On the outer beach of Tenrou Island, Makarov and Rob sat leisurely atop a reef, fanning themselves and playing chess like a pair of old men by the roadside. Nearby, Ur lounged comfortably on a reclining chair made with Ice-Make magic, sunbathing, while Gildarts chatted idly with Macao and Wakaba about completely pointless—and arguably unhealthy—topics.
"Hm? Is Arlen the last one back?" Laxus asked, casually tossing the corpse of a giant rabbit off his shoulder as he looked around.
"Arlen said he had something to take care of, so he'd be a bit late. He should be on his way back now," Macao replied, crouching beside the rabbit and poking at its slightly charred fur.
"Wow, that's a big rabbit. Looks like we're having barbecue tonight," Wakaba said with a grin, exhaling a puff of smoke.
"Good work. Take a break and wait until Arlen gets back—" Makarov began, only to suddenly notice two small figures rapidly approaching from the sky.
"Sorry to keep everyone waiting."
Arlen descended lightly onto the ground and gave a polite bow.
"Arlen… the 'something' you mentioned wouldn't happen to be this cute little girl, would it?" Macao and Wakaba instantly crowded around Mavis, moving so fast it was like teleportation.
Ur immediately sat up, shooting Arlen a sharp look.
"Wait, isn't Tenrou Island our guild's sacred ground? How is there a little girl here?" Wakaba asked curiously.
The moment Laxus, Makarov, Rob, and Gildarts saw Mavis, their expressions changed dramatically.
Macao and Wakaba didn't recognize her—
But they did.
This is bad… why is the First Master here? Makarov's mind raced. Did I mess up by not paying respects immediately? Is she angry? Or did Arlen cause trouble?
"You two idiots! That's incredibly disrespectful—apologize to the First Master immediately!" Makarov roared, his arm enlarging as he used Giant Magic to smash both of them into the ground with a single punch.
"F-First Master?!"
The two stared in shock, mouths wide open.
Ur stood up as well, eyes filled with disbelief as she examined the legendary figure before her—Mavis Vermillion, the Fairy Tactician and one of Fairy Tail's founders.
"No doubt about it," Gildarts said solemnly. "This is Fairy Tail's First Master, Mavis Vermillion."
That settled it.
Macao and Wakaba scrambled to their feet, spitting out sand and standing at attention.
"Hello everyone~ I'm Mavis. Just as the Third said, I'm the First Master," she said with a playful smile.
"We're terribly sorry for earlier, First Master!"
They didn't dare act out of line anymore.
"No need to be so nervous," Mavis said, waving it off gently. Her gaze swept across everyone, a satisfied smile forming. "You've done well, Third. Under your leadership, the guild is thriving. So many outstanding mages… it seems you haven't failed Precht's expectations."
"First Master!!" Makarov burst into tears instantly.
The speed of that emotional shift left everyone stunned.
Even he seemed to realize it was a bit much, quickly coughing to regain composure.
"Ahem… so, First Master, why have you appeared—and with Arlen, no less?"
Mavis didn't hide anything and explained the situation.
"I see… so after the exam, you'll return to the guild with us? That's wonderful!"
Everyone was delighted—especially Makarov.
Finally, someone to share the burden.
With how destructive his guild members were, the repair costs alone were enough to shorten his lifespan by at least ten years.
"Old man," Laxus cut in, "now that everyone's here, can we start the next stage?"
Makarov nodded and stepped forward.
"I hereby announce that those who passed the first stage are Arlen Viviamilio and Laxus Dreyar."
"The second stage is simple—combat."
"You may challenge either Ur or Gildarts. If you earn their acknowledgment, you pass."
"If both candidates pass, the final decision will be made through a duel."
"As for who goes first and who you choose—that's up to you."
Arlen couldn't help but complain internally.
Isn't this supposed to be a serious S-Class exam…? Why is it so casual?
He exchanged a glance with Laxus, who simply shrugged—clearly used to Makarov's style.
"Fine. I'll go first," Laxus said, stepping forward. "Doesn't matter anyway."
Arlen stepped aside. "Be my guest."
"I choose Ur."
"Eh? Me?" Ur blinked, then grinned confidently, patting her chest. "Sure. Let's see what you've got."
"I won't hold back."
Laxus struck first.
"Lightning Spear!"
Electricity surged through his arm as he hurled a blazing spear of lightning straight at Ur, the air crackling violently in its wake.
"Ice-Make: Shield."
A magic circle formed beneath Ur as she created a large, petal-shaped ice shield in front of her.
Boom!
The lightning spear struck—but was completely blocked, scattering only shards of ice.
"Not over yet—Lightning Fist!"
Seizing the moment, Laxus transformed into lightning and appeared behind her, fist crackling with power as he swung down.
"Nice idea—but don't underestimate me."
"Ice-Make: Dragon's Head."
Without even turning around, Ur instantly formed a ferocious ice dragon head around her fist.
She twisted and struck—
BOOM!
Their fists collided, erupting in an explosive shockwave that kicked up a cloud of dust.
With sheer power, Ur sent Laxus flying.
"Ice-Make: Unlimited Blades."
Dozens of blade-like ice projectiles shot toward Laxus mid-air.
His pupils shrank.
He instantly turned into lightning to evade—but still took several hits, his clothes torn and blood seeping from shallow cuts.
"As expected of you, Laxus," Ur said with a smile. "Even while being blown away, you still managed to avoid most of it."
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