Chapter 222: S-Class Promotion Exam
"Recommended candidates?!"
The phrase hung in the heavy, candlelit air of the second-floor meeting room.
This was Ren's first time attending the 'S-Class Mage Promotion Exam' meeting. The room was steeped in history, the wooden walls lined with portraits of previous masters and legends of the guild. The atmosphere was stiflingly serious, a stark contrast to the brawl and booze fest usually happening just a floor below.
Sitting around the circular table were the pillars of Fairy Tail: Makarov Dreyar, Gildarts Clive, Erza Scarlet, Mirajane Strauss, and now, Ren.
Mirajane, sitting beside him, offered a gentle smile, sensing his slight confusion. She placed her hand over his under the table, her thumb tracing comforting circles on his palm.
"It's about recommending candidates you believe are capable of participating in the 'S-Class Mage Promotion Exam'," Mira explained, her voice soft but carrying the weight of her rank. "Every current S-Class Mage has the right to recommend one person. The Master will then select the final participants based on our nominations and his own overall consideration. By the way... I was the one who recommended you back then."
After she finished speaking, Mira winked at Ren playfully, a flash of the old 'Demon' mischief sparking in her blue eyes.
Ren chuckled softly. In truth, he knew it wasn't just her. Back then, Erza and even Master Makarov had pushed for his promotion. His strength at the time had already eclipsed the average S-Class standard. To deny him the rank would have looked like internal politics or a hidden agenda. But seeing Mira take credit for it with such pride warmed his heart.
"Alright, let's get down to business," Makarov grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Let's hear your choices."
"I recommend Natsu."
Gildarts spoke first, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed, almost lazy demeanor. However, his eyes were sharp. "Natsu's strength has improved very quickly. I've watched him. He's reckless, sure, but he's got the heart. As a Fire Dragon Slayer Mage, his potential is explosive. It's time to give him a real chance to step up."
Makarov nodded slowly upon hearing Gildarts' words, stroking his white mustache. "Natsu... yes. He is indeed very good. When he stops fooling around and gets serious, his strength is formidable. He is fully capable of reaching S-Class."
The boy had grown. Now that Natsu was eighteen, he was physically and magically ready to face the trials.
"Since Uncle recommends Natsu, then I'll recommend Gray," Erza stated firmly.
She sat with perfect posture, her armor gleaming in the candlelight. "Gray's strength is excellent, and unlike Natsu, he retains his cool. He is smart, tactical, and capable of handling various combat situations without destroying everything in a three-mile radius. His Ice-Make magic has become incredibly versatile."
Makarov nodded again, noting the recommendation. "Gray Fullbuster... A solid choice."
It made sense. Gray and Natsu were two sides of the same coin. They were the same age, rivals since childhood, and evenly matched in most skirmishes. While Natsu might hold the edge in raw destructive power due to his Slayer magic, Gray's tactical mind and speed often leveled the playing field.
"Then I'll recommend Juvia," Mira chimed in, her voice cheerful. "Juvia's overall strength is very good; remember, she was an element of the Element 4 in Phantom Lord. Her original strength was arguably already S-Class level. Since joining us, she's adapted well."
"Juvia, hmm..." Makarov mused. "Since Juvia can get a recommendation, then perhaps Gajeel..."
The Master hesitated, looking around the table. "Gajeel Redfox. Like Juvia, he joined Fairy Tail and has worked hard. He played a crucial role in Edolas. I want to give him a chance to prove his loyalty completely."
The room went silent for a moment. The air grew colder.
"Master, Gajeel still needs more observation," Erza cut in, her tone leaving no room for argument. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "He has fought for the guild, yes. But we cannot forget he was the main culprit in destroying our guild hall not so long ago. He attacked Levy and the Shadow Gear. If he gets a spot so soon, the other guild members might not agree. It sends the wrong message."
Makarov sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. He knew Erza was right. The scars of the Phantom Lord war were still fresh for many. "Uh... in that case, then forget it. We will wait another year for him."
He turned his gaze to the newest member of this table.
"Ren, who do you recommend?"
