Even though the examination was unified, it didn't mean everyone had to act together.
Thus, after a brief discussion, the wizards each began their own movements.
"Although the Guild Master said this isn't an elimination race, efficient action should result in a higher score at the end!"
"Everyone, I'll take the lead!"
In the guild, a companion who used "Speed" magic left these words and sprinted off, leaving only a tall cloud of dust that made the others sneeze repeatedly.
"Cough, cough..."
"A-choo! A-choo!!"
Joey couldn't help but complain: "That idiot, running so fast; he's definitely going to suffer once he gets there!"
Someone was puzzled: "Eh?? Why do you say that?"
"The Guild Master said it earlier, right? Because we don't know what crises will appear, we have to stay alert throughout the exam and preserve enough magic and stamina!"
"By acting alone, isn't that guy the perfect target for an 'Interferer' to attack?!"
Ah, right!
That's true...
The crowd suddenly realized the truth, and several wizards who had intended to chase after him stopped in their tracks.
"Then... the best way to act right now should be in a team, right? Anyone want to join up?"
"Sorry, the few of us already formed a team a few days ago. We're heading out now!"
"Teaming up is indeed safer, but if you complete the exam alone, the final score should be higher. I think it's worth a gamble!"
Soon, the wizards left the guild in twos and threes, advancing toward the western forest.
There were those acting alone, such as Reiya and Joey;
There were those traveling together, such as the guild's famous "Sword and Shield Duo," Stuart and Hugh;
And there were those who knew the exam wouldn't be easy and wanted to "cling to a powerful thigh," such as...
"Darwin, do you want to join us?"
As both the Guild Master's child and a genius who awakened magic on his own, Darwin naturally became a hot commodity in the guild.
However, he didn't even spare a glance at the uncles' team invitations.
"Sorry, I already agreed to team up with Erza!"
Darwin preemptively rejected the invitations of others, while striking a cool pose and pulling Erza behind him like a mother hen protecting her chick, lest she be snatched away by someone else.
Seeing this, the crowd felt both amused and a sense of "shipping" enjoyment. Their playful side was instantly piqued, and they couldn't help but tease him.
"What's this..."
"Not even dating yet, and you already can't tolerate a third person?"
"Children in a puppy love will get their butts smacked by their parents, you know!"
"Ha...?!"
Darwin's face instantly flushed crimson: "There's... there's no puppy love!!"
An improper uncle stepped forward, patted the rune on his wrist, and laughed: "Remember, you have to protect Erza well during the examination!"
"Don't forget, every move you make in this exam is being recorded by this. Eventually, the Guild Master, Mavis, and Miss Irene will all see it!"
"Maybe when Miss Irene sees your heroic performance in the video, she'll agree to let you and Erza date!"
Eh??
Is that possible?
Darwin's heart hammered wildly: "I... I'll work hard..."
Thump—!!
A fist slammed hard into the improper uncle's thigh, then quickly changed direction to lightly rap Darwin's forehead.
Erza withdrew her fist, her feigned serious expression unable to hide the faint blush on her cheeks.
"Have you said enough?"
"If you've said enough, then let's head out quickly!"
"Ah, wait, one last thing!"
After Darwin spoke, his gaze swept through the crowd, landing on a small figure after a few seconds.
"Chris!"
"Let's use this examination to settle our score once more!!"
Chris had shown little interest in this exam from the start, so she was still nestled in a corner of the guild until now.
Originally, she had planned to stay in the guild all day and go nowhere.
However, following Darwin's shout, Chris's expression suddenly changed.
Since childhood, Chris had always been an exceptionally excellent child.
Whether it was studies, etiquette, combat, or life skills, she performed almost flawlessly in every aspect, making her the "model child" in the eyes of many parents.
She had only one flaw: she couldn't stand being provoked.
Especially a provocation from Darwin.
"Ho ho? You sure?"
Chris raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly.
Then she jumped down from her chair, striking a pose as she landed, followed by two quick straight punches that made "whoosh-whoosh" sounds in the air like the wind.
"Ugh..."
Two drops of cold sweat immediately appeared on Darwin's forehead.
He hurriedly swallowed to calm his nerves: "S-sure... of course I'm sure!! Well, do you accept the challenge?"
Chris's smile grew even more bold.
"Hmph hmph hmph... my foolish Oniisan!"
"Since you insist on seeking a beating, I don't mind defeating you one more time!"
The conflict between the two siblings had begun again!
Normally, the people in the guild would definitely enjoy watching this grand drama.
Unfortunately, with the advancement examination today, they had to choose the "bear's paw" over the "fish."
After all, the siblings' conflict played out in the guild every day, but a advancement exam was a first!
Not to mention, the scoring of this exam was related to their rank, which affected whether they could accept more valuable requests in the future!
Which was more important was clear at a glance.
"Since we're settling this fair and square, it naturally has to be fair!"
"I have Erza helping me, so you can find someone to be your helper too!"
"Right, why don't you just find Makarov!"
After Darwin finished speaking, he looked around the guild for Makarov's figure. However, no matter how much he looked left and right, he couldn't find him.
"That's strange, where's Makarov?"
Chris's lip twitched: "Still looking for Makarov? That guy already set out with Auntie Rita!"
Darwin let out an "Eh?": "Auntie Rita is participating in this exam too?"
"Of course. Didn't Papa say so? Everyone in the guild has to participate in this exam! Auntie Rita is a member of the guild too!"
But isn't Auntie Rita only good at stamping papers?
Don't tell me she's treating this exam as a guild team-building event and dragging Makarov along for some parent-child games...
Forget it, I won't think about it!
"If Makarov isn't here, then you..."
"I'm perfectly fine alone!"
Chris raised her chin proudly, her gaze seemingly saying: 'Even if you and Erza add up, you're no match for me!'
The surrounding crowd: "..."
"Um... Chris-chan... why don't you consider me?"
"Yeah, yeah, Chris-chan!"
"For the sake of how much us uncles usually look after you, please, take us with you~!!"