Three years had passed like a flash of light.
The Guild's young warriors had all grown strong, but two stood head and shoulders above the rest—Erza, crowned the Fairy Queen, and Mirajane, feared as Demon Mira. Their names echoed throughout the Guild, their strength undeniable.
Yet, amid all this, Escanor remained a figure shrouded in mystery. No one but Master Makarov truly knew the limits of his power. And it all led back to this moment—the beginning of the S-Class Exam.
The Guild hall buzzed with excitement as Makarov climbed atop the bar counter, clearing his throat.
"Everyone, listen up! This year's S-Class Exam has begun! I will now announce the participants!"
Whispers stirred like a storm.
"The participants eligible for this year's exam are: Escanor, Laxus, and... that's it!"
Murmurs filled the air.
"Escanor is expected. But a brotherly duel? This will be exciting!"
Nearby, Laxus cracked a confident smile.
"Even if you're my younger brother, I won't go easy on you."
He nodded respectfully toward Escanor.
"I'll be taking this year's S-Class Magus title," Escanor declared boldly, crossing his arms.
"The exam will take place on Tenrou Island," Makarov announced. "I will be the chief examiner myself. The details will be revealed tomorrow. You two depart with me in the morning."
Surprise flickered across many faces. Makarov's personal involvement was rare—the exam was usually overseen by Gildarts.
Later that evening, Erza and Mirajane exchanged knowing glances.
"Escanor will definitely pass."
"No doubt about it."
They both turned away with a small hmph, pride hidden beneath their cool exteriors.
Escanor only smiled faintly.
At dawn, the trio set off for the sacred grounds of Tenrou Island.
They arrived where Escanor and Gildarts had once clashed—a lush arena reclaimed by nature.
Makarov stood atop a towering rock, eyes sharp as ever.
"The exam is simple. You fight me."
He paused, then continued:
"But first, you must withstand my magic power. Only those who endure this trial may face me in combat. Fail, and you fail the exam."
Suddenly, Makarov unleashed a crushing wave of magic.
The air trembled.
The two young warriors staggered, as if a mountain pressed down on their chests.
Laxus gritted his teeth.
"This is the old man's true power?! Unimaginable…"
He struggled to keep his footing.
Escanor, however, showed barely a flicker of strain.
Makarov intensified the pressure. The sky darkened, clouds swirling violently.
Laxus finally collapsed, defeated by sheer force.
Makarov eased the magic, the weight lifting.
Escanor stood tall and unyielding.
Curious, Makarov eyed Escanor's clothing.
"Are you still wearing that thing?"
Laxus cocked his head.
"What 'thing'?"
Escanor shrugged.
"Did Grandpa find out? I'm not good at hiding it."
Slowly, he removed a heavy vest and two thick wristbands. They crashed to the ground, leaving pits in the earth.
"Comfortable now," Escanor sighed.
Laxus picked up a wristband, surprised at its oppressive weight—and the way it restricted his own magic flow when worn.
"You actually wear magic-restricting weights?!"
The revelation stunned the crowd.
Laxus's pride flared.
"Escanor! I will surpass you!"
With a flash, he vanished into the sky.
Escanor looked after him.
"Don't worry. He'll figure it out."
Makarov nodded.
"Setbacks make warriors."
The Master assumed a fighting stance.
"Now, Escanor, show me your strength."
Golden light shimmered as Escanor summoned his weapon.
"Eight-Shaku Curved Jewel!"
Countless curved jewels sliced through the air toward Makarov.
The Master raised his defenses.
"Defense: Three God Pillars!"
Rays of light clashed, shaking the very earth.
Laxus, high above, clenched his fists.
"Escanor's power... he's truly become stronger!"
Lightning flashed.
"I won't give up!"
Back on the island, Escanor unleashed his own ultimate.
"Sun Magic: Roar of Light!"
A massive pillar of blinding radiance erupted forward.
Makarov countered effortlessly.
"Sword of Light!"
Beams collided, shaking the skies.
Escanor charged with his axe, Rhitta.
"Dust Cleave!"
Makarov's eyes narrowed.
"Too fast!"
In an instant, he transformed.
"Giant Magic!"
The small elder became a towering colossus.
"Fist of Light!"
A colossal clash shook the ground—rocks splintered and the island trembled violently.
The battle was a spectacle, even the First Master of Tenrou Tree watched with shining eyes.
For a moment, Escanor was pushed back, slammed into a crater by Makarov's massive fist.
Yet, the pit itself pulsed with Escanor's growing power.
Rising fiercely, Escanor declared:
"Grandpa, prepare yourself!"
His body ignited with golden-red flames.
"True Sun Body: Extreme."
Lava cracked beneath his steps as heat roared around him.
The earth itself seemed aflame.
Makarov readied himself.
"I'm happy to see your growth, but I am still the Master!"
He summoned his ultimate technique.
"Fairy Law!"
Escanor responded.
"Not yet! Sun Magic: Heaven and Earth, I Alone Am Honored—Modified!"
A towering golden giant erupted, flames blazing like a nuclear explosion.
Makarov shrank into a defensive stance.
When the smoke cleared, the golden giant stood unshaken.
An aura of dread froze every living creature.
Makarov looked up, breath caught in his throat.
"Even at my peak... I cannot withstand a single blow."
From the Tenrou Tree, the First Master whispered:
"Escanor... he might truly be…"
Escanor landed, steady and proud.
"Grandpa, did I pass?"
Makarov grumbled, hiding his smile.
"You passed! You brat! But you never learned respect!"
He chuckled, eyes gleaming with pride.
"Congratulations, Escanor! You are officially an S-Class Magus!"