The sky was clear, the air crisp, and Fairy Tail was unusually lively today. It was an important day for the guild—so much so that nearly every member had returned, whether they had been out on missions or not.
"There are so many people here today," Ultear said, looking around in surprise.
"Didn't the Master say he had something important to announce?" Erza stood with her hands on her hips.
"I see a lot of unfamiliar faces," Kagura added.
"Heh, this time of year always makes people nervous," Macao said with a grin, arms crossed.
"Yeah… wonder how many will make the cut this year," Wakaba muttered, puffing on his pipe.
"Everyone looks so tense… and excited," Simon observed quietly.
As the chatter continued, three figures appeared on the second floor—Makarov, Ur, and Gildarts—looking down at the crowd with serious expressions.
Their presence alone quieted the guild.
All eyes turned upward.
"Ahem," Makarov cleared his throat. "According to Fairy Tail tradition, I will now announce the candidates for this year's S-Class promotion exam."
The moment he said it, the guild erupted into cheers.
"S-Class… exam?!" Gray's jaw dropped.
"Man, that gets the blood pumping… too bad it's not for us," Lyon said, hands in his pockets.
"Quiet down, the Master isn't finished yet," Ur called out.
With that, silence fell again.
"This year's exam will take place on Tenrou Island—the sacred ground of our guild," Makarov continued.
"Tenrou Island… so I'll finally get to see the First Master," Arlen murmured, intrigued by the legendary founder known as the Fairy Strategist.
"Over the past year, I have carefully observed each of you—your strength, your character, and your soul."
He paused.
"The selected candidates are… four."
"Arlen Viviamilio.
Laxus Dreyar.
Macao Conbolt.
Wakaba Mine."
"These four will depart for Tenrou Island in one week to take part in the S-Class exam. Only one will pass."
"The examiners will be—Ur… and Gildarts."
"Prepare yourselves well."
With that, Makarov casually finished his announcement—completely ignoring how shocking it was.
"W-We're doomed… this might be the hardest exam ever," one member muttered.
"No kidding! One examiner is one of the Ten Wizard Saints, and the other is Fairy Tail's strongest man… that's insane," another added, shuddering.
"Congratulations, Lord Arlen!" Ultear beamed up at him.
"Do your best, Arlen," Erza said, giving his chest a firm pat.
"Next year—I'll definitely become an S-Class mage!" Gray declared.
"Let's start with you keeping your clothes on first," Cana shot back.
"Huh? When did my clothes disappear?!" Gray panicked, scrambling to dress.
"Idiot. Next year's S-Class mage will be me—Lyon," Lyon said proudly.
Arlen nodded at Ultear, Erza, and Kagura—who stood with her fists clenched in determination—then glanced at Gray and Lyon, who were already butting heads again.
He shook his head slightly.
They've still got a long way to go.
"I'll be heading out," Arlen said, turning toward the exit.
"Wait for me, Lord Arlen!" Ultear hurried after him.
"She really sticks to him, doesn't she?" Cana teased.
"You've known that for a while," Erza replied, eating her strawberry cake while watching Arlen leave.
"It's snowing… I didn't expect to see snow in Magnolia," Ultear said, catching a snowflake in her palm.
"…Yeah," Arlen looked up briefly at the falling snow. "Let's go."
"Yes, Lord Arlen."
The two walked side by side toward the eastern forest, their cloaks fluttering in the cold wind as snow fell around them.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
At Hargeon Port, a handsome young noble and a beautiful, valiant woman walked side by side.
Ur wore a simple white T-shirt and cropped pants, while Arlen was dressed in elegant blue-and-white noble attire, Arayashiki resting at his waist.
They chatted casually as they made their way toward the harbor.
Because the exam would take place on Tenrou Island, they needed to travel by sea.
At the port, Macao, Wakaba, and Gildarts had already arrived—and were, unsurprisingly, gathered together telling dirty jokes.
Laxus stood apart, headphones on, gazing quietly at the ocean.
"Yo, Arlen, Ur—you're here," Macao called out from afar.
"You're early," Ur said, looking around. "Is everyone here? Where's the Master?"
"He's getting the ship ready," Gildarts replied.
"The guild has its own ship?" Ur raised an eyebrow.
"Of course," Wakaba said. "Every year's exam is different. Sometimes we go out to sea—and we also visit the First Master's grave."
"By the way," Wakaba added, "Arlen, where's Ultear? That's rare."
Everyone knew—wherever Arlen went, Ultear followed.
"She's not coming," Arlen replied calmly. "This is an S-Class exam. It's not appropriate."
As they spoke, a massive ship slowly docked at the port. Its white sails bore the emblem of Fairy Tail.
Standing at the bow was Makarov, dressed in beachwear, with Rob behind him in similar attire.
Since returning, Rob hadn't visited Tenrou Island—so he took this opportunity to pay respects to the First Master, Mavis.
"Everyone's here?" Makarov called out. "Then get on board—we're setting sail for Tenrou Island!"
Hooooonk—! Hooooonk—! Hooooonk—!
With three blasts of the horn, the Fairy Tail ship departed from Hargeon Port—
Heading toward their sacred land.
And toward the S-Class trial that would change everything.
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