A light breeze swept across the rocky ocean shore.
"Where in the world did that old man wander off to? Leaving us stranded here, waiting for the weather to change!" Laxus snapped in irritation. Makarov's behavior—abruptly vanishing and leaving the two of them to their own devices—was driving him up the wall.
At the time, Laxus was only sixteen years old. He looked like an ordinary teenager, having not yet developed the imposing, overwhelming aura he would be renowned for in the future. Short blond hair, a lightning-bolt scar over his right eye, and his ever-present golden headphones constantly blasting classic rock—that was who he was in those years.
Beside the youth stood a tall man draped in a dark green cloak. His slicked-back orange hair and light stubble gave him a slightly unkempt appearance. This was Gildarts Clive—the strongest mage in the Fairy Tail guild, save for Master Makarov himself. A true veteran, an S-Class Mage whose true power defied all measurement.
"The Master must have had some urgent business to attend to," Gildarts shrugged casually.
"Tch!" Laxus merely shot him a sidelong glance and fell silent. He understood perfectly well that the main obstacle on his path to the title of S-Class Mage would be none other than this man.
One of the trial's rules dictated that a candidate had to overcome a challenge prepared by an active S-Class Mage. Originally, the rules allowed the participant to bring along a partner from the guild's regular members, but the proud and arrogant Laxus had flatly refused this privilege. Besides, there was no one in the guild he deemed worthy of fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
...
Meanwhile, deep within the dense thicket of the forest, a shout rang out:
"Whaaat?!" Makarov's voice suddenly spiked. It wasn't a lack of restraint—Mavis's words had simply caught him completely off guard. "First, are you absolutely certain?!"
"More than certain!" Mavis narrowed her eyes and nodded with unwavering confidence.
"Since you are so sure of this, First, then let Laxus's trial proceed according to your scenario," Makarov said slowly, letting out a deep sigh. This "boy" was genuinely piquing his curiosity.
"I will go and tell Laxus to prepare himself, then," the old man added.
"I would appreciate that, Third," Mavis smiled.
Makarov nodded and, deftly kicking off the branches, darted toward the coastline at lightning speed. For a man of his age, the old man moved with astonishing agility.
It's time I gave Night the good news. I'm sure he'll be absolutely thrilled when he finds out! Mavis thought, watching Makarov depart before her silhouette dissolved into the forest's shadows.
...
Silence reigned over the sunlit clearing until it was broken by a ringing voice:
"Night!"
"Mavis!" The young man instantly sprang up from the grass, spitting out the blade he had been lazily chewing on.
Mavis approached him with a sly smile. "Night, I have some excellent news for you. I'm sure you can't wait to hear it!"
"And what news might that be?" he asked curiously.
"You've been constantly complaining that the monsters on this island are far too weak for you, haven't you?" Mavis began, taking a roundabout approach.
"Well, yeah," Night nodded. The local fauna had indeed ceased to be a challenge for him. Could she be implying that...
When Mavis finally revealed her plan, the young man's eyes lit up. A scorching flame of excitement flared within his dark pupils.
...
Back on the shore.
"Master, you've returned!"
"Old man, you finally deigned to show up!"
The moment Makarov's figure came into view, Gildarts and Laxus spoke simultaneously. While Gildarts's greeting sounded perfectly respectful, Laxus's words made Makarov's expression darken. This insufferable grandson! And to think I was just singing his praises to the First! Absolutely no respect for his elders!
"Ahem!" Makarov cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Laxus, your S-Class Mage Promotion Trial officially begins now! Your path is Route A. A multitude of obstacles awaits you there. If you can overcome them all, you shall become a fully-fledged S-Class Mage!"
"I get it, stop nagging, old man!" Laxus waved him off and, paying no further mind to his grandfather, confidently strode down the designated route.
Despite his feigned indifference, a clear sense of anticipation laced his voice. Even an arrogant youth like him couldn't resist the allure of obtaining that coveted title.
"Oh, that Laxus..." Makarov sighed. The old man genuinely had no idea what to do about his own grandson's foul temper.
Watching the scene unfold, Gildarts could only shrug helplessly. "Master, I'll go get ready as well, then!" He was supposed to take his position at the final hurdle and await the challenger's arrival.
"Hold on, Gildarts!" Makarov called out to him.
The man turned around, a look of bewilderment on his face. "Master, do you have any other instructions?"
Please don't tell me you're asking me to go easy on him! Gildarts thought with a sense of dread. He was absolutely terrible at holding back in a fight, and Makarov himself wasn't the type to hand his grandson a free pass through nepotism.
Naturally, Makarov had something entirely different in mind.
"You're coming with me. There's no need for you to head to the trial location," the old man declared.
"Understood, Mas— Wait, what?! Master, did I hear you correctly?" Gildarts was taken aback. If he wasn't going to the final stage, did that mean Laxus would pass the trial by default? That wasn't just "going easy"—that was outright cheating!
"I have already made the arrangements. Your task is simply to observe the battle alongside me," Makarov explained.
"Uhm..." Gildarts scratched the back of his head in confusion. He hadn't noticed a fourth person among those who had arrived on the island. But since the Master had spoken, there was no point in arguing. Besides, it saved him a lot of unnecessary hassle. "Whatever you say, Master!"
...
Route A culminated at the entrance to a natural cave. The minor obstacles along the way had proven to be mere child's play for Laxus, whose power was already comparable to that of an S-Class Mage.
Inside the spacious cavern stood a slender, dark-haired youth. The fire of anticipation burned brightly in his black eyes. He stared fixedly at the sealed entrance, patiently awaiting his moment.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Furious arcs of golden lightning struck directly at the cave's archway. The magical barrier blocking the path shattered to pieces with a deafening crash, kicking up a thick cloud of dust. Through this veil, taking wide strides and wearing an arrogant smirk, emerged the blond-haired youth.
"Gildarts! Come out and fight me!" his commanding voice echoed through the cavern.