### Chapter 16: The Test Begins
Makarov waved his hand, and a Magic projection panel appeared beside him, displaying a map.
"There are four routes in total. You will choose one route to proceed, and you need to reach the destination within the specified time."
"You will encounter an unknown number of monsters along the way. Whether to avoid them or eliminate them is entirely up to you."
"However, for every monster eliminated, you will accumulate 1 point. The more points you get, the more advantage you will have in the second round of the exam."
Cana analyzed: "So that means we have to ensure we pass, while also eliminating as many monsters as possible to get more points."
Smack!
Natsu punched his fist into his palm with an excited expression: "Isn't it just fighting monsters! I'm familiar with this!"
Makarov nodded: "That's right. Alright, choose your routes."
The groups stepped forward to choose different routes. Natsu and Cana chose Route 2, Mira and Elfman chose Route 1, and Riku chose Route 4.
"What about Mystogan? Why haven't I seen him? Did he give up?"
Cana looked around but didn't see Mystogan. She was also very curious about this mysterious guild member and thought she would be able to see his true face this time.
"Mystogan doesn't see people. He will enter the last remaining route after you have made your choices."
Makarov shook his head helplessly. He knew Mystogan's reason for not seeing people, and he couldn't force him.
"Hmph! So secretive!"
Mira was very dissatisfied with Mystogan. Every time he took a mission, he put everyone to sleep, so naturally, she was annoyed with him. But annoyance aside, she greatly admired his Magic.
Then Makarov took out a few small items and distributed them to everyone.
"Master, what is this?"
Natsu was very curious after receiving it and wanted to try burning it with fire.
"This is a tool for recording points. If you damage it, no matter how many monsters you eliminate, they won't be counted."
Hearing this, Natsu immediately stopped his attempt to burn it.
Cana also hurriedly took the tool from Natsu. If Natsu burned it, they would be done for.
At this time, Makarov's expression suddenly became serious: "Before this, I want to remind you of one thing. The Great West Forest is also known as the Great Monster Forest. The number of monsters inside is very large. The assessment is important, but you must first ensure your safety."
Hearing this, everyone's faces also became serious. Riku didn't dare to be negligent either.
There are countless powerful monsters in this Magic world. Even someone as strong as Gildarts spent a full three years on the 100-Year Quest.
That was enough to prove one thing: there were monsters in that 100-Year Quest capable of contending with Gildarts, and probably more than one.
What was shown in the anime was merely the tip of the iceberg of this world.
"This is a test examining your martial prowess, wisdom, and luck. The time limit is four hours. Alright, S-Class Assessment, Stage One begins!!"
Makarov suddenly announced the start of the exam.
"Huh? Start? Now?"
Cana was a bit confused; she didn't expect the exam to start just like that.
"Cana, why are you spacing out? Let's go quickly! We must surpass Riku and Mira!"
Natsu reacted immediately, dragging Cana and setting off quickly.
"Elfman! Let's go too!"
"Yes! Sister!"
Mira and Elfman also set off.
"Riku, let's hurry up too!" Happy urged.
Riku glanced in the direction of the villa, then nodded: "Mhm, let's set off too."
Soon, all three groups had departed.
A bald, chubby uncle dressed like an okama, wearing heavy makeup and a pair of small angel wings on his back, walked out from the wall of the villa. The wall the bald uncle passed through remained intact.
"Oh my! Makarov, who is that child! He seems to have discovered me."
This bald uncle was none other than the Guild Master of the Blue Pegasus guild, Bob. This villa also belonged to Bob.
"His name is Riku, a newcomer who just joined my guild three months ago."
"A newcomer who joined just three months ago participating in the S-Class exam?!"
Bob was instantly shocked upon hearing this. He knew Makarov would absolutely not joke about the S-Class Promotion Trial.
"Hehe! That kid is a monster, you know."
Makarov was very proud. There was nothing happier than bragging about his children to an old friend.
"That really makes one envious! I really don't know where you find so many little monsters. Unlike my guild, we don't have a single monster."
Because Bob was close with Makarov, he was also very clear about the situation in Fairy Tail. Gildarts needed no mention; he had met him several times, a man among men.
Laxus also inherited Makarov's Magic Power, and his future was limitless.
Erza had become the youngest S-Class mage at the age of 15.
And there was Mira who could contend with Erza. All young, powerful little monsters.
"But, Makarov, don't you think it's a bit too risky to let these children go in there?"
Makarov said indifferently: "Adventures must be risky. After all, they want to become S-Class mages. If they can't even pass a test of this level, then becoming an S-Class mage would be even more dangerous for them."
"Let's go inside and check on their progress."