Makarov overheard Lucy and Chase's conversation, a flash of slyness flickering across his face.
"Now then, I'll announce the participants for the Grand Magic Games."
Future Makarov wore the same expression. After a light cough, he looked at the eager crowd in the hall. "First, Natsu."
"Alright! I'm fired up!"
Both Natsus clenched their fiery fists with enthusiasm.
Compared to an S-Class quest, defeating every guild and becoming the strongest in Fiore was clearly a greater challenge—and a better chance to earn Igneel's recognition!
"Next, Gray."
"Heh heh. I can't even imagine how I could possibly lose~"
Gray and Future Gray bumped fists, a confident, handsome grin curling at the corners of their mouths—if you ignored the bare chests they had exposed to the air.
"Next, Erza."
Future Makarov glanced at Erza standing beside Chase and asked with some confusion, "I don't see our Erza here. Where is she?"
Future Levy raised her hand and answered: "Master, she headed out early this morning with a pile of metal materials, saying she was going to the weapon smith in the neighboring town to forge some armor."
As a collector who had rented five rooms (for 1 million Jewels) just to store her armor, Future Erza had been itching to get started after experiencing the power of the Exodia Armor from Erza last night. She had set out at dawn with the blueprints and corresponding materials.
Unfortunately, judging by the progress Erza had made when forging the Exodia Armor, it probably wouldn't be finished before the Grand Magic Games.
"I see. Then we'll let her know when she gets back," Future Makarov said with a nod.
So far, three participants had been chosen—or more precisely, three pairs.
This choice was only natural, since Natsu and the others were strong enough.
Elfman, Gajeel, Cana, and those of similar caliber held their breath, eagerly anticipating the remaining two spots.
In contrast, Freed and the Thunder God Tribe looked somewhat dejected—their counterparts in the future world were out on quests and wouldn't be able to make it back in time.
"The final two pairs—"
Makarov deliberately paused, building up everyone's curiosity, before declaring with conviction: "Lucy and Wendy!"
"Huh?!!" x4
Both Lucys and both Wendys let out cries of utter lack of confidence.
Those who hadn't been selected—Elfman and the others—let out groans of disappointment. The two Juvias, in particular, were full of resentment, lurking in a dark corner and glaring daggers at Lucy.
They weren't particularly interested in participating themselves—they just wanted to fight alongside their beloved Gray-sama.
"I can't do it, Master! What about Gajeel and Uncle Gildarts?" Both Wendys looked like they were about to cry.
"After all, our versions of them haven't returned yet," Future Makarov explained.
"Tch. I'm not interested in some staged competition anyway," Gajeel muttered from his corner, munching on a piece of iron.
He wasn't the type to enjoy the spotlight, and besides, that damn Fire Dragon and the others would be more than enough.
As for Gildarts, he was currently hiding on the second floor of the guild, mentally preparing himself for the bet's punishment.
"The masters must have considered not just individual ability but also team coordination."
Erza walked over to both Lucys and patted them on the shoulders. "Show a little more spirit. Let everyone see the power of the newly minted S-Class mages."
Those words instantly gave the deflated Future Lucy a glimmer of hope: "That's right! The me over there is a pro!"
"Hehe, leave it to me!" Lucy clenched her fists, burning determination igniting in her eyes.
Seeing how quickly they had changed their attitudes, both Happies whispered to each other: "Aye~ No matter which Lucy it is, she's always so easy to trick~"
"Then it's settled. The Grand Magic Games officially begin on July 1st—two days from now."
"In these final days, you can discuss tactics with your counterparts, coordinate your magic, and make the best preparations possible."
Both Makarovs raised their fists and shouted in unison: "Our goal is to be the strongest guild in Fiore!"
"OOOOOH!!!" xN
After releasing their high-spirited energy, Lucy, Natsu, and the other participants frantically sought out Chase.
With only two days left, there was no time to travel far to exchange magic and grow stronger. And appearing outside together would only increase the risk of exposure.
So Lucy's clever mind quickly came up with the perfect venue: Chase's Card Space!
There, they didn't have to worry about exposure, and they could even ask Dark Magician and the others to help with special training—the best of both worlds!
Chase naturally agreed. Pulling them all into the Card Space wouldn't consume much magic power.
"But before that—"
Chase smiled and exchanged a glance with Mira and Erza. "There's something important I need to announce."
Though it was hardly a secret anymore, he felt it was still necessary to publicly clarify their relationship with everyone.
He couldn't exactly make the two girls say it first, could he?
Mira immediately understood his intention, and her heartbeat suddenly quickened.
Really now. Picking a time when everyone's gathered to say this—how shameless!
Despite her internal complaints, the sweet smile at the corner of her mouth never faded. She walked over to Chase and gracefully offered her fair, flawless hand.
Compared to her "boldness," Erza on the other side was completely red-faced, her entire body tense.
The flickering glow of her Requip magic materialized her chaotic, excited, and flustered inner thoughts. Finally, having changed into a black dress, she bravely stepped forward toward Chase.
Chase took both girls' hands, lacing his fingers with theirs and gently drawing them to his side.
"From today onward, Mira and Erza are my girlfriends!"
The moment the words left his mouth, the noisy hall fell into dead silence.
After two and a half seconds of silence—
"Oh, you scared me. All that seriousness, and I thought you were getting married or something," Lucy said with a disappointed sigh.
"Huh? Wasn't Chase already dating Mira and Erza?" Wendy tilted her head innocently.
"Hey, you bastard Chase! Stop wasting time and pull us in already!"
Natsu urged impatiently. "I still want to finish that fight I started with myself!"
Even the future world's members looked a bit confused: So they weren't officially together before this?
Chase: "..."
Mira: "..."
Erza: "..."
Wait—that's all the reaction we get?!
No one noticed the soft click of a camera shutter from the second-floor corridor across the way.
Makarov looked at the freshly printed photo with great delight.
In the photo, Chase was at the center of the frame. On his left, Mira held his arm with a radiant smile. On his right, Erza shyly turned her head away, her crimson hair hiding her burning cheeks.
The comrades gathered around the three of them served as the perfect backdrop.
"Hehe. The guild's memory album gets another meaningful photo~"
The old man was extremely satisfied with the photo and tucked it into his robes. He had always had a habit of secretly photographing the children as they grew up. The albums he had compiled had even caught Natsu's attention once—and that had led to the events of Chapter 99.
***
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