The weight of the gaze fell on him. An S-Class Mage is not merely a strong fighter; they are the guardians of the guild's future. They belong to the high-ranking executive circle of Fairy Tail. Even the Guild Master must give serious consideration to an S-Class Mage's suggestions.
Ren tapped his finger on the wooden table, thinking. He knew the plot, of course, but his decision had to make sense within the context of the world they lived in now.
"Me? I'll recommend Elfman."
"Elfman?"
Mira gasped softly, her eyes widening in surprise. "Ren-kun? Elfman is... well, he's strong, but..."
Although she was Elfman's sister, she felt that Elfman's strength was still lacking compared to the monsters like Natsu or Gray. She worried for him.
"Yes," Ren said confidently, meeting Mira's gaze with a reassuring look. "Elfman has changed. Recently, he managed to overcome his mental block regarding the Beast Soul. He can now use 'Full Body Take Over' properly. His overall abilities are good, and his defensive capabilities are among the best in the guild. He has the heart of a man. He deserves to try the promotion exam."
Mira bit her lip, looking touched. "If you believe in him that much..."
"Hmm... logical," Makarov nodded. "Since you recommended him, then he's in. He needs the pressure to grow."
The list was forming. The tension in the room eased slightly as the difficult decisions were made.
"Next is the exam location," Makarov announced, a gleam of reverence entering his eyes. "I've decided to set this exam's location at our Fairy Tail Holy Land—Tenrou Island."
Tenrou Island. The resting place of Mavis Vermillion. The land where the guild's roots lay deep.
"The content of the assessment is..."
Makarov and Ren, along with the others, discussed the details of the S-Class promotion exam for about an hour. They debated routes, obstacles, and the specific rules of engagement. By the time the meeting adjourned, the plan was solid.
"Remember," Makarov warned as they stood up. "Not a word to the brats downstairs until the official announcement."
"Understood."
Ren and the others left the room, composing their expressions into masks of neutrality as they descended the stairs.
The Next Few Days
The atmosphere in the guild changed drastically. Even without a formal announcement, the instincts of the mages were sharp. They knew that time of the year was approaching.
"Work, work~~~!"
"Aye~~!"
Natsu ran past the bar in a blur of motion, clutching a request sheet. He was practically vibrating with energy.
"Wait a minute!! Natsu, where are you going?!" Lucy Heartfilia called out from a table, looking bewildered. "If it's work, I also..."
She realized she had been idle for several days. Rent was due soon, and seeing Natsu and Happy so motivated made her feel guilty.
"Sorry, Lucy!!" Natsu shouted back without stopping. "I'm going to do this one alone! I need to get stronger!"
He vanished out the door, leaving a trail of dust.
"I'm back!!"
Bang! The double doors flew open.
Gray Fullbuster stumbled into the Guild, shirtless as usual, but his body was covered in fresh scratches and bruises. He looked exhausted but his eyes were burning with determination. He marched straight to the request board, ripped off a sheet, and slammed it onto the counter in front of Mira.
"You're back, Gray," Mira said with her trademark smile, though she knew exactly why he was pushing himself. "Where are your clothes?"
"Now is not the time to worry about clothes!!" Gray roared, snatching the stamp. "Next job!! I need the next job!!"
He didn't even stop for a drink. He turned around and ran back out into the sunlight.
"Sister!! I want to take this job!!"
"MAN!!"
Elfman appeared, looming over the counter with a request form in his massive hand. Behind him, a crowd of other mages squeezed forward, clamoring to register for missions.
"I'll take the subjugation quest!"
"Give me the delivery run to Onibus!"
"I need to hunt a Vulcan!"
"What is going on?!"
Lucy sat at the bar, her head spinning. She looked at the chaos. "These drunkards usually just drink all day! Why is everyone acting like their lives depend on working? Did they all go into debt at the same time?"
However, as she observed more closely, Lucy noticed a divide. While Natsu, Gray, Elfman, Cana, and a few others were manic, the veterans like Macao and Wakaba were sitting back, drinking ale and laughing.
"What's this! Some people are rushing to work, while others are completely the same as usual. What's going on...?" Lucy asked, turning to Mira.
