Noah reminded the guild that the new storage function came with limits. It could only hold non-living objects anything alive would perish instantly if placed inside.
Because the space contained air, food that wasn't preserved properly would spoil quickly. Only long-lasting supplies were safe to keep.
After writing down these and other cautions, the guild members dashed home, eager to start packing.
Seeing their excitement, Noah allowed himself a satisfied smile. The project had succeeded. After bidding Makarov farewell, he teleported to the training grounds his daily regimen still awaited.
Time flew. In the blink of an eye, the year drew to a close. During that time, everyone pushed themselves to grow stronger.
And now, as the year ended, the guild buzzed with anticipation for one of its most important annual events. Members hurried between the request board, the registration desk, and the main gate, a fever of excitement in the air.
"It's that time again," Noah murmured as he sat in the guildhall for once, taking a rare break with a glass of milk. He watched the bustling scene with a sigh. "I wonder how many will be chosen this year."
"I still remember last year's exam vividly," Ultear said, seated nearby. Her eyes lingered on him. "That battle… who could have imagined you'd use such overwhelming magic? Even now, my heart races when I think about it."
Noah felt his pulse skip. He quickly bowed his head in apology.
"Sorry. I only unleashed that magic to test your ability to defend yourself."
Ultear shook her head. "It's fine. Ever since then, I've been far more cautious on missions. I test everything carefully first, afraid of stumbling into a spell as devastating as the one you used and blowing myself up."
"Hahaha…" Noah rubbed his head awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
Ultear didn't press him. She sipped her drink and quietly watched the guild's flurry of activity.
Then a voice called out across the hall: "Noah, over here I need a word."
He turned to see Makarov at the counter, beckoning him.
A bad feeling settled in Noah's gut. "Don't tell me… you're going to make me the examiner again?"
"It's very likely," Ultear teased with a smile. "After all, the Master trusts your ability."
"But why me?" Noah sighed. "Aren't there plenty of other S-Class wizards?"
"Not really," Ultear replied. "My mother took on an S-Class job that'll keep her away for some time. Gildarts accepted a mountain of commissions he probably won't be back before New Year. Laxus is also out on a job. And as for me…" she grinned, "I don't want the role. So that leaves you."
Noah could only look at her helplessly before shaking his head. "Let's hear what Gramps has to say first."
He walked to the counter. "Grandpa, why did you call me over?"
"It's year's end," Makarov said bluntly. "I want you to serve as examiner for the S-Class Promotion Exam."
Noah frowned. "What about the others? Where's Gildarts? Where's Laxus? Can't they do it?"
"Those two both took on piles of jobs and left the guild early this morning," Makarov explained. "Especially Gildarts he told me he trusts you to handle the S-Class Exam in his place."
"That bastard…" Noah cursed silently. That old man was a master at dodging responsibility, now spending all his time spoiling his daughter Cana.
Still, after a moment's thought, Noah relented. "Fine. I'll do it."
"Good. That sets my mind at ease," Makarov said, smiling. "Go prepare an island nearby to serve as the exam site."
"An island? Why not just use the training grounds?" Noah asked.
"Not this time," Makarov shook his head. "There'll be too many participants. Better to have a proper site, complete with spells for the test. Something like this "
He laid out the requirements, and Noah nodded along.
"I can arrange all of that. It should be ready within two days. But Grandpa, I'll need to know exactly how many candidates there are and who they are, so I can design it properly."
Makarov listed the names. After hearing them, Noah silently agreed with his judgment their growth over the past year made them worthy.
"All right, then. I'll prepare the venue and let you know the location and details once it's ready."
"Good. I'll leave it in your hands."
When Noah returned to his seat, Ultear was waiting with a mischievous smile. "Let me guess the Master asked you to be this year's examiner for the S-Class Exam?"
"You guessed it. He did," Noah admitted. "And with plenty of conditions attached."
"So that means a lot of people qualified this time, doesn't it?" Ultear leaned closer with a curious look.
"That's right," Noah nodded. "Grandpa feels many of the younger generation are ready, so he's asked me to prepare."
"Then tell me who are the candidates?" Ultear pressed eagerly.
"Nope. That stays secret until the announcement," Noah said firmly. "You'll know in a few days like everyone else."
"Stingy!" Ultear puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance.
Laughing, Noah reached over and poked her face, flattening the puff. "All right, I need to get to work. Come watch the exam in a couple of days."
He stood and left. Ultear huffed softly, but a faint blush colored her cheeks as she watched him go.
Out on the sea, Noah found a suitably sized island. He reshaped its terrain, set layered enchantments, and constructed trial fields. After two days of exhausting work, the site was complete.
A few days later, Makarov gathered the guild together.
"It's time once more for the annual S-Class Promotion Exam!" he announced. The hall buzzed with excitement as members speculated.
"This year should be full of contenders," one said. "The younger generation's really coming into their own Erza, Sorano, Lyon they're already strong."
"Simon too," another added. "No one trains harder than him."
"And don't forget Mirajane. She can fight Erza evenly."
"If that's the case, there must be plenty of qualified candidates this year!"
"Wait… I've been losing constantly. Does that mean I can't take the exam again?" someone wailed.
"Don't cry, brother!" his companion tried to console him.
Makarov stepped up onto the stage, and at once the guild fell silent. Every ear strained toward him.
"Throughout the year, I've watched your growth and weighed your actions. After careful thought, I have chosen the following to participate in this year's S-Class Promotion Exam!"
He raised his voice.
"Erza Scarlet!"
"Mirajane Strauss!"
"Sorano Agria!"
"Lyon Bastia!"
"Simon Mikazuki!"
"The five of you will take part in this year's S-Class Promotion Exam. Prepare yourselves! Gather here in three days we will travel to the exam site together. That is all. Dismissed!"
The hall erupted into cheers, groans, and excited chatter. For the chosen, the greatest trial of their lives had just begun.
....
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