**Chapter 07: Bring It On**
Ren was now also a Fairy Tail Mage.
Becoming an S-Class Mage was not just about status and honor, or the ability to take on more difficult S-Class missions; it was more about recognition.
"Ahem!" Makarov cleared his throat, and the guild quieted down slightly.
"In accordance with Fairy Tail tradition, I will now officially announce the participants for the S-Class Mage Promotion Exam!"
"Oh oh oh! It's finally here!"
"This year's trial will take place in the Valley of Monsters."
"?! Valley of Monsters?!"
Makarov continued, "Over the past year, I have witnessed everyone's strength, heart, and soul. There will be three candidates participating in the promotion exam!"
"Three?! So few?!"
Many people felt a chill in their hearts upon hearing Makarov's words. Last year, quite a few people had participated in the exam, which ended with Erza becoming the new S-Class Mage. But this year, there were only three.
"Mirajane Strauss!"
"Mirajane got a spot!"
"Mirajane was already on par with Erza. Erza became an S-Class Mage last year, so it's expected for Mirajane to be chosen."
"That's great, Big Sister Mirajane!" Lisanna said happily to Mirajane.
Elfman revealed an honest smile and said, "A MAN! Big Sister got a spot!"
Mirajane said with a fighting spirit, "I will definitely become an S-Class Mage this time!"
"Ren!"
"Ren also got a spot for the promotion!"
"Ren is so strong, it's normal for him to get a spot."
Becoming an S-Class Mage meant being able to challenge higher difficulty missions.
To truly become stronger, there was only one way: fighting. Constant fighting, fighting against the strong, was the only way to become even more powerful.
"I wonder who the last one is?"
"It must be me! It must be me!"
Makarov announced the owner of the last spot:
"Cana Alberona!"
"Cana?!"
"It's Cana again?!"
This time, many people were truly surprised. Cana's strength wasn't bad; she was very versatile.
But perhaps because she was so versatile, she appeared somewhat mediocre.
Compared to Cana, there were quite a few mages in the guild with stronger capabilities, like the Thunder Legion.
Cana had gotten a spot last year, and unexpectedly, she got one this year too.
Cana herself wasn't very happy. Although getting a spot was a good thing, the other two who got spots alongside her were too strong.
She knew how strong Mirajane was, and Ren's strength was even above Mirajane's. This time, there was a high probability she would just be tagging along for the run.
"This time, only one person can emerge victorious. Face the challenge of promotion in your best condition."
"Only one person?!"
"I bet on Ren."
"Mirajane is also possible." ...
"Since there are some new members here, I will explain the rules. In the next few days starting this week, the three of you need to each choose a partner."
"There are two rules for choosing a partner."
"First, they must be a member of the Fairy Tail Guild."
"Second, they cannot be an S-Class Mage."
"The three selected candidates must gather with their partners at the train station in one week. Specific details will be explained then. That is all!"
After the Master finished his announcement, the guild returned to its usual state. Many people were listless and lacked energy.
After all, the spots for the promotion exam had been announced, so it was over for them.
Those who needed to eat, ate; those who needed to drink, drank; those who felt bad, felt bad; those who wanted to cry, went to cry.
More people were discussing who they favored to pass this time.
The few selected people sat at a table.
"Who will Mirajane choose as a partner?" Levy asked Mirajane curiously.
"Of course, I'll choose my brother, Elfman."
This was something everyone could predict. Elfman was Mirajane's brother.
Usually, the three siblings went on missions together, and Elfman's strength was also quite strong within the guild.
Most importantly, having worked together for a long time, they naturally had better tacit understanding.
"Who will Cana choose?"
"I..."
Cana hesitated a bit. Right now, she was considering whether to give up.
Although there were only two competitors this time, both of them were stronger than her.
Suddenly, a voice rang out: "I'll be Cana's partner!!"
"Natsu?!"
Several people looked over and saw Natsu standing behind Cana, having arrived unnoticed.
"Natsu, I appreciate your kindness, but maybe I should give up this time..."
"You won't know if you'll lose until you try! This is a rare opportunity to become an S-Class Mage! So many people didn't get it. You absolutely cannot give up until the very last moment!"
Natsu had also wondered if he would be selected. After all, Erza became an S-Class Mage at 15, and he didn't want to lose to her.
Unexpectedly, his name wasn't called at all. But participating in this S-Class Mage Exam wasn't a bad opportunity either. Both Mirajane and Ren were people he wanted to defeat.
Hearing Natsu's words, Cana thought he was right. With so many people in the guild and only three spots, she had obtained one.
Although there was a gap in strength between her, Mirajane, and Ren, it didn't mean she had no chance. After all, the exams were varied.
"Then I'm counting on you, Natsu."
Gray spoke up, "Since that guy Natsu is participating, I can't just sit here either. Ren, you don't have a partner yet, right? Let me be your partner."
Ren nodded. Gray's strength was quite good in the guild, and his Ice-Make magic was very versatile.
"Oh oh oh! I'm all fired up! Mirajane! Ren! I will definitely help Cana become an S-Class Mage!!"
"Bring it on!"