"It's Ultear!"
The moment Makarov spoke the name, the guild erupted into noise.
"Ultear? She's only fifteen, isn't she? Already qualified for the S-Class exam?"
"Don't forget, Laxus took the exam at fifteen too. And he cleared it on his first try."
"That's true… this new generation is terrifying. They're reaching S-Class strength at such a young age."
"I mean, she is Ulu's daughter. Power clearly runs in the family."
Meanwhile, some of the older members groaned.
"Dammit, I didn't make it again this year…"
"Careful if you keep waiting, the younger ones will overtake you. Look at them!"
The speaker pointed toward Erza, Natsu, and the rest of the fiery-eyed youth group.
"They're getting stronger every day. In a few years, the competition will be brutal, and your chances will shrink to nothing."
"No! Don't say that! I refuse to picture that kind of future!"
The rejected mages collapsed against their comrades, bawling dramatically.
"Oi, get your tears and snot off my shirt, you idiot!"
While the older group wailed, the younger mages buzzed with excitement.
"Congratulations, Ultear," Erza said seriously. "You've earned Master's trust. I'll have to push myself even harder."
"Thank you, Erza. I'm sure your turn will come soon," Ultear replied with a calm smile.
Mirajane, standing nearby, pouted. "Hmph. I'll reach that level too sooner or later."
"But you don't have it now, do you?" Sorano murmured slyly.
Mirajane's eyes flared. "What was that, Sora? Want to fight right now?!"
She made to lunge, but Lisanna and Erza quickly caught her arms, dragging her back before chaos erupted.
"You're amazing, Sister Ultear!" Wendy said with sparkling eyes.
"Uh-huh!" Yukino chimed in, nodding eagerly.
"Just you wait," Natsu shouted, flames practically sparking from his teeth. "I'll be in the exam next, and I'll beat Ultear too!"
Gray and Lyon said nothing, but the determined fire in their gazes spoke louder than words. None of them intended to fall behind.
Even Fried and the other newer recruits leaned in, fascinated. "So this is Fairy Tail's legendary S-Class exam…"
Makarov finally raised his voice above the chatter. "This year's exam will be held in the largest training ground. The rules are simple: one-on-one combat against an active S-Class wizard. Earn their recognition, and you pass. The exam begins three days from now. Don't be late!"
With that, he dismissed the guild. Cheers, complaints, and vows of determination filled the hall as everyone filed out, already brimming with anticipation.
The guild grounds, normally loud and rowdy, had quieted the moment Makarov's declaration rang out. Everyone's eyes followed Ultear as she stepped into the training ground, her composure radiating maturity far beyond her years.
Gray and Lyon clenched their fists unconsciously. Natsu, who had just been restrained by Noah minutes ago, muttered under his breath, "Damn it, Ultear… I'll be next." Even Erza and Mirajane watched with solemn anticipation this was the moment every Fairy Tail wizard dreamed of.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Noah followed Ultear in, his hands casually in his pockets. The air grew even heavier.
"So it's you," Ultear said evenly, though her tone betrayed no shock. "I guessed you might be my examiner. Seems I was right."
Noah shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Your mother refused, Gildarts was too much of a hammer for this kind of test, and Laxus just wasn't interested. That left me."
He glanced toward the sidelines. Uru stood proudly, her eyes warm with encouragement. Gildarts raised his cup and saluted with a grin before downing it all. Laxus didn't even bother to remove his headphones, only waving lazily when Noah's gaze brushed past him.
"Lucky you," Noah said lightly, then let his expression sharpen. "Are you ready? If so come at me. Show me all your strength."
Ultear inhaled deeply, forcing her nerves into silence. Her knees bent, her stance lowered, and her palms pressed together in ritual focus. Her magic swelled, rippling outward like a tide.
The crowd watching outside the barrier felt their hair rise from the sheer pressure.
"This… this is Ultear's magic power?" one of the younger members whispered, their voice trembling.
Even Natsu, who always blurted without thinking, fell quiet.
Inside the training ground, Noah's golden eyes gleamed. He didn't move an inch.
"Good," he murmured. "Now show me what you've built for yourself."
With a sharp cry, Ultear thrust her right hand forward, her magic exploding to life.
....
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