Mira wiped a glass, a knowing glint in her eyes. "You'll know tomorrow, Lucy-chan."
The Announcement
The next day, the air in the guild hall was electric.
The usual tables had been pushed back. The main stage of the Fairy Tail Guild was enclosed by a massive white cloth, hiding whatever—or whoever—was behind it.
Every member of the guild was present. The second floor was empty; the bar was packed. Even the members who were usually out on long missions had returned.
"What's happening?!" Lucy whispered, squeezing through the crowd.
"It seems the Guild Master has something important to announce," Wendy Marvell said, her small hands clenched in excitement.
"Completely uninterested," Carla huffed, crossing her arms. But her tail was twitching; she hated being kept in the dark.
Natsu stood near the front, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He looked restless, like a predator waiting for the cage to open. Steam was practically venting from his ears.
"Natsu, calm down," Happy whispered.
"I can't! I can smell it! It's time!"
Whoosh—!!
Suddenly, the white canvas was pulled open with a dramatic flourish.
Standing on the stage, bathed in the spotlight, was Guild Master Makarov. Flanking him were the guild's elites: Gildarts, Erza, and Mirajane. Ren stood slightly to the side, leaning against a pillar with a relaxed posture, observing the crowd.
"Guild Master!!"
"We've been waiting for you~~!"
"Hurry up and announce it!! Who is it this year?!"
The guild erupted into cheers and whistles. The tension broke instantly, replaced by a wave of anticipation.
"Cough, cough!"
Makarov lightly coughed twice. The sound wasn't loud, but the pressure behind it silenced the room instantly.
He looked out over his children, his expression solemn yet proud.
"According to Fairy Tail's long-standing tradition," Makarov began, his voice booming without a microphone, "we are now about to announce the list of participants for the S-Class Mage Promotion Exam!!"
"OH OH OH OH OH OH!!"
The roar was deafening. Fists punched the air. Magic flared in excitement.
"S-Class Mage Promotion Exam?!" Lucy gasped. "So that's what this is about!"
"I'm fired up———!!" Natsu shouted, flames leaking from his mouth.
"Silence!" Makarov commanded. The room quieted down again.
"This year's test venue is Tenrou Island, our Guild's Holy Land. The mana there is potent; the trials will be severe."
Makarov's gaze swept across the faces in the crowd.
"Your individual strengths, minds, and Souls... I, this old man, have carefully observed them over the past year. I have listened to the recommendations of your superiors. There are eight participants."
He unrolled a scroll.
"Natsu Dragneel!"
"Received!" Natsu grinned, his fists clashing together. The anxiety vanished, replaced by pure battle spirit.
"That's great, Natsu!!" Happy cheered, flying around his head.
"Gray Fullbuster."
"Finally. This day has come." Gray smirked, his hand resting on his hip. He had been waiting for this chance to catch up to Erza and the others.
"Juvia Lockser."
"Eh? Juvia too?" The water mage blinked, clutching her hands to her chest. She looked toward Gray, flushed. "Juvia is in the same exam as Gray-sama!"
"Elfman Strauss!"
"A MAN MUST BECOME S-CLASS!!" Elfman roared, flexing his biceps so hard his shirt threatened to tear.
"Go, Elfman-niichan!" Lisanna cheered from the crowd, waving happily.
"Cana Alberona!"
Cana, who was drinking directly from a barrel in the corner, froze. She lowered the booze, a complex shadow crossing her face. She glanced fleetingly at Gildarts on the stage, then clenched her fist. 'This time...'
"Freed Justine."
"Hmph." Freed flipped his green hair, closing his eyes. "I will inherit Laxus's position! I will prove that the Thunder God Tribe is supreme."
"Levy McGarden."
"I... me?" Levy pointed at herself, stunned. "Really? Finally..."
"Levy was selected!!" Jet and Droy burst into tears, hugging each other. "Our Levy is going to be S-Class!!"
"And finally..." Makarov paused, his eye twitching slightly as he read the last name.
"Mest Gryder."
Makarov announced the names of all participants.
[Akarin Note:
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