Ultear's body trembled as she tried to steady herself. Her face was pale, drenched in sweat, but her eyes still burned with defiance.
Makarov, who had been silent throughout the entire ordeal, finally stepped forward with a smile. "That's enough." His voice carried both authority and pride, instantly calming the guild members who had been holding their breath.
Noah exhaled softly and dispersed the lingering magic circles around him. The oppressive atmosphere in the training ground vanished in an instant, like a storm that had passed.
"You did well," Noah said calmly, walking toward Ultear. His eyes were steady, but there was approval in his tone. "Your control, your creativity, your willpower you defended against everything I threw at you without yielding. That's the heart of an S-Class mage."
Ultear raised her head weakly, her lips curling into the faintest smile despite her exhaustion. "…So… I passed?"
"You passed," Noah confirmed, loud enough for the entire guild to hear.
The declaration set off a wave of cheers from the sidelines.
"Ultear!!!"
"She actually held out against Noah!"
"At fifteen… unbelievable!"
Gray and Leon exchanged glances, both clenching their fists, their eyes alight with determination. Natsu roared with excitement, already fired up about challenging for S-Class next year. Erza smiled faintly, her usual sternness softened with respect for her comrade.
"Mom…" Ultear turned her head toward Uru. Despite how drained she was, her voice carried relief.
Uru stepped forward, her heart swelling with pride. She placed a hand gently on her daughter's shoulder. "You were magnificent. You've truly grown, Ultear."
The moment those words left her lips, Ultear's last bit of tension finally broke. She let out a shaky laugh, then collapsed forward into Uru's embrace, completely unconscious but smiling in her sleep.
Makarov chuckled warmly, his tiny hands resting behind his back. "Another S-Class wizard joins Fairy Tail today. From now on stand tall, Ultear. This title carries weight, but I know you'll live up to it."
Gildarts grinned, raising his flask. "Hah! Kana's cooking might still need work, but looks like we've got ourselves another monster in the guild. Cheers!"
The entire training ground erupted in laughter and applause, the earlier tension replaced by celebration.
Noah, however, only shook his head with a small smile as he glanced at the unconscious Ultear. You gave it everything… That's what it means to be S-Class.
Urrutia leaned against Erza's shoulder, finally drinking the potion Noah had given her. The color began to return to her pale face, though her body still trembled from exhaustion.
"…So that's why…" she whispered softly, her voice hoarse but steady. "You weren't trying to crush me… you were forcing me to prove I could stand my ground."
"That's right." Noah gave a faint smile, his gaze calm but firm. "Strength isn't just about how much damage you can dish out. It's about whether you can endure, survive, and protect yourself when the odds are stacked against you. Only then are you ready to take on an S-Class title."
Makarov stroked his beard, nodding approvingly. "Well said. Far too often, young mages chase raw power, but the true weight of an S-Class wizard lies in responsibility responsibility to live, to protect, and to return home."
Those words settled over the guild members like a warm breeze. Gray and Leon exchanged quiet looks, each feeling the truth of it. Natsu clenched his fists, silently fired up. Erza, supporting Urrutia, looked at Noah with even deeper respect.
Uru finally let out a long sigh of relief, brushing the damp strands of hair from her daughter's forehead. "You scared me half to death, you know… but you did well. I'm proud of you."
The words reached Urrutia even through her exhaustion, and she managed a small, tired smile. "…Thank you, Mom."
The tension that had gripped the entire training ground finally dissolved. Laughter, chatter, and applause slowly returned as everyone processed what had just happened.
Gildarts raised his flask high with his usual carefree grin. "Well, looks like Fairy Tail's got herself another S-Class wizard! Time to party!"
The guild roared in agreement, the protective shield around the arena dispersing as the crowd surged inward to congratulate their new comrade.
For Urrutia, the trial had been brutal. But as she sat there, surrounded by her family, her guild, and the approving smiles of her peers, she knew every ounce of pain had been worth it.
....
Keep supporting me with you comments and reviews if you like the story please drop a power stone and your support is very much appreciated.
Want to read 40+ chapters ahead , share your fandom thoughts, or just fuel my translation caffeine habit? or if you want to support me please Join me on Patreon here! :
patreon.com/Keep_ItUp