Every guild mage aspires to become an S-Class Mage. It is a goal they all strive for.
Lucas was no exception. Being an S-Class Mage wasn't just about honor and status; it was a symbol of strength.
Furthermore, S-Class Mages could take on S-Class quests.
The rewards for these quests were extremely generous. A random S-Class quest could offer a reward starting at 8 million Jewels, which was roughly equivalent to 500,000 RMB.
It was truly "work once, eat for a year."
Makarov spoke, "I have carefully observed everyone's strength, heart, and soul over the past year. This time, there are two participants."
"Two?!"
"Only two participants this time?"
"Usually, there are at least three. It's just that none of them ever succeed in becoming S-Class."
"I wonder who will be chosen?"
...
Hearing Makarov announce only two participants, the guild members began to whisper. They thought that with more mages joining and the guild growing stronger, there would be more slots this year. Unexpectedly, there were fewer.
Soon, Makarov announced the first name: "Laxus Dreyar!"
"Laxus!"
"Of course it's Laxus!"
"With his strength, it's only natural."
...
The Fairy Tail world was similar to other worlds; in the magical community, bloodline was very important.
The stronger the person's magic, the more outstanding the magical talent of their offspring.
As the old saying goes: dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and mice beget burrowers.
Laxus inherited powerful magic from Makarov right from birth.
However, for a child, having overly powerful magic puts a huge burden on the body. Since their organs are immature, they can't withstand such power, often leading to premature death.
But if one can survive that stage, that powerful magic becomes their greatest asset.
Now, Laxus displayed overwhelming magical superiority. Despite his young age, his magic was incredibly potent. Coupled with his powerful Lightning Magic, Laxus had made quite a name for himself.
Yet, the fame he earned through hard work on quests was easily overshadowed by Lucas, who just beat up a few small fry and saved an idol. How could he not be angry? How could he not be jealous?
Hearing Makarov call his name, the corners of Laxus's mouth curled up slightly.
"Congratulations, Laxus!" Freed's tone was visibly excited.
Bickslow added, "That's great, Laxus!"
Evergreen chimed in, "Laxus, you'll definitely become an S-Class Mage!"
If Laxus became an S-Class Mage, the Thunder Legion's status would naturally rise with him.
"Of course! If the old man hadn't been spouting nonsense before, I would have been an S-Class Mage long ago."
Laxus was born with immensely powerful magic. Those mages in the Fairy Tail guild who had trained hard for so long were barely as strong as he was at birth.
He had asked to become S-Class several times before, but Makarov had rejected him every time, citing immaturity and being underage.
He could only watch helplessly as people weaker than him took the S-Class exam, wasting precious opportunities.
Because of this, he looked down on the adult mages in the guild even more.
None of them grew in strength; they only grew in age.
Trash is trash, slacking off every day instead of working hard.
This was finally his chance to break away from being on the same level as these guys. He wanted to show them that he was different.
Once he became an S-Class Mage, he would be qualified to inherit the Fairy Tail guild, and he would kick all these useless people out.
At this moment, Makarov began to announce the second name.
"Lucas!"
"Lucas?"
"Lucas qualified too?"
"Of course. Don't you see how anomalous Lucas is? He even learned the Master's magic and Gildarts' magic."
...
Lucas was slightly stunned when he heard his name. Although he had hoped for it, the feeling was like waiting to win a lottery.
After all, he had only been in Fairy Tail for half a year.
It was like joining a company for six months and getting nominated for a senior executive position while people who had worked diligently for over a decade were passed over. It was a surreal feeling.
"Congratulations, Lucas!"
Erza smiled and congratulated him.
Over the past half-year, Erza and Lucas had spent a lot of time together—practicing swordsmanship, hanging out. With Lucas taking the initiative, Erza had developed a good impression of him.
"Thanks!" Lucas was very happy, a smile spreading across his face.
Natsu exclaimed excitedly, "Lucas, that's amazing! You qualified for the S-Class exam so quickly."
"Aye~!"
Happy was also very happy. Natsu and Happy often went to Lucas's place to play and challenge him. They lost every time but kept coming back for more, never tiring of it.
"Hmph! You just got a slot, that's all. It doesn't mean you're an S-Class Mage yet. What's there to be happy about? People take the exam every year, but right now, Gildarts is still the only S-Class Mage in the guild," Mira said with a tsundere look on her face, clearly unconvinced.
Laxus was one thing; he was almost 18, four years older than her, practically an adult.
But Lucas was the same age as her. She didn't get a slot, but Lucas did.
Lucas smiled at Mira's words, not minding them.
He had become quite familiar with Mira over the past half-year. Since Lisanna often hung out with Natsu, and Natsu often looked for Lucas, Mira occasionally tagged along with Lisanna. Over time, they naturally became familiar.
Just then, Lucas felt a gaze on him. He looked in the direction of the stare and saw Laxus looking at him with unkind eyes.
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