"Ahem… that move of yours is seriously powerful. Even after holding back most of it, it's still terrifying. Ouch… that hurts," Gildarts said with a wry smile as he slowly stood up.
"You were careless," Arlen replied, shaking his head.
"Yeah, I was. But that attack really is tricky—visible attacks are easy to dodge, but something coming from underground? That's hard to defend against. One mistake and you're hit," Gildarts said, glancing at his tattered clothes and scorched body.
"So, continue?" Arlen asked. "At most you've got light injuries—it shouldn't affect your combat ability."
"No need," Gildarts waved his hand. "I've seen enough of your strength. And honestly, I'm satisfied with this fight."
If they continued, he'd have to go all out. He was confident he would win—but not easily.
Arlen was simply too monstrous.
"Seriously, how did you train? At your age, your magic power is absurd," Gildarts complained.
"Magic compression," Arlen replied casually as he sheathed Alaya Consciousness.
"…Compression?" Gildarts blinked, then his eyes lit up. "Wait—that might actually work… Kid, what's your brain made of?"
He slung an arm over Arlen's shoulder, staring at him as if he wanted to crack open his skull and study it.
"…That look is a bit rude," Arlen said flatly.
Gildarts burst out laughing and dragged him over to Makarov.
"You both did well. That was an excellent fight," Makarov said.
"Yeah, yeah, I suffered for it," Gildarts grumbled as he sat down. "Still hurts."
"Amazing, Arlen! You actually beat Gildarts!" Wakaba and Macao came over, throwing their arms around him.
"I didn't beat him," Arlen shook his head. "He's barely injured. It doesn't affect his strength at all."
"That's still incredible!" Macao shot back. "That's Gildarts! You managed to injure him—what more do you want?!"
Makarov turned to Gildarts.
"As the examiner, what's your judgment?"
"Me?" Gildarts scratched his head. "Of course he passes. You all saw it—this little monster already has S-Class strength."
"Since both Arlen and Laxus have been recognized," Rob spoke up, "and both clearly meet the standard… why not cancel the final duel and promote them both?"
Makarov fell into thought, then looked toward Mavis.
"First Master, your opinion?"
"I think it's a great idea," Mavis said with a smile. "Even if your original rule allows only one S-Class, both Arlen and Laxus are more than qualified."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Even if you choose one this year, the other will simply pass next year. So why not promote both now?"
Her reasoning was simple.
Why delay the inevitable?
"…Alright," Makarov nodded.
"Then —this year, two candidates will be promoted to S-Class."
He raised his voice.
"Laxus Dreyar, and Arlen Viviamilio."
The moment his words fell—
Cheers erupted.
Applause thundered across the beach.
Arlen's calm expression finally softened into a faint smile. Even Laxus, arms crossed and looking aloof, couldn't hide the slight curve of his lips.
"Alright, that's enough," Makarov waved his hand. "Pack up—we're heading back."
"OH!!!"
The group responded enthusiastically.
In truth, there wasn't much to pack—just the giant rabbit Laxus had hunted.
—
Meanwhile, back at the Fairy Tail guild…
Members gathered in small groups, all discussing the S-Class exam.
"Who do you think passed this time?" a bespectacled man with a flashy hairstyle asked, raising his drink.
"Laxus," a burly man said confidently, chewing on meat.
"No, no—definitely Lord Arlen," a curvy girl said dreamily, hands on her cheeks.
"Hopeless." x2
Similar conversations echoed throughout the guild.
One thing remained consistent—
No one mentioned Macao or Wakaba.
To everyone, those two were just… there to make up the numbers.
(If they heard this, they'd probably cry in a corner.)
At a table near the bar, Ultear, Erza, Kagura, Cana, Gray, Lyon, and Simon sat together.
"So, who do you think made S-Class?" Gray asked.
"Well, definitely not Macao and Wakaba," Lyon said lazily, leaning back in his chair.
"…That's harsh," Simon muttered. "If they heard you, they'd be devastated."
"Not a chance," Lyon waved it off. "Fairy Tail members can argue, fight, even steal food—but they don't get hurt over something like that."
"…You're not wrong," Cana smirked, setting down her cards. "But you might want to stop licking your lips so much."
"Why?" Lyon frowned.
"Because I'm afraid you'll poison yourself with that sharp tongue," Cana laughed.
"Pfft—"
Ultear, Erza, and Kagura all chuckled, trying to stay composed.
Gray, on the other hand, burst out laughing, clutching his stomach.
"DAMN YOU, GRAY!" Lyon snapped. "You pervert!"
Lyon wanted to fight—but after looking around…
Ultear? Senior—can't beat her.
Erza? …Absolutely not.
Kagura? Too dangerous.
Simon? Didn't even look like he was laughing.
Cana? Not worth getting beaten up by Gildarts.
Which left—
Gray.
"You wanna go, droopy-eyes?!" Gray snapped, stepping forward.
"Bring it, sleepy-eyes!" Lyon shot back.
Just as the two were about to clash—
BANG!
The guild doors swung open.
Everyone turned—
Makarov and the others had returned.
And beside him stood a fairy-like girl.
A newcomer?
She's beautiful… but why is she barefoot?
Questions filled everyone's minds.
"Master! You're back!"
"What's the result?!"
"Who made S-Class?!"
"Lord Arlen, you passed, right?!"
"Laxus! How does it feel?!"
The guild instantly turned into chaos.
Macao and Wakaba grew annoyed.
"Hey! What about us?!" Macao protested.
"Yeah, we were part of the exam too!" Wakaba added.
Silence.
Then—
Laughter erupted.
And the chaos resumed.
"Y-you heartless bastards!" the two fumed helplessly.
Makarov jumped onto the bar and cleared his throat.
"This year's S-Class promotions are—"
"Arlen."
"And Laxus."
—------------------------------
Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/FicWarden