleashed his full strength in the largest training ground, the problem became obvious.
If left uncorrected, future training would be a mess. As Natsu grew stronger, even a casual breath of Dragon Slayer fire could raise the surrounding temperature by dozens of degrees, disrupting everyone around him.
Noah immediately began a full-scale upgrade. He reinforced every training field with new insulation, isolating temperatures inside from the world outside. Whether the environment boiled or froze, the rest of the guild would remain unaffected.
At the same time, he improved the barriers themselves. With the guild's rapid growth, their destructive power had increased dramatically. Stronger protection was now essential. He reinforced the ground as well, minimizing the damage caused when heavy magic struck.
For the largest training ground, he lifted the restrictions on altitude, finally allowing members to practice aerial combat.
Of course, very few could even get off the ground yet, much less fight in the air. But Noah thought ahead. Someday, they would need it.
It took him more than half a month of steady effort to complete the renovations, weaving his knowledge into practice. The project was demanding, but worthwhile he had learned much from applying theory to reality.
When it was done, Noah returned to his own studies. Day after day, his training never wavered, and his strength advanced in steady strides.
On one occasion, he visited the vast Magic Library an enormous spiral tower packed with tomes.
Noah had known of it before but avoided diving in, wary of wasting too much time. To plow through its countless books would have slowed his progress more than it helped.
But now, with his Ancient Document magic, he no longer needed to choose. He spent days importing every single text into his archive. Along the way, he skimmed or read sections, though many he left for later.
In the end, Noah walked away satisfied. The entire library was now at his fingertips. Whatever knowledge he needed, he could call up with a thought.
Back at Fairy Tail, his routine of research and training continued. Without realizing it, half a year had passed.
At the next regular masters' meeting, Makarov brought Noah along. There, they met once again with President Goodman and President Bob, and also with Oba Babasama, master of Lamia Scale.
After much discussion, Oba agreed to let Noah peruse Lamia Scale's collection, while Makarov promised to share a portion of Fairy Tail's own.
The arrangement sealed, Noah eagerly followed Oba to Lamia Scale. After offering greetings to the guild, he immediately immersed himself in the library.
During his stay, he met Jura Neekis, already serving as a pillar of the guild. Jura was immensely powerful, yet humble.
The two spent long hours exchanging insights Noah between shelves of books, Jura on the sparring field. Both walked away enriched. Jura, in particular, was struck.
Seven years his junior, yet Noah possessed deeper knowledge than him. In battle, no matter how much strength Jura poured in, Noah absorbed it with calm composure, always unshaken.
For a moment, Jura felt a sting of discouragement. But only for a moment.
The world was vast he had always known that. Meeting someone like Noah only reaffirmed it. And with such a man standing as a peer, how could he not feel inspired to strive even higher?
Jura threw himself into training with renewed vigor. Seeing this, Oba Babasama was satisfied. Allowing Noah to study at Lamia Scale's library had been a wise decision. If it could push Jura to aim even higher, then the exchange had already been worth it.
After finishing every book Lamia Scale permitted him to access, Noah bade farewell to Jura and Oba, then returned to Fairy Tail.
The harvest of knowledge had been rich. Back home, Noah organized everything he'd absorbed, feeding it into his Ancient Document archive for quick access later.
And so the days passed study, training, research until winter drew near.
Before anyone realized it, the end of the year had arrived. And with it, the event every Fairy Tail mage anticipated: the annual S-Class Wizard Promotion Exam.
"Who'll get chosen this year?"
"The top-tier ones are already S-Class… it's hard to say who's next."
"Pick me, Master! I'm ready!"
The guild hall was a storm of chatter. Everyone knew the date, and everyone knew what it meant. They'd trained all year for this chance.
"Ahem!"
Makarov stomped onto the stage, clearing his throat loudly. The guild members quieted though excitement still buzzed in their eyes.
"Tell us already, Master!"
"We can't wait any longer!"
"This time I'll make it for sure!"
"No way, it's gotta be me!"
Cries and laughter filled the air until Makarov raised a hand, his face unusually stern.
"Now, now. Settle down. I've been watching all of you your growth, your grit, your spirit. And after long consideration…"
He let the words hang, tugging at his mustache, enjoying the suspense.
"…I've decided only one mage will be eligible for the S-Class Promotion Exam this year."
The hall erupted.
"Only one?!"
"Who's strong enough to be singled out like that?"
"Aw, don't tell me I lost my chance already!"
"Master, who is it?! Spit it out!"
Makarov coughed again, drawing their eyes back to him. His expression sharpened.
"After careful thought, the one chosen to take the S-Class Wizard Promotion Exam is "
....
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