Just then, Makarov had Mirajane gather all the guild members while he stood on the counter, looking as if he were about to announce something important.
Acnologia lay on the sofa, lazily narrowing his eyes as he thought to himself, "Calculating by the time, it should be time for the new year's S-Class Promotion Trial."
With his and Irene's strength, it would just be a formality, and Makarov likely had an inkling of their true power.
So... would the trial content be changed?
Seeing that everyone in the guild had arrived, with Erza, Gildarts, and Mirajane acting as the background, Makarov stood front and center.
He coughed twice and said, "According to Fairy Tail's long-standing tradition, the new year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial is about to begin."
Lucy's eyes widened. "S-Class Mage? This is my first time seeing this."
Everyone was also full of anticipation; was it time for the trial again?
"Based on each of your mindset, ability... and comprehensive evaluation, there are ten participants for this year's trial."
"Yeah! Awesome!"
"There are ten people this year, maybe I'll be one of them!"
The guild members cheered. This was a crucial moment to check their growth over the past year, and perhaps they could become an S-Class Mage.
Makarov raised his hand to quiet the crowd and continued, "The location for this year's S-Class Mage Promotion Trial will be Tenrou Island. Next, I will announce the list of the ten participants!"
Natsu Dragneel!
Gray Fullbuster!
Levy McGarden!
Juvia Lockser!
Elfman Strauss!
Cana Alberona!
Freed Justine!
Mest Gryder!
Irene Belserion!
Acnologia!
"This exam will be in pairs. You must choose your partner within these two days and participate together, but you cannot choose an S-Class Mage."
"The first stage consists of eight paths leading to the mountain summit, each blocked by an S-Class Mage. You must gain their approval to pass. On paths without an S-Class Mage guarding them, you will face each other as opponents, and the winner will proceed to the next stage."
"The second stage is to find the grave of the First Master, Mavis!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. "The First Master?"
She was a legendary figure known as the Fairy Tactician, and the three Great Hogoku Magics of Fairy Tail were passed down from that era, likely created by the First Master herself.
Makarov nodded. "After entering First Master Mavis's grave, you will obtain a type of Hogoku Magic. Even if you are the weakest S-Class Mage, with Hogoku Magic, you will be able to face any opponent!"
Then, his voice suddenly became serious. "Since Acnologia and Irene already possess top-tier S-Class strength, the trial for you two will be slightly different."
Under everyone's curious gazes, he continued, "Your trial is to guard First Master Mavis's grave and prevent anyone from approaching. In other words, everyone who passes the first stage will be your opponent!"
"The two of you will only become S-Class Mages if you defeat all the trial participants. If even one person enters the First Master's grave, it will be considered your failure!"
A realization suddenly struck Cana. "In other words, we don't need to fight Acnologia and Irene; we just need to enter the First Master's grave?"
She guessed that Irene and Acnologia had strength at the level of the Ten Wizard Saints. She had been despairing, but she didn't expect there to still be a chance.
Makarov smiled and said, "This is also a test of your wisdom—what to do if you find that the opponent is an invincible enemy!"
"You must know that many s-class missions cannot be completed by hard work alone; you also need to learn to observe and think."
Elfman clenched his fist and said confidently, "A real man should strike down his enemies from the front!"
Acnologia saw the battle-hungry looks in everyone's eyes and said, "Master, this isn't a very good job."
Makarov saw through his thoughts and chuckled, "You can't go easy on them. Since it's a trial, get serious for me."
Acnologia smiled. "Understood. Then let them wait for another year."
At the thought of Natsu and Gray's miserable faces, he became interested.
Natsu said unhappily, "Why should we wait for another year? The trial hasn't even started yet."
Irene chuckled and said, "Quite confident, aren't you? I hope you can make it to the final stage."
Gray wasn't as confident as Natsu and suggested, "If we attack together, there's bound to be a chance."
"That's right!"
Seeing everyone's passionate and excited expressions, Makarov waved his hand. "Alright, dismiss. Go find your partners and remember to give it your all."
The Fairy Tail Guild's promotion to S-Class Mage is stricter than other guilds. Both wisdom and strength are indispensable, which helps reduce the probability of casualties when taking on s-class missions in the future.
If one could be promoted to S-Class easily, it would be meaningless.
After the Master left, everyone gathered to discuss this year's trial content. Since there was a trial, they naturally had to be fully prepared.
"The difficulty of this year's exam is so high. It won't be easy just to pass Erza and Gildarts."
Levy let out a sigh.
"Let me help you then. Just watch me blow everyone away when the time comes!"
Gajeel slapped her shoulder hard. His strength was so great that he knocked the petite Levy to the ground.
Levy sat on the ground, rubbing her backside with a slight blush. "Then I'll be counting on you."
Gray pondered, "Actually, Gildarts and the others will probably go easy on us. The hardest part should be Acnologia and Irene teaming up."
"That's true."
Lucy strongly agreed. Those two were incredibly reliable as allies but were absolute nightmares as enemies. She felt that even Gildarts might not be able to beat the two of them together.
Fortunately, she didn't have to participate in the trial. She didn't plan on helping Natsu either; she'd let him team up with Happy.
Natsu looked at the relaxed Acnologia and Irene and laughed arrogantly, "I'll defeat both of you!"
Happy stood on Natsu's head with his hands on his hips. "And me too!"
"Oh, interesting..."
Irene chuckled and said, "I was originally planning to go a bit easy on you, but since that's the case, I'll be a little serious too."
Acnologia praised, "Admirable courage. I'll be waiting for you at the finish line!"
"No way!"
Everyone's faces immediately turned sour. Damn Natsu and Happy, why did they have to provoke those two for no reason?
In a fit of rage, everyone swarmed forward and pinned down the panicked man and cat, giving them a good thrashing.
That's what you get for talking too much! Look what you've done now!